FEATURING
Local Faves From America’s UNDERRATED CITY A Photographer’s Take: Chicago’s ARRESTING BEAUTY UP CLOSE
EDITOR’S LETTER
By Paula Keung Of the wisecracks I’ve heard about Chicago, the one that came to life while we edited this edition of Travel Savvy is the one about how all Chicagoans measure distance in minutes. As in, “drive 30 minutes Me with Chef Pichet Ong from downtown and you can’t miss it,” and “the place/restaurant/site is 8 minutes from the pier.” In fact, the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel in South Loop features a list of city attractions that are “15 minutes away” from the property. Everything is at your fingertips if you just look at it in terms of 60 second intervals. On top of that, Chicago is laid out as a perfectly cali-brated grid system, so an out-of-towner can find any address as easily as a local. Basically, find the intersection of State and Madison, and that is the center of the city; every 8 blocks is a mile, so you can figure the distance to your destination with a little mental math. Read more about the grid system here. The city’s accessibility and easy-going feel comes to life when you talk to a local. Everyone’s got an opinion, and it’s usually a variation on the theme “Chicago/Chicagoans is the best city on earth/are the best people on earth.” All that laidback Midwestern charm is magnified by big city
urban sensibilities. You might think Chicago is all deep dish, severe wind chill, sports bars, and O’hare Airport, but the truth is more interesting than that. Locals rave about their city’s abundant green space and parks. There are 8,100 acres of park land that are dispersed among 580 parks. Lake Michigan offers a 26-mile waterfront bike-andwalk path, as well as lots of beaches for lounging and tanning. The performing arts also draws huge crowds to the city’s 200+ theaters, and the first-ever improv comedy company, Second City, is still going strong in Chicago. And finally, in 1889 the world’s first all-steel skyscraper was erected right here in the growing city. The Rand-McNally building was 10 stories tall and cost a cool million to build. The rest, as they say, is history. You have so many choices when you visit this underrated metropolis. On a warm day, you might sail or go to the beach. In cold weather, maybe you’d prefer the indoors, and head to the Art Institute or the tranquility of the Shedd Aquarium, both of which are mentioned in Chicago’s Men Share City Secrets. To get around, you could drive—use the Spot Hero app to save money on parking (see page 30) or take Chicago’s 24-hour public transport system. The city is yours to discover!
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EDITORIAL
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TRAVEL SAVVY MAGAZINE 495 COMMUNICATIONS LLC NEW YORK, NY 888 983 1620 ©2015 495 COMMUNICATIONS
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Belmont Barbershop · Photo Credit: John Whitlock III
Lou Malnati's · Photo Credit: Johnjoh on Flickr
03 Filter Cafe · Photo Credit: Eric Wittman on Flickr
Front Cover · Photo Credit: Shutter Fotos on Flickr
Back Cover · Photo Credit: Tatiana Perreault
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EDITOR’S LETTER
06–08
CHICAGO'S EASY SIDE
09–13
ASHLEY'S VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY CHOICES FOR HEALTHY EATING
14–16
WELCOME TO CHICAGO
17–18
BIG-CITY FAMILY FUN
19–26
CHICAGO'S MEN SHARE CITY SECRETS
27–29
FLASH CARDS: URBAN OASIS IN PICTURES
30–31
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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Leslie McConnell • Photo Credit: Donnie Moore
In searching of someone to talk casual food with Travel Savvy, we wanted a foodie who had eaten at lots of local places all over the city—East Side to Lower West, Lincoln to Hyde Park and beyond. Judging from the 7,000+ hashtag deliciouslooking food images from savvy food lover Leslie McConnell’s instagram page, @ChicagoFoodScene, we’ve secured the ideal person to make Chicago eating a culinary delight. Leslie has been obsessed with food since childhood, growing up in Chicago as part of a large, close-knit family. Says Leslie:
Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Grandma Rose. Some of my fondest memories are of Sunday mornings. She’d make a huge breakfast, including freshly made biscuits and butcher-cut slab bacon. In the meantime, she’d take care of the whole family, make sure I was presentable, and get dinner started, all before church. After returning, we would have an elaborate dinner and home-made dessert. She watched public-access television day and night, and her favorite shows featured Jacques Pepin and Julia Child. I’d watch along with her, while playing with my toys and peeking into the kitchen with anticipation.” She made jam, jelly, fresh beans, cooked using the whole animal, and did it all on a budget. I feel lucky to have a lot of her cookware and appliances today. Years later, after working as a flight attendant and then in the restaurant and catering industries, Leslie got involved in the social media world. A surprise gift of a digital camera was a catalyst for her to focus on food and adventures in dining. “I followed my passion, and today, Chicago Food Scene is a community of fellow food lovers and restaurants, where you can find out their specials, hear about upcoming about food events, and see what I’ve been eating.” We’re delighted to bring you Leslie’s favorite casual dining spots in her hometown. “It’s not easy to pick, but here area few of my favorite casual spots.”
