Best & Cool Bars in Burnham Harbor

"This coffeehouse and restaurant has such stellar options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner that it’s tempting to spend the whole day at Beatrix. In the morning, order the chia cereal bowl, the light and fluffy lemon pancakes, or opt for something in their tempting pastry case. During dinner, you’ll find plenty of options where vegetables are the star of the show, like the asparagus and pea risotto made with farro or the eggplant steak."

"settled into its current location on Broadway in 2009, much to the delight of Chicagoans. The restaurant specializes in Hong Kong-style BBQ, with incredible roasted meats such as salt baked chicken, roasted pork, and barbecued spareribs. The space is most famous for its Beijing duck feast, featuring crisp and succulent roasted duck served three ways."

"The duck feast at this James Beard Award-winning spot in Uptown includes a whole roasted duck to feed a family, carved tableside, and served with steamed bao, hoisin sauce, and crispy garnishes. You’ll also get a delicate duck soup, and duck fried rice. As with most Chinese cuisine, not a morsel goes to waste."

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"The 21st century pandemic has caused too many restaurants to put up the padlocks, however, some have managed to successfully shift to delivery and take-out exclusively. One of note is the trailblazing Mediterranean restaurant, avec, offering take-out for the first time from classic small dishes such as bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and potato and salted cod brandade with garlic bread and chives to their bestselling "around the world" wine dinners..."

"The world's first Michelin-starred brewpub, known for its ever-changing culinary beer, this spot from two Alinea vets does not disappoint. In the kitchen, meticulously sourced ingredients are transformed into diverse, elevated dishes with global flare. Whether indulging in a little beer geekery or going all out with for a fine dining experience, Band of Bohemia's particular brand of upscale-casual offers something for everyone."

"Besides their long list of unique beers and expansive menu, they claim their spot on the list of Chicago's best for their bar food. With only five items on this limited-time menu, each bite — especially the Fried Kennebecs — is worth the hike up north."

"Fulton Market , West Loop"

"The Alarmist Brewing taproom, near Albany Park and West Ridge, is different for a reason. The family-owned spot wanted to create a community space where people could come together (which is why you won’t see any TVs in the taproom). It’s also super family-friendly, welcoming kids with snacks and juice boxes."

"Swing buy and shop for some brews, or order online for curbside pickup. Either way you get a top-notch drink!"

"Spybar opened its doors to the dancing crowd in 1995|© Matthew Reeves Photography. Another basement club in River North, Spybar has been around since 1995 and can match any nightclub for the big-name house, techno and electro DJs it attracts every week. Spybar describes itself as a “perfect cross-section between high-octane clubbing and intimate lounge atmosphere,” a claim backed up by Rolling Stone magazine, which included it in its list of the top 10 dance clubs in the US in 2013."

"Spybar is one of the most uber-cool clubs in the River North neighborhood. Thanks to its “global vibe,” Spybar attracts several electro and underground techno artistes from around the world. It has served as one of the favorite party spots around since 1995."

"We've tried finding a less-than-delicious dish on Tweet's massive menu and have determined such a dish does not exist. The cute, cozy, cash-only breakfast and lunch spot in Uptown truly has something for everyone. From huevos rancheros to bagels and lox to vegan-friendly faves, good luck eating your way through all of it!"

"This is one of my go-to spots to score some awesome biscuits and gravy. Their menu is not all stodgy carbs, though. They have excellent gluten-free options and vegan scrambles to die for."

"Chicago summer is here, which means it’s time to roll up your sleeves, put your hair up, and eat accordingly—we’re talking ice cream, of course, that frosty refresher that is wildly hard-earned after every Chicago winter. Luckily, our fine town is continuing to up its scoop game in big, memorable ways each year, serving up enough sundaes, fro-yo, gelato, and soft serve to keep you cool all season long. From ice-cold curls and koala-inspired cones to avocado scoops and vegan soft serve, here are this summer’s most scream-worthy ice cream shops."

"This ice cream shop and its stacks of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts plus cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet have been a total staple of summer in Chicago for more than 80 years now. This year, the Original Rainbow Cone is spreading some love all across Chicago with its brand spanking new van, complete with ice cream paint job, so make sure to follow the rainbow (van)!. You can find the Original Rainbow Cone at 9233 S Western Ave or Navy Pier."

"AndersonvilleThe first thing you’ll notice about George’s Ice Cream & Sweets is the undeniably welcoming vibe. But alongside that comfortable atmosphere, George’s also dishes up hearty scoops spanning 32 flavors, including Caramel Chaos, Ultimate Oreo, and Munchie Madness, as well as seasonal, no-sugar added, and dairy-free flavors. Not in the mood for ice cream?"

"A post shared by George's Ice Cream and Sweets (@georgesicecream) on Aug 11, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT. A tub of ice cream is a fail-safe friend. You can rely on it to lift your spirits, calm your sweet urge, and refresh you."

"Every single ice cream flavor you have ever dreamed of can be found at George’s. They even have baked goods that pair perfectly with your ice cream cone."

"Noble SquareAfter meeting at a vegan ice cream shop in Austin, Dylan Sutcliff and Mariana Marinho made their way to Chicago to open this Noble Square newcomer specializing in all things vegan soft serve (plus a medley of housemade cones and locally sourced toppings). Sweets aren’t the only thing the duo takes seriously—sustainability and ethics play a vital role here, as evidenced by higher employee pay, no animal-based products, and no questionable ingredients. Those efforts yield a cone you can feel as good about buying as you do about eating.How to book: Stop by for counter service."

"Does vegan soft serve taste just like cow’s milk soft serve?. No, and we’re not going to pretend it does. But it can still be rich and delicious, as proven by Vaca’s Creamery in Bucktown."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Get a little bold and adventurous at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located just one block east of historic Water Tower Placeon The Magnificent Mile. Browse the museum’s permanent collection, which includes more than 2,500 works, displayed in rotation, spanning media and movements from the 1920s to the present. Over the summer, Tuesdays on the Terrace brings you free, live jazz in the museum gardens, while morning visitors are greeted with weekly farmer’s markets at the museum’s monumental front steps."

"Museum of Contemporary Art With an ever-changing set of temporary exhibitions, you never really know what you’re going to get at this museum. It’s good for modern art lovers but sometimes verges on just being weird."

"Providing Chicago with the cookie experience we deserve, this Lincoln Park shop has developed a mouthwatering menu and cookies that own up to their names. They pay tribute our entire cookie-loving country with Yosemite and Boston cookies."

"The good news: It has the city’s largest patio in summer and coolest ice rink in winter. American classics—chopped salad, a burger, cheesecake—are on target. The bad news: The crowds never let up.L & D daily."

"Restaurants Steakhouse River North. This steakhouse chain's Marina City digs—a Chicago River fixture since 1998—sports all the classics, from prime-aged meat cuts to creamed spinach and truffled mac and cheese. Head to the restaurant's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows."