![5411 Empanadas is Taking Over Chicago, One Pastry at a Time](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/5411-Empanadas.jpg)
Information on the various neighborhoods of Chicago and things to do and places to go in those neighborhoods!
![5411 Empanadas is Taking Over Chicago, One Pastry at a Time](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/5411-Empanadas.jpg)
![Municipal Bar + Dining Co. – River North’s Affordable Sports Bar](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/municipal-bar-dining.jpg)
Municipal Bar + Dining Co. – River North’s Affordable Sports Bar
Open since 2012, Municipal Bar + Dining Co is a sports bar and restaurant located in Chicago’s River North, not far from Merchandise Mart. While the area already has its share of sports bars, Municipal is a bit more upscale than its rivals, quite spacious, and does...![North Center’s Kick is a Haven for Spicy Food Fans](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kick.jpg)
North Center’s Kick is a Haven for Spicy Food Fans
Kick, which replaced Sola in late 2015, is a gastropub in North Center focusing on spicy food. Though fiery burgers, sandwiches, and other casual pub food with a kick make up the bulk of the menu, the restaurant takes influence from all around the world. People from...![Imperial Lamian Brings Authentic Chinese Food to Chicago – Move Over Ramen](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/imperial-lamian.jpg)
Imperial Lamian Brings Authentic Chinese Food to Chicago – Move Over Ramen
Chicago has been taken over by a fever for Japanese ramen noodles. Within walking distance from my apartment alone, I can think of four places I could go for noodles. Jakarta, Indonesia-based Imperial Lamian, a restaurant group with more than 20 locations, picked...![Aquanaut Brewing Brings English-Inspired Beer to Chicago](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/aquanut-brewery.jpg)
Aquanaut Brewing Brings English-Inspired Beer to Chicago
Chicago’s craft beer explosion is showing no signs of slowing down with more and more breweries opening every month. The days when Goose Island was nearly the only game in town are easy to remember, but in just a few years it’s nearly impossible to keep...![Twisted Spoke Celebrates 20 Wild Years of Bikes, Beers, Burgers and Brunch](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/twisted-spoke-1024x675.jpg)
Twisted Spoke Celebrates 20 Wild Years of Bikes, Beers, Burgers and Brunch
With its rusted metal exterior and a revolving skeleton motorcycle rider atop a ‘garden’ of motorcycle parts, Twisted Spoke may seem a little intimidating upon first glance. While biker-themed, the bar attracts a wide range of customers to its easily...![Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/breakfast-pizza-1024x675.jpg)
Pizzeria Serio’s New Breakfast Pizza Gives You an Excuse to Eat Pizza Three Times a Day
Chicagoans love brunch so much that more and more restaurants decide to get into the brunch game. However, the results can often be kind of surreal when you wind up at the local dive that’s trying their hardest to deliver an extravagant Lobster Eggs Benedict in the...![Cochon Volant Adds Full Service Sophistication to the Loop](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cochon-volant.jpg)
Cochon Volant Adds Full Service Sophistication to the Loop
Our recent list of the best Chicago burgers was not without its share of controversy. After its publication, I was told I had to go over immediately to Cochon Volant and try their Le Cheeseburger Royale. Translated as “Flying Pig,” Cochon Volant recently opened in the...![The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/the-stretch.png)
The Tastes of the New Spring Menu at the Stretch
The last time I was at the Stretch, I was in pursuit of their award-winning Cortland Street Burger and walked away with a very happy stomach. I made a return trip to the Wrigleyville sports bar and grille to sample their new spring menu—launching March 12—created by...![Revival Food Hall Brings Neighborhood Charm to the Office](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Belly-Up-Chicago-Entrance-and-Meat-2.png)
Revival Food Hall Brings Neighborhood Charm to the Office
It’s noon and time for lunch. You’ve really got a craving for Antique Taco, but there’s definitely not enough time to go to Wicker Park and back on your meager lunch break. I guess you’ll have to settle for Taco Bell again… If this is the sad existence you’ve led as a...![Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/ugo-1080x675.jpg)
Logan Square’s Ugo’s Offers New Takes on Italian Favorites
When I lived near the intersection of Armitage and California a few years ago, the food options were fairly limited and imbalanced. You could have a high-end foodie meal at Table, Donkey and Stick or grab a hot dog at the Tastee Freez. All of that has changed...![On The Border Naperville – Taco Tuesday Satisfaction](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/on-the-border-naperville-taco-tuesday-1080x630.jpg)
On The Border Naperville – Taco Tuesday Satisfaction
I found myself in Naperville on perhaps the most sacred day of the week– Taco Tuesday. With no lunch plans, my own two feet for transportation, a craving for tacos and wide eyes– I spotted the On The Border Naperville location just down the road. This Tex-Mex...![A Classy Burger Dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant in River North](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/weber-grill-restaurant.jpg)
A Classy Burger Dinner at Weber Grill Restaurant in River North
The red Weber Grill has been a staple of American backyards since the 1950s, but you may not be aware that the iconic kettle was born right here in Chicago. In 1952, George Stephen Sr. was a part-owner of the Weber Metal Works in Chicago crafting marine buoys....![Q-Tine is Your New Favorite Logan Square Fast Food](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/q-tine-1080x675.jpg)
Q-Tine is Your New Favorite Logan Square Fast Food
I’ll admit it: I’ve been there before. As a former resident of Logan Square, there would be many weekends where I’d be out with a group of friends, hopping from bar to bar on Milwaukee Avenue, and end up looking for some food. But, the kitchen at Revolution Brewing...![The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cortland-street-burger-the-stretch-1080x675.jpg)
The Stretch Bar & Grill – Wrigleyville’s Best Burger
The idea of going to a Wrigleyville bar could either be the greatest or worst thing every depending on who you are. If that is your scene, there’s certainly no shortage of places to choose from to watch the game, grab some lunch, or have a boozy weekend. Located just...![Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Mad-Boiler-Chicago.png)
Get Your Hands Dirty With the Seafood Boil at the Mad Boiler
As if Restaurant Row wasn’t already a foodies dream come true, the West Loop’s dining scene continues to grow and expand beyond the confines of Randolph. Head just a little bit south of Randolph to 1045 W. Madison Street and you’ll find the Mad Boiler, a Cajun seafood...![Chop Steakhouse Stakes Claim in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chop-steakhouse.jpg)
Chop Steakhouse Stakes Claim in the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection
Chop Steakhouse is the First Restaurant at the South Loop’s Roosevelt Collection •Chop Steakhouse Opened July 15, 2015• The Roosevelt Collection is a combination of newer high-end apartments in the South Loop, along with a large shopping area. Despite the gorgeous...![The Fifty/50 Has Been Renovated and Reinvigorated](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Belly-Up-Chicago-Entrance-and-Meat-3.png)
The Fifty/50 Has Been Renovated and Reinvigorated
Chicago has a vibrant food scene with new restaurants and concepts constantly popping up. But how do you continue to stay relevant when your restaurant has been around for nearly a decade? Case in point: the Fifty/50. The sports bar was one of the first of its kind on...![SIP’s Late Night Brunch Menu Reinvigorates the Meaning of Eating Late](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/sip-brunch.jpg)
SIP’s Late Night Brunch Menu Reinvigorates the Meaning of Eating Late
You’ve been hitting up the bars for a bit and have a solid buzz going. You’re thinking about calling it a night, but ready for one last stop and there’s got to be food. Pulling up Yelp, there’s not a lot options other than super greasy, but you’re looking for...![L’Appetito Chicago – the Deli You’ve been Looking for](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/lappetito-chicago.jpg)
L’Appetito Chicago – the Deli You’ve been Looking for