FEATURED LOCAL Leslie McConnell ∙ TWITTER @CHGOFoodScene ∙ INSTAGRAM @ChicagoFoodScene 6
RESTAURANTS
BYRON’S HOT DOGS When I was in grade school, we lived near Byron’s. Imagine smelling hot dogs day and night. What makes Byron’s unique is that it offers salad-like toppings. You can have your hot dog steamed or grilled, right before your eyes, then top it Chicago-style, or with, say, cucumbers and green peppers. 2015 marks Byron’s 40th year in the business. I was once in another part of town and asked for lettuce and tomatoes on my hot dog, and the guy shouted: “This ain’t Byron’s lady!”
01 Branko's Sandwich Shop ⋅ Photo Credit: Chicago Food Scene on Instagram
BRANKO’S SANDWICH SHOP This family-owned restaurant in the DePaul area has been around for 39 years! Go for the amazing flame-grilled burgers. People rave about their Italian beef, Polish sausage and grilled chicken sandwiches, too. This is an under-the-radar, no-frills place that will leave you wanting more. I hope they’re around for another 39 years.
02 Byron's Hot Dogs ⋅ Photo Credit: justin justin on Flickr
04 Ba Le
BA LE Let’s face it, the bread makes or breaks the sandwich. At Ba Le, it’s crispy outside and soft and flaky inside. The menu features more than 20 different kinds of bahn mi sandwiches, including lemongrass pork, Vietnamese-style meatballs, sardine, chicken and even some vegan options. My favorite is the Special, with head-cheese, ham, pate and pork roll. Ba Le also serves noodles, hand rolls, baked goods and other items that would be classified as Vietnamese street food. 01 BRANKO’S SANDWICH SHOP
1118 W. Fullerton | (773) 472 4873 02 & 03 BYRON’S HOT DOGS
1017 W. Irving Park | (773) 281 7474
03 Byron's Hot Dogs ⋅ Photo Credit: Cragin Spring on Flickr
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04 BA LE
5014 N. Broadway | (773) 561 4424
LAO SZE CHUAN Considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in the country, Lao Sze Chuan boasts a massive menu. The restaurant uses every part of the animal, spicy and non-spicy options. Chicken, seafood, pork, vegetarian, it’s here for the asking. Don’t miss the Crispy Shrimp in Lemon Sauce, Spicy String Beans, or Filet of Sole in Black Bean Sauce. Everything is authentic, and the lunch special in Uptown is a steal. Entree, soup and appetizer are an appealing $10. And it’s a great option for groups. 01 Fish Bar
03 Lao Sze Chuan · Photo Credit: Edsel Little on Flickr
04 Lao Sze Chuan · Photo Credit: Edsel Little on Flickr
02 Fish Bar
FISH BAR Think classic with a twist, featuring a creative menu of fresh seafood and delicious housemade drinks. This is sustainable seafood at a fair price. The lobster roll is out of this world! The menu changes weekly—don’t miss brunch on the weekends.
01 & 02 FISH BAR
2956 N. Sheffield | (773) 687 8177
FEATURED LOCAL Leslie McConnell ∙ TWITTER @CHGOFoodScene ∙ INSTAGRAM @ChicagoFoodScene 8
03 & 04 LAO SZE CHUAN
4832 N. Broadway | (773) 293 4653
Ashley Gilday
Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food. — Hippocrates "Chicago food is diverse. Visitors can go a few miles north for authentic Indian and a little farther west for authentic Mexican at a tiny taqueria. You can have anything you’re craving!” says Ashley Gilday “My favorite thing to do is to share a good meal, enlightened conversation and a few glasses of wine with great company. Since switching to a plant-based diet several years ago, I advocate for a healthier lifestyle, starting with how people eat. The dynamic foods I enjoy and the positive effects this decision, not only on me but on the planet, has inspired me to be an advocate of this lifestyle. It’s kind of neat to think that the foods we eat actually help others.” "Here is a roundup of my suggestions for healthy eating in the Windy City. Grab coffee or chai at one of my favorite cafes. Chicago caters to the vegetarian palate." Ashley Gilday
FEATURED LOCAL Ashley Gilday ∙ WEBSITE ashleygilday.com 9
FAVORITE JUICE BARS
OWEN AND ALCHEMY is a chef-driven juice bar located in the hot Logan Square neighborhood getting rave reviews. It offers food, in addition to their beverage options. They are just cool. PEELED in Lincoln Park is great. They use locally sourced produce when available and have house-made nut milks.
