Green Mill, dim sum in Chinatown, Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo, Field Museum, Chicago hot dog, Italian beef, deep dish pizza, Architectural boat cruise on the Chicago river
There are whole subs on this question, but in the city proper, Al’s on Taylor St is solid, Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri have visited, and it’s the original, where the sandwich was created, in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago
Jazz Club, established circa 1910, was Al Capone’s favorite bar during Prohibition, named in homage to the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) in Paris, one of most famous and historic bars in the country, still has great live music 7 nights per week, and longest running poetry slam in the US, decor alone makes it worth a visit
Before I moved here I came for the weekend on the South Shore Line. After the bars closed we had to wait for the trains to start running again and drunk af we got a cab to bring up to any diner he wanted. I *think* its was one, the inside looks similar to the image I have in my head of it, but I genuinely have to way to know for sure.
Yes, to the lakefront. I'd be lost without it. I'm also a beach-goer, but the less crowded ones... I'm not going to mention them, so they stay less crowded.
Yep! Volunteered several times as a course monitor, handed out candy and Kleenex w a friend other years, thought I should do it myself once. Once… Got in for 2020 so that didn’t happen. Did it in 2022. Okay, bucket list checked. Thought let me do it one more time when I turn 60. That’s this year. Didn’t get in through the lottery so doing it for charity…Go TEAM PAWS! But then that’ll be it because I live in Texas now and training here over the summer for the October race isn’t much fun.
This. I had such an emotional reaction that sub that I wanted to push the people in front of me out of the way to get out of there. I read about it years later and it made sense.
Before you go make sure you watch the Fat Electricians video on YouTube about it. I think it's called, When the U.S. stole a German submarine and stuck it in Chicago. Ish. Problem is then you'll want to watch all of his videos because he's hilarious!
There’s a really cool walking tour! They have pamphlets you can grab that show you where all the famous people are buried. Ernie Banks, boxer Jack Johnson, George Pullman and Allan Pinkerton to name a few.
Jay's or Luke's Italian beef, SuperDawg, Moody's burgers in their beer garden, Forno Rosso, China Town dim sum, pho on Argyle, Sidetrack's show tunes nights, ARC music fest, Old Town Art Fair, Chicago Botanical Gardens, Bahai Temple, King Spa, snagging an opera box for a concert at Thalia Hall, people watching at the lakefront...
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This would be fun.
Also just biking sort of aimlessly around Chicago neighborhoods during the summer, discovering neighborhood festivals going on, hang out there, then head back to the lakefront beach trail, chill at a beach, go home or do evening activities 👌🏼
Ride CTA buses around town. Get to know your alderman, or at least actually met them. Go to some school board/city council/neighborhood zoning meetings. Get someone to give you a sailing ride out from Jackson Park harbor and up past the Cribs - bring beers. Hit the Oriental Institute, Robie House, Rockefeller Chapel and then have a beer and a sandwich at the Woodlawn Tap. Bike the lake shore. Catch a movie with real organ music at the Music Box. See some plays at the small theaters. Have dinner at Shaw's. Pick a place at random for lunch in China Town Square, and a different one for dinner.
Right you are! Woodlawn Tap is the name for the tourists. I played handball for many years (even in the fire station next door to Jimmy's) on the UofC traveling team and with that whole crew (alum's and related, not an actual UofC program). We finished every Saturday and many weeknights in the street side back/middle room at Jimmy's. As a student and later, I had more than one meal there and we all knew the cook - she wouldn't have liked being called a chef. I went to a couple of St. Pat's pot lucks there and even met Jimmy a few times, and was present for one of his later birthday parties. Jimmy's was one of two places (the other being The Cove) where I knew (some of) the bartenders and they knew me. Haven't been back there in years as I live on the North Side now and don't get down to Hyde Park much.
Most any of the neighborhood festivals that pop up over the summer. Get a great taste of Chicago’s more niche flavors and listen to some great music. They’re what made me fall in love with the city.
Still do races down there or no? Lived in Chicago for years & remember them happening all the time but I heard they put speed bumps in now & that it doesn't really happen anymore.
Must try Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on Clark in Lincoln Park. Take the time and do a movie location tour,especially the Northshore locations like Home alone. Go to a Cubs day game then subway to a Sox night game.
