chicago
stay
the ritz-carlton hotel
The city's premier luxury hotel overlooking North Michigan Avenue and The Magnificent Mile. Unparalleled hospitality and elegance await you here plus multiple dining options and a stunning spa offering an array of treatments.
160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
dana hotel & spa
This boutique hotel puts you in the epicenter of River North, steps away from the Magnificent Mile and a stone's throw from the Loop. The rooms here are modern and sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows and a luxury spa
660 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
the freehand hotel
Housed in a 1927 building in the River North district, The Freehand is one-of-a-kind, featuring hotel rooms, affordable hostel accommodations and a killer speakeasy. Best value for your money in the area for sure.
19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Ambassador Chicago
Luxury boutique hotel whose Gold Coast location is within a short walk or cab ride to the finest shopping and dining as well as the majority of downtown Chicago while being nestled in a quiet and exclusive residential neighborhood.
1301 N State Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60610
eat
For my city guides, I try to have a mix of everything - new restaurants, iconic venues, and tourist spots worth a visit. These will range from casual cafes for breakfast to suit jacket fine dining. As with all guides, it is not exhaustive but hopefully full of wonderful recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit! Here's what I love in Chicago:
photo: business insider
Au Cheval
The open kitchen at this upscale "diner" works with ingredients ranging from bologna to foie gras.
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
photo: chicago mag
avec
Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating.
615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
The Purple Pig
Adventurous small plates plus house-cured meats & a lengthy wine list in small, lively quarters.
500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
pequods
Casual, brick-walled pizza pub where deep-dish pies with caramelized crusts are served until late.
2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
photo: 10best
boka
Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candelit back garden patio.
1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
photo: Chicago Reader
schwa
Chef Michael Carlson showcases inventive New American fixed-price menus in a simple, homey space.
1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
photo: star chefs
Girl & The Goat
Hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
photo: thrillist
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
American surf 'n' turf restaurant serving upmarket fare & cocktails in a lavish 2-story space.
750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
photo: pintrest
Mott St
Asian-inspired plates & craft cocktails served amid funky furnishings & communal tables.
1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
photo: bon appetite
Prachute
Funky-chic place serving modern, creative Korean-American fare plus wine & cocktails.
3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Smoque BBQ
Popular BBQ spot slinging ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more in a basic space with community tables.
3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
photo: serious eats
Frontera Grill
Chef Rick Bayless' always busy flagship where creative Mexican fare is served in a festive space.
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
photo: eater
Fat Rice
Comfort food from around the world is served in a rustic space with communal tables & open kitchen.
2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
photo: chicago mag
alinea
Voted best restaurant in the world, Chef Grant Achatz offers New American tasting menus featuring highly creative plates.
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
torali italian-steak
Posh hotel restaurant for modern Italian cuisine & craft cocktails with an adjacent bar & roof deck.
160 East Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611
photo: grub street
The Publican
A creative seafood & pork-focused menu plus global brews in a hip setting with communal tables.
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
photo: Chicago Tribune
Monteverde
Stylish spot serving refined, contemporary Italian fare such as fresh pastas
1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607