With Los Angeles holding down the West Coast and New York acting as the crown jewel of the East, Chicago is situated in between the two and serves as a beacon of culture, entertainment, food and more for the people of the Midwest. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago truly is one of America’s most iconic cities and it’s easy to see why once you experience it. Here are some hidden gems to check out in the Windy City’s many neighborhoods.
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Best under-the-radar restaurants in Chicago
It doesn’t matter what type of food you’re craving, Chicago has what you’re looking for.
Antique Taco
With locations in Bridgeport, The Loop and Wicker Park, Antique Taco has become a local Chicago favorite for fresh margaritas and creative yet authentic tacos in a welcoming environment. This hipster hangout has all the South-of-the-border staples you’d expect to see plus inventive offerings like cheese curds, creamed elote and more. Stop by and see for yourself, Antique Taco is an entirely unique eatery ideal for a quiet lunch on your own or the kickoff to a big night out on the town.
Au Cheval and Small Cheval
Au Cheval is an upscale diner-style restaurant that known for its legendary burgers. The menu also includes classics like fried bologna sandwiches and matzo ball soup alongside more upscale offerings like bone marrow and foie gras. Au Cheval operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As such, it’s best visited on a weekday or during off hours on a weekend as the line to dine at this Chicago hidden gem can get pretty long.
Small Cheval is an offshoot of Au Cheval that offers a stripped-down menu compared to its big brother. Small Cheval specializes in burgers and serves them up to Chicago locals out of their five locations in Hyde Park, Wicker Park, Old Town, Riverside and Gold Coast.
Majani
It doesn’t matter if you follow a vegan diet or not, the food at Majani is simply great. Located in South Shore,, Majani serves up soulful vegan cuisine in a fast-casual setting. Not many people think vegan when they think about southern food but Majani turns that on its head entirely. Known for barbecue cauliflower wings, cornbread and oyster mushroom tacos, Majani does it all well and will have you coming back for more.
Girl & The Goat
Founded by modern culinary icon, Stephanie Izard, Girl & The Goat is an intimate and upscale New American restaurant in the Fulton Market neighborhood. A local of the Chicagoland area, Stephanie leverages her roots in the community to create seasonally-inspired eats. If you’re looking for something that feels more like an experience than a meal, Girl & the Goat should sit atop your list.
Pro tip: While Girl and The Goat is only open from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), Izard also operates the restaurant directly across the street, Little Goat Diner, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dove’s Luncheonette
Dove’s Luncheonette is a Tex-Mex diner in the heart of Wicker Park. Open for breakfast and lunch, Dove’s is known for their unbeatable burnt ends hash, hearty breakfast platters and sensational sides, not to mention a mean Bloody Mary. Saddle up to the stainless steel bar or find a stool at the window and watch the day go by, you can’t go wrong if you’re at Dove’s.
The Goddess and Grocer
The Goddess and Grocer is a boutique cafe that serves up made-to-order sandwiches and salads in addition to a small selection of prepared gourmet food and drinks. Loved for its salad bar, rotating selection of soups and rainbow cake by the slice, Goddess and Grocer is the perfect place for a pitstop on a busy day.
Devil Dawgs
Nobody does Chicago hot dogs like Devil Dawgs. First launched steps away from the DePaul campus in 2010, Devil Dawgs has expanded throughout the city and now boasts four locations in Wicker Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast and Printer’s Row. Known for its Chicago-style hot dogs(do not ask for ketchup), namesake devil dawgs, and Fox Valley Farm Shakes, Devil Dawgs does Chicago proud with its most famous delicacy.
J.P. Graziano Grocery
It doesn’t get much more Chicago than J.P. Graziano. A staple in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood since 1937, this artisan Italian market has a small selection of groceries as well as some of the best sub sandwiches in the city. If you’re looking for a Chicago deli that doesn’t mess around, J.P. Graziano Grocery is the spot for you.
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Great spots to grab a drink in Chicago
Here are some of the best spots to kick back and enjoy a craft cocktail or cold beer in Chicago.
Cindy’s Rooftop
Cindy’s Rooftop is the crown jewel that sits atop the legendary Chicago Athletic Association building. Elevated both in its decor and actual location off the ground, Cindy’s boasts arguably the best views of Millennium Park and The Bean. Whether you’re sitting down for a delicious meal or enjoying an artisan cocktail and a great view of the Windy City, you can’t go wrong at Cindy’s
Emporium Arcade and Bar
Emporium has three locations throughout Chicago: Logan Square, Wicker Park and Fulton Market. This fun-focused bar is always stocked with decades of games, dozens of beers, a deep selection of spirits and plenty of space to hang out with your friends and find out who the ultimate gamer is in your group. From pool to Pac-Man and everything in between, Emporium is designed for good times and is a must-see for fun seekers.