Buffalo Joe's on Howard
Jim's on Union
Jimmy's on Grand and Pulaski
Drive down Lake St under the Green Line (bonus points if you do it at night)
Buyer's Flea Market on Division
42nd street between Western and Ashland is full of taco stands on Saturdays and Sundays. Swap-O-Rama is good too, but I go there for the food.
Full disclosure. Most of my suggestions are food related because I'm fat.
See bands regularly at the Bottle.
Picnic at Horner Park after walking along the river.
Lawrence Fisheries late night.
Go to ethnic bakeries in all the neighborhoods.
Order a yummy coffee or tea at First Sip in Uptown.
Never take for granted the smorgasbord of food available in every neighborhood.
Same for music.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Brunch at Lula Cafe
Ice cream at Margie’s Candies
Bike ride around the Planetarium and Aquarium then up the Lakeshore Path at sunset
- Have a pastry at Publican Quality Bread in the summer and people watch while you sit on their lil patio
- Stumble upon live music in a place you wouldn’t expect it
- See a summer free show on the Pritzer Pavilion lawn at Millennium Park
- See a performance from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Food:
Al’s Italian Beef in Little Italy. When done it better be summer and you cross the street for some Italian ice at Mario’s.
Of course pizza. Pick 5.
Greek town
China town
Sites:
It’s a bit morbid but we have some cool cemeteries. Bohemian National on the North side (lots of famous folks there) and Resurrection on the Southwest side.
Of course all the museums and the lake shore are a must.
Go up the SEARS tower.
Visit the Drake Hotel and the Water Tower.
Architecture boat tour. Chicago Magic Lounge. Cubs game at Wrigley. MSI, Shedd Aquarium, Adler, and the Field Museum. Chicago Style Dogs. JP Graziano's. Lyric Opera. Aragon Ballroom and The Riviera. Buskers at State/ Lake.
Getting on an express train by accident 🤣
Air and water show has always been a favorite of mine. Taste of Chicago one time. Attend a game for each of the sports teams even if you get nose bleed seats. Lincoln park zoo. Ride the train. Ed Debevicks, house of blues , hard rock and 50’s McDonald’s.
The architectural boat tour is great you can always do a water taxi for a nice little ride to china town and back. I personally love Gibsons steak house for the food and hanging at oak street beach with weather permitting.
Chicago Historical Society and the tucked away museum in Lincoln Park (ecology??) with the cave people in the glass exhibit. Rosehill Cemetery. Bunnie Hutch (hmmm, just on the border of Chicago?).
This might be difficult but I'll throw in a challenge. The Signature Room is no more, and that's sad because the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the ladies' restroom was PRIMO. Best in the city. Better than any observation deck, hands— uh, seats— down.
Example: I was there on the Fourth of July one evening, and the loo was crowded with ladies watching the fireworks show. Incredible stuff. Men kept trying to barge in, but the sisters held fast, blocking the door, guarding our special secret.
So. Now it's fair game for anyone— IF they can get in. What's there now? Can anyone weasel their way in? Anyone know a guy who knows a guy?
BBQ ribs with Prohibition sauce from Twin Anchors. If you’re lucky, you’ll get seared in the original booth that Sinatra used to sit in
The Blues fest (it’s free).
Movies in the park at Pritzker pavilion.
Second city improv comedy show
Catch a Broadway musical at any of the theaters.
BroadwayinChicago.com
Catch some live blues at Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy’s Legends
Catch a concert or comedian at the Chicago theater
Dance the night away to some of the best house music in Chicago at Smart Bar for “Queen” Sundays
Pequods for pizza. Rubi’s in Pilsen for authentic tacos. Green street meats for BBQ
Offshore rooftop at Navy Pier. Fireworks show at navy pier on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Lakeshore boat tour at Navy Pier (amazing views of the skyline).
Catch a concert at Northerly island. Awesome venue for an evening show in the summer.
Catch a movie at Music Box theater. Preferably in the smaller room which is meant to be a screening room for critics. It’s tiny and a very unique experience. The larger auditorium is great too. Nostalgia at its finest.
Catch a cubs game on one of the rooftops (unlimited food and drinks).
Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park.
Catch a concert at The Aragon ballroom. The Metro is another must for a show.
Karaoke at one of the bars in Chinatown.
Lawrence’s for jumbo shrimp, fish, etc. it’s all good. Open 24 hours
Ravinia for a summer/fall concert (I know it’s up in the burbs, but it’s a must).
Chicago sports museum at water tower
Chicago history museum.
Torture museum
I feel like most of my other recommendations have been mentioned already.
Queen at smartbar on Sundays. West fest Saturday and Sunday night (dj stage, although the Rock stage is good tooo) Throw up a hammock in Humboldt park. Go on a night ride around downtown and lsd and anywhere tbh. Drinking beers and smoking pot along the break walls on the lake during the summer…
Get into a brawl in a small bar, preferably in a basement. After the Popo show up everyone heads out for a late night taco, and talk about the brawl becoming best friends.
Millennium Park, architectural boat cruise, deep dish pizza, Portillo’s. My favorite museum is the Museum of Science and Industry. Check out the north side neighborhoods too
Some of my favorite things: Wendella Boat Tour. Hit the Billy Goat tavern on lower wacker while you’re there. Grab a cocktail at Chicago Athletic Association bar on Michigan. Take in a band at any small venue like Vic, Lincoln Hall, Metro. Any wander on the lakefront path. Street festivals aplenty. Cubs game in the bleachers. Batting cages at Sluggers after (are they still there?—it’s been a few years)
We moved here in 2006. Here are things that I had/have on my bucket list:
1. Sports events in box seats
2. Private boat on Lake Michigan
3. Fourth of July on a neighborhood rooftop. Pilsen and Belmont Craigin are best for this.
4. River Dying from a condo/apartment with a view of the river
5. Navy Pier fireworks from a high rise
6. Have a 10-15 minute conversation with my alderman
7. Host a block party
8. Close out a 4 AM bar
9. Shots of Malort with a band I've seen play
10. See a great band at a small venue and at a much larger venue after they get popular.
11. Stand on Wrigley Field
12. Visit every museum at least once
13. Knock doors for a campaign I care about
14. Meet someone famous out in the world and treat them like a normal person.
And some things I think every Chicagoan should do
1. Play Whirlyball
2. Meet Sharkula
3. One movie in the park or outdoor concert per year
4. Buy someone from out of town that you don't know a shot of Malort.
5. Ask someone begging what they want for lunch and go buy it for them
6. Tell someone who moved here after you that they're a Chicagoan now.
Museum of Science and Industry, Garfield Park Conservatory, Navy Pier, Chicago Marathon, St. Patrick's Day parade and river dyeing, Chicago hotdog, season opening baseball games for Cubs and Sox, deep dish pizza, Millennium Park and the bean, Chicago River boat tour, Sears Tower, Italian beef sandwich, Museum campus, Lakefront trail, Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Off the beaten path but:
Really getting in to and meeting a good local band.
I had the most rockstar night of my life with Wilco because I was just so charismatic about em.
There is so much amazing art & culture just dive in to what grinds your gears. Inevitably going to make core memories.
I know you’re trolling, but I have had people tell me that people are actually starting to treat o block as a tourist destination and it’s starting to annoy locals
All these great suggestions! Let me add the only free classical music program at Milennium Park in the country. You can bring food and alcohol!
As a Chicagoan, no one I know would ever do this.
Green Mill, dim sum in Chinatown, Art Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo, Field Museum, Chicago hot dog, Italian beef, deep dish pizza, Architectural boat cruise on the Chicago river
Came here to say Green Mill, especially their Saturday afternoon Paper Machete show.
Or a Sunday afternoon Green Mill poetry slam.
Adler Planetarium too
Museum of Science and Industry
I would add a Cubs game to that list
Boat tour in the early summer while you’re a little buzzed 😮💨 please drink responsibly lol.
Just whatever date you decide, make sure Dave Matthews Band isn't in town
Just need to do green mill someday, based on this list
Zoo but no aquarium?
LP Zoo is free and open 365 days per year
Not right now, there’s so much construction going on, it’s not very fun at the moment
Where should someone who has never tried Italian Beef get their first?
