Guidebook for Chicago

Oliver
Guidebook for Chicago

Drinks & Nightlife

Grab a drink in this former speakeasy as live jazz music plays in Al Cappone's old hangout. Its reputation has spread nationwide as the city’s legendary jazz destination. Nightly shows. Cash only.
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The Green Mill
4802 North Broadway
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Grab a drink in this former speakeasy as live jazz music plays in Al Cappone's old hangout. Its reputation has spread nationwide as the city’s legendary jazz destination. Nightly shows. Cash only.
Incredible live music many nights each week. Here's a tip: if you can't purchase tickets in advance, buy it from scalpers outside. I bought tix for $10 30min. after the concert started.
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Aragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence Ave
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Incredible live music many nights each week. Here's a tip: if you can't purchase tickets in advance, buy it from scalpers outside. I bought tix for $10 30min. after the concert started.
Grab a burger and beer here after a night out on the town. Nice outdoor seating area they got going over there.
58 personas locales recomiendan
Fat Cat Restaurant & Bar
4840 N Broadway
58 personas locales recomiendan
Grab a burger and beer here after a night out on the town. Nice outdoor seating area they got going over there.
very casual setting for drinks and food while listening to some great live bands or DJ. Check out their website to see who's playing tonight.
24 personas locales recomiendan
Uptown Lounge
1136 W Lawrence Ave
24 personas locales recomiendan
very casual setting for drinks and food while listening to some great live bands or DJ. Check out their website to see who's playing tonight.
Live music featuring world class performances. One of the best in the city. See their website for who is playing the nights you're in town. (See my tip at Aragon Theater)
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Riviera Theatre
4746 North Racine Avenue
92 personas locales recomiendan
Live music featuring world class performances. One of the best in the city. See their website for who is playing the nights you're in town. (See my tip at Aragon Theater)
One of our 33 best beer bars in America, this perpetually packed gastropub has an extensive selection of 350 bottles and 68 taps. The food is impressive too including Mussels & frites.
251 personas locales recomiendan
Hopleaf
5148 N Clark St
251 personas locales recomiendan
One of our 33 best beer bars in America, this perpetually packed gastropub has an extensive selection of 350 bottles and 68 taps. The food is impressive too including Mussels & frites.
Boozy martinis that gives a punch! I feel special here: a small hidden space with a patio in this gay established place. Top notch thru and thru!
63 personas locales recomiendan
Marty's
1511 W Balmoral Ave
63 personas locales recomiendan
Boozy martinis that gives a punch! I feel special here: a small hidden space with a patio in this gay established place. Top notch thru and thru!
Unique like no other in town. Intimate and unpretentious. This secret venue has jazz, burlesque, magic, wine. Check out their website on what's showing tonite & look for discounts at www.hottix.org
13 personas locales recomiendan
Uptown Underground
4707 N Broadway
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Unique like no other in town. Intimate and unpretentious. This secret venue has jazz, burlesque, magic, wine. Check out their website on what's showing tonite & look for discounts at www.hottix.org

