Chicago Favorites

Visiting the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock Building or having a slice of deep dish pizza from Uno's is a definite must for any Chicagoan or visitor, but do it once and then move on. Chicago is packed with so many things to do; these are just a few of my favorites:

Restaurants and Bars
Nookie's - Amazing brunch!
Gejas Cafe - One of the most romantic spots in the city. Awesome fondue
Weiner's Circle - Stop here for a Chicago hot dog and verbal abuse
Portillo's - Chili dogs and chocolate cake!
Wow Bao - Great bao at this Lettuce Entertain You spot
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba - Best tapas in the city
Bamee Noodle Shop - Fried rice. Yum
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club - Best drag show and gourmet martini list
The Bagel - Jewish comfort food
White Palace Grill - The quintessential diner experience
New Chinatown Chop Suey - Fantastic Chinese food at 5:00 a.m
Innjoy - One of my favorite summertime patios
Eno - Fancy wine bar in a Michigan Avenue hotel

Retailers
Windy City Sweets - Best "kid in a candy store" experience ever!
Roy's Furniture - Unique finds that will actually fit in your Chicago apartment
Francesca's Collections - Accessorize any and all outfits
Myopic Books - A used books Mecca
Sweet Mandy Bs - Best cupcakes in the city
Meatloaf Bakery - I know it sounds weird, but it's delicious!

Theaters
IO - So many funny groups!
Gorilla Tango Theater - There's no telling what act you'll find here
Old Town School of Folk Music - Watch great music and dance performances and take fun classes

Performers/Shows
Dance Chicago - Some of Chicago most talented and innovative dancers perform here every year
The Cupid Players - An incredibly funny comedic/musical group
Chicago Starlets - Burlesque beauties
Chicago Human Rhythm Project - Some of the best tap dancers in Chicago

Festivals
Rib Fest Chicago - Way better than the one in Naperville
Chicago Pride Festival - So much love....and drag queens
Bacon Fest - A whole day devoted to the other white meat
Chicago International Film Festival - Days and days of films from around the world

Museums/Venues
Lincoln Park - Take an afternoon to explore all the park has to offer

Miscellaneous
Studio L'Amour - Learn how to bump and grind like a pro
Green City Market - The freshest of the fresh
Montrose Beach - Just as good as and less crowded than Oak Street and North Ave beach

And if you HAVE to go to the suburbs, these places don't suck
Medieval Times - It's cheesy, but totally worth it
Woodfield Mall - Very excellent shopping
Chicago Botanic Gardens - So pretty!
Bristol Renaissance Festival - I'm a big geek, but it's fun!

(Keep checking back because I'll probably be updating this page constantly.)