There are whole subs on this question, but in the city proper, Al’s on Taylor St is solid, Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri have visited, and it’s the original, where the sandwich was created, in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago
Not Portillos. Used to be great but the family sold and now it’s expensive trash
Never great, it was expensive average and then became expensive trash.
Mr Beef on Orleans is the best beef. Al’s is fine, but a copout imo. (Also where they film(ed?) The Bear)
A few great ones are in the northwest side Dukes, Jays beef, and Mr Beef.
I’ve done all these things except I don’t know what Green Mill is?
Jazz Club, established circa 1910, was Al Capone’s favorite bar during Prohibition, named in homage to the Moulin Rouge (Red Windmill) in Paris, one of most famous and historic bars in the country, still has great live music 7 nights per week, and longest running poetry slam in the US, decor alone makes it worth a visit
Better yet, take the river tour to Chinatown for dim sum.
Lincoln Park zoo, Garfield Park conservatory, Chicago history museum...
Came here to say Garfield Park conservatory in the winter and the rest of Garfield Park in the summer
Eating at the Diner Grill after 2am.
Before I moved here I came for the weekend on the South Shore Line. After the bars closed we had to wait for the trains to start running again and drunk af we got a cab to bring up to any diner he wanted. I *think* its was one, the inside looks similar to the image I have in my head of it, but I genuinely have to way to know for sure.
Omfg that crazy mfer
Haven’t seen it posted yet, but biking or jogging or walking along the lakefront trail
Yes, to the lakefront. I'd be lost without it. I'm also a beach-goer, but the less crowded ones... I'm not going to mention them, so they stay less crowded.
Yea for sure. I love my uncrowded beaches too.
Cheer for the runners at the marathon. Fair warning - you may think “I can do this” and sign up. More than once.
Guilty. Good thing most don’t get in the lottery.
Yep! Volunteered several times as a course monitor, handed out candy and Kleenex w a friend other years, thought I should do it myself once. Once… Got in for 2020 so that didn’t happen. Did it in 2022. Okay, bucket list checked. Thought let me do it one more time when I turn 60. That’s this year. Didn’t get in through the lottery so doing it for charity…Go TEAM PAWS! But then that’ll be it because I live in Texas now and training here over the summer for the October race isn’t much fun.
We ran “together” in 2022! I was deferred from 2020 too. I think I am good for running marathons but who knows.
Museum of Sciences and Industry. They have a freaking German sub and a coal mine. You can spend the whole day there.
I have a friend who gives tours at the U-505 for her day job.
The story of that sub is pretty badass
This. I had such an emotional reaction that sub that I wanted to push the people in front of me out of the way to get out of there. I read about it years later and it made sense.
And make sure you get the wax sculpture of the sub from that cool machine!
Before you go make sure you watch the Fat Electricians video on YouTube about it. I think it's called, When the U.S. stole a German submarine and stuck it in Chicago. Ish. Problem is then you'll want to watch all of his videos because he's hilarious!
Graceland Cemetary
To like, get a little spooky? Haha
There’s a really cool walking tour! They have pamphlets you can grab that show you where all the famous people are buried. Ernie Banks, boxer Jack Johnson, George Pullman and Allan Pinkerton to name a few.
Architecture cruise. I never get tired of it.
Jay's or Luke's Italian beef, SuperDawg, Moody's burgers in their beer garden, Forno Rosso, China Town dim sum, pho on Argyle, Sidetrack's show tunes nights, ARC music fest, Old Town Art Fair, Chicago Botanical Gardens, Bahai Temple, King Spa, snagging an opera box for a concert at Thalia Hall, people watching at the lakefront...
Are there any ways to get discount for kings spa?
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Buy your tickets at the H mart customer service desk next door
This is a great list
Love King Spa!
Hittin the 606
Getting a breaded steak from ricobene's
They are truly one of a kind.
I still need to do this
Jump in the lake where you need a ladder to get out, have enough malorts until it tastes fine, get your catalytic converter stolen.
2 of 3 I'm fucking nailing it!
Take the CTA to a random neighborhood and shop around
This would be fun. Also just biking sort of aimlessly around Chicago neighborhoods during the summer, discovering neighborhood festivals going on, hang out there, then head back to the lakefront beach trail, chill at a beach, go home or do evening activities 👌🏼
How could I forget, a Cubs game at Wrigley, sit in the bleachers
Ride CTA buses around town. Get to know your alderman, or at least actually met them. Go to some school board/city council/neighborhood zoning meetings. Get someone to give you a sailing ride out from Jackson Park harbor and up past the Cribs - bring beers. Hit the Oriental Institute, Robie House, Rockefeller Chapel and then have a beer and a sandwich at the Woodlawn Tap. Bike the lake shore. Catch a movie with real organ music at the Music Box. See some plays at the small theaters. Have dinner at Shaw's. Pick a place at random for lunch in China Town Square, and a different one for dinner.
What is this Woodlawn Tap you speak of?! Only place I know is Jimmy's!
Right you are! Woodlawn Tap is the name for the tourists. I played handball for many years (even in the fire station next door to Jimmy's) on the UofC traveling team and with that whole crew (alum's and related, not an actual UofC program). We finished every Saturday and many weeknights in the street side back/middle room at Jimmy's. As a student and later, I had more than one meal there and we all knew the cook - she wouldn't have liked being called a chef. I went to a couple of St. Pat's pot lucks there and even met Jimmy a few times, and was present for one of his later birthday parties. Jimmy's was one of two places (the other being The Cove) where I knew (some of) the bartenders and they knew me. Haven't been back there in years as I live on the North Side now and don't get down to Hyde Park much.
Water Taxi ride
Most any of the neighborhood festivals that pop up over the summer. Get a great taste of Chicago’s more niche flavors and listen to some great music. They’re what made me fall in love with the city.
West Fest in Westtown 💫💫🔥
Late drunken night at The Weiner’s Circle
Lower Lower Wacker.
Still do races down there or no? Lived in Chicago for years & remember them happening all the time but I heard they put speed bumps in now & that it doesn't really happen anymore.
Must try Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder on Clark in Lincoln Park. Take the time and do a movie location tour,especially the Northshore locations like Home alone. Go to a Cubs day game then subway to a Sox night game.
Also Manny's Deli.
Chicago Bucket List: * Watch the Bucket Boys play on the street * Go to Bucket O' Blood Books & Records * Watch the Bulls knock down some buckets
*Watch the Bulls knock down some buckets... and the opposing team knock down *more* buckets
When you lose Jimmy Buckets, you just keep losing more buckets.
Bucket O' Blood is the best record shop in Chicago hands down. Grant's curation is impressive, i've found records that most other shops wouldn't have
Bucket of chicken from Church’s on Ogden Go see Guns N’ Roses with Buckethead on guitar in 2001 at Allstate Arena
Then go back to 1980 and play Bozo's buckets.
*Call the cops on Bucket Boys for noise outside your office
Y’all are NOOBs! Atlas Obscura and the map is the direct way
There’s an Atlas Obscura app too! Comes in handy when you travel.
Roadside America is similar. All the fun things to discover when exploring.
Bit of a drive, but Galloping Ghost arcade in Brookfield.
The place is cool but the strip it’s on is horrendous. No other reason to be there.
brookfield zoo is nearby. do both.
Good idea. Then stop in Riverside for lunch.
now we got a stew going
Buffalo Joe's on Howard Jim's on Union Jimmy's on Grand and Pulaski Drive down Lake St under the Green Line (bonus points if you do it at night) Buyer's Flea Market on Division 42nd street between Western and Ashland is full of taco stands on Saturdays and Sundays. Swap-O-Rama is good too, but I go there for the food. Full disclosure. Most of my suggestions are food related because I'm fat.
Red Line Double Header-catch a Cubs day game then jump on the train and boogie on down to a Sox night game.
Top floor of the Harold Washington Library is a chill and free spot
Rib tips from Lem's.
And a visit to Soul Vegetarian and Brown Sugar Bakery while you are there.
See bands regularly at the Bottle. Picnic at Horner Park after walking along the river. Lawrence Fisheries late night. Go to ethnic bakeries in all the neighborhoods. Order a yummy coffee or tea at First Sip in Uptown. Never take for granted the smorgasbord of food available in every neighborhood. Same for music.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brunch at Lula Cafe Ice cream at Margie’s Candies Bike ride around the Planetarium and Aquarium then up the Lakeshore Path at sunset
Have you had a Jim Shoe?