01 Owen and Alchemy
GREEN CORNER in Bucktown is a cute little shop that offers all organic juice cleanses, smoothies and kids juice blends.
02 Owen and Alchemy
03 Peeled Juice Bar
01 & 02 OWEN AND ALCHEMY
2355 N Milwaukee Avenue | (773) 327 3808 03 & 04 PEELED JUICE BAR
1571 N Sheffield Avenue | (312) 266 7335 04 Peeled Juice Bar 路 Photo Credit: The Four Percent
05 Green Corner Juice Bar
05 GREEN CORNER JUICE BAR
1880 N Damen Avenue | (773) 292 4393 10
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY DINING OPTIONS (PART 1) CAFE ORCHID in Lakeview is a favorite for a group that has some vegetarians and some omnivores. Plus, it has phenomenal Turkish cuisine, which means lots of plant-based options and loads of meat and it’s BYOB! SUNDA NEW ASIAN in River North clicks for a classy night out on the town. Great ambiance and a pretty interior set the right tone. It has interesting takes on traditional Asian fare, like the popular Brussel Sprout Salad. LYFE KITCHEN has something for everyone, and everything on their menu is under 600 calories! As an added bonus, it also has Trefethen Chardonnay on tap, a Napa Valley wine that offers, per its vintners, “liquid sunshine in a glass.”
05 Lyfe Kitchen 02 Cafe Orchid · Photo Credit: Kiditamae on Flickr
03 Sunda New Asian · Photo Credit: BizBash
06 Lyfe Kitchen
01 & 02 CAFE ORCHID
1746 W Addison Street | (773) 327 3808 03 & 04 SUNDA NEW ASIAN
110 W Illinois Street | (312) 664 0500 01 Cafe Orchid · Photo Credit: Kiditamae on Flickr
05 & 06 LYFE KITCHEN
04 Sunda New Asian · Photo Credit: BizBash
419 N Clark Street | (312) 836 5933 11
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY DINING OPTIONS (PART 2) GODDESS AND THE GROCER is my favorite high-end grocer in the city. It is limited on what it stocks, but if you are looking for something quick for a dinner party, a dessert or a bottle of wine, you cannot beat it. Their Bucktown location boasts a rooftop patio with Wi-Fi, where you can unwind or work, which I do often. Another fun place to walk around with a glass of wine and browse is EATALY, where you can find specialty Italian foods and ingredients. You can also book a cooking class and more while you’re in town. I’m also a fan of MARIANO’S, which features an entire section dedicated to vegan foods. It carries a wide variety of international foods, baked goods and organic produce. The establishment caters to every diet and prices are reasonable. Plus, it has an exceptional staff and great customer service.
04 Mariano's · Photo Credit: Jenny at Dapperhouse
01 Goddess and the Grocer
05 Mariano's · Photo Credit: Jenny at Dapperhouse
02 Goddess and the Grocer · Photo Credit: backpage
01 & 02 GODDESS AND THE GROCER
1649 N Damen Avenue | (773) 342 3200 03 EATALY
43 E Ohio Street | (312) 521 8700 04 & 05 MARIANO’S
03 Eataly · Photo Credit: Jennie on Flickr
2112 N Ashland Avenue | (773) 342 6585 12
COFFEE! CHAI! HOT CHOCOLATE! FILTER in Wicker Park is a fun place to grab a warm drink and people watch. It also offers a wide selection of savory food—all excellent. The place fills up fast, so expect to fight for a seat on one of the comfy couches. When I want a yummy Almond Milk Chai Latte, I head over to THE GRIND in Lincoln Square. The bustling air and friendly people give it a real Chicago feel. If you are looking to indulge, try HOT CHOCOLATE in Bucktown. They make 9 different types of decadent hot cocoa, served with housemade marshmallows. Perfection in a mug! 01 Hot Chocolate · Photo Credit: Scott Shigley
02 Hot Chocolate · Photo Credit: Anthony Tahlier
01 & 02 HOT CHOCOLATE
04 The Grind · Photo Credit: Tyler Core
1747 N Damen Avenue | (773) 489 1747 03 FILTER CAFE
03 Filter Cafe · Photo Credit: Eric Wittman
1373 N Milwaukee Avenue | (773) 904 7819 04 THE GRIND CAFE
FEATURED LOCAL Ashley Gilday ∙ WEBSITE ashleygilday.com
4613 N Lincoln Avenue | (773) 271 4482 13
On any given evening, if you are out for a stroll in the Lakeshore South neighborhood in Chicago, you might run into Sinbad, an ash-blond bull mastiff laying down on the stone steps of a large brick home on Michigan Ave. He’s friendly and loving, and as the mascot at the Welcome Inn, he knows how to roll out the welcome mat, giving visitors hugs and friendly nudges.