The Drifter
The Drifter is a speakeasy located underneath the Green Door Tavern in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Known for artisan cocktails, eclectic circus-themed decor and unique live performances every week, this bar is something entirely its own. The cocktail menu is chosen by the team each night by picking out a selection of tarot cards with drink names on them. This ensures you’ll never have the same experience twice at this underground watering hole.
Revolution Brewing
If you’ve visited any of the restaurants mentioned above, odds are you saw some Revolution Brewing beers on the menu. That’s because people all throughout the city love this homegrown brewery. Founded in 2010 in Avondale, Revolution has grown to become Illinois’ largest independently-owned craft brewing company. Always adjusting to the evolving tastes of the beer-drinking community, the team at Revolution is constantly innovating its offerings and keeping Chicago atop the list of America’s best beer cities.
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Fantastic Chicago coffee shops
There’s a lot to do in Chicago. Here are some of the top spots to get your caffeine fix before your take on the day.
The Wormhole
Ever been in a coffee shop that has a DeLorean as a decoration? The Wormhole is an undeniably charming coffee shop and cafe with an appealing ’80s theme. A nostalgic nerd’s idea of what a coffee shop should be, The Wormhole is the perfect place to start your day and an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle on a cold Chicago day.
Sip of Hope
Want to feel good about getting your morning cup of coffee? Stop by Sip of Hope Coffee in Logan Square. This shop serves up high-quality brews and fresh pastries and gives 100 percent of the proceeds to suicide prevention and mental health education. If that weren’t enough, they do it all from a hip space that is conducive to creativity and designed for communal connection.
Metric Coffee
Fresh pastries, patio seating (during the warmer months) and talented baristas behind the bar are just a few of the things that make Metric Coffee one of West Town’s best-kept secrets. The people behind Metric firmly believe in transparency and fairness in every aspect of the global coffee industry and only work with established partners to achieve their twofold goal of “quality coffee and people over profit.”
Sputnik Coffee Company
Small but mighty, Sputnik Coffee Company has quickly become a favorite in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Known for its passionate team, quality beans and Cold War-era space race-inspired branding, Sputnik is a truly special place. If you find yourself in the shop, expect good vibes, great people and something tasty to sip.
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Great places to catch a live show in Chicago
As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is not short on performance talent or stage space. Here are a few of the best places to catch a live show in Chicago.
The Hideout
The Hideout is a Prohibition-era bar that hosts live music of all genres, comedy shows and more. This hidden gem looks like a house when you walk up to it, but once you’re inside you enter a bar that you can tell has a history that you’re lucky to be taking part in it — even if just for a drink or two. Beloved by locals for its intimate setting and eclectic display of talent, The Hideout is a great place to catch a live show you won’t find anywhere else.
Kingston Mines
Blasting out the best blues music Chicago, Kingston Mines has been setting the standard for stage talent in Chicago since 1968. This dual-stage Lincoln Park blues club serves up killer barbecue, beer by the bucket and timeless blues jams. Kingston Mines is always a safe bet for a fun night out.
Blue Chicago
The second blues club to grace this list of Chicago hidden gems, Blue Chicago is a small 21-and-over blues venue that hosts some of Chicago’s most talented musicians. Don’t let what can be a more touristy crowd deter you from giving this small club a chance. The talent on stage is always top-tier and never disappoints.
Second City
Second City is more of a Chicago institution than it is a hidden gem. But it makes this list nonetheless because it is one of those places that you just have to see, regardless of how much (or little) time you plan on spending in Chicago. A stepping stone for comedy legends like John Belushi, Joan Rivers, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows, Steve Carell and so many more, if you’re a comedy fan you should stop by and pay homage. Be sure to buy tickets to shows at this Old Town theater ahead of time as many shows sell out in advance.
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The best outdoor activities in Chicago
Please note, the options below are seasonally dependent. Chicago is like two different cities in the warmer and colder months.
The Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Typically open from the middle of November to the first couple weeks in March (weather permitting), The Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park may be the best outdoor city skating venue in the country. As the name implies, The Ribbon is not a traditional skating rink and is more like a winding, rolling pathway around the climbing walls and playgrounds at Maggie Daley Park.
Chicago River Walk
The Chicago River Walk is a public path along the south bank of the Chicago River. The River Walk is peppered with restaurants, bars and kayak rentals that will help you soak up some of the best ground-level views of the city. Whether you’re looking for a nice spot to enjoy a midday cup of coffee, kicking back with a glass of wine and a few friends or getting one of the best workouts you can while kayaking the river, the Chicago River Walk has a lot to offer people of all interests.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo that is home to a diverse selection of animals and employs a passionate staff to take care of them. The zoo is surrounded by Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours outside with your young ones. A great place for animal lovers, botany fans and anyone who likes being outside, LPZ is the place to be on a nice day in Chicago.
Chicago is where it’s at
It doesn’t matter what your interests are or how you like to spend your free time, Chicago has something to offer. From world-class restaurants to artisan cocktails to coffee, there’s no questioning it, Chicago is a great place to call home.
