Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Kathy Osterman Beach House

"With three Michelin stars and six James Beard nods for its chef, Alinea in Lincoln Park is one of the most recognized restaurants in the world. It’s also one of the best, earning an annual spot on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Alinea’s avant-garde dishes showcase the most cutting-edge molecular gastronomy techniques, while never failing to taste amazing."

"The cuisine is a lesson in mastery, but also a blend of modern science and practical magic. Air-filled balloons are edible, senses of taste, touch, smell are tested, mental and emotional boundaries are pushed. The menu, an ever-shifting chameleon, is a reflection of the wizards in the kitchen, led by chef Grant Achatz himself—no two meals are ever alike."

"Chicago's lone three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by the great chef Grant Achatz. Why we love it: Arguably Chicago's finest fine dining restaurant, Alinea is as focused on the experience of having a meal as it is about what you consume. Settle in for an evening of deconstructed dishes, billowing dry ice and edible balloons filled with helium."

"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."

"With a fireplace anchoring the dining room and an all-weather patio touting a retractable roof, guests can eat, drink and spend time with friends. A dog-friendly outdoor cafe offers open-air dining."

"If you like fresh-squeezed juices and delicious smoothies, then Left Coast Food + Juice will be your jam. With locations in Lincoln Park, River North and The Loop, you won’t go hungry looking for a great place to fill your belly. Order an acai bowl, steel cut oatmeal, salads, wraps or hearty grain bowls."

"With locations in River North and Lincoln Park, I love Left Coast for a fast, inexpensive, and healthy lunch. They bring the West Coast vibes to Chicago, offering fresh made juices, smoothies, salads, grain bowls, and wraps. Everything is heavy on the veggies and super flavorful!"

"Healthy, real food is the theme here, in clever preparations that are parent-approved, but put a wholesome spin on dishes kids love. Holy Meatballs are turkey balls with couscous, marinara and broccoli. Chicken Little presents grilled chicken with snow peas, carrots and quinoa."

"Tango Sur is a Latin American Steakhouse up in Lakeview that literally everyone raves about. A cute neighborhood spot with amazing food that’s also BYOB?"

"The 1923 neoclassical London Guarantee Building reopened as the 452-room LondonHouse hotel in 2016 with a glamorous new glass tower overlooking the Chicago River. The restoration was impressive, full of subtle details like jazz-themed motifs that pay homage to the building's former life as a 50s music club and custom artwork and monogrammed duvets in guest rooms. Not so subtle is the gold-leaf ceiling in the rotunda or LH, the city’s first tri-level rooftop bar that serves retro cocktails and small plates against a backdrop of skyscrapers."

"Once the iconic London Guarantee & Accident headquarters, LondonHouse is now in the 1923 building renowned as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers walking distance from Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shopping. Enjoy Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar with amazing views of the river and cityscape. Additionally, Land & Lake Kitchen provides an upscale take on authentic midwestern comfort food."

"London House Chicago is another spot that offers terrific panoramic views of Chicago. Though this time the elegant tri-level rooftop bar of the lavish hotel looks out over the Chicago River and the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. There is often something special going on up on the London House rooftop but at any time the few down the river is astounding."

"The Riverwalk is exactly what it sounds like: a pedestrian trail that stretches alongside the Chicago River. It’s 1.25 miles, so it doesn’t require a punishing amount of exercise, but it’s long enough to offer a wide range of events and activities for visitors of all types. Are you feeling peckish?"

"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"

"For sports fans, no trip to Chicago is complete without stopping by the beloved Wrigley Field. Snap a selfie in front of the iconic red and white marquee, and head inside to check out the latest Wrigley Field expansion and renovations, known as The 1060 Project."