The Chicago Traveler Articles
Patios are Starting to Open Up in Chicago
This is a sign– a sign of everything great to come the next handful of months. Sitting outside on a patio just makes food taste better and beer more refreshing. While a few locations are still a few weeks out from opening, others have embraced the weather and opened...
Top 10 Mouthwatering Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicagoland
As with many things in Chicago– people have very strong opinions about their favorite teams, music and food. Italian beef has become a staple in Chicago. I still remember my first– it was homemade and completely soaked through the bun with all of the hot goodness...
Best Burger in Chicago – 15 Mouthwatering Choices
Seeking out the best burger in Chicago can be an overwhelming task. You can scrounge through Yelp, ask your neighborhood shop keeper or start with these recommendations and see if you learn of anywhere else on your travels. The neighborhoods of Chicago that have the...
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 & the...
30 Father’s Day Restaurant Specials in Chicago
Father’s Day is the perfect reason to take your pops out to indulge in some food and drinks. Restaurants'all over Chicago are offering phenomenal specials. With such a wide variety of establishments, you should be able to lock down a restaurant that’s perfect for your...
Jackson Avenue Pub in Naperville – Killer Burgers & Malort
Whenever I find myself in Naperville, Jackson Avenue Pub seems to be my go to spot (followed by Quigley’s Irish Pub). The atmosphere is pretty low-key and their food is spot on– especially if you have burgers on your mind. Atmosphere The interior of Jackson Avenue Pub...
5 Reasons Why You Should Frequent Farmers Markets
Farmers Market season is taking full swing. Produce is growing nicely and the sun is making its appearance more often to give you that much needed dosage of vitamin D and happiness. These markets provide you with a great alternative to supermarket shopping and their...
Emporium Arcade Bar Unites Adulthood With Childhood at 3 Locations
Emporium Arcade Bar fuses retro with modern in a harmoniously entertaining way. Some of you may have been born slightly too late to remember the days when arcades were a place that you wanted to go almost as badly as you wanted to go to Disney World (those commercials...
Top 10 Movies Filmed in Chicago
Chicago is not only the beautiful backdrop for tourists and residents alike, it also makes the perfect scenery for some of the most popular big screen hits ever made. Check out this list: Top 10 Movies Filmed in Chicago #1 The Blues Brothers Nothing says Chicago...
Top 10 Late Night Restaurants Chicago Indulges In
Finding a place to eat late at night can sometimes be a struggle. With a growling stomach, all you really want is some food and your bed. These are some of the best late night restaurants Chicago stumbles to; the diverse offerings should please anyone. Five Faces Ice...
Lent Specials – The Seafood & Veggies Run Strong
Growing up– I participated in Lent as a religious experience. Unfortunately, as a kiddo, I wasn’t the biggest fan of fish and any sort of plant was still foreign matter to me. I settled with a lot of cereal and pb&j’s (somewhat similar to my current meal plan). To...
Popular Thanksgiving Day Restaurants In Chicago Area
The winter holiday season is perhaps one of the most joyous times of the year. Family, friends and feasting are the main focuses. Some traditions call for everyone to gather in the kitchen and around the dining room table, while others focus on the time together and...
Couples Massages in Chicago – Relax Together
Relationships have many feels attached to them. Perhaps the best feel is the feeling of relaxation– wait, isn’t it suppose to be love? Yeah, the best is love– then relaxation. Setting you and your number one up for couples massages is a way to experience love and...
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...
Fishing in Chicago – 25 Spots for Tight Lines
It’s not required to drive hours to lakes around the state when you can go fishing in Chicago. While it may not be the same as escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city into some place a little more quiet and serene, it’ll definitely help to satisfy your need...
The Best Chicago Parks To Escape To
The cityscape is a great place to explore, but with everything a break is needed from time to time. Chicago parks offer a diverse amount of atmospheres that all hold something unique. From sandy beaches to sculptures and conservatories, you will surely be able to find...
Top 10 Chicago Food Trucks
Sitting down at a restaurant is not always the most convenient way to grab a bite to eat and fast food is not always appetizing. Chicago food trucks roam throughout the city to offer a welcome change to the normal food options. Beware, once you find a truck that you...
15 Simple Ways To Reinvent Your Apartment
We all like to be able to come home after a long day and sink into a place that truly feels like our own. We want it to reflect our style and instantly make us feel at ease. In Chicago, you have to be creative to reinvent your apartment. Small spaces are just one of...
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...
Top 10 Pizza Places In Chicago
Chicago is known for many things: towering skyscrapers, gorgeous lakefront, Al Capone, sometimes questionable politicians, and of course, food. Chicago offers some of the best eats in the country, especially when it comes to pizza. There s no other place in the world...
BYOB Chicago Restaurants – Top 10 In The City
Spending an evening dining out is an enjoyable way to pass the time – especially when in good company. On top of food prices, alcohol can quickly make the bill escalate. Fortunately there are numerous BYOB Chicago restaurants to choose from. Being able to indulge in...
Chicago Winter Activities – Skating, Skiing, Touring
The colder months can force a lot of us into hibernation mode. We no longer have outdoor farmers markets and the beaches, but that does not mean that we must remain indoors. Chicago winter activities are some of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time in Chicago'...
Elgin Police Crash a Car Meet – Opinion from a Car Enthusiast
A video has surfaced very recently of Sergeant Ericson of the Elgin Police department interacting with a group of young automotive enthusiasts in the parking lot of a Taco Bell. (Video Below) This video of the interaction has been gaining a lot of traction over the...
Forno Rosso Creates Some of the Best Pizzas in Chicago
Forno Rosso owner, Nick Nitti spent a large part of his childhood in Italy where he fell in love with the simplistic pizza in Naples. That led him to attend culinary school in Italy, study Neapolitan pizza in Naples, and open Forno Rosso back near his home in...
Dog Friendly Chicago Establishments– Plan a Date with your Best Friend
There is no denying that Chicago is an almost continuous expansion of concrete. While you may have the ability of venturing wherever you please, your furry companion is much more limited. Rather than just taking them to visit the patch of astroturf a couple blocks...
Marion Street Market Re-Opened in Oak Park with New Dining Options
Marion Street Market, located at 100 South Marion St., has been a culinary staple in the Oak Park community since 2008. The restaurant closed on New Year’s Day and reopened today, March 7, boasting a new social atmosphere with tasting tables, grab-and-go items and...
Easter in Chicago – 33 Restaurant Specials
Easter in Chicago is a phenomenal time of the year. Not only is the weather warming, but there are also an abundant amount of restaurants in Chicago and the surrounding area offering food and drink specials to warm you on the inside. Have a relaxing brunch with...
10 Succulent Reasons Why Cooking With Beer Tastes So Right
With Chicago’s massive and ever-growing craft beer scene, it only makes sense to incorporate some of the brews into your meals. While it’s always preferred to have a beer with dinner, cooking with beer can elevate the meal so much as well. Chances are you already have...
The Gold Coast’s Coconutz Takes Chicago to the Tropics
It’s clear with a name like “Coconutz” the owner’s of the Gold Coast’s newest bar don’t take themselves too seriously. Taking influences from traditional Tiki Bars, which has made a major comeback in recent years– and the Caribbean, Coconutz promises fun and the...
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 stools,...
Top 3 Things To Do In Chicago During The Fall And Winter
Fall and winter are great times of the year in Chicago, whether you are a resident or a tourist planning a trip. Cooler weather in Fall is ideal in Chicago, not too hot or too cold, and less humid. Temperatures range from the 40s to around the mid-seventies, so its...
Chicago Soccer Bars – Top 10 For The World Cup
The World Cup is not something to take lightly – it is for worldwide bragging rights after all. The right venue can make all the difference, much like lucky underwear. The Chicago soccer bars are just as stoked about the World Cup as you are! If you are wandering in...
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...
Sampling the Spirit of Italy at Quartino – High Quality Italian Liquors
The Spirit of Italy is a group of Italian liquor producers made up of Amaro Lucano, Cocchi, Luxardo, Distillerie Moccia, Distilleria Nardini, Pallini, Toschi and Distilleria Varnelli. They feature a diverse selection of high quality Italian liquors, some of which have...
11 Best Chicago Golf Courses – Some of the Greatest Courses in the Nation
Golfing has been a way for my family to bond since I was in middle school. Going out with my dad and my brother to soak up some sun, b.s. and knock a few balls around the golf course made for an almost unbeatable day– even when I lost more balls than holes on the...
15 Food Trucks in Chicago to Seek Out
There is just something about dining at the food trucks in Chicago that makes this sidewalk dining experience so enjoyable. Maybe it’s a sense of rebellion against sit-down restaurants, maybe it’s quality fast-food service, maybe it’s taking advantage of the...
