Chicago Like A Local
Hi online besties! It occurred to me recently that I’ve been slacking on the Chicago content! Having moved around so much in the last five years (and navigating a move right now, more details coming soon!), I’m no stranger to coming somewhere new and trying to figure out what activities are actually worth my time. And nowhere was this trickier than Chicago, since this is where I was born and raised. That means I’ve done all the tourist stuff: the architecture boat tour, navy pier, the bean, deep dish pizza, etc. It’s not that I don’t recommend those things because they are definitely must-dos if you’re new to the city. In fact, check out this blog about that touristy stuff that’s worth doing as proof!
It’s just that there’s a lot more to the city for those of us lucky enough to call it home. So following in “London like a local” and “Seattle like a local”’s footsteps, I’m bringing you: Chicago like a Local. Here are some of my favorite things I’ve gotten to do since moving to the city two years ago!
Food: Can’t have an amazing city without amazing food, and Chicago has so much of it! Forget deep dish pizza (unless you want to try Pequod’s, the superior Chicago option), and give one of these other delicious spots a try!
Antigo (Italian, Bucktown)
Kameya Ramen & Sushi (Japanese, Lincoln Park and Lake View)
Le Bouchon (French, Bucktown)
Kim’s Korean Cuisine & Sushi (Korean, Lake View)
Stay Cafe (Breakfast, Logan Square)
Sushi Taku (AYCE, Logan Square and Wicker Park)
Au Cheval (American Bistro, West Loop)
Nonnina (Italian, River North)
Del Seoul (Korean, Lake View)
Kayao (Peruvian, Old Town)
The Dearborn (American Bistro, River North)
Tuk Tuk (Thai, Lincoln Park)
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle (Japanese, Avondale)
Summer House Santa Monica (American Bistro, Lincoln Park)
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba (Spanish, Lincoln Park)
Mammoth Poke (Japanese, Bucktown)
Sushi-San (Japanese, Lincoln Park)
Margie’s Candies (Dessert, Bucktown)
Irazú (Mexican, Bucktown)
Boqueria Fulton Market (Spanish, West loop)
Trivia: My friends and I decided a while back to make trivia a part of our routine by trying out different neighborhoods’ bar trivia (let me know if you’d like to see a ranking!) The below are some of our favorite spots and I even did the research to note down when they take place so you can also enjoy a couple extra trivia sessions (and happy hours) during your week!
Broken Barrel Bar (Lincoln Park, Tuesdays @ 7)
Tin Lizzie (Lincoln Park, Random)
Roadhouse 66 (Wrigleyville, Monthly Wednesdays @ 7)
Lottie’s (Bucktown, Mondays @ 7)
The Stopalong (Logan Square, Tuesdays @ 7:30)
Butch McGuire’s *this one does Opinion Nation (aka Family Feud) on Wednesdays and Regular trivia on Tuesdays (both weekly @ 7)
Innjoy (Wicker Park, Tuesdays AND Wednesdays @ 8)
Beck’s (Lincoln Park, Wednesdays @ 7:30)
Snakes and Lattes (Bucktown, Biweekly @ 7)
Wills Northwood Inn (Lake View, Tuesdays @ 7:30)
Sheffield’s Wine and Beer Garden (Lakeview, Tuesdays @ 7)
Lone Owl (Wicker Park, Wednesdays @ 7:30)
Bucktown Pub (Bucktown, Thursday’s @ 8)
Comedy: Check out these three spots for unbeatable weekday and weeknight improv, standup, and other kinds of comedy shows!
Second City Improv
Zanie’s Standup
Nature: I’m a big nature gal just trying to scratch the itch after living in Seattle. Chicago might not have easy access to national parks, but the below are great options to get out there and see some beautiful views!
Walking the entire 606
Circling the Belmont Harbor
Biking around Lincoln Park Trail
Visit the Lincoln park conservatory
Grab a picture at promontory point
See the Cherry blossoms bloom in Jackson Park each April
Go for a nice stroll around Graceland Cemetary up north
Miscellaneous / must do’s: Couldn’t keep everything in a category, but I’ve loved the below activities and you better bet I will add to this as I continue to explore the city!
Snakes and Lattes (a board game bar in Bucktown)
Renting a boat in the Playpen (or being lucky enough to know someone who owns one)
Paint some pottery @ Glazed Expressions or Freestyle Ceramics
Go to Cuddle Bunny to pet some bunnies!
Pet some kitties at the Catcade
Play arcade games at The Emporium or Replay (the latter has fun pop-ups too)
Go to a Broadway in Chicago or Orchestra in Concert show
Go to a Wrigley Cubs Home Game
Do a Chicago Ghost Tour
Look at the international Christmas trees during the science and industry museums annual display
Do a Paint & Sip
Do a Chicago escape room
Dance your heart out at a broadway rave (or a regular one if you’re more normal)
Watch a movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club
Go to one of many farmers markets (Logan Square is my personal favorite)
Cycle Boat on the Chicago River!
Dance your heart out at Good Night John Boy or the Hangge-Uppe
As you can see, there’s a whole lot of stuff to do before (and after) work comes to call! So stick with me, cause Sharon Zavlin is going to try to do it all:)
And with that Phineas and Ferb theme song reference, signing off for now. Talk soon!
Sincerely,
Sharon