Chicago

I lived in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas and spent 2 years at the infamous "Snacc Shacc."

BRUNCH

• Ann Sather - Swedish Brunch restaurant that is always packed but moves people quickly. Cinnamon Buns are a SIDE! (Lakeview)

• Barcocina - the most basic place in Chicago, great vibes and IG photo ops (Lakeview)

• Fremont - never actually went but heard it's a staple (River North)

ACTIVITIES

• Biking by Lake Michigan - spring for the electric Divvy and CRUISE. This is seriously my favorite thing in Chicago (Docks all along lake)

• Lake Michigan (seriously warm or cold just go)

• Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry - well-done museums if you're into that kind of thing, very scenic location and reachable by Divvy! (Downtown/The Loop)

• The Riverwalk - re-done in the 2010's. A beautiful place for an evening stroll or a mid-afternoon work call (Downtown)

HAPPY HOUR

• The Signature Room - on the 97th floor of the Hancock Tower. Buy a drink instead of spending $30+ to get to the top of the Willis Tower! (River North)

• Cubby Bear - a must if you're going to a Cubs game, a suggestion if you're in the area (Wrigleyville/Lakeview)

• Kirkwood - the best patio and chicken tenders in Chicago. Great for a game or an inebriated afternoon. (Lakeview)

DINNER

• DEEP DISH

  • Pequods - the BEST deep dish in town, pepperoni is loaded and the crust is perfect (Lincoln Park)

  • Lou Malnati's, Giordanos - the next best 3 (locations everywhere)

• The Vig - surprisngly good food for a surprisingly fun club (Old Town)

NIGHTLIFE

• Celeste - go to the third floor and dance on the spotlights and tell me you didn't have fun (River North)

• The Bassment - underground speakeasy-type with fun live music (River North)

• Bub City - country music and good vibes (River North)

• Matilda's - frankly a weird place, but with a lot of character. Go downstairs after a cocktail upstairs (Lakeview)

• Karaoke at Trader Todd's - this is the best karaoke in Chi, and the host usually puts on an incredible show making every other participant seem terrible in an endearing way (Lincoln Park)

• Parrot's - another weird, uniquely Chicago spot. There are always a few people here but not a lot, and they're either playing pool or darts or making you uncomfortable (Lakeview)

TOURIST TRAPS

• Three Dots and a Dash - overpriced, crowded, and still somehow worth a visit (River North)

• The Bean - I mean it's free and outside so you might as well get your picture (Downtown)

• Willis Tower - read the happy hour section on the Signature Room! I never actually have been up... (Downtown)

OTHER NOTES

• Take the L - the "el" is the elevated train. It's cheap, convenient, and runs on time. Good views crossing into downtown!