Mentioned by Thrillist
The Most Beautiful Buildings in Chicago, According to an Architecture Expert
"Navy Pier and its surrounding attractions are full of fun activities for kids and adults alike (see above for some more details on all the stuff you can enjoy while there). Take a stroll around the pier, sample some classic boardwalk eats, and take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of the city. Use your Go Chicago Card All-Inclusive Pass to get a 4-Ride pass for Navy Pier attractions, including the ever-popular Centennial Wheel."
"Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions and is certainly not your average pier. Stretching over 3,000-feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is packed full of entertainment, offering 50-acres of shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. Enjoy a ride on the Centennial Wheel that stands prominently in the middle of Pier Park, and there’s often live music, art exhibitions, and firework displays throughout the summer."
"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."
"This Lincoln Park museum uses hands-on exhibits to explore Illinois ecology and natural history. Check out a butterfly greenhouse, splash in water tables to explore how rivers work, and learn how the museum hatches and raises wetland animals like turtles. A post shared by Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (@naturemuseum) on Mar 20, 2017 at 9:13am PDT"
"Explore all 60 acres of Chicago’s historic Sherman Park on the city’s South Side. A big, circular ring-like pond encompasses the whole park, so you will never be far from views of the water. This historic park offers multiple baseball fields, a tennis court, and a basketball court."
"Lincoln ParkThe Hotel Lincoln’s famous retractable rooftop oasis continues to wine and dine cocktail-craving Chicagoans atop its unique parkside perch. Bask in breathtaking lakefront views while nibbling upmarket bar snacks like truffle fries and buffalo cauliflower paired with inventive mixed drinks like the mezcal-infused Fifteen Puzzle or the Scotch-packed See the Elephant. Be sure to get there early—this joint doesn’t take reservations.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating."
"The J. Parker, the all-seasons rooftop atop Hotel Lincoln, offers sweeping views of a frosty Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan. Their outdoor seating now features heaters, plus a glass retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of air circulation. If you’re looking for wintery cocktails, their seasonal selection include a variety of hot toddies."
"Butternut Empanadas • butternut squash, salsa Bandera, and avocado cream • #JParkerChicago #BokaRestaurantGroup. The J. Parker is a classy Chicago restaurant that not only offers some great food but also an amazing view. Sitting on top of Hotel Lincoln, J. Parker offers 55 indoor seats as well as 140 outside seats."
"Located in one of Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods, Ada Street is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that serves New American-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined and elegant setting. Owners Michael Kornick and David Morton provide guests with a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as pan-seared Arctic char, grilled baby octopus, and agave glazed lamb ribs. Ada Street also has an eclectic selection of handcrafted cocktails, local and imported brews and beers on tap, and fine red and white wines."
"Twinkly nights and a pretty patio are pretty much a slam dunk for any successful date night, and Ada Street delivers on it all. Sit outside and share small plates in a cute little courtyard if you can, but know that the inside offers a similarly pleasant experience."
"If you weren’t actively looking for this restaurant, you wouldn’t find it. But you should look for it, because the food is delicious and the cozy interior is the perfect escape on a winter night."
"I have been going here for as long as I can remember; it may be my original first favorite restaurant in Chicago. Fun fact, I posted that first picture to my feed back when I started my account back in 2014!. Eataly can only be described as an Italian food mecca… With several different restaurants, markets, wine bars, even a nutella bar, this place is a true destination and SO much fun."
"Description: Nutella® and Eataly are iconic Italian brands that share a common belief in amazing food. The Nutella Bar at Eataly Chicago is unreal. Be sure to try their all-natural gelato served in a crunchy waffle cup."
"Well, Eataly’s takeout pies are purposefully under baked so that, once you throw one in the oven for a couple of minutes, it’ll taste just like you’re at the restaurant. You can order Eataly today off Caviar."
"Stan’s Donuts are next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago. Stan’s Donuts is a classic choice for desserts in Chicago, and they’re seriously delicious too!. In fact, if you ask any local Chicagoans they’ll probably have heard of Stan’s Donuts!"
"Stan's Donuts has quickly become a Chicago icon with decadent flavored donuts, cookies and delicious beverages. They are currently open every day for takeout and delivery."
"Buffalo burritos are usually on the naughty list when it comes to eating right. Unless you are eating at this protein-packed Chicago chain, then that burrito is made with vegan Buffalo sauce, all-natural chicken and organic quinoa wrapped in a whole-wheat flax tortilla with under 500 calories."
"Vegans rejoice — you’ll be able to satisfy all your cravings for Asian flavors at Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen. This “wonderland for vegans” is dedicated to crafting flavorful, healthy 100% vegan dishes that change how diners think about a plant-based diet. Choose from an extensive list of entrees, including miso ramen, chow mein, bibimbap with smoked tofu, chana masala poke bowl, and so much more."
"Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen was founded by Alice Lee in 2001. Their lifestyle flows out of sincere respect for all living things and a desire to make as little impact as possible on the ecosystem. Their goal is to create a wonderland for vegans and those who want to adopt a plant-based diet."
"At Eden, fresh, local, and sustainable fare is the focus, an approach that chef Devon Quinn accomplishes with the help of an onsite greenhouse, which stocks everything from arugula and oregano to fennel and figs. See them employed in a range of daytime dishes, such as breakfast bowls with Spanish fried eggs and jasmine rice, smoked ham crepes with gruyere and caramelized onions, and a Philly cheesesteak torta with peppers and provolone."
"Another restaurant with an appealing exterior facade, Eden goes for a more nature-filled ambiance to help you forget for a minute that you’re actually surrounded by skyscrapers, not trees."