As I’m sitting here reminiscing about my last visit to L’Appetito, which a friend of mine highly recommended, I find myself mowing down a sandwich that I just just whipped together in my kitchen. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for a simple, yet satisfying...![Belly Up Smokehouse Brings Southern Barbecue to the South Loop](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/belly-up-smokehouse-chicago.jpg)
Belly Up Smokehouse Brings Southern Barbecue to the South Loop
Walking into Belly Up, you’ll be astounded by how surprisingly huge it is. The restaurant is very long and has these really high ceilings. The vibe is Chicago warehouse industrial with lots of brick, exposed fixtures, and wood ceiling beams with some subtle cowboy...![New York Delicatessen Resurrects a Neighborhood Classic](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/new-york-delicatessen.jpg)
New York Delicatessen Resurrects a Neighborhood Classic
Deli and sub sandwich fans are intensely passionate, even to the point where there are fierce rivalries around massive chains like Subway and Jimmy John’s. New York Delicatessen owner Isaac Work was once such a fan, driving regularly from Bridgeport to the...![10 Great Chicago Suburbs](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/suburbs-chicago-wilmette-1024x675.jpg)
10 Great Chicago Suburbs
When looking for a new place to live, there s no doubt that Chicago with all of its diversity and urban splendor remains among the most sought after living spaces in the U.S. :: however as a city that is surrounded by six counties, there are many gorgeous Chicago...![App for Free Parking in Chicago – Don’t Feed the Meters](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/chicago-parking.jpg)
App for Free Parking in Chicago – Don’t Feed the Meters
If you are among the minority that own a vehicle of your own in Chicago– then you know the struggles of finding parking, even more so when it comes to free parking in Chicago. Valets and meters can add up very, very quickly– especially if you happen to find yourself...![West Town Pup Crawl – They Have Beer For Your Dog Too](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/west-town-pup-crawl.jpg)
West Town Pup Crawl – They Have Beer For Your Dog Too
That’s right, your dog and you can now go out for drinks together. Every Tuesday, June 16th through October 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, West Town will welcome two and four-legged friends alike. Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, The Matchbox, Aberdeen Tap, and G &...![11 Best Chicago Disc Golf Courses – In the City & Beyond](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/disc-golf.jpg)
11 Best Chicago Disc Golf Courses – In the City & Beyond
Disc Golf remains somewhat of a niche sport. It has definitely grown in popularity over the years and professional series do exist, but there is still a good amount of people who have never played it or don’t know much about it. Fortunately, for the people that do...![Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/parts-and-labor.jpg)
Parts and Labor is Logan Square’s Hippest Burger Joint
Burgers are one of America’s favorite comfort foods. Many of us have fond memories of going to the local burger joint with our parents and friends and enjoying some greasy goodness. For a lot of Chicago’s Southside residents, that burger joint was Grant’s Wonderburger...![Butcher & the Burger – the Perfect Burger, Created by You](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/butcher-and-the-burger.jpg)
Butcher & the Burger – the Perfect Burger, Created by You
While fun in concept, build-your-own burger places like Meatheads or Five Guys have always left me feeling a little let down. Either the toppings are good but the meat hovers around McDonald’s quality, or the toppings are pretty basic. Lincoln Park’s Butcher &...![Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/flagship-sports-bar.jpg)
Flagship Chicago – You Don’t Need To Be A Sports Fan
Flagship, to many, may seem like just another typical sports bar. Upon first glance, I wouldn’t argue with you. However, being that sports games were flooding the copious amount of screens throughout the venue and my table didn’t pay attention to any of them one bit–...![Truckin’ Around : Food Truck Extravaganza](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/food-truck-1076x675.jpg)
Truckin’ Around : Food Truck Extravaganza
