Chicago: The Local Scoop
Hello! This week I asked my friend who's currently living in Chicago for some recommendations to go along with mine from my adventures in this unique city.
This Week's Guest:
Mary Frances lives in the Roger's Park neighborhood. She moved to the windy city from Cincinnati, but is originally from Maryland. She works remotely as a Marketing Manager and likes to write on the side about food and fashion. When we lived together in college, I always knew she'd be up for trying a new place or going on an adventure with me. So she was the perfect person to go to for my first collab post! She definitely had some awesome recs* so check 'em out below!
Beaches
Chicago is a lively, hustling and bustling city so a chance to soak up some rays and chill out is an added bonus to visiting Chicago.
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| A tasty mango pop to cool down on a hot, summer day! |
Montrose Beach- Uptown*
Gorgeous beach that has free (yes free!) parking. They also have a separate dog beach area so that you don’t have to leave your pup behind. It may just be me, but I think the sand is incredibly soft here, and you’ll get less tourists and commotion than North Ave. Beach.
Navy Pier
This is a great spot for a stroll down the board walk. Enjoy a nice breeze coming off the water while you savor the view. There's lots of bars and restaurants, but I would avoid them; they're quite pricey! Besides, Chicago has MANY hidden gems for great cuisine (I'll include a few below!).
Rooftop Views!
Beautiful sunset in the Signature Room at the 95th Rooftop Bar
$$ **Worth the splurge**
This is THE spot for a bit of a pricey drink but with an incredible view attached. We splurged that night, and enjoyed a cocktail paired with a pastel sunset:) The view did NOT disappoint...take a look for yourself below!
Tip: Go early to get a table! It gets pretty busy and crowded especially if you're trying to get a table close to the window.
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| Gorgeous! ^^ |
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| Sunsetzzzzz |
Cindy’s- The Loop*
If you want a view, Cindy’s rooftop has it! Whether you want to feel fancy with a drink or just want to snap some photos of the view, this is a great location to do both. You can see The Bean right below, Millenium Park, Lake Michigan, etc. It may get a little crowded during weekends in the summer, but it’s worth the visit.
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| Photo credit: Mary Frances Duggins |
Famous Chicago deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
These are all over the city and so delicious! Chicago-style deep dish really is better in Chicago! There's definitely a big debate on who has the best pizza, but I'm settling it for you now. It's Lou Malnati's;)
The International Food Scene
Maybe it's because when you hear Chicago you think deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but Chicago also offers great, international food! With a strong Mexican/Spanish population, their flavorful cuisine is found throughout the city. We also headed to a German restaurant for lunch and ordered a pretzel almost bigger than me!
PS - Check out Chinatown and get a hot pot--yummy!
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| The size of a pizza! |
El Pulpo Loco- Roger’s Park*
This Mexican restaurant is my local favorite! They’re known for their seafood, but their tacos are to die for! Probably the best tacos I’ve had and they’re incredibly cheap. It’s also right off the bus stop, so no need to walk far!
Happy Camper- Old Town*
This place is certainly Instagram-friendly with it’s chill attitude, camper scenery, and neon lights. They have great pizza (I ordered the Benjamin, but was certainly eyeing the Jay) in multiple sizes or you can build your own. It’s is vegan and gluten friendly too, plus they have outdoor seating. They’re also known for their cocktails if you want to taste test!
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Yes, it's touristy, but this beautiful sculpture lives up to its hype! From a previous trip, I learned the best time to go is late at night without tourists around to see the reflection of the city.
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| This was in the winter when it was snow-kissed:) |
Armadillo’s Pillow- Roger’s Park*
Adorable little used bookstore right near Loyola University. If you love books, check this place out. They’ve got books stacked in every nook and cranny possible and their prices are reasonable so you won’t get overcharged.
Second City
Saving the best for last, this was probably my favorite part of the trip! This comedy theater is where many SNL comedians started out. I definitely recommend!
Bonus Tip:
Attractions are definitely a great part of any trip, but walking around the city is always the best way to truly see it and take in its personality. If you have time, walk around the more suburban parts too; there's lots of cute neighborhoods. A true gem from the trip was walking past a BBQ and hearing the latin music and spices marinate in the air filled with laughter. It's moments like these where you get to see the personality of the city and those who live in it, not just the sites.
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| Waiting for the "L"! |
Chicago also has some wonderful museums we checked out, some great coffee shops, and restaurants. Have you been to Chicago? What places did we miss that are a must??
A huge thanks to Mary Frances for her local insight and recommendations! :) If you'd like to check out her other work, you can go to her website here or follow her on Instagram at @maryfrances1128.
bisous,
Lyndi
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