chicago

stay

the ritz-carlton hotel

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The city's premier luxury hotel overlooking North Michigan Avenue and The Magnificent Mile. Unparalleled hospitality and elegance await you here plus multiple dining options and a stunning spa offering an array of treatments.

160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611

dana hotel & spa

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This boutique hotel puts you in the epicenter of River North, steps away from the Magnificent Mile and a stone's throw from the Loop. The rooms here are modern and sleek with floor-to-ceiling windows and a luxury spa

660 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

the freehand hotel

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Housed in a 1927 building in the River North district, The Freehand is one-of-a-kind, featuring hotel rooms, affordable hostel accommodations and a killer speakeasy. Best value for your money in the area for sure. 

19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Ambassador Chicago

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Luxury boutique hotel whose Gold Coast location is within a short walk or cab ride to the finest shopping and dining as well as the majority of downtown Chicago while being nestled in a quiet and exclusive residential neighborhood.

1301 N State Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60610


eat

For my city guides, I try to have a mix of everything - new restaurants, iconic venues, and tourist spots worth a visit. These will range from casual cafes for breakfast to suit jacket fine dining. As with all guides, it is not exhaustive but hopefully full of wonderful recommendations that will help you make the most of your visit! Here's what I love in Chicago:

photo: business insider

photo: business insider

Au Cheval  

The open kitchen at this upscale "diner" works with ingredients ranging from bologna to foie gras.

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

photo: chicago mag

photo: chicago mag

avec

Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating.

615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

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The Purple Pig

Adventurous small plates plus house-cured meats & a lengthy wine list in small, lively quarters.

500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

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pequods

Casual, brick-walled pizza pub where deep-dish pies with caramelized crusts are served until late.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

photo: 10best

photo: 10best

boka 

Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candelit back garden patio.

1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

photo:  Chicago Reader


schwa  

Chef Michael Carlson showcases inventive New American fixed-price menus in a simple, homey space.

1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

photo: star chefs

photo: star chefs

Girl & The Goat

Hot spot where Stephanie Izard serves up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.

809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

photo: thrillist

photo: thrillist

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

American surf 'n' turf restaurant serving upmarket fare & cocktails in a lavish 2-story space.

750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

photo: pintrest

photo: pintrest

Mott St

Asian-inspired plates & craft cocktails served amid funky furnishings & communal tables.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

photo: bon appetite

photo: bon appetite

Prachute

Funky-chic place serving modern, creative Korean-American fare plus wine & cocktails.

3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Smoque BBQ

Popular BBQ spot slinging ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more in a basic space with community tables.

3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

photo: serious eats

photo: serious eats

Frontera Grill

Chef Rick Bayless' always busy flagship where creative Mexican fare is served in a festive space.

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

photo: eater

photo: eater

Fat Rice

Comfort food from around the world is served in a rustic space with communal tables & open kitchen.

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

photo: chicago mag

photo: chicago mag

alinea

Voted best restaurant in the world, Chef Grant Achatz offers New American tasting menus featuring highly creative plates.

1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

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torali italian-steak

Posh hotel restaurant for modern Italian cuisine & craft cocktails with an adjacent bar & roof deck.

160 East Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611

photo: grub street 

photo: grub street 

The Publican

A creative seafood & pork-focused menu plus global brews in a hip setting with communal tables.

837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

photo:  Chicago Tribune

Monteverde

Stylish spot serving refined, contemporary Italian fare such as fresh pastas

1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607