#chicago guide

[libraryofexplore]

Chicago Bucket List | Chicago Guide and places you should definitely go

Chicago Guide and places you should definitely go. Chicago Bucket List.

[libraryofexplore]

Chicago Bucket List | Chicago Guide and places you should go

[wandertrixxtarr]

Chicago Guide - Top Five Fun Facts

Chicago Guide – Top Five Fun Facts

By Danny Brown

1. Third largest city in the United States

The name ‘Windy City’ may be known throughout the world but the fact that Chicago is the third largest city in the United States may not. Trailing only a few short steps behind New York City and Los Angeles, Chicago enjoys a rising number of tourists from all around the world, with 55 million visitors last year, a…

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[thekittchen]

A Birthday Staycation at the Union League Club Chicago

I started my birthday celebration with a Staycation at the Union League Club of Chicago - read all about it here

My birthday was the perfect excuse to take a little staycation. Sometimes it is so nice to check into a hotel for some pampering without the hassle of traveling to a different city. We checked into the Union League Club in Chicago’s Loop on Halloween where I got to rest and relax leading up to my birthday. When I checked in, I was met by Jared Wike who gave me a full tour of the 130 year old…

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[thekittchen]

The Ultimate Chicago Travel Guide

After 9 years in Chicago I am sharing the Ultimate Chicago Travel Guide no the blog today! #travel #chicago

I have been in Chicago for nine years – and I have FINALLY gotten around to creating the ultimate Chicago Travel Guide! Here is a list of where to stay and eat, plus the best events, music festivals, museums, and things to do. Use this list to plan a vacation or if you live in Chicago use it to inspire you to explore new parts of the city. Where to Stay Loews Hotel – A new hotel right in the Loop…

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[thekittchen]

A Guide to Chicago's Old Town

Today I am sharing a Guide to Chicago's Old Town - where to eat, what to do, and where to shop! #Chicago

I have lived in Old Town for nearly two years, so I think it is time that I tell you a bit about the neighborhood. I have gathered up information on all my favorite things to do in Old Town, including where to eat, where to work out, and where to shop. Restaurants: Honestly, Old Town could use some more restaurants. There are lots of bars/restaurants, but we need some nicer places. For the…

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[thekittchen]

2 Chicago Staycations

Pack your bags! Today we are venturing out on 2 VERY DIFFERENT Chicago Staycations. Join the fun here:

Pack your bags! We are heading out on two Chicago staycations. At first I thought that the idea of a staycation was silly. Why pay money to stay in a city you live in? I wasn’t quite sold on the idea of a staycation, but I booked a room for us at the Soho House on New Years Eve, and I quickly changed my mind. Since then we have ventured out on another staycation, in a very different part of the…

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[inthethickofit]

InTheThickofIt guide to Logan Square, Chicago

I get a lot of requests about what to do in Chicago.  It's a huge city.  I'm going to be doing a few neighborhood guides.  

My first guide features Logan Square - a great neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago - accessible by the California and Logan Square stops on the Blue Line. The neighborhood was started by Danish and Norwegan settlers in the 1830s, but has been a changing neighborhood with significant Polish, Puerto Rican and Mexican populations in recent years. Besides the actual square (at milwaukee/kedzie/logan) there are many beautiful parks in the area and some gorgeous churches built in the late 1800s.  If you're looking for both cultural significance, beautiful relaxing green spaces, and great food/shopping - Logan is a great place to spend the day. 

These are just a few of the many places to eat, drink and shop in Logan.  I assure you there are many many more.  I'm just featuring my favorites!

COFFEE

gaslight roasters - 2385 N Milwaukee Ave - a beautiful space to have unique locally roasted coffee.  warning, there are no decaf espresso options.

intelligentsia - 2642 North Milwaukee Avenue - a chicago classic, the new logan square location is a gorgeous glass-window setting with tin-ceiling interior. They offer a wide variety of pour-over, espresso, and teas. many decaf options availble and great pastries

RECORDS

logan hardware - 2410 W Fullerton - the unusual name of this record store comes from the face that it used to be located in the old logan hardware store.  It has since moved to a new and larger shop, but the name remains.  They have a fantastic selection of both new and used records, but also cassettes, audio equipment, and VIDEO GAMES.  Additionally there is a huge FREE arcade filled with 1980s/classic arcade games and pinball.  You can easily spend an entire afternoon here.

bucket o blood - 2307 N Milwaukee Ave - this great locally owned shop carries horror/fantasy/sci-fi books and lots of used new wave/indie records.  i love the weird finds i come across there.