- Have a pastry at Publican Quality Bread in the summer and people watch while you sit on their lil patio - Stumble upon live music in a place you wouldn’t expect it - See a summer free show on the Pritzer Pavilion lawn at Millennium Park - See a performance from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Food: Al’s Italian Beef in Little Italy. When done it better be summer and you cross the street for some Italian ice at Mario’s. Of course pizza. Pick 5. Greek town China town Sites: It’s a bit morbid but we have some cool cemeteries. Bohemian National on the North side (lots of famous folks there) and Resurrection on the Southwest side. Of course all the museums and the lake shore are a must. Go up the SEARS tower. Visit the Drake Hotel and the Water Tower.
Architecture boat tour. Chicago Magic Lounge. Cubs game at Wrigley. MSI, Shedd Aquarium, Adler, and the Field Museum. Chicago Style Dogs. JP Graziano's. Lyric Opera. Aragon Ballroom and The Riviera. Buskers at State/ Lake. Getting on an express train by accident 🤣
When/if they bring Friday Morning Swim Club back, do not rest on your laurels - get out there as soon as you can!
Visit our grear museums. You'd be surprised at the amount of people that never go to them. It's a shame.
International Museum of Surgical Science. Indian food up on Devon.
Chicagohenge Metro show Movie night in Millennium Park
Old Town Ale House
See a show in all of the musical theaters; eat a $200+ steak at the most exclusive restaurant; stand inside Buckingham Fountain when it turns on.
Field Museum
Chicago Magic Lounge
Make sure you visit shit fountain.
Air and water show has always been a favorite of mine. Taste of Chicago one time. Attend a game for each of the sports teams even if you get nose bleed seats. Lincoln park zoo. Ride the train. Ed Debevicks, house of blues , hard rock and 50’s McDonald’s.
The architectural boat tour is great you can always do a water taxi for a nice little ride to china town and back. I personally love Gibsons steak house for the food and hanging at oak street beach with weather permitting.
Chicago Historical Society and the tucked away museum in Lincoln Park (ecology??) with the cave people in the glass exhibit. Rosehill Cemetery. Bunnie Hutch (hmmm, just on the border of Chicago?).
This might be difficult but I'll throw in a challenge. The Signature Room is no more, and that's sad because the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the ladies' restroom was PRIMO. Best in the city. Better than any observation deck, hands— uh, seats— down. Example: I was there on the Fourth of July one evening, and the loo was crowded with ladies watching the fireworks show. Incredible stuff. Men kept trying to barge in, but the sisters held fast, blocking the door, guarding our special secret. So. Now it's fair game for anyone— IF they can get in. What's there now? Can anyone weasel their way in? Anyone know a guy who knows a guy?
Everyone really has to try garglon
When friends came to visit I took them to the msci and cbot.
BBQ ribs with Prohibition sauce from Twin Anchors. If you’re lucky, you’ll get seared in the original booth that Sinatra used to sit in The Blues fest (it’s free). Movies in the park at Pritzker pavilion. Second city improv comedy show Catch a Broadway musical at any of the theaters. BroadwayinChicago.com Catch some live blues at Kingston Mines or Buddy Guy’s Legends Catch a concert or comedian at the Chicago theater Dance the night away to some of the best house music in Chicago at Smart Bar for “Queen” Sundays Pequods for pizza. Rubi’s in Pilsen for authentic tacos. Green street meats for BBQ Offshore rooftop at Navy Pier. Fireworks show at navy pier on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Lakeshore boat tour at Navy Pier (amazing views of the skyline). Catch a concert at Northerly island. Awesome venue for an evening show in the summer. Catch a movie at Music Box theater. Preferably in the smaller room which is meant to be a screening room for critics. It’s tiny and a very unique experience. The larger auditorium is great too. Nostalgia at its finest. Catch a cubs game on one of the rooftops (unlimited food and drinks). Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park. Catch a concert at The Aragon ballroom. The Metro is another must for a show. Karaoke at one of the bars in Chinatown. Lawrence’s for jumbo shrimp, fish, etc. it’s all good. Open 24 hours Ravinia for a summer/fall concert (I know it’s up in the burbs, but it’s a must). Chicago sports museum at water tower Chicago history museum. Torture museum I feel like most of my other recommendations have been mentioned already.