Typically, when you want to indulge in some tasty food trucks you have to run all over Chicago. It’s like a giant scavenger hunt. Truckin’ Around has changed that. No more must you run amuck through the street looking for that late night treat. Actually, that is a...![Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Brings Authentic Japanese Cuisine to Wicker Park](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kizuki-ramen-izakaya-chicago.jpg)
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Brings Authentic Japanese Cuisine to Wicker Park
A few years ago, most Chicagoans probably thought of ramen as the cheap microwave noodles they ate in college, but now the city is obsessed with the Japanese noodle-soup dish. The latest contender for best ramen bowl in the city is Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in...![River North’s Dough Bros Tips the Scales in Favor of NY Style Pizza](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/dough-bros.jpg)
River North’s Dough Bros Tips the Scales in Favor of NY Style Pizza
The battle between deep dish and NY style pizza will likely rage on till the end of time, but there’s one thing you’ve got to give to New York City: you can grab a quality slice pretty much anywhere. In Chicago, it takes a little more effort to get an easy pizza fix....![Best Asian Restaurants In Chicago’s NW Suburbs](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/daruma-sushi.jpg)
Best Asian Restaurants In Chicago’s NW Suburbs
If you live in the city and love Japanese and Korean food, you may consider visiting the northwest suburbs. Many Japanese and Korean companies have made Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates their North American Headquarters. As a result, neighboring suburbs have a large...![Mondo Meatball May Replace Your Grandma’s Recipe](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mondo-meatball.jpg)
Mondo Meatball May Replace Your Grandma’s Recipe
During a recent trip to New York City, I walked by multiple meatball-focused restaurants and now Mondo Meatball has come to Chicago’s Wicker Park. Are we in the midst of a meatball revolution? These are not just your classic Italian meatballs, either. Mondo...![Stay Cool and Caffeinated This Summer at Caffè Umbria](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Caffe-Umbria-23.jpg)
Stay Cool and Caffeinated This Summer at Caffè Umbria
Whether headed to the office or coming into town for a day of sightseeing, most Chicagoans get by with a cup, or five, of coffee. With temperatures this summer regularly reaching 90 degrees, it’s definitely iced coffee season. However, if you’re in the River North...![Tasting the Wines of Rías Baixas at Little Goat](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/little-goat-1080x675.jpg)
Tasting the Wines of Rías Baixas at Little Goat
Up a secretive set of stairs at Little Goat, the casual sibling restaurant of Girl & the Goat, lies a gorgeous private dining space featuring a sleek, modern kitchen, a homey and bright dining area, accompanied by a rooftop area with a gorgeous view of the...![Boiler Room is Logan Square’s Best Dinner Deal](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/boiler-room-logan-square.jpg)
Boiler Room is Logan Square’s Best Dinner Deal
I almost put the claim in the title as ” Boiler Room Chicago’s Best Dinner Deal ” but that would be a hard claim to fully backup. However, even with Chicago being so expansive and the food scene constantly exploding– Boiler Room remains as one of the best bangs for...![Southport & Irving Transports the Jazz Age to Modern Day Lakeview](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/southport-irving.jpg)
Southport & Irving Transports the Jazz Age to Modern Day Lakeview
Located in Lakeview’s Southport Corridor, Southport & Irving (SIP) is a classy yet relaxed cocktail bar and restaurant taking inspiration from the days of speakeasies and jazz clubs giving it the feeling it’s been around since the days of Capone and Machine Gun...![Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Overcomes its Competitors in the Chicago Ramen Scene](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kizuki-ramen-izakaya-chicago.jpg)
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya Overcomes its Competitors in the Chicago Ramen Scene
When we last visited Kizuki Ramen at the end of winter, it was their first night of service. Though Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya is a chain spanning from Japan to the Pacific Northwest, they were breaking in a new staff, trying to get the whole menu together, and...![Top 10 Chicago Northern Suburbs](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/suburbs-chicago-wilmette-1024x675.jpg)