FOOD

chicago diner  - 2333 N Milwaukee Ave - this vegetarian staple in chicago has a new location in logan square.  they've got their usual vegan fare and delicious "milkshakes" but also a full bar with fantastic cocktails.  A must for any vegetarian/vegan (and frankly i think anyone will appreciate)

ground control - 3315 W Armitage Ave - another vegetarian restaurant in logan, but this one has both vegetarain AND vegan fare.  Great food, super cute atmosphere.

bang bang pie - 2051 N California Ave - a pie shop that also serves amazing buttery biscuits.  I know.  Amazing. They have a variety of toppings for the biscuits including vegetarian gravy, regular gravy, ham, cheese, homemade butters and jams. Plus PIE! They've got a great outdoor space to sit in if it's warm enough!

lula cafe - 2537 N Kedzie Blvd - this is farm-to-table dining at a price that won't kill. It's been around for a long time and they just keep getting better.  Recently they expanded their space to include a gorgeous bar with crafted cocktails. They have lots of options for both meat eaters and vegetarian (I personally recommend the 6-course vegetarian tasting menu which is usually $45). It's also a hit for brunch.  Make sure to check out the artwork, which changes often

reno - 2607 N Milwaukee Ave - if you're looking for something easy for lunch or brunch, reno has great easy pizzas and salads.  It's got a very farm-to-table flair, but again the prices won't break the bank. 

SHOPPING

fleur - 3149 W Logan Blvd - this technically is a floral shop, but with all the amazing home goods (candles, stationary, ornaments) and easily portable plants, you'll surely find something here to please yourself or a friend

shop 1021 - 2650 N Milwaukee Ave - this shop features hand-picked gifts, stationary, cute ephemera.  it's well curated and a must-see.

galerie f - 2381 N Milwaukee Ave - this is part gallery, part shop.  They feature well-known national and local screen printers on their walls, but also they offer hundreds of prints by those artists for sale. Think Flatstock on a smaller scale.  they also have cool events, so make sure to check out their FB if you're planning a visit

farmers market - in the square - on SUNDAYS between may and october the farmers market is the place to be.  A huge variety of things from local booze, local honey, fruits/veg and lots of food carts. There is a winter market location - check this page for more details.

wolfbait - 3131 W Logan Blvd - this shop has so many different kinds of items - jewelry, stationary, clothing, great gifts.  they've got a lot of chicago-themed stuff that isn't the traditional souvenier, which is great for anyone visiting.

uncharted books - 2630 N Milwaukee Ave - this great used bookstore is a must-stop on your logan square tour.  plus it's owned by the partner of a fellow femme plus size person that I love. they host lots of events too - make sure to check out their page to see what is happening!

DRINKS

the whistler - 2421 N Milwaukee Ave - this is the bar that really started the craft cocktail scene in logan square.  They've got an amazing bar and back patio.  Additionally, they host lots of great music nights, including several queer events each month.  Very LGBTQ friendly. 

the owl - 2521 N Milwaukee Ave - it's kinda divey and dank, but has great cocktails and music.  It's right on the square, so it's hard to miss.

OTHER MENTIONS

Taqueria moran - 2226 N California Ave - big ass burritos and great salsa

Cozy Diner - 2294 N Milwaukee Ave - true diner style food, fantastic pancakes and eggs

Revolution Brewery - 2323 N Milwaukee Ave - locally brewed beer and fantastic upscale(ish) bar food

the Gap OUTLET - 2778 N Milwaukee Ave -  they carry larger sizes (up to 18/20) which aren't true plus, but it's still a good inexpensive resource

Butterfat Tattoo - My tattoo artist runs this beautiful space.  It's by appointment only and good luck getting one, but i would be silly not to mention it. Plus there are often lots of guests that come in and do have spots available!

And dont' forget to check out the amazing mural/graff art all over logan square.