WE LIKE: The steel and glass aesthetic of pioneering commercial architecture produced by the architects and engineers who developed the first modern skyscraper, referred to as "The Chicago School."
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
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
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
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
