Mentioned by Bucket Listers
Chicago’s Best Museums
"The Field Museum has come along way since 1893 when it was built for the World’s Columbian Exposition. This place is truly a natural history heaven with towering dinos, Egyptian tomb jewels, and so many more archaeological gems. It’s even home to the world’s largest T-Rex."
"More than 400,000-square feet of exhibit space fill this gigantic museum, which explores cultures and environments from around the world."
"South LoopGo under the sea at a world-class aquarium Joining The Field Museum and Art Institute as great Chicago institutions in 1930, Shedd Aquarium is one of the oldest museums in the city, and the building itself is an ode to all things aquatic -- from fossils in its floors to Neptune’s trident atop its dome. About 32,000 animals call Shedd Aquarium home, and you can see them all: penguins, turtles, whales, otters, good old-fashioned fish, and more. What to know before you go: Shedd Aquarium is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends during the fall, and 9am to 6pm daily June 11-August 19."
"Located at lake shore Dr Chicago, this all-ages outing is great for anyone who loves the water or the creatures that live in it. The tanks here are so large that there are some unexpectedly large guests living here – whales!. It’s an experience your kids will never forget."
"Home to an incredible collection of sea creatures from all over the world including whales, penguins, sharks, sea lions, and jellies, the Shedd Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium located in downtown Chicago. Category: Attractions. view Shedd Aquarium on google map"
"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."
"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)."
"Encompassing more than 50 acres (20 hectares) of prime Chicago lakefront territory, Navy Pier is truly a city within the city. With shopping, restaurants, parks and gardens, museums, stages and attractions galore, this Chicago landmark attracts millions every year."
"Named for Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian muse and patron of the arts renowned for hosting parties teaming with interesting people, food, wine and song - this is your romantic sweet spot. The Main Salon is inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice or dine in The Apartment modeled after a Parisian pied-a-terre. Start with European cheese and charcuterie, caviar service or medallions of foie gras for moments of sheer decadence."
"With its all-white, retro-futuristic decor and reasonable prices, Friends Sushi encourages diners to enjoy sushi at any time, not just for special occasions. Yet the quality of fis..."
"Only in Chicago could a joint that blasts heavy metal music, refuses to carry Budweiser, and stirs a controversy with the Catholic Church, be adored. Kuma’s Corner has become a destination in every food lover’s pilgrimage. Depending on what you order, your burger may include bourbon poached pear, roasted poblano peppers, avocado mash and other inventive ingredients."
"Music is never far from mind at this bar: In addition to a rocking soundtrack, nearly all the burgers are named for bands. Try the Slayer: a bunless patty on a pile of fries, topped with chili, andouille sausage, cherry peppers, onions and cheese. Watch the Video: The Slayer Burger"
"If you like your burgers with a side of heavy metal (and ridiculous mac and cheese), Kuma’s your guy. Just don’t be alarmed ordering the Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden. Also Try: Au Cheval, DMK Burger Bar, Shake Shack"
"Le Macaron found on West Armitage Avenue invites guests to experience the best of French cuisine. The coffee shop’s website describes its macarons as the perfect delicacy, original and elegant, and we think they’re 100% correct. Le Macaron does offer some really fun flavors alongside the more traditional choices, though: including bubblegum, violet cassis, gingerbread, and strawberry key lime."
"Restaurants Bakeries Wicker Park. Alliance is perhaps best known for its elaborate celebration cakes, which are proudly displayed in the windows for passersby to ogle. But this bakery also traffics in coffee drinks and other pastries, like cookies, macarons and tarts, which are available to take away or to bring next door to a seating area."
"A post shared by 早川茉希(Maki Hayakawa) (@maki_hayakawa) on Sep 12, 2018 at 10:16pm PDT. Here’s one place you’ll enter feeling lovestruck and exit feeling frustrated simply because you couldn’t try everything from their selection. Their light, airy, and puffy macarons available in many flavours are simply to-die-for."
"Alliance Bakery is a French-inspired bakery served with a modern twist. The chef, Peter Rios, has extensive experience working as a pastry chef at the Fairmont Hotel Chicago and Sofitel Hotel Chicago. He has won numerous awards in cake competitions around the country."
"If the birthday star wants to share the stage with an over-the-top cake, Urban Icing is the place to go. Whether you prefer some traditional sweet confections or a 3D-shaped cake, this spot has got you covered. In addition to being a boutique bakery, Urban Icing is an event space where you can let them take care of all the details of your child’s party."
"(Primary Neighborhoods: Various events and locations, city and suburbs). Pancakes may not be the first thing that flips in our minds when we think about food truck fare, but if cupcakes sell like hotcakes, why not sell some hot cakes too. That’s the thinking behind this gourmet pancake truck."
"The cafe complementing HaiSous has an unfair advantage thanks to Thai Dang’s creative Vietnamese food with banh mi sandwiches and more. But the Pilsen cafe also uses coffee from Dang’s family in Vietnam producing some of the richest iced coffee in the city. View this post on Instagram"
"North Avenue Beach is home to one of the most popular beachfront restaurants. Castaways is instantly recognizable — when you spot the giant ship washed up on the sand, you’ll know you’re in the right place. While the first level’s menu consists of ice cream and snacks, the rooftop is a beach bar and grill with burgers and frozen cocktails."
"Bars Beer bars Lincoln Park. Modeled after a beached oceanliner, the two-level space at Castaways is decked out with a first floor ice cream cafe and a rooftop perfect for catching summer rays by the water."
"Bars Beer bars Wicker Park. The multiple bike racks out back are packed with every kind of two-wheeler imaginable, no matter the time of year at this biker bar (and by biker, we mean bicycle-r). Eco-minded folks come together over tasty meat-free fare, like fried avocado tacos, sambal tofu and something called Vegan Chili Mac Attack (just trust us on this one)."
"Handlebar gives made-from-scratch vegetarian and vegan soothe food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. They are a small, relaxed locality restaurant with a full-service bar and beer garden. They brew fair-trade coffee, recycle, serve all organic eggs, and source produce from local farms."
"This neighborhood staple is known for offering late-night vegetarian fare. Veggie sloppy joes and buffalo chicken seitan wraps aren't something you want to miss."
"The aesthetics, with its dim-lit atmosphere, give off a “we’re not trying too hard” vibe that provides a welcoming experience. The beer list is full of local craft breweries, the sandwiches — while simple — are tasty. This bar has legions of fans who will take issue if you say something negative about their watering hole, and in the end, that’s the best endorsement."
"Chinatown Cantonese favorite Dolo specializes in made-to-order dim sum, so diners won’t find carts. The food is fresh and inventive with dishes like a beef shank appetizer and lamb chops that come prepared in a few different ways and served like lollipops. Seafood also stars with Cajun-style boils and a can’t-miss lobster."
"If you’re searching for the best Chinese food in Chicago, Dolo is one of the only restaurants offering a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails. They also have a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s a perfect spot to enjoy gourmet Dim Sum, bento boxes, dumplings, steamed buns, and more."