The Welcome Inn Manor is one of a handful of bed-and-breakfasts in greater Chicago, owned and operated by Mell and Angie, longtime residents and walking encyclopedias about Chicago history. The duo has lovingly restored a gorgeous 1893 Queen Anne home, replete with original English Arts & Crafts details, such as restored ornate woodwork and carved wooden shutters throughout, mixed with contemporary decor and large private guest rooms.
Sinbad at the Welcome Inn Manor
The establishment is only 12 minutes to Chicago’s downtown loop, Art Institute and famed theater district. Today, the Welcome Inn hosts a steady stream of year-round travelers who find gracious common spaces, a stocked wine fridge and breakfast ready by sunrise. “Being an innkeeper means that I get to meet people from around the world and share the city I love,” explains Mell. “This is hardly a job!” Welcome Inn Manor
FEATURED LOCAL Welcome Inn Manor ∙ WEBSITE welcomeinnmanor.com 14
Visitors get to ask Mell and Angie anything they want to know about local sights, BYOB restaurants, jazz concerts, wineries, luxury retail destinations, museums—everything Chicago! “This underrated city has so much to offer,” declares Mell. Bonus: the Welcome Inn is close to Lake Michigan, so visitors can rent a bike from the Inn and take a jaunt along the 25+ miles of shoreline. Here is a look at some of the lesser-known local gems that Mell recommends:
CHICAGO’S WEIRD SIDE
CHICAGO’S INSTITUTIONS
“Miller’s has been around since 1935, and changed owners once in 1950, when the Gallios brothers bought the pub. According to their Web site, after the purchase, the Gallios brothers did not have the $500 it would have cost to change the sign on the pub, so the name Miller’s stayed. Come to Miller’s for classic Chicago — gold standards like prime rib, burgers and chicken pot pie. Drinks are strong and generous, while the staff is friendly and welcoming.”
"Lots of locals and out-of-towners come to hang out at The Redhead Piano Bar, and everyone feels right at home. The walls are lined with sheet music and photos of famous movie stars from the past, adding to the retro ambiance and warmth that our city bars are known for.”
“Weird Chicago Tours are great because you can experience the strangeness of the city’s history firsthand. Tours are either public or private, and you can choose a theme, like Haunted History or Blood, Guns and Valentines, which is all about our gangland history.” 03 The Redhead Piano Bar · Photo Credit: Arturo Sotillo on Flickr
02 Miller's Pub
01 WEIRD CHICAGO TOURS weirdchicago.com 02 MILLER’S PUB
134 S. Wabash Avenue | (312) 263 4988
01 Weird Chicago Tours
03 THE REDHEAD PIANO BAR
16 West Ontario Street | (312) 640 1000 15
WE LOVE CHICAGO, HERE’S WHY! DEEP DISH PIZZA! TASTY HOT DOGS! BEST POPCORN! Giordano’s Downtown: 223 W. Jackson Blvd Giordano's · Photo Credit: Tara Sturm
Lou Malnati’s River North: 439 N. Wells Street Pequod’s 2207 N. Clybourn Avenue
Lou Malnati's · Photo Credit: Johnjoh on Flickr
Pizano’s Loop: 61 E. Madison Street
Portillo’s 100 W. Ontario Hot Doug’s 3324 N. California
Garrett Popcorn Shops Multiple Locations Recommended: Garrett Mix, a combination of Cheddar Cheese & Creamy Caramel
Superdawg 6363 N Milwaukee Avenue Jimmy’s Red Hots 4000 W Grand Avenue Wolfy’s 2734 W Peterson Avenue
Gino’s River North side: 500 N. LaSalle Street Santullo’s Wicker Park: 1943 W. North Avenue
FEATURED LOCAL Welcome Inn Manor ∙ WEBSITE welcomeinnmanor.com
Hot Doug's · Photo Credit: stu_spivack on Flickr
Hot Doug's · Photo Credit: stu_spivack on Flickr
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Garrett Popcorn Shops
Planning a city trip with children is a tricky chal-lenge. On the one hand, the adults want to choose activities that young travelers will find engaging and entertaining, yet ageappropriate. On the other, Mom and Dad are looking for the variety and diversity big cities are famous for, but with more predictability and less guesswork. Heidi Lauerman has been living in the nearby Chicago suburbs for over a de-cade, and along with husband Alex is now raising two energetic boys under the age of 5. “Raising kids here is fun,” says Heidi. “I love the energy and the Midwestern nature of everyone wanting to
Maggie Daley Park · Photo Credit: Wasin Pummarin
FEATURED LOCAL Heidi Lauerman ∙ INSTAGRAM @H1Hoff 17
Set aside some time to visit the following family-friendly places, recommended by Heidi.
