Doug Sohn presides over Hot Doug's, his self-described "sausage superstore and encased meat emporium," where he riffs on the classic Chicago hotdog with free-form franks like Calvados Smoked Duck Sausage with Morello Cherry Mustard.
3324 North California Avenue
(773) 279-9550
The pared-down sister to adjacent Blackbird, avec is a simple space of rich wood, perfect to highlight Koren Grieveson's wine-inspired cooking. The James Beard-award winner sends out focused, clear flavors designed to support the acclaimed list of lesser-known, rare and vintage bottlings.
615 West Randolph Street
(312) 377-2002
The Publican's rustic farmhouse fare emphasizes sustainably raised seafood, heirloom breed pork, and produce from the heartland. Incorporating style elements from grand European beer halls, there are frosted glass globe lights hanging over burnished wooden communal tables, and a perforated brass bar top serving small producer brews.
837 West Fulton Market
(312) 733-9555
Originally built in 1912 as a warming shelter for ice skaters in Lincoln Park, an exquisite Arts and Craft style setting and fine seasonal fare.
2610 North Cannon Drive
(773) 477-5845
Located on historic Printer's Row, naturally raised meats accessorized with imaginative steakhouse sides.
500 South Dearborn Street
(312) 523-0200
Lulu Café's independent spirit shows up in artisan ingredients and Monday night farm dinner.
2537 North Kedzie Boulevard
(773) 489-9554
Cruise the Mexican food stalls for authentic tamales and horchata.
640 West Roosevelt Road
(312) 745-4676
Brace yourself for innovative celebrity chef Grant Achatz's legendary Mecca of molecular gastronomy.
1723 North Halsted Street
(312) 867-0110
Simple rustic cuisine features a seasonal mid-western menu with Mediterranean roots.
2152 North Damen Avenue
(773) 862-5555
Chicago's famous mountain of meat sandwich, dripping juices and a spicy pickled relish called "Giardiniera."
666 North Orleans Street
(312) 266-8251
Like meeting up with an old friend: classic bistro food with honest, fresh flavors and locally sourced products.
3404 North Halsted Street
(773) 661-0299
Impeccable re-imagined dumplings and noodles in a casual setting.
3053 North California Avenue
(773) 583-0500
Pies with thin crusts that emerge blistered and crispy from an 800° F coal-fired oven.
1321 West Grand Avenue
(312) 226-2625
Masquerading as a honky-tonk taqueria, another popular restaurant from James Beard Award winner Paul Kahan.
1531 North Damen Avenue
(773) 235-4039
Located at the intersection of State and Lake, the very heart of Chicago's Loop, The Wit tops off its 27 floor green glass tower with a roof lounge accessorized by outdoor fire pits and mesmerizing views. In addition to total business accommodations, including a digital screening room, and heater, you'll also get welcome little touches like a key card printed with a neighborhood map and warm cookies. Request your wake-up call from a famous Chicago character like Barack Obama or Al Capone, recorded by Second City actors.
201 North State Street
(312) 467-0200
Designed by architect Lucien Lagrange in 20's Parisian style, The Elysian's mission of reviving a bygone era of ultra elegant travel is evident in their attention to details, such as the stately, circular and cobbled courtyard entrance, Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens, and Carrera marble soak tubs. The 14,000 square foot spa is luxury plus plus, with all the imaginable pampering services, including, a mosaic-tiled lap pool and men's atelier offering the traditional wet shave.
11 East Walton Street
(312) 646-1300
Overlooking Lake Michigan at the base of Magnificent Mile and designed in Italian renaissance style, The Drake Hotel was conceived by its founders The Drake brothers as one of the first urban resorts. Opened on New Year's Eve 1920, it has been well upgraded into a full service luxury hotel without sacrificing its historical splendor.
140 East Walton Street
(312) 787-2200
Although considered a modern boutique hotel, The James has a residential vibe, setting a new standard by offering classic hospitality and luxurious amenities including top-notch techno gadgetry, spa-like bathrooms, and extensive gym facilities. There's 24/7 concierge service and when you stay in a loft or studio, lacking a city view, watch the artwork projected on the inner courtyard walls after dark.
55 East Ontario Street
(312) 337-1000
Named after the Sanskrit word that means "the pleasure of giving," Dana Hotel and Spa combines natural elements like a ground floor entrance anchored by an undulating timber wall, hand-hewn ecologically sustainable Jarrah wood floors, and Egyptian cotton sheets with modern technology, including flat screen TVs and complimentary wireless. The floor-to-ceiling windows filter natural light into the glass door shower rooms, outfitted with Italian rain shower fixtures.