Food Scene

Everyone comes here for the best Vietnamese Pho in the whole city! For first timers, order the #12 appetizer and Tank Pho Noodle special so you will want more Vietnamese food in the future.
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Tank Noodle
4953-55 N Broadway
81 personas locales recomiendan
Everyone comes here for the best Vietnamese Pho in the whole city! For first timers, order the #12 appetizer and Tank Pho Noodle special so you will want more Vietnamese food in the future.
The only Dim Sum place outside Chinatown is steps away, Come for the weekend Brunch, If you're a little nervous,ask me to join you to introduce you to ordering off the cart . I love this place.
11 personas locales recomiendan
Furama Restaurant
4936 N Broadway
11 personas locales recomiendan
The only Dim Sum place outside Chinatown is steps away, Come for the weekend Brunch, If you're a little nervous,ask me to join you to introduce you to ordering off the cart . I love this place.
Very nice Brunch within walking distance. Cash only.
111 personas locales recomiendan
Tweet
5020 N Sheridan Rd
111 personas locales recomiendan
Very nice Brunch within walking distance. Cash only.
Order the peking duck! Order the duck! It's the best in the city! Fantastic place to go for chinese here in the area. Be hungry! It's surprisingly cheap! One of Thrillist.com's top places to eat.
55 personas locales recomiendan
Sun Wah BBQ
5039 N Broadway
55 personas locales recomiendan
Order the peking duck! Order the duck! It's the best in the city! Fantastic place to go for chinese here in the area. Be hungry! It's surprisingly cheap! One of Thrillist.com's top places to eat.
No nonsense little place. Convenience but not an experience. I do like their Pad Thai.
36 personas locales recomiendan
Dib Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine
1025 West Lawrence Avenue
36 personas locales recomiendan
No nonsense little place. Convenience but not an experience. I do like their Pad Thai.
A bit far, but this mom& pop Mexican breakfast joint is worth the trip. Order the chilaquiles and oatmeal shake on your first visit here. BTW, I really love their backyard patio during the summer.
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Tiztal Cafe
4631 N Clark St
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A bit far, but this mom& pop Mexican breakfast joint is worth the trip. Order the chilaquiles and oatmeal shake on your first visit here. BTW, I really love their backyard patio during the summer.
A short walk from the apartment. However, may I recommend you heading to La Patisserre or Andersonville to grab coffee at one of their local establishments. It's worth the walk.
135 personas locales recomiendan
Starbucks
6738 N Sheridan Rd
135 personas locales recomiendan
A short walk from the apartment. However, may I recommend you heading to La Patisserre or Andersonville to grab coffee at one of their local establishments. It's worth the walk.
Rave reviews for this African restaurant. The wait staff are so helpful and will help you decide which to order. I recommend a combo plate and it's definitely big enough for 2. Try the honey wine.
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Demera Restaurant
4801 N Broadway
65 personas locales recomiendan
Rave reviews for this African restaurant. The wait staff are so helpful and will help you decide which to order. I recommend a combo plate and it's definitely big enough for 2. Try the honey wine.
Yes, their sushi is good, very good. But the best way to eat here is get Mike to make his favorite concoctions and get ready for some fun eating! Yum. Service is a hit or miss though.
36 personas locales recomiendan
Tanoshii
5547 N Clark St
36 personas locales recomiendan
Yes, their sushi is good, very good. But the best way to eat here is get Mike to make his favorite concoctions and get ready for some fun eating! Yum. Service is a hit or miss though.
Outstanding sushi! This place has the best especialty rolls including the Dynamite Roll. Also get 2/person tuna belly sashimi if there's any left. It may not be on the menu. RSVP suggested.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Ora
5701 N Clark St
21 personas locales recomiendan
Outstanding sushi! This place has the best especialty rolls including the Dynamite Roll. Also get 2/person tuna belly sashimi if there's any left. It may not be on the menu. RSVP suggested.
Weekend Brunch hangout! Trendy and good food. I just hate waiting in their line when it's a nice summer morning. Try the back patio. Get Bloody Mary's here! (Brunch anywhere in the city has lines)
91 personas locales recomiendan
The Bongo Room
5022 N Clark St
91 personas locales recomiendan
Weekend Brunch hangout! Trendy and good food. I just hate waiting in their line when it's a nice summer morning. Try the back patio. Get Bloody Mary's here! (Brunch anywhere in the city has lines)
I like coming here because it has a live polka band in this German restaurant.
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Chicago Brauhaus
4732 North Lincoln Avenue
27 personas locales recomiendan
I like coming here because it has a live polka band in this German restaurant.
