Summer in the city…

Summer is arguably the best time to experience the city and there’s so much to do while you’re here! We’ve recommended some of our favorite spots to eat, drink, and play below.

Your Chicago guide

Thank you to our local friends for their helpful additions!

    • Lou Malnati’s pizza (Downtown)

    • Portillo’s (Downtown)

    • Chicago Bagel Authority (Lincoln Park)

    • The Berghoff Restaurant (Downtown)

    • Beatnik on the River (Downtown)

    • Quartino Ristorante (River North)

    • Gilt Bar (River North)

    • Bavette’s (River North)

    • Pizzaria Portofino (River North)

    • Rose Mary (Fulton Market)

    • Aba (Fulton Market)

    • La Josie (West Loop)

    • Armitage Alehouse (Lincoln Park)

    • Geja’s Cafe (Lincoln Park - a Stermer family fondue classic)

    • Cindy’s Rooftop (great views of Grant Park and the lake)

    • Andy’s Jazz Club (Andy Pratt’s favorite jazz spot)

    • Lazy Bird (Fulton Market cocktails)

    • Bisous (Fulton Market ~French~ cocktails)

    • Moneygun (seriously, Fulton Market has nice bars)

    • Louies Pub (Karaoke in Wicker Park)

    • The Up Room at The Robey (Wicker Park - great view of the whole skyline)

    • Cerise (River North rooftop at The Virgin Hotel)

    • London House Rooftop (Downtown)

    • Baseball at Wrigley Field (Home of the Chicago Cubs)

    • Renowned paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago

    • Dolphins at the Shedd Aquarium

    • Zoo animals (for free!) at Lincoln Park Zoo

    • Architecture on the river boat Wendela cruises

    • Sculptures (hello, Bean!) and the skyline in Grant Park

    • A bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the Willis Tower (not for those afraid of heights)

    • A show at any of the world class theaters

    • The lake and skyline from the Lakefront Trail