660 North State Street
(312) 202-6000
The Burnham Hotel is set in the former Reliance Building, one of Chicago's most significant architectural landmarks completed in 1895 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. The renovation left historical details like the filigreed elevator grills intact and set an opulent scene in the guest-rooms with richly colored furniture and gold leaf accents with all the contemporary amenities.
1 West Washington Street
(312) 782-1111
Named after her favorite plaid, owner Julie Fernstrom describes her home decor style as "Ralph Lauren meets a Paris flea market."
5219 North Clark Street
(773) 271-3501
Former lawyer Adam Beltzman envisioned Haberdash as a return to the golden days of shopping in the traditional one-stop men's store of yesteryear. He knows just how mix it up, from weekend to workday clothing, shoes and accessories, all paired with exceptional customer service tailored to the modern man.
1350 North Wells Street
(312) 440-1300
For nearly thirty years, Salvage One has saved architectural elements from the wrecking ball. The warehouse store of over 60,000 feet stocks everything from antique doorknobs to marble fireplaces and limestone columns as well garden and landscaping accents.
1840 West Hubbard Street
(312) 733-0098
Top modern brands and plenty of well-kept vintage.
1528 North Milwaukee Avenue
(773) 276-7002
Set against a background with a little antique vibe, the chocolate brown ottomans and Persian rugs turn Aberle into the accessories closet of your dreams. It's all about fashion-forward shoes, bags and jewelry, plus wonderfully interesting little treasures that can become your signature.
101 West Webster Street
(773) 477-1101
Well-crafted shoes specializing in high style for larger sizes.
2031 North Damen Avenue
(773) 235-7150
Refinished refurbished vintage furniture and colorful modern accessories.
5225 North Clark Street
(773) 907-9800
The new and the old, the city and the country, in an eclectic mix of unique vintage finds.
5137 North Clark Street
(773) 334-0400
The store's own handmade books, boxes, stationary and cards, as well as paper work from independent artists and designers.
4658 North Damen Avenue
(773) 975-3570
Top women's fashion and accessories from local and high-line designers.
1643 North Damen Avenue
(773) 862-4523
A jewel box of elegant women's fashion.
1645 North Damen Avenue
(773) 252-3838
Resale store with perpetually rotating picks for men and women.
1459 North Milwaukee Ave
(773) 489-5576
A fashion forward showcase for emerging designers.
1951 West Division Street
(773) 342-0093
A hodgepodge of home finds with a country feel.
5634 North Clark Street
(773) 506-0406
Housewares, gifts, and fashion with flare from young and under-represented designers.
1913 West Division Street
(773) 395-2351
A new wave general store mixing home goods, accessories, and fine apothecary products.
900 North Michigan Avenue
(312) 423-1568
With seasonal indoor and outdoor locations, The Green City Market at Lincoln Park gathers the bounty from area fields and farms as well as traditional homesteading products, like local honey, jams, pickles, artisan cheese, and old-fashion baked goods. There are demonstrations from Chicago celebrity chefs like Rick Bayless and lots and lots of people. Come early and bring your own tote bags.
2430 North Cannon Drive
(773) 880-1266
You don't have to be a sports fanatic to take a tour of Wrigley Field, historic home of the Chicago Cubs, named after one-time Cubs owner and chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley. The park, known for its ivy covered brick outfield walls planted in 1937 by the Cubs General Manager Bill Veeck, housed the first permanent concession stand in baseball and was the last major league ballpark to install night-lights. Located at the corner of Clark and Addison Streets on the North Side, it is surrounded by a neighborhood known as Wrigleyville.
1060 West Addison Street
(773) 404-2827
Thought-provoking visual art from 1945 forward, specializing in surrealism, minimalists, and conceptual photography.
220 East Chicago Avenue(312) 280-2660
Let the kids enjoy the virtual roller coaster while you tour the Museum of Stained Glass Windows, with many pieces made locally by European craftsmen who immigrated at the turn of the century.
600 East Grand Avenue
(312) 595-7437
At 1,353 feet, the Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago. On a clear day, you can see Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
233 South Wacker Drive
(312) 875-9447
View the extensive collection of outsider artist Joseph Cornell's fascinating boxed assemblages created from found objects.
111 South Michigan Avenue
(312) 443-3600
24.5 acres of architecture, landscape design and sculpture including the monumental "Cloud Gate," a 110-ton elliptical sculpture designed by British artist Anish Kapoor.
55 North Michigan Ave
(312) 742-1168
Look up in wonder at the 38-foot Tiffany glass dome in this free municipal arts center.
78 East Washington Street
(312) 744-6630
The world's largest indoor aquarium has over 8,000 aquatic animals representing more than 700 species from all parts of the world.
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
(312) 939-2438
Docents provide an overview of historic and modern architectural styles, viewing about 50 buildings along the Chicago River.
Information at (312) 922-3432