This place is not all about the Hummus, Falafel or the Kabobs. It’s one of most flavor, fresh, and varied cuisines for mediterranean. Occasionally there's a discount on Groupon.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Andies Restaurant
5253 N Clark St
21 personas locales recomiendan
This place is not all about the Hummus, Falafel or the Kabobs. It’s one of most flavor, fresh, and varied cuisines for mediterranean. Occasionally there's a discount on Groupon.
Go for the home made pastas on the menu. They use a lot of local produce. Or try the three-course $30 prix fixe menu from Sunday-Thursday
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Anteprima
5316 N Clark St
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Go for the home made pastas on the menu. They use a lot of local produce. Or try the three-course $30 prix fixe menu from Sunday-Thursday
Big Jones brings you dinner, brunch, and lunch inspired by the history and richness of Southern cooking from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Carolina Lowcountry, and Appalachia. Get the Fried Chicken.
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Big Jones
5347 N Clark St
78 personas locales recomiendan
Big Jones brings you dinner, brunch, and lunch inspired by the history and richness of Southern cooking from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, Carolina Lowcountry, and Appalachia. Get the Fried Chicken.
Closest Sushi from the apartment. I come here because they have a great Groupon special. Otherwise look for the other sushi bars in my guidebook.
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Agami
4712 N Broadway
29 personas locales recomiendan
Closest Sushi from the apartment. I come here because they have a great Groupon special. Otherwise look for the other sushi bars in my guidebook.
One of the best Vietnamese food in the city. Try the spring rolls, its 'famous' Bo La Lot, lemongrass chicken, pea shoots. Never had a bad dish here! This is not a fancy place. Just good food.
17 personas locales recomiendan
Hai Yen Restaurant
1055 W Argyle St
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One of the best Vietnamese food in the city. Try the spring rolls, its 'famous' Bo La Lot, lemongrass chicken, pea shoots. Never had a bad dish here! This is not a fancy place. Just good food.
Get the Hot Pot for an evening exp! Yum Yum! Try the Ma Po Tofu. With its bobbing cubes of squishy tofu, this is a quintessential Chinese comfort food -it's one of the best vegan entree in town.
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Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer Ave
63 personas locales recomiendan
Get the Hot Pot for an evening exp! Yum Yum! Try the Ma Po Tofu. With its bobbing cubes of squishy tofu, this is a quintessential Chinese comfort food -it's one of the best vegan entree in town.
There are many reasons Hema’s continues to stand out among a sea of excellent Indian restaurants on Devon Ave. The lamb vindaloo is one to get. Take a taxi/uber. It's worth the trip.
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Hema's Kitchen
2439 W Devon Ave
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There are many reasons Hema’s continues to stand out among a sea of excellent Indian restaurants on Devon Ave. The lamb vindaloo is one to get. Take a taxi/uber. It's worth the trip.
Every time you shove your face with a forkful of one of the many pie options, you’re doing good, as this charming corner café is committed to serving 4000 meals per month thru outreach programs.
39 personas locales recomiendan
First Slice Pie Cafe
5357 N Ashland Ave
39 personas locales recomiendan
Every time you shove your face with a forkful of one of the many pie options, you’re doing good, as this charming corner café is committed to serving 4000 meals per month thru outreach programs.
A modern candlelit space for a traditional Korean Dol Sut Bi Bim Bap rice dish and try the popular (and potent!) Asian Pear and Jinjer Sojutini cocktail.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Jin Ju
5203 N Clark St
23 personas locales recomiendan
A modern candlelit space for a traditional Korean Dol Sut Bi Bim Bap rice dish and try the popular (and potent!) Asian Pear and Jinjer Sojutini cocktail.
The most expensive item on the menu is $7.50, which means you can eat for under $10 in this tiny, dine-in storefront. Chicken shawarma, falafel, lamb kabob, and baklava are served fast and authentic.
31 personas locales recomiendan
Taste of Lebanon Restaurant
1509 W Foster Ave
31 personas locales recomiendan
The most expensive item on the menu is $7.50, which means you can eat for under $10 in this tiny, dine-in storefront. Chicken shawarma, falafel, lamb kabob, and baklava are served fast and authentic.
A 2 Michelin Star restaurant in my neighborhood! 1 of the BEST IN THE WORLD is here.! 13 courses of unique and great tasting food as well as an awesome atmosphere. There are only 8 -10 seats in the restaurant. RSVP prior to your arrival.
12 personas locales recomiendan
42 Grams
4662 N Broadway
12 personas locales recomiendan
A 2 Michelin Star restaurant in my neighborhood! 1 of the BEST IN THE WORLD is here.! 13 courses of unique and great tasting food as well as an awesome atmosphere. There are only 8 -10 seats in the restaurant. RSVP prior to your arrival.

