Downtown Chicago Maps

TAYLOR TAYLOR KINNEY’S KINNEY’S

Taylor Kinney with Dave Flanzbaum, Viaggio’s General Manager Chicago Hot Spots

By Leentje De Leeuw Fall means the start of a brand new television season, and for millions of people that means tuning in to season 11 of the NBC hit show Chicago Fire every Wednesday night. Many of those loyal viewers have been following the adventures of Lieutenant Kelly Severide since the pilot of the show. Needless to say that the actor portraying him has many fans across the globe. When we talked to him about his favorite Chicago things, Taylor Kinney shared his go-to restaurants and favorite dishes in Chicago’s West Loop.

Viaggio recently moved a few blocks to a brand new location, right in the heart of the West Loop. The popular AmericanItalian restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite for many years. Taylor Kinney who resides in the area loves hanging out at Viaggio's with friends or with his girlfriend. His favorite dish here: Chicken Limone, chicken breast sautéed with lemon butter in a white wine sauce.

Chicken Quesadillas at G-Cue Billiards & Restaurant

This classic West Loop pool hall has been around for 18 years and is still owned and operated by the same family. Before or after a game of pool or two, Taylor enjoys the Three Cheese Quesadillas with Chicken at G-Cue: a folded flour tortilla stuffed with mozzarella, swiss, cheddar and chicken. The quesadillas are served with the traditional salsa and sour cream. Across the street from Viaggio’s, Taylor loves to enjoy James Beard Award winning chef Sarah Grueneberg’s own version of the classic Cacio e Pepe, the Cacio Whey Pepe. The ingredients are simple yet delicious: mancini bucatini, pecorino medoro, ricotta whey, and a peppercorn blend. If you love Chef Sarah’s cuisine, keep an eye out for her very first cookbook ‘Listen To Your Vegetables’, launching this fall.

Gyros at Lyra

Lyra is not just a contemporary Greek restaurant, it is an experience like no other. Lyra has great dishes for both carnivores and vegetarians alike, all served in a stunning decor. If you happen to stop by after 11 pm on weekends, there will be deejays and largeformat cocktails as well. Taylor’s favorite dish is the slow-roasted lamb gyros, carved tableside and served with a 60 second pita and all the classic Athenian accouterments.

Oktoberfest PROST, CHICAGO!

CELEBRATING GERMAN BEER & FOOD

By Leentje De Leeuw

TRADITIONAL

Located in the heart of the Loop, The Berghoff is an iconic restaurant that has been in business since 1898. This place simply breathes Old World charm and history. Try some of their Adams Street Brewery beers or famous traditional German food. Favorites include reubens, sauerbraten, and schnitzel. During the Oktoberfest celebrations, enjoy a liter stein of their Märzen-style Oktoberfest Bier.

Another traditional German-American place may be found farther north on Irving Park Road. Laschet’s Inn offers all the classic fare and steins of beer in old-school digs with lots of photos and knickknacks.

BY THE WATER

There’s plenty of good beer to be enjoyed on the Riverwalk. Be sure to stop by and celebrate the final weeks of pleasant weather during the Riverwalk Fall Festival, running until October 31st. On top of that, the Chicago Brewhouse is hosting its own Chitober Fest until mid-October. Enjoy ten (10!) different Chicago German Style beers along with pretzels, brats, and schnitzels. Visit Tiny Tapp, The Northman, and Island Party Hut for their fall festivities, as well.

BEER DINNER

Wildfire in Oakbrook is hosting a 3 Floyds Beer Dinner on October 10th, featuring a custom four-course menu, paired with 3 Floyds brews. A brewery representative will speak at the event. CHICAGO BREW ESSENTIALS

With 68 draft lines and over 400 bottled beers to choose from, Hopleaf in Andersonville is an essential Chicago spot a beer lover cannot afford to miss. The draft menu changes 4-6 times a week with always seasonally appropriate selections. You can easily check the draft menu online. Another essential is Monk’s Pub in the Loop. Same thing here: check the draft menu on their website and try one of the many European drafts or bottles. Both places offer excellent food, as well. OKTüBERFEST SANDWICH

Hannah's Bretzel is bringing back their annual Oktüberfest sandwich, featuring Gene’s German bratwurst, Mama Nina’s Bavarian beer-braised sauerkraut, whole grain honey mustard, and Hannah’s caramelized onions on their classic organic bretzel baguette.

MEGA PRETZEL

Why not celebrate Oktoberfest with the 2-pound shareable Mega Pretzel at the FireLake Grill House & Cocktailbar? Served with beer cheese and honey mustard dipping sauce, this is a must-try! And while there, you might just as well try the housemade smoked sausage with caramelized onion and pepper dipped in spicy tomato sauce, right? Needless to say, there’s plenty of beer to pair with these festive dishes.

LOOSEN UP THE LEDERHOSEN

If you are not counting calories, try the special Oktoberfest menus at Sweetwater, South Branch, and all three Old Town Pour House locations: Smokehouse Currywurst with bacon braised sauerkraut, Crispy Pork Belly Spaetzle basted in brown butter, or Pork Schnitzel with warm potato salad, to name just a few. With a stellar selection of fall beers on tap at all locations, Oktoberfest-ers will be sure to get their fill of seasonal beer favorites, as well!

OLD WORLD HERITAGE

Old World charm and heritage meet modern appeal in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Explore the cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue and discover unique shops such as Merz Apothecary or Gene’s Sausage Shop & Deli. Have a beer and a bite at the Hüttenbar Bavarian beer hall. Don’t skip the DANK-Haus, Chicago’s well-known German American Cultural Center, founded in 1959. Their big Oktoberfest takes place on October 21st, which will feature live music from the Paloma Band of Chicago, unique decorations, abundant beer and authentic German food (Thüringer, Bratwurst, Leberkäse, potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels, and more). Guests are encouraged to enter the famous Stein Holding Contest and wear their finest dirndls and lederhosen!