MAGGIE DALEY PARK 337 East Randolph Street
Located in the northeastern part of the larger Grant Park, this new outdoor park features 20 acres of fun—pirates ships, enchanted forest, an ice-skating ribbon and more—hours of enjoyment for parents and kids alike!
EXPLORE & MUCH MORE
01 Chicago Children's Museum · Photo Credit: Design for America
This neighborhood favorite is a two-story play space, complete with climbing wall, built-in tree house and hours of fun for young kids. Since they only charge one fee for the whole day, you can come before lunch, run out and grab a bite, and then return. Perfect for those winter days when you want to get out of the house. In addition to open play, there are also crafts and music classes.
04 Lincoln Park Zoo · Photo Credit: Karl Heubaum
05 Lincoln Park Zoo · Photo Credit: Ron Cogswell
LINCOLN PARK ZOO Here is a treat: Admission to Lincoln Park Zoo is free. A huge zoo with lots of animals, including baby gorilla Bella born February 24, it boasts ample food offerings and a friendly staff. If you are in Chicago during December, come at night for Zoo Lights, when the zoo puts up holiday light sculptures and twinkly displays—one of our family’s favorite traditions.
02 Chicago Children's Museum · Photo Credit: Smart Destinations
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
03 Explore & Much More
Since it is located at the Navy Pier, which has an array of attractions, the entire family will find plenty to do for a day. Be it walking the pier or venturing into the Chicago Children’s Museum, it is a family wonderland of activities. Check out the Tinkering Lab at the museum, the city’s first DIY maker-space for families. Exhibitions are great for all ages, plus, there is a separate toddler room for the littlest visitors.
01 & 02 CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
FEATURED LOCAL Heidi Lauerman ∙ INSTAGRAM @H1Hoff
700 East Grand Avenue | (773) 292 4393 03 EXPLORE & MUCH MORE
3827 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago | (773) 880 5437 04 & 05 LINCOLN PARK ZOO
2001 North Clark Street | (312) 742 2000 18
On the wikihow page about How To Be A Man, step 1 is “know yourself,” while step 2 is, “be knowledgeable about something.” The article is thorough, and helpfully suggests that men exercise. Side note: We personally can’t say the phrase “be a man” without thinking of comedian Russell Peters’ hilarious bit about the topic, which you can watch here.
David Shane
Gregg Schwartz
Back to the topic at hand: Chicago. Since being knowledgeable is considered an important male trait, we asked local guys about their recommended places to frequent barbers, beer halls and more. We also queried them about parks. The wikihow article specifies exercising—so we found the best of Chicago outdoors.
James Restelli
Darrin Klapprodt
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James Restelli
01 BANGERS AND LACE
1670 W. Division Street | (773) 252 6499
“Chicago is about the people—the perfect mix of New York hustle and Midwest generosity— making it the greatest city in the U.S.”
02 & 03 THE ANTHEM AND FATPOUR
1725 W. Division Street | (773) 697 4804 04 TAILOR MEN'S SALON
1711 W. Division Street | (773) 384 9001
02 The Anthem and Fatpour
SPORTS BAR THE ANTHEM AND FATPOUR If I’m going to watch a game, I’d probably head to one of these two bars. Both have great comfort food—clam chowder to pulled-pork sandwiches—and excellent beers on tap with plenty of big screen TVs.
01 Bangers and Lace
DIVE BAR: BANGERS AND LACE
03 The Anthem and Fatpour
GROOMING TAILOR MEN’S SALON
I’m a dive-bar kind of guy, and this place has an incredible selection of awesome beers, which change daily, and handcrafted solid whiskey drinks. The original vinyls piped into the speakers takes the place over the top for me.
For the past year or so, I’ve been getting my haircut on West Division Street by the lovely Eryn. The place employs an attractive and friendly team that pays close attention to the details.
04 Tailor Men's Salon
FEATURED LOCAL James Restelli ∙ Director at Groove Brands 20
Dave Shane
“There’s no place like home when home is Chicago.”
01 Oak Street Beach∙ Photo Credit: Roman Boed on Flickr
CHICAGO OUTDOORS OAK STREET BEACH
03 Shedd Aquarium
Walk or bike along the lakefront trail and head to Oak Street Beach when it’s nice out. There are amazing skyline views and a chance to catch terrific volleyball players. Or just hang out and soak up the sun. 01 & 02 OAK STREET BEACH
1000 N. Lake Shore Drive | (312) 742 5121 02 Oak Street Beach ∙ Photo Credit: Roman Boed on Flickr
03 SHEDD AQUARIUM
1200 S. Lake Drive | (312) 939 2483
FEATURED LOCAL Dave Shane ∙ Transition Manager at Stoops 21
COLD OUT? CHICAGO INSIDE SHEDD AQUARIUM I highly recommend check-ing out the Shedd Aquarium. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been there — and it never gets old. Jellyfish, beluga whales and so many other really beautiful and captivating tanks! The Amphibians exhibition hops into the aquarium in May, with 40 species of frogs, salamanders and rarely seen caecilians.