Parks & Nature

Free live music concert on Friday nights around 7pm. Grab a seat early though. It fills up fast but there are bar tables you can stand and still have a place to put your drinks on. Kayak Rental
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Montrose Beach
297 personas locales recomiendan
Free live music concert on Friday nights around 7pm. Grab a seat early though. It fills up fast but there are bar tables you can stand and still have a place to put your drinks on. Kayak Rental
My favorite beach along Lakeshore Drive. It's quiet yet active & popular. There's a outside cafe for drinks and snacks. Paddle board rentals. Take a Divvy if you don't want to run/walk there.
96 personas locales recomiendan
Kathy Osterman Beach House
5800 N Lake Shore Dr
96 personas locales recomiendan
My favorite beach along Lakeshore Drive. It's quiet yet active & popular. There's a outside cafe for drinks and snacks. Paddle board rentals. Take a Divvy if you don't want to run/walk there.

Getting Around

Divvy bike rental location. See www.divvybikes.com for more information and locations around the area.
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Divvy
28 personas locales recomiendan
Divvy bike rental location. See www.divvybikes.com for more information and locations around the area.

Essentials

One of three grocery stores I am recommending. Walk, bike, or bus to and from here. This is the one I go to the most.
866 personas locales recomiendan
Mariano's
2021 W Chicago Ave
866 personas locales recomiendan
One of three grocery stores I am recommending. Walk, bike, or bus to and from here. This is the one I go to the most.
One of three grocery stores I am recommending. It's my least favorite of the 3 but it's right off the Berwyn red line. It's so convenenient.
675 personas locales recomiendan
Jewel-Osco
3531 N Broadway
675 personas locales recomiendan
One of three grocery stores I am recommending. It's my least favorite of the 3 but it's right off the Berwyn red line. It's so convenenient.
Get off the Thorndale redline stop if you like to get your groceries here.
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Whole Foods Market
3640 N Halsted St
836 personas locales recomiendan
Get off the Thorndale redline stop if you like to get your groceries here.

Sightseeing

This Swedish neighborhood is a must do: Great dining, shopping, antique shops, etc. It's our little Main Street without the hustle or bustle of downtown. Definitely a hidden gem for us northsiders
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Andersonville
154 personas locales recomiendan
This Swedish neighborhood is a must do: Great dining, shopping, antique shops, etc. It's our little Main Street without the hustle or bustle of downtown. Definitely a hidden gem for us northsiders
This German neighborhood has numerous dining establishments and shopping. Try this area out during early dinner hours. It's a straight bus ride on Lawrence to get here.
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Lincoln Square
104 personas locales recomiendan
This German neighborhood has numerous dining establishments and shopping. Try this area out during early dinner hours. It's a straight bus ride on Lawrence to get here.
Run, Bike, Walk, People Watch, Beach, Play are what you will find in this amazing and popular trail along Lake Michigan. The trail is less than 1 mile from the apartment. This will take you to Dwtn
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North Lake Shore Drive
North Lake Shore Drive
13 personas locales recomiendan
Run, Bike, Walk, People Watch, Beach, Play are what you will find in this amazing and popular trail along Lake Michigan. The trail is less than 1 mile from the apartment. This will take you to Dwtn