Get the Party Started!

Get ready to sing and dance the night away. Howl At the Moon in the Near North is the best place for anything from memorable celebrations, such as holiday parties and bachelor/bachelorette parties, to just a fun night out with friends.

Their energetic live music show features the best songs from the 80s, 90s, and today. Thirsty? Howl At The Moon offers a wide variety of specialty drinks and cocktails. Hungry? Chow down on some delicious burgers, pizza, tacos, and more. At Howl At The Moon the party never stops.

ARE HERE AGAIN

SIX OF OUR FAVORITE BREWERIES & BREWPUBS IN THE CITY

By Leentje De Leeuw

HISTORICAL

Interested in Chicago history and thirsty for a good beer? Try Haymarket Pub & Brewery in the West Loop. While enjoying a Speakerswagon Pilsner or the Oscar’s Pardon Belgian-style Pale Ale, learn more about the Haymarket affair, the aftermath of a bombing that took place at a labor demonstration on May 4, 1886. After quenching your thirst, visit the Haymarket Monument, located across the expressway.

LOCAL & COOL

There are four more breweries located in Chicago’s Brewing District. One of our favorites is local microbrewery On Tour, where house beers are poured in a warehouse-like tasting room. Other breweries in the Brewing District include Finch, All Rise, and Great Central. You may just as well make this a day trip destination!

RIVER VIEWS & BINGO

Located next to the river, Metropolitan Brewing offers house beers in their tap room or riverside patio. You can order or bring your own food. Mark your calendars for Wednesday night Bingo! MICHELIN STARRED

The world’s first brewery awarded with not one but two Michelin stars may be found right here in Chicago! Moody Tongue offers exciting beers that blend familiar flavors with quality ingredients through a philosophy of culinary brewing. In their own words: they are using a chef’s mindset to highlight flavors and aromatics in balanced beers. Make sure to book a table if you plan on pairing your beer with a fine dining experience.

DOWNTOWN

Located in the heart of Streeterville, Crushed by Giants Brewing Company is the brainchild of Greg Shuff and his team at DryHop Brewers in East Lakeview. Definitely try their IPAs and locally sourced food.

WORLD FAMOUS

Head over to the Chicago Brewing District on the Near West Side and visit the brewery that has been brewing the–now world famous–Goose Island beers since 1995. Book your guided tours in advance, have a few beers, and check out the merch.

A Guide to Local Boutique Shopping

ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH LOCAL CULTURE AT THESE NEIGHBORHOOD BOUTIQUES

By Hannah Carroll

Merz Apothecary

Established in 1875 in Lincoln Square as a small drugstore with an herbal focus that served European immigrants, Merz Apothecary remains a Chicago gem. The store resembles an authentic European apothecary, featuring a tin roof and antique pharmacy jars. Now, the store blends traditional remedies with the technology of the modern age to bring customers natural self-care products, cosmetics, fragrances, teas, etc. Here, customers can purchase items to fuel the mind, body and soul.

P.O.S.H. Chicago

This eclectic store affords vintage goods sourced from auctions and flea markets. Merchandise primarily features antique European housewares, silver and dinnerware. No two days at P.O.S.H. are the same because of its constantly rotating inventory. All the more reason to visit more than once!

Kokorokoko

Wicker Park overflows with a variety of exclusive boutique shops. At Kokorokoko, vintage is the name of the game. This colorful store features vintage clothing and accessories from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Enhance your style with a new pair of shades, neon parachute pants, or platform shoes. As a black-owned establishment, the Silverroom features a collection of black literature and art, as well as one-of-a-kind jewelry, home goods, art, books and more. Even more, this one-stop shop often hosts block parties or has live music from a DJ in the store. A visit to this store is truly an experience of culture, community, vibes, and authentic Chicago flair.

Laudi Vidni Custom Leather Goods

Get your very own custom leather bag at Laudi Vidni. All bags are made to order in the USA. From cosmetic bags to totes, Laudi Vidni truly has a high-quality, longlasting bag for all occasions. Choose from a large selection of colors and textures so that your bag fits your style, lifestyle, and needs.

art effect

Indulge in luxury at art effect. This store features a comprehensive selection of women’s clothing, designer accessories, and high-quality, curated gifts. From home decor and candles to elegant evening gowns, art effect is the classy lady’s paradise.

The Fox Club

“Embrace your foxy side” and express yourself through fashion with the help of The Fox Club. Fueled by slow fashion and a commitment to sustainability, this retro boutique supplies handmade bathing suits and clothing styles from the past for all of your travels. Neighborly

Looking for a souvenir or gift? Look no further than Neighborly. This boutique carries an assortment of Chicago-themed goods, household items, cards, and gifts. Staff will even wrap your presents for you! Devoted to supporting independent Midwestern designers, Neighborly showcases the creations of local makers.

Wolf Bait & B-Girls

Wolf Bait & B-Girls is like no other store. A female-owned establishment founded by two local designers, this marketplace serves as a resource for local artisans by fostering community and talent. With the works of more than 300 Chicago-based creators, customers are sure to find a treasure they love.

Una Mae’s

Stand out amongst the crowd with Una Mae’s eccentric collection of new and used clothing items. Here, you can channel your inner funk amidst a hip, earthy ambiance. The boutique’s men’s and women’s clothing is both trendy and affordable.