01 Belmont · Photo Credit: John Whitlock III
CLASSIC BARBER SHOP BELMONT Belmont specializes in classic men’s haircuts and shaves. Get an excellent haircut at a reasonable price at Belmont. But remember, this is oldschool: no credit cards.
03 Museum of Science and Industry
FAVORITE PLACES TO MAKE LEARNING FUN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Located in Hyde Park, the MSI has interactive and engaging exhibitions, with submarines, trains, airplanes, and more. Check out the rest of the museum campus, which includes acres of green space for picnics and more out-ofdoors playtime.
04 Art Institute of Chicago
01 BELMONT
2328 W. Belmont Avenue | (773) 296 0894 02 Pops Champagne Bar
CLASSIC CHAMPAGNE BAR POPS CHAMPAGNE BAR Pops has been around for 30 years! Drop in for cocktails and champagne, and order the truffle fries.
02 POPS CHAMPAGNE BAR
601 N. State Street | (312) 266 7677 03 MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive | (773) 684 1414 04 ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
111 S. Michigan Avenue | (312) 443 3600
FEATURED LOCAL Dave Shane ∙ Transition Manager at Stoops 22
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO One of the country’s great museums, it is Chicago’s answer to New York’s Metropolitan Museum. The American collection is particularly stellar, housing two of the best-known works of the 20th century: Grant Woods’ “American Gothic” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks.”
Gregg Schwartz
TOP NOTCH IN ALL WAYS RPM STEAK
“This may be the ‘second city,’ but you could spend two weeks here and barely scratch the surface. The bonus is that Chicagoans are the friendliest people on earth.” 03 RPM STEAK ∙ Photo Credit: Daniel/Dan Eidsmoe on Flickr
This all-around awesome restaurant has great service, a beautiful open dining area with lots of dark woods and soft lighting, and a diverse menu of varied cuts of meat and seafood options. A spicy miso-roasted Maine lobster is a house specialty. Make a reservation or sit at the bar — and check out the desserts, like Nutella bread pudding, when you’re ready. COME FOR A DRINK, STAY FOR THE SCENE THREE DOTS AND A DASH TIKI BAR
This River North tiki-themed bar is actually less kitsch and mega cool. Yes, there are lots of fruity drinks made with real ingredients, pretty flower WELL-ROUNDED EATERY garnishes and apps like coconut shrimp and SANTA MONICA SUMMER HOUSE crab rangoon. But the interior is modern and This open, bright place in Lincoln Park is an hip, with dark lighting and a wall of skulls. Have amazing scene, replete with a lovely ambiance, a drink and meet some fun-loving locals here. good food for lunch, brunch and dinner and late-night drinks. Sit at the bar and nosh if you’re short on time. Just don’t miss it!
02 Santa Monica Summer House 01 Big & Little's ∙ Photo Credit: Christopher Gurr on Flickr
BEST HOLE IN THE WALL EATERY BIG & LITTLE'S Located on the most northern part of River North in downtown Chicago is Big and Little's, boasting some of the best fish tacos and burgers you’ll ever have. A drive into this sketchy part of town may give you pause, but once you sail through the gate, there is a reward: great food. The only place with better tacos is James Beach bar in Venice Beach. Don't be surprised if you run into the food network's Guy Fieri, he loves a good dive! Pro tip: cash only.
FEATURED LOCAL Gregg Shwartz ∙ President, Asset Exchange
01 BIG & LITTLE'S
860 N. Orleans Street | (312) 943 0000 02 SANTA MONICA SUMMER HOUSE
1954 N. Halsted Street | (773) 634 4100 03 RPM STEAK
1711 W. Division Street | (773) 384 9001 04 THREE DOTS AND A DASH TIKI BAR 435 N. Clark Street | (312) 610 4220 23
04 Three Dots and a Dash Tiki Bar ∙ Photo Credit: Sam Howzit on Flickr
WELL-ROUNDED EATERY UNTITLED SUPPER CLUB
01 & 02 UNTITLED SUPPER CLUB
This alluring underground bar is designed to feel like a speakeasy. Offerings include a full dinner menu, craft cocktails, live music and tasting events. The separate bars in dimly lit intimate rooms evoke a Prohibition-era feel.
