Top Rated Parks to Visit in Rogers Park

"Another scenic spot to spend some time is the magnificent Maggie Daley Park which lies within the Loop and is connected to Millennium Park by a pedestrian bridge. Packed with playgrounds, picnic areas, and lush green spaces, it is a very family-friendly place to visit with even climbing walls and a mini-golf course on offer. Named for Maggie Daley, the former first lady of the city, the park was re-imagined, redesigned and reopened in 2015."

"You don’t have to choose because you can do all three at Maggie Daley Park. It features Chicago’s only outdoor climbing park. There are beginner and advanced places to climb with instruction from the park staff."

"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."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both fun to wander through, but I love Lincoln Park for its cafes, boutiques, and adorable homes. Armitage Avenue is a perfect spot to boutique-hop for the afternoon. I love Art Effect for cute gifts (and travel accessories!), and Interior Define is fun to check out for home decor. If it’s one of those hot, sticky midwestern summer days and you’re not up for shopping, check out one of the nearby beaches along Lake Michigan."

"For a big city, Chicago has a surprising number of places dedicated to all things green. For example, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a botanical garden teeming with ferns, tropical flowers, and palms."

"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."

"Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well."

"One of Chicago’s oldest restaurants, Lou Mitchell’s offers a traditional old-school dining experience. Based on Jackson Boulevard, Lou Mitchell’s has been serving hungry diners for more than a century and continues to operate like a well-oiled machine. Following the ancient Greek tradition of offering a sweet treat to visitors in your home, guests are welcomed with complimentary Milk Duds and donut holes on arrival before sitting down to delicious dishes of freshly prepared food for breakfast, such as jumbo omelets, fluffy pancakes, fresh eggs, and homemade pastries along with a range of daily specials and “the world’s finest coffee.” 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, Phone: 312-939-3111"

"Opened by “Uncle” Lou Mitchell in 1923, this West Loop staple claims it’s cracked enough farm-fresh eggs over the years to wrap at least a few times around the world. Beyond the omelets, skillets and pancakes, the best part might be the complimentary homemade doughnut hole you get when you walk in. Oh, and women and children receive mini boxes of Milk Duds—don’t ask why, just smile and chew."

"A photo posted by Paige (@paige_sheridan) on Jul 31, 2016 at 10:19am PDT. Lou Mitchell's is one of the most well-known diners in the city, and for good reason. It's always crowded on weekends, so customers are offered free, freshly made doughnut holes while they wait (you'll probably end up buying a few to bring home as well)."

"Restaurants Chinese Armour Square. Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops has taken the reins at this classic Chinatown restaurant, renovating the space and adding neon accents and artwork inspired by the streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong. Spanning two stories, Ken Kee Restaurant diners can order from a traditional menu packed with familiar Chinese dishes or a new Noodle Cart menu, served out of a dedicated kitchen."

"Though not technically new, Chinatown classic Ken Kee has taken on new life from new ownership. Eater reports that Kenny Yang—owner of the popular local ramen chain Strings—has taken one of his favorite childhood restaurants under his wings and revitalized the space and the menu with a focus on Hong Kong cart noodles and other regional street food favorites. The menu, which had dwindled in recent years, is back to a robust state giving old fans new opportunities to keep coming back."

"The menu at Ken Kee's does have some familiar items, like pepper beef in black bean sauce and fruit smoothies. But what makes this restaurant stand out among the others in Chinatown is its unusual menu items. That might mean fried spaghetti and sliced lotus root, pork intestine and duck tongue, or duck chins and goose intestines."

"Thalia Hall is a historic music venue, a massive building along 18th Street in Pilsen, that’s owned by 16” on Center, a company that runs venues like Promontory Hall in Hyde Park and Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village. The building also houses Punch House, a lower-level ‘70s chic bar where patrons by drinks by the punch bowl. Then there’s Tack Room, a piano bar that dabbles in things like punk rock karaoke."

"The iconic Pilsen hall has punch-filled cocktails in the basement, a beer hall on the main floor, and a music venue upstairs for all your Instagramming glory."

"Argo tea on Randolph street is in a great location and offers a comfortable sitting area for their clientele. The service is also quick and friendly. They have many options for bubble tea lovers and you will be spoilt for choice."

"Restaurants Coffee shops River West/West Town. Tim Coonan, a 15-year home roaster, marries the efficiency of second-wave coffee (e.g. Starbucks) with the clean design and small-scale ethos of the third wave (e.g. Intelligentsia) at this corner coffee bar. He caters to Blue Line commuters with cheap “fast drip” (available in a self-serve machine) and to laptop lingerers with “slow coffee” (pour-over) and espresso drinks."

"My favorite has been their West Town (Chicago Ave.) location. They are a roaster offering “no-nonsense artisan coffee.”. I had seen photos of their marshmallow lattes floating around Instagram for months before I decided to check it out."