Top 10 Chicago Walking Tours – Get Fit – See The City
Chicago is one of the most famous cities in America. The Windy City is known for its dynamic past, culture, history, and food. Many visitors come away from Chicago with pleasant memories of the popular deep dish Pizza. Another thing that Chicago is known for is its...
Top 5 Minor League Baseball Teams In And Around Chicago
Sure, Chicago has the Cubs and the Sox, but there are plenty of minor league teams spread out across the Chicagoland area. Going to see a minor league game is a cheap way to spend a summer day, and doesn't involve the hassle of commuting downtown. Minor league teams...
Top 8 Steakhouses in Chicago
Known for some of the finest establishments when it comes to dining out, Chicago is one of the best restaurant cities in the world. Some may say Chicago's claim to fame is the deep-dish pizza, but make no mistake, when it comes to steak, the Windy City knows how to...
Top 5 Chicago Basketball Courts
Chicago basketball courts are in abundance outside of the Chicago Bulls’ United Center home court. With so many options, it is sometime hard to narrow it down to one. Many of the courts are located in fantastic parks that provide activities to do when not on the...
Top 10 Water Parks In Chicago For Summer Fun
With hot weather, comes the need for two thing: outdoor fun and a way to cool off. Spending your day at one of the water parks in Chicago or the area is really one of the most enjoyable ways to do it. Wether you are looking for a quick visit or willing to head to...
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
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...
Caffè RoM Adds Italian Coffee Shoppe Flair To Downtown
Caffè RoM is an Italian-style coffee shop with three locations in downtown Chicago: Prudential Plaza, the Hyatt Center, and River East. They specialize in Fair Trade coffee creations, gourmet Panini sandwiches, and freshly made gelato. The River East location is the...
15 of the Best Pancakes in Chicago – Cake for Breakfast
Sometimes in the morning nothing is more satisfying than a simple, quintessential breakfast. Nothing tends to fit the bill more perfectly than a plate of some of the best pancakes in Chicago– especially after an aggressive night. Yes– French toast is bomb and it...
Top 10 Lanes For Bowling Chicago
Sometimes traditional bars and clubs can begin to feel too normal of a setting. Change up your scene and add a little bit of friendly competition by spending some time at one of the premiere venues for bowling Chicago offers. The majority of them have great beer...
10 Best Jefferson Park Restaurants – Poland to Mexico with a Hint of Irish
Chicago’s northwest side is rich in heritage and loaded with flavor. Many Jefferson Park restaurants embrace the Polish side of the community, but you can find quality cuisine from all nationalities in the area. With a true neighborhood feel, many of these restaurants...
Top 10 Irish Pubs in Chicago
St. Patrick's Day is a big event in Chicago, and to help you celebrate, the Luck of the Irish in Chicago, we've assembled a Top 10 list, with a little something for everyone! From authentic, to affordable, this list has it all! Top 10 Irish Pubs Chicago #1 The...
The Best Juice Bar Chicago Squeezes Into? Here Are 10
Juicing is a great and easy way to obtain your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the shops that load their drinks with sugar – the best juice bar Chicago offers can be found at any one of these locations. Juice Bar Chicago Guide: Vegetarian Express – $...
Oktoberfest Chicago Area Activities – Prost!
The spirit of Oktoberfest can be summed up into a single word– Gemütlichkeit. It essentially means being in a place that makes you happy, relaxed, social, and feel accepted. This must be why Oktoberfest revolves around beer and friends. There is no shortage of...
The Top 6 Blowout Hair Salons in Chicago
Whether you’re looking to get your hair done for a special occasion or just want to bond with your best friend over a glass of champagne and fabulous hair, blowout hair salons are all the rage. Luckily, several of these salons have begun to pop-up around Chicago — and...
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 Meatball...
Mixed Greens Is Reinventing Fast Food in Chicago
While America may have exported the bulk of its manufacturing jobs overseas, more and more restaurants are adopting the assembly line model such as Chipotle. One of the more recent additions is Mixed Greens, fast food restaurant focusing on organic and healthy salads,...
Celebrating the Launch of Inspired Catering & Events
Have you been to a wedding or catered event before where the food is bland, poorly seasoned, and actually put a damper on the festivities? Likely this has happened more than once. Fortunately, there are high-quality, gourmet catering companies in Chicago like Inspired...
Humana is Bringing Health and Nutrition to Taste of Chicago
Humana to present healthy mocktail challenge featuring WXRT DJ Mary Dixon and ‘Check, Please!’ host Catherine De Orio on July 9 Health and well-being company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) will showcase its largest ever list of healthy food items through its signature Humana...