03 & 04 KERRYMAN
111 W. Kinzie Street | (312) 880 1511
661 N. Clark Street | (312) 335 8121 05 THE FIFTY 50
2047 W. Division Street | (773) 489 5050
03 Kerryman
01 Untitled Supper Club
04 Kerryman
05 The Fifty 50 ∙ Photo Credit: Opacity on Flickr
Hands-down, the best Irish pub in Chicago is Kerryman. In addition to superb food and drink, it has the most beautiful outside patio for spring or summer dining. Check out the clientele. You might catch Johnny Depp, since he comes in whenever he’s in town.
While the other three bars I’ve mentioned are in River North, this one is in Bucktown, on Division near Damen Avenue. The 19 screens means you won’t miss any game, and like any great sports bar, this place serves fantastic burgers.
KERRYMAN
02 Untitled Supper Club∙ Photo Credit: Lou Stejskal on Flickr
THE FIFTY 50
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A TOUR THAT LOCALS LOVE TOO CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION RIVER CRUISE
01 & 02 CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION RIVER CRUISE
When the sun is shining, the most pleasant way to see Chicago is to take this particular boat cruise, which travels along the Chicago River and is hosted by the super- knowledgeable docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. For $40, learn about Chicago’s history and fall in love with the Windy City in 90 minutes.
03 & 04 SECOND CITY
224 S. Michigan Avenue | (312) 922 3432
1616 N. Wells Street | (312) 337 3992
03 Andrew Alexander and Len Stuart of Second City ∙ Photo Credit: Marcmus
04 Second City
COMEDY CENTRAL SECOND CITY
01 River Cruise ∙ Photo Credit: Brad Saunders on Flickr
The first-ever improv theater troupe was born in Chicago, and this company is where many “Saturday Night Live” stars and comedy legends began. We’re proud to say that Second City is a Chicago institution!
02 River Cruise ∙ Photo Credit: Jeff Gunn on Flickr
FEATURED LOCAL Gregg Shwartz ∙ President, Asset Exchange 25
Darrin Klapprodt
01 & 02 SHAW'S CRAB HOUSE
21 E. Hubbard Street | (312) 527 2722
“My favorite topic is food. I’ll drive 200 miles for the perfect meal! Luckily, Chicago has plenty of top-notch food destinations.”
03 & 04 JOE'S CRAB AND SEAFOOD 60 E. Grand Avenue | (312) 379 5637
03 Joe's Crab and Seafood
02 Shaw's Crab House ∙ Photo Credit: Janine Cheung on Flickr
LOCAL SEAFOOD FAVE SHAW'S CRAB HOUSE
01 Shaw's Crab House ∙ Photo Credit: Daniel/Dan Eidsmoe on Flickr
This old-school Chicago haunt has a great claim to fame: The restaurant is consistently rated by locals as Best Seafood. Shaw’s specialty is steamed Alaskan Red King Crab Legs. The place is big—one side of the dining area is seated and more refined, while the other side has an oyster bar with a fun vibe, especially during happy hour. For dessert, order the delicious Key Lime Pie and one of Shaw’s perfectly brewed espressos. It does have a second location, but this is the original.
FEATURED LOCAL Darrin Klapprodt ∙ INSTAGRAM @darrindkmedia 26
04 Joe's Crab and Seafood
FLORIDA EATERY, CHICAGO STYLE JOE'S CRAB AND SEAFOOD Almost everyone who has ever been to Miami knows about Joe’s Stone Crab. Now, you’ll be happy to learn that Joe’s Crab and Seafood is a first cousin to the Florida original. Chicago’s Joe’s offers a buttoned-up atmosphere with quality service and a full complement of crab legs and seafood. The fried calamari is massive and delicious, making a perfect share plate for a group. For land lovers, savor the delicious steaks and chops; I always get the bone-in filet myself.
01 CHIBERIA SUNRISE
Chicago winters can freeze to 40 degrees below zero with the wind chill, or even colder! While Lake Michigan transforms into ice, the winter sunrise produces amazing colors I’ve yet to see elsewhere.
As social platforms go, Instagram is among our favorites—instant gratification of beautifully filtered images, hashtagged into categories that range from useful to funny to weird. We love
the #travel categories, as they highlight every corner of the world right before our eyes. Photographer Tatyana Perreault caught our attention with her page, @tat_ventures, where her expert eye for detail captures the city’s moodiness and subtle grace in every square frame. Originally from Russia, Tatyana has been shooting Chicago with her Nikon D5300 DSLR for three years. What makes Chicago a great subject? “This city has such a rich architectural history,” she says. “Learning about pivotal events, like the Great Fire of 1871 and Chicago World’s Fair in the late 1800s, has changed how I look at the city.” Seeing a metropolis through a local’s trained eye offers a singular study in urban personality. The average visitor may shy away from venturing out on an artic day, but nothing quite reflects Chicago’s je ne sais quoi like a sub-zero outof-doors shoot. “One of the craziest things I’ve done for a photograph was to go out during Chicago’s polar vortex at sunrise!”