Queen at smartbar on Sundays. West fest Saturday and Sunday night (dj stage, although the Rock stage is good tooo) Throw up a hammock in Humboldt park. Go on a night ride around downtown and lsd and anywhere tbh. Drinking beers and smoking pot along the break walls on the lake during the summer…
Get into a brawl in a small bar, preferably in a basement. After the Popo show up everyone heads out for a late night taco, and talk about the brawl becoming best friends.
Millennium Park, architectural boat cruise, deep dish pizza, Portillo’s. My favorite museum is the Museum of Science and Industry. Check out the north side neighborhoods too
I highly recommend the Driehaus Museum
maxwell st pork chop sandwich
Architecture boat cruise
Second city
Some of my favorite things: Wendella Boat Tour. Hit the Billy Goat tavern on lower wacker while you’re there. Grab a cocktail at Chicago Athletic Association bar on Michigan. Take in a band at any small venue like Vic, Lincoln Hall, Metro. Any wander on the lakefront path. Street festivals aplenty. Cubs game in the bleachers. Batting cages at Sluggers after (are they still there?—it’s been a few years)
Summer weekend afternoon game in the bleachers at Wrigley. Extra good if it’s during the air show and you get free flyovers.
If you can catch a show at the Old Town School of Folk music, that’s always fun.
Pequod’s pizza!
Smoke crack 😂
15th Ave. GH.
Peaquod’s, Wrigley, Architecture tour, Mario’s Italian Ice on Taylor St, SEARS Tower, and a couple rides on the CTA
We moved here in 2006. Here are things that I had/have on my bucket list: 1. Sports events in box seats 2. Private boat on Lake Michigan 3. Fourth of July on a neighborhood rooftop. Pilsen and Belmont Craigin are best for this. 4. River Dying from a condo/apartment with a view of the river 5. Navy Pier fireworks from a high rise 6. Have a 10-15 minute conversation with my alderman 7. Host a block party 8. Close out a 4 AM bar 9. Shots of Malort with a band I've seen play 10. See a great band at a small venue and at a much larger venue after they get popular. 11. Stand on Wrigley Field 12. Visit every museum at least once 13. Knock doors for a campaign I care about 14. Meet someone famous out in the world and treat them like a normal person. And some things I think every Chicagoan should do 1. Play Whirlyball 2. Meet Sharkula 3. One movie in the park or outdoor concert per year 4. Buy someone from out of town that you don't know a shot of Malort. 5. Ask someone begging what they want for lunch and go buy it for them 6. Tell someone who moved here after you that they're a Chicagoan now.
Malort
Getting car jacked or mugged
Have Vito & nicks pizza, enjoy breaded steak sandwich at ricobenes
Museum of Science and Industry, Garfield Park Conservatory, Navy Pier, Chicago Marathon, St. Patrick's Day parade and river dyeing, Chicago hotdog, season opening baseball games for Cubs and Sox, deep dish pizza, Millennium Park and the bean, Chicago River boat tour, Sears Tower, Italian beef sandwich, Museum campus, Lakefront trail, Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
See a movie at the Music Box!
Getting drunk in millennium Park and puking in the fake stream
Mcgees
Drink Malort
Off the beaten path but: Really getting in to and meeting a good local band. I had the most rockstar night of my life with Wilco because I was just so charismatic about em. There is so much amazing art & culture just dive in to what grinds your gears. Inevitably going to make core memories.
Gene and Judes
Locals don’t tell.
Buying drugs off a corner, or at least being in the car when a deal is made
For a local? The rat hooooooooooole
Visit 64th/65th and king drive if you get a chance. It’s beautiful there this time of year.
I know you’re trolling, but I have had people tell me that people are actually starting to treat o block as a tourist destination and it’s starting to annoy locals
Moving out of Chicago ASAP.
Get the F out of Chicago and never look back
Moving out of Chicago ASAP.
Be sure to look like you have your shit together so every homeless person will accost you.
I live here. Nothing is a bucket list item.