Mentioned by Curbed Chicago
14 secret parks and gardens in Chicago
"A few of the highlights of your tour include the Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Water Tower Place Mall, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), and more. You’ll be able to disembark at most landmarks, so it’s easy to use this your to further your itinerary (although traffic can be a factor, so don’t rely exclusively on this for transportation)."
"The Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions. Restaurants, beer gardens and attractions fill the 3,300-foot-long pier. Great views of the Chicago skyline are visible from the end of Navy Pier."
"Now, I see it as a convenient spot for my 2 year old to get his wiggles out. With activities for every season, Navy Pier is worth a visit. The Children’s Museum is a great choice for rainy days."
"Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art, just off the Magnificent Mile, explores, exhibits, and collects art created since 1945. The museum is dedicated to allowing the public "to directly experience the work and ideas of living artists and understand the historical, social, and cultural context of the art of our time." It also puts a major emphasis on diverse voices that communicate through art. Continue to 5 of 10 below."
"Children under 18, members of the military and police and fire departments, and veterans are always free. Illinois residents are admitted free every Tuesday. Proof of residency is required."
"If you’re an Illinois resident, you can visit the lakefront Museum of Contemporary Art for free on Tuesdays. The museum houses post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, and videos."
"LVL3 is an exhibition space dedicated in supporting collaborative work and group shows of all mediums. Address:1542 N Milwaukee Ave Fl 3, Chicago, IL 60622"
"The Hyde Park Art Center has been the south side heart of contemporary arts and an incubation space for artists since 1939. The venue reopens in 2021 with a trio of exhibitions featuring established and emerging Chicago-based artists. See Cuts and Beats: Cecil McDonald, Jr., photomontages of manipulated historical images of Black artists (vintage sheet music covers, theater ads, and artist publicity photographs) with contemporary photographs taken by the artist himself in dance clubs around Chicago."
"I like the Hyde Park Art Centre because it’s main goal is to make art more approachable and accessible to people in all walks of life. I love this, and I love the diverse and ever-changing selection of artists they choose to exhibit. But it’s not just exhibitions here, there is also a big focus on community programming, classes and courses too."
"For the art lovers coming to visit the city, this is one of the can’t-miss stops. The Hyde Park Art Center is always free and open to the public and hosts visual works from a variety of the world’s top artists. While some exhibits are permanent, others rotate throughout the year with a number of other museums in the country."
"Filter Photo is a nonprofit photographic arts organization with Filter Space, an exhibition and educational space in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Here they exhibit a robust roster of internationally recognized artists and host social, educational, and professional development activities for photo-based artists and the broader community. They also run the annual Filter Photo Festival, a multi-day celebration of photography that includes workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and portfolio reviews."
"Art aficionados will want to pop into LIK Fine Art Chicago, which displays incredible pieces from famed photographer Peter Lik. Not only are his images of dreamy destinations around the world beautifully captured, but thanks to an innovative printing process the appearance of his works change depending on how bright the lights are in the room."
"This Evanston hole-in-the-wall has earned a devoted cult following among North Shore denizens. They flock here for Loretta—a sandwich, not a woman. A feast for $7, the Loretta layers white cheese, mayo, peppers, tomatoes, onions and your choice of bacon, ham, turkey or chorizo on a six-inch French roll."
"We love our bagels here in Chicago, and Bro Bagel is the best of the best. Purists can choose from plain bagels and a variety of cream cheeses, and the adventurous can explore bagel sandwich options like ‘The Veggie’ and ‘The Pizza Bagel.’"
"Outstanding Mediterranean and Lebanese food consistently comes from the kitchen of this longtime Andersonville favorite. The large menu includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options (vegan options too). Roast lamb with couscous, Moroccan chicken with apricots, and Mediterranean eggplant are just a few of the goodies that await."
"The huge, globally inspired menu of this Albany Park spot is filled with craveable items, like the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Fried Mac-and-Cheese Balls, and the Caesar Avocado Wrap. It’s all about vegetarian comfort food here, and there are many vegan (and gluten-free) options as well. Never tried jackfruit, touted as a great meat substitute?"
"With menu sections called, “I’m not really hungry but I’m gonna eat anyway” to “Wrap it up”, “Side chick”, and “It’s Mexico somewhere” you know you’re in for a treat. Location: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago IL 60618"
"Such a sweet respite in the middle of our on-going saga of the pandemic; in the middle of a neighborhood; in the middle of the city (Chicago;) in the mid..."
"Tacos Tequilas is a new spot to enjoy some excellent tacos and other Mexican dishes. It was created by two long time residents, Jorge Manzano and Jorge Pizana. Located in the northeastern neighborhood of Avondale, this is a good place to stop and get some late-evening grub."
"Their concept boasts high-quality seafood in a friendly counter format, and their reviews attest to their great food and fast service. Brown Bag Seafood Co. is bright and cheery, awash in natural light and a calypso blue color palette that speaks of cool oceans and fresh catches. A unique choice among the best restaurants in Chicago."
"The Brown Bag Seafood Company is an informal seafood eatery that specializes in grilled, boiled, fried and blackened seafood menu items. You have a choice of getting your order served straight or in sub sandwiches or tacos. It’s a plain restaurant but the food is delicious."
"This fast casual spot is serving up delicious and even occasionally *insert gasp here* healthy dining options for the Chicagoan on the go. Which, let’s face it, is all of us. Featured Image Credit: Brown Bag Seafood Co."
"Our parents love the laid-back atmosphere at The Madison Bar & Kitchen. Its fast-paced service is perfect for when you have a hungry crew to feed. They have a large and super affordable children’s menu, with a separate gluten-free menu for kiddos with wheat allergies or sensitivities."