I can't believe that it is my last day in the US! I am leaving tomorrow to head to Europe for 3 months, and I am so excited about it (along with anxious and slightly nervous, but excitement is definitely the leader of the pack). I can't wait to put together travel guides of so many wonderful places that I've always dreamed of exploring, and to share the details of many adventures ahead.
So what have I been doing with my last few days here in the states? Last week I paid a visit to Chicago: one of my absolute favorite cities in America (especially in the summer). I've been dozens of times over the years (I technically have more family that lives there than anywhere else) and I always love finding an excuse to go back. This time my excuse was to see Coldplay with my friend Sarah (and I could probably write an entire blog post alone on how amazing the show was, but I'll stay on track.) The bottom line is that Chicago is jam-packed with amazing things to see and do- so much that I couldn't even begin to fit them all into a blog post. With that said, I've found some places that I particularly love during my last few trips, so I wanted to compile what I've been "loving lately" in the Windy City for those of you who plan to visit soon.
STAY
I love finding hotels that are unique to the city I'm visiting, and Chicago Athletic Hotel is certainly that. The 1890s athletic club was reborn to this bustling Michigan Avenue hotel (featuring some of Chicago's finest restaurants and nightlife). The building is a revelation of historic architectural detail, from the grand marble staircases to the rooftop terrace at Cindy's Restaurant & Bar with views across Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. It's also a prime location if you're looking to explore the city by foot and be in the center of Chicago's most popular attractions.
Photos by Sarah Catherine Design
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
EAT
Standing outside of Restoration Hardware in Gold Coast, you may not think the building is anything special at first glance. But the moment you step foot inside, you'll realize there is more much more than meets the eye. The building has received tons of press (and for good reason- it's gorgeous) but aside from serving as a typical Restoration Hardware, there's also a restaurant in the main level courtyard. It has an all-day menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We didn't have room in our stomach for any more food when we arrived, but I've heard it's delicious (and I can assure you the ambiance alone is enough reason to go).
1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610
We went to Bar Siena for dinner before the Coldplay concert, and I loved the ambiance. Located in the West Loop (an area with a remarkable food scene) it's rustic, two-story space offers casual seating throughout the entire restaurant. While it's inspiration stems from a quaint, casual and energetic bar and restaurant called La Taverna in Siena, Italy, the menu reflects the regionality of the whole country of Italy- not just Siena. Dishes are share-friendly and heavy on the antipasta (try the bread and ricotta or the grilled shrimp and artichoke). And don't leave without trying one of their pizzas, cooked in an 800-degree oven named Bella.
832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Is it any surprise that chicken is the main attraction at a restaurant named Chicken & Farm Shop? But that's not the only tasty food they serve. To say we braved the rain to venture to Soho House (where Chicken Shop calls home) would be the understatement of the century. But then again, so is calling their food merely tasty. Contrary to popular stigmas you may have about a members only establishment like Soho House, Chicken Shop is open to the public and couldn't be more inviting. The staff was incredibly warm and went out of their way to tell us about everything from the menu, to the restaurant's origin in the UK. Though their menu items like the burger, chicken and macaroni and cheese may sound simple, it's all very far from it. Everything we ate (and drank) was fantastic, and I definitely plan on going back.
113 N. Green St, Chicago, IL, 60607
Cindy's is without a doubt my favorite public rooftop in Chicago (part of Chicago Athletic Hotel), and their menu is fantastic. I discovered this hidden gem last November when I was in Chicago with my friend Haley and we were on the hunt for a good brunch spot. Needless to say, we struck gold. So naturally, I put it at the top of my list when I came back this time. Cindy's has incredible views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park and the Chicago Art Institute. It has floor to ceiling windows (and actually... the ceiling is glass too) so the place is bright and cheery and flooding with natural light. Aside from the spectacular ambiance, the food is out of this world (but be warned, portion sizes are intended for sharing- look at the size of that parfait!)
Photos by Sarah Catherine Design
I can honestly recommend anything on the menu (both food and drinks) because it's all been delicious. Just be sure you show up hungry!
Photos by Sarah Catherine Design
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
I didn't make it to Girl & the Goat on this most recent trip to Chicago (too many wonderful places to try!) but I loved it so much when Haley and I went in November that I couldn't not include it. Located on Restaurant Row (along with Bar Siena and Chicken Shop) they opened with the goal of serving bold flavors with global influence in a fun and lively setting. They also boast the title of James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes, along with awards from Eater including: Restaurant of the year, Chef of the year, Shaker of the year... the list goes on. Whether you go for a full meal or simply drinks and appetizers, do yourself a favor and just make sure you get there when you visit Chicago.
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60607
Sarah and I stumbled upon Trenchermen when we were in search of a brunch spot during our most recent trip (thanks OpenTable!) and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The building was beautiful (and originally opened as the Luxor Russian Baths in the 1920s). As it remained a spot to steam, grab a drink and have a bite throughout the middle of the century, Trenchermen was born in 2012 as an idea of a meeting place for the community. If you go for brunch, their avocado toast may be the best I've ever had.
2039 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
DO
You've probably heard that Michigan Avenue is the place to go shopping in Chicago. And while I won't disagree (I certainly do my fair share there), I personally love exploring Wicker Park. The neighborhood is crawling with great shops (many unique to Chicago) and has it's own personality with a little bit of spunk. It's also where you'll find Saved By The Max, Chicago's own recreation of Saved By The Bell's beloved diner, The Max. Wicker Park is full of unique finds and I never have trouble wasting time here.
Photos by Sarah Catherine Design
Again, you've probably been told to stroll down Michigan Avenue (and again- I love doing it too). But when you hit the DuSable bridge where Michigan hits E Upper Wacker, be sure to take the steps down to the River Walk (disclaimer: this is more of a recommendation if the weather is nice. Winter may not be the season to do this!) Here, you can stroll along the river by foot, hop on a boat for one of Chicago's many tours, or find a restaurant to stop in for a snack or drink.
E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
I've been to Chicago more than I've been to a lot of places, and I've never failed to visit "The Bean" in Millennium Park. Call me a tourist, but I love the energy that buzzes around this place. It never fails that you'll find people smiling and laughing trying to take their picture in the reflection of this art installation (myself included). But aside from being a popular attraction, Millennium Park is also home to hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours and family activities. Whether a special event is happening or it's just another day at the park, it's definitely worth visiting every time. Some things never get old.
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Photos by Sarah Catherine Design
No matter who you cheer for, you can't deny Wrigley is a special place. If you're in town for a Cubs home game, be sure to go and drink and Old Style (in true Chicago fashion). If no games are happening, you're still bound to find plenty of entertainment exploring Wrigleyville's lively scene of restaurants and bars.
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago continues to surprise me and steal a little piece of my heart every time I go back (I guarantee this won't be the only post you ever see me do here). If you've never been, it's without a doubt somewhere you need to add to your list. I'm so happy I got so spend some time "home away from home" and I can't wait to come back.
But for now, I'm off to Europe! Be sure to follow along on my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat (blonde_atlas) and Facebook. And if there is specific travel content that you want to see on the blog, let me know!