Best Ice Cream In Chicago – Top 10 Spots
Not much is more satisfying than indulging in the best ice cream in Chicago on a hot, muggy day. From traditional ice cream, to thick custard, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and even Italian ice.. Chicago provides it all. Best Ice Cream In Chicago Jeni s Splendid Ice...
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...
The WingFest Winner Is In & It’s Not A Chicago Native
The search for the best chicken wing is a never ending journey for wing connoisseurs. Once you think, for that brief second, that you have found the best wings and your appetite is suddenly satisfied in each and every way you are wrong. With the sudden realization...
120 North LaSalle Breaks the Mold
The building at 120 North LaSalle is a fascinating structure to look at from any angle. Down the street from the Bilandic Building, the faade consists of two shades of granite, forming horizontal stripes. Three projecting rectangular grids surround the structure: one...
Top 10 Things To See At The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class art museum with some of the finest collections in the country. No matter what your tastes are ' or even if you don’t know a lick about art ' make sure to visit this amazing museum in the heart of downtown Chicago right...
O’Hare Restaurants – Top 10 Places To Eat At The Airport
Airports can sometimes feel more like a prison than a gateway to the world. Time spent between flights should be well used rather than abused. This list compiles some of the best O’Hare restaurants to spend your time, indulge in some food, and refresh with a drink....
10 Affordably Fun Stops For St Patrick’s Day
Ahh, the green season is upon us once again. St Patrick’s Day is one of Chicago’s most dear holidays. Everyone becomes Irish for a week and enough whiskey is taken back to make John Jameson proud. The river flows green, as well as the beer. Corned-Beef is not in short...
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...
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...
Memorial Day Specials in Chicago
Memorial Day in Chicago is the perfect time to kick off summer. The weather is typically on the up and up, the beaches are open and the parks are freshly green. If you find yourself hungry, thirsty or in need of some entertainment this Memorial Day weekend, these...
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...
Uno Chicago Grill / Pizzeria Uno
I've written about quite a few pizza places here in Chicago, but you can't talk about deep-dish pizza without giving homage to the original: Uno Chicago Grill, better known as Pizzeria Uno. (The new name evolved from the new menu, which includes 'hip and intense new...
Top 10 Chicago Farmers Markets
Not much accents warm weather better than being outside and indulging in great, fresh, local food. Chicago farmers markets provide a relaxing, friendly atmosphere to pick up some of the best produce around and potentially hear live music while indulging in a freshly...
13 Essential Chicago Apps To Better Your Life
With our lives seamlessly integrating with technology, it comes to no surprise that there are apps tailored to all forms of lifestyles. With Chicago being so diverse, certain apps can give you valuable insight into the city. 312Go 312Go is your no-strings-attached...
Top 10 Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants – Eliminate Meat, Not Flavor
Chicago vegetarian restaurants offer many forms of cuisine– from takes on meat dishes to full blown Mexican food and so much more in-between. Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor and only eating celery– which seems to be a common misconception. In fact,...
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 concerned...
Madison Public House – A Logan Square Essential
Madison Public House has been in business for nearly 3 years. Upon opening, they wanted to create an atmosphere that provided an all-in-one experience; they have succeeded. They may possess a bar appearance, but that is not strictly what they are. Rather than going to...
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...
Unique Things To Do In Chicago – Get Out There
Chicago has its very glamorous side that you seen strewn across the travel marketing ads, but it also has many attractions off of the beaten path. Spending your time immersed in some of the unique things to do in Chicago can really change your perspective on...
IVme Hydration Clinic Offers Energy & Hangover Cures
Generally my beat around The Chicago Traveler is restaurants and the occasional concert. The evening started off normally enough at Old Town’s Pomp & Circumstance for an open house at the nearby IVme Hydration Clinic– drinking an Old Fashioned and snacking on sliders....
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...
Top 15 Chicken and Waffles in Chicago
Good ole’ Southern cooking has blessed our palates with many unique and favorite dishes? but one of the very most cherished dishes is the simple Chicken and Waffles combination. There is just something about the soft, yet crunchy experience of a waffle matched up with...
Top 10 Things to Do at Navy Pier
Most Chicagoans can tell you that you haven't experienced everything that the Windy City has to offer if you haven't spent some serious time at Navy Pier. It's earned its place as the top tourist and leisure destination in the entire Midwest, with more than 8 million...