Top 10 Chicago Northern Suburbs
Top 10 Chicago Northern Suburbs![Oak Park & Forest Park Restaurants – Madison Street](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/francescas-fiore.jpg)
Oak Park & Forest Park Restaurants – Madison Street
Madison Street, which runs thru Oak Park and Forest Park, is full of boutiques, antiques, restaurants, bars and anything else under the sun. With the holidays coming up, this street is a festive place to do your holiday shopping, and eat some fabulous food. Their...![The Commonwealth Tavern Brings Fine Dining to the Sports Bar](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/common-wealth-tavern-1080x630.jpg)
The Commonwealth Tavern Brings Fine Dining to the Sports Bar
Have you ever wanted to go out and watch the game without having to eat the same old sports bar food? Sports bars are a dime a dozen in Chicago, but the Commonwealth Tavern (2000 Roscoe Street in Roscoe Village) stands out from the pack by merging your favorite bar...![Wicker Park Goes Southern at Carriage House](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/carriage-house.jpg)
Wicker Park Goes Southern at Carriage House
Chicago is a lot more than hot dogs and deep dish pizza, proof of which is the city’s growing love for Southern cooking and barbecue. Evidence of this is Carriage House, which serves modern low country Southern food to Wicker Park at 1700 W. Division Street. We...![West Town Bakery & Diner is a Fresh Addition to the Neighborhood](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/West-Town-Bakery.png)
West Town Bakery & Diner is a Fresh Addition to the Neighborhood
Part of the Fifty/50 Group— and located right next door to sibling restaurants Roots and Homestead— West Town Bakery & Diner looks like your favorite college town hangout. Walk in and you’ll notice the eye-popping street art and graffiti, colorful seats and...![Great Lakes Tattoo – 1st Annual Walk-Up Classic Tattoo Convention](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/great-lakes-tattoo.jpg)
Great Lakes Tattoo – 1st Annual Walk-Up Classic Tattoo Convention
Great Lakes Tattoo is taking everything that they’ve come to not fancy about mainstream tattoo conventions and proceeding to do the opposite. GLT’s owner Nick Colella commented: “I feel that present-day tattooing and standardized tattoo conventions have gotten so far...![Velvet Taco is a Welcome Addition to the Gold Coast](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/velvet-taco.jpg)
Velvet Taco is a Welcome Addition to the Gold Coast
Does a Texas-based taco concept have anything to offer Chicago? While Chicago may already have an insane number of incredible taquerias, Velvet Taco in the Gold Coast manages to offer something different with tacos influenced by world cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of...![Tasting the Spring Menu at Unite Urban Grill](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/unite-urban-grill.jpg)
Tasting the Spring Menu at Unite Urban Grill
The West Town area over the past couple years has truly become a hip place to hang out thanks to trendy shops and boutiques and great restaurants. The latter includes Unite Urban Grill, a sleek and chill neighborhood steakhouse concept. I was invited to stop on by the...![Leghorn Café: Ukrainian Village Chicken Staple Comes to River North](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/leghorn-chicken-1024x675.jpg)
Leghorn Café: Ukrainian Village Chicken Staple Comes to River North
Since opening in March 2014, Ukrainian Village’s Leghorn Chicken has become a favorite of hipsters, neighborhood residents, and Chicago’s fried chicken enthusiasts. They boldly positioned themselves as the anti-Chik-fil-A with Sunday hours, branded condoms, and...![Forest Park Bars – Madison Street Is Flowing With Beer & Wine](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/fatduck.jpg)
Forest Park Bars – Madison Street Is Flowing With Beer & Wine
Forest Park, Illinois is known well for neighborhood dining, but in the past it was known for its many Irish pubs. In fact, Forest Park has its own St. Patrick’s Day parade which is quite popular. Some of the Irish pubs and as some like to call, the “old-man” bars...![Marion Street Market Re-Opened in Oak Park with New Dining Options](http://www.thechicagotraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/marion-street-market.jpg)