The Chicago Traveler

There was a bit of dispute over my last Best Pizzas list, as I expected there would be. It is a Chicagoan debate that has gone on for generations and will continue probably forever. So, just to add more fuel to the fire, here is another list of Chicago’s ten best ‘pies’ (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).
Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.
9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.
8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the …read more

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Lots of little kids (and some full-grown adults) love to eat pizza but leave their crusts untouched. If you think a pizza’s crust is just as good as its toppings, check out the individual ‘pies’ at Coalfire.
The pizzas at Coalfire are made exactly as you would think: in a real coal-burning oven reaching temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427° C). The high heat chars the crust and traps the moisture inside, making it moist and bendable (a la New York). Quality toppings—goat cheese, gorgonzola, fresh basil, prosciutto, calabrese salami, and tons more—are available, though the restaurant suggests a “less …read more

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In college, I earned my degree in English, and now I appreciate anything with an interesting literature twist. I was intrigued by the opening of Purgatory Pizza, and I thoroughly enjoy the performances by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. But one of my favorite places to visit by far is the Bourgeois Pig.
You might be a bit disoriented upon first entering ‘the Pig.’ The coffeehouse is cluttered with an array of trinkets and charms: crystal chandeliers, hanging washboards, gas lamps, an old sewing machine, etc. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the various accoutrements, yet they all fit …read more

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Oh Volo… where do I even begin? Your radiant décor? Your chic food? Your comfortable, social atmosphere?
Owner Jon Young (co-creator of Kitsch’n across the street) and chef Stephen Dunne are behind this Roscoe Village wine bar, which has been featured on The Food Channel. The restaurant bears striking design with dark brown walls, dim lighting, and a small open kitchen. Couples and small groups relax over granite tabletops, completing the modern yet warm vibe.
The weekly-rotating menu includes small tapas-like dishes that focus on organic and local produce. Past plates have featured heirloom tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and basil vinaigrette; mussels …read more

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Can you name the seven key ingredients for a Chicago-style hot dog? Here are ten great places to conduct your research (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. The Wiener’s Circle. Love it or hate it, this greasy spoon has got a “charm” all its own.
9. Gold Coast Dogs. All ten locations follow the Chicago-style recipe to the ‘T’.
8. Superdawg Drive-In. The winking hot dogs on the roof will be a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Huey’s Hot Dogs. While serving up great dogs and burgers, this eatery is also well-known for its vegetarian-friendly dishes.

6. Portillo’s Hot Dogs. Both the nostalgia and …read more

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Romance shouldn’t be reserved for just Valentine’s Day. As the temperatures begin to cool down, you can keep your relationship hot by visiting one or more of the ten best romantic date spots (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp).

10. Shanghai Terrace. With elegant art and a beautiful view, this Asian restaurant offers delicious sophistication.
9. Cyrano’s Bistrot and Wine Bar. The River North eatery serves French basics amidst casual, rustic surroundings.
8. Le Bouchon. Authentic and delicious French dishes at remarkable prices make this bistro one of Bucktown’s best.
7. Angelina Ristorante. In Lakeview, the popular date spot provides authentic Italian in a comfortable …read more

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Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

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If you’re young, fun, and like to shake your bum, you’ll probably find yourself dancing the night away at Roscoe’s.
Once you get past the occasionally haughty bouncer at the door, you’ll be greeted by a labyrinth of a bar and, on the weekends, wall-to-wall crowds. The front section contains a bar island which fills the room, surrounded by a few stools where you can sit, chat, and watch music videos. If you can, grab a stool in the side bar’s front window, where you can do some prime Halsted-Street-people watching. A crowded hallway leads to the washrooms (which could use …read more

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The entire nation has their eyes on Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer who could very well earn a record number of gold medals in a single Games. That includes Dream Salad owner Rich Levy, a former high-school swimmer, who is enjoying all the buzz Phelps is bringing to the sport.
If Phelps wins eight gold medals, Levy plans on celebrating by offering free salads on Friday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to all customers who show up with a business card. Salads are probably exactly what we need to help us reach that desirable swimmers’ build.
I do wish …read more

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With crazy gas prices and now high sales taxes, Chicagoans and visitors are looking to save money where they can. But don’t let your budget prevent you from going out to enjoy a good meal. Here are eight of the best restaurants (courtesy of Citysearch and Yelp) where you can get a big meal for a small price.

8. Red Apple. This Polish buffet just keeps on going and going and going…
7. Reza’s Restaurant. As if the extensive Mediterranean menu wasn’t enough, the Sunday brunch buffet offers an incredible number of options.
6. Mr. Greek Gyros. Everything from hot dogs to pork …read more

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