Top 10 Coffee Shops Chicago Relies On To Wakeup
Coffee is the equivalent to an adrenaline shot for the eyes and more importantly, mind. Chicago is a hard working community and some days that need for a little extra boost is more than others. After really digging into the coffee shops Chicago has, you will realize...
Top 10 Chinese Restaurants In Chicago
Chinese restaurants are gems hidden in plain view. Every once in awhile I get a craving so hard that I must go find some fluffy steamed rice, chicken, and soy sauce. When that utter desire hits you next, and only Chinese food can suppress the feeling, these ten...
Where To Get Bottomless Mimosas Chicago Brunches?
Some days nothing kickstarts you like a hearty meal accompanied by a little champagne and orange juice. That means that one of the bottomless mimosas Chicago brunches is literally calling your name! There are a handful of solid options that will help you get your fix...
North Avenue Chicago – Restaurant Row
This strip of North Avenue Chicago, between Oak Park Avenue and Thatcher Avenue, is a vibrant strip of fantastic dining. Lined with some of area’s best restaurants– the dining scene in this part of Chicago and the Western Suburbs is diverse as well as delicious....
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...
The Chicago New Restaurant Rundown of 2014
This is a city of fierce competition. For a Chicago new restaurant to stand out above other new venues, as well as match or surpass well-established names, is a feat of its own. There were many openings last year, but these 15 restaurants have broken through the mold...
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...
Top 10 Events For St. Patrick’s Day Chicago
Chicago is deeply rooted with Irish heritage, and lets face it, the citizens like to show their pride. St. Patrick’s Day Chicago provides a very diverse schedule. Whether you are looking for something to do with your family or looking for a rowdy celebration to fee...
10 Unique Bars Near O Hare Airport
Many times when travelers are visiting Chicago and staying in hotels near O Hare Airport or the Rosemont Commercial District, they wind up visiting bars either at the airport, in their hotels or the commercial district very close by. They never venture out to...
Get The Most Out Of A Chicago Christmas Season
Experiencing a Chicago Christmas season can almost be a surreal experience. The city is swept with Christmas decorations and the sounds of the holiday. Plus, a white Christmas is almost always guaranteed. The spirit of the season takes many forms in Chicago. There are...
Chicago Fine Dining On A Budget– It Does Exist
There are a lot of secrets in the dining world, but one of the most well-kept secrets are culinary school restaurants. Since Chicago is a big dining town, there are many. If you are looking to have a Chicago fine dining experience on a budget, these places would fit...
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 track of all...
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...
Top 5 Breakfast Places in Chicago
Let's face it, whether it's an early morning breakfast, or brunch after an evening out, there's nothing more fun than hitting a great spot in Chicago for breakfast or brunch. With lots of great places to chose from, we compiled a list that we know will not disappoint...
Bike Shops Chicago – Top 10
Choosing one of the many bike shops Chicago houses can be a tough ordeal. Many of times, people choose what is closest to them. In a pinch this can be a good solution. When you have some spare time, building a relationship with a reputable shop can change your biking...
Adrenaline Guide to Aerial Extreme Sports in Chicago – Skydiving + More
For some, blasting across Lake Michigan on a jetski– or meeting up with those random Tinder matches that seem like there is a 91% chance that it was not them in their photos– does not quite provide the sense of adrenaline that they crave. For some, they must take to...
A Manly Night at the spa at dana – Ultimate Relaxation
I’ve never been to a spa before. The closest I’ve been to a spa is the one I walk by nearly every day that has a picture of an older man hitting another man with a tree branch. Fortunately, my experience at the spa at dana was nothing like that unsettling image. As I...
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 Wicker...
Cocktail Bars Chicago Sips In – Master Mixologists
Wine is good, beer is even better, but sometimes nothing quite does it like a quality crafted cocktail. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic cocktail bars Chicago can choose from. Chicago is equipped with venues of ultimate sophistication and class, to dive bars...
Chicago Hair Salons Open Christmas Eve & Day
There is just something about the holidays that make us want to look and feel our best. Last minute hair styles can make all the difference. These Chicago hair salons will be offering up their services on Christmas Eve, and a select couple will be open on Christmas...
Wild Garden Hummus – The Perfect Travel Companion?
I find myself walking around this glorious city more than I find myself in a vehicle. That is what made me realize that 2015 was going to be a focus on health and eating better. “With the New Year, comes the new me” I have been a pretty big condiment fan. I like my...
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...