01 Chiberia Sunrise
FEATURED LOCAL Tatyana Perreault ∙ INSTAGRAM @tat_ventures 27
04 Chinatown
05 Spring Sunset
02 WOLF POINT
This is the point at which the North, South and Main Branches of
the Chicago River come together. I snapped this from the bar at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza in River North. 02 Wolf Point
03 FIREDANCERS
During the summer, a drumming-and-fire-dancing event happens
under the full moon, appropriately called the Full Moon Jam. Usually, it takes place once a month at Foster Beach weather permitting. 04 CHINATOWN
This shot was taken in Ping Tom Park, a quiet little bit of green space with a peaceful vibe. Don’t miss the Nine-Dragon Wall sculpture in
Chinatown. Built in 2003, it is a miniature reproduction of the wall in Beihai Park, Beijing. Ping Tom Park: 300 West 19th Street.
06 Chicago Sailing
05 SPRING SUNSET Gorgeous sunset views from Olive Park, a hid-
den gem located just north of Navy Pier. Milton Lee Olive Park: 500 North Lake Shore Dr.
06 CHICAGO SAILING
Spectacular cityscapes are part of the Chicago Sailboat Charters experience, which sets out from Belmont Harbor. 03 Firedancers
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07 REFLECTED LIGHT
The nighttime view from Lake Shore Drive bridge just south of
Navy Pier.
08 SUMMER SUNRISE
Year-round beauty on the lake all to yourself! 09 YELLOW PEDWAY
Unique pedestrian bridge downtown by the ice-skating rink entrance, east of Millennium Park. Maggie Daley Park: 337 E. Randolph Street. 10 BAHA’I TEMPLE
The only U.S.-based Baha’i Temple is located in Wilmette, about 30
minutes north of Chicago. Come lounge on the grass and admire the absolutely stunning landscape and architecture. In 1978, the temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Ba’hai Temple: 100 Linden Avenue. Wilmette, Illinois.
07 Reflected Light
08 Summer Sunrise
09 Yellow Pedway
FEATURED LOCAL Tatyana Perreault ∙ INSTAGRAM @tat_ventures
10 Baha'i Temple
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Rescue Ultra Moisturizer Single Serve Applications
$65
Yogi Tea Bags Super Antioxidant Green Tea
$5
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray 2 Fl. Oz.
$6
Rescue Ultra Moisturizer
Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray
On the go in a new city means fun times—and contact with a million different dirty surfaces. We like Honest Company's hand sanitizer because it’s triclosan- and formaldehyde-free. Added bonus: soothing aloe helps keep skin soft.
When it comes to your skin-care regime, less is more — particularly when it comes to travel. The science behind Rescue Skin Care is based on stem-cell technology that supports the skin’s own natural rejuvenation process and delivers a hefty dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Because it works with your skin’s unique abilities, Rescue offers individualized support to every skin type. One cream fits all! Plus, who wants to lug around a ton of bottles? We love Rescue’s super-portable single-use packets of cream or serum. Count out the packs for as many days as you’ll be away. Leave the bottle; take the convenience.
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Yogi Tea Bags
Tea is awesome for your health, but we doubt the stale packets of tea the stewardess is hawking off the beverage cart will cut it. Fly smart: Tuck a few tea bags in your travel case or pocket before you head to the airport and ask for a cup of hot water to brew your own. We love Yogi Tea’s Super Antioxidant Green Tea because it reportedly helps to fight the effects of nasty free radicals. It could put you in a better mood and, at the very least, make your skin glow. The blend of lemongrass and licorice adds a naturally sweet note to the smooth jasmine tea flavors.
Spot Hero
Spot Hero
$0
Stress relief is high on our list of travel priorities. Allow Spot Hero to help reduce it more. Download this helpful app, which searches for major discounts on parking in major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore. Discounts can be as much as 50%; a quick Chicago search via their site yielded parking for as low as $1 an hour.
White + Warren Travel Wrap
$298
White + Warren Travel Wrap
Travel Savvy’s Travel Essentials are selected based on how well they fit in the "be-prepared-for-anything" category. Since airplanes can go from chilly to arctic during any flight, and Chicago is best known as the “Windy City,” consider packing a White + Warren Travel Wrap in your carry-on. The wrap is 100% 2-ply cashmere, and comes in a rainbow of beautiful shades; you might need to order more than just one. $298
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