Travel

C H I C A G O

March 31, 2021

Welcome to the Windy City

WHERE TO STAY:

The Westin Chicago River North

The Westin is a Riverfront hotel in a very central location of the city. While you may spend a few more dollars to stay in this hotel, you will save that money in taxi or train fare. *If you stay in River North, you will only need to uber to Wrigley Field and potentially the Magnificent Mile.*

This location is walking distance to:

  • Chicago Riverwalk
  • Downtown Bars 
  • RPM Seafood
  • Chicago Theater 

WHAT TO SEE:

Millennium Park– The Bean (Cloud Gate) 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

The Chicago Theater– 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

360 Chicago & John Hancock Center- 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

RiverWalk– Start at your hotel if you are staying at The Westin Chicago River North. 

Wrigley Field– 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613 This will require an uber and will take you slightly outside of downtown Chicago. 

Magnificent Mile– Shopping District; use the address of a store you want to go to since the magnificent mile is 13-blocks! You can stay at a hotel in this area if you are visiting Chicago mainly to just shop. 

WHAT TO AVOID:

Logan Square– the “must see murals” all over pinterest telling you to visit from wanna-be bloggers, like myself, are NOT worth it. A 20 minute uber OUT of the city. Our uber driver told us, as he was not dropping us off, that he was leaving us in an area that is NOT the best (in regards to safety) as we got out of his car. He then advised us to not walk in a specific direction and took off! Literally, there was nothing around the Chicago Mural but a hot dog shop. One picture cost us two 20 minute uber rides. If you HAVE to have a mural for your instagram, go to the Flamingo Wall [601 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654] because it is inside the city. As a tourist, I am sure that there are nice parts to Logan Square but I did not feel comfortable exploring in an unknown area to find them.

SkyDeck Chicago– temporarily closed. When you think of Chicago, you visualize the SkyDeck or at least I did. A good alternative to the SkyDeck since it is closed is 360 Chicago at the John Hancock Center. 

Navy Pier– temporarily closed. First Ferris Wheel in the United States! Even though the pier itself is closed, you could still walk by the pier when you are heading to the John Hancock Center.

WHERE TO DRINK:

Cindy’s Rooftop– 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

  • Let’s be honest, any rooftop in Chicago is going to be great. But this one in particular stands out because it overlooks The Bean. 

London House– 85 East Wacker Drive At North Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60601

  • Another rooftop bar, but with an even better view (and a nicer dress code)… This rooftop overlooks the Chicago River and is very central in the city. You know you are fancy when the reservation website says: “Elegant attire is required of all guests beginning at 6PM daily.” 

Russian Tea Time– 77 E Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603

  • You’ve probably had a wine flight or beer flight at some point in your life, but have you ever had a vodka flight? A very different experience indeed! This place is quiet, not crowded, and underrated. While it doesn’t scream Chicago, it is unique. 

Cruz Blanca– 904 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607

  • Yes, way rosé! Have you ever had a glass of rosé that is actually an ale? Try the La Floridita: Sparkling Rosé Ale. But drink fast, because they will kick you out on the dot of your time limit even if they aren’t busy. 

Flight Club Chicago– 111 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

  • The Flight Club has an interesting and unique vibe to it. It is in the heart of the city, so it won’t hurt your timeline to pop in for a drink! The only negative here, is that due to COVID-19, you won’t have a server. We actually ordered and purchased our drinks through a QR Code on our phones. I still highly recommend this bar, even though I don’t want humans to be replaced by robots.

WHERE TO EAT:

Brunch

The Little Goat Diner– 820 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607 

  • Order the cinnamon bun as a table appetizer- you’re welcome. A lot of restaurants have goat in their name in Chicago, so make sure you are going to the right one! 

The Hampton Social– 353 W Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654

  • I thought when I booked our reservation at the Hampton Social that we were going for the experience, environment, and drinks. But, the food was spectacular! I was in heaven eating here. Tip: it isn’t listed on the menu, but you can ask for your table’s drinks to be served in a clam shell with straws! (Though, that probably isn’t COVID-friendly… which is probably why it isn’t listed on their menu.) 

Dinner

Le Colonial– 57 E Oak Street, Chicago, IL 60611

  • Words cannot describe this restaurant. You have to see it and experience it to understand. The patio is quaint, the bar is elegant, and even the elevator to get to the restaurant is decorated and pristine. This is a five star location that won’t murder your wallet. If you sit along the window, you can stare down into stores like Dolce & Gabbana because I am sure you shop all the time! Drinks are incredible and the food is phenomenal.    

RPM Seafood– 317 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654

  • If you can’t obtain a reservation at RPM Seafood, you can attempt to get one at RPM Steak or RPM Italian. You may even get lucky and see a celebrity eating at RPM. At RPM Seafood, you HAVE to splurge and purchase a seafood tower. When we initially made this reservation, I struggled with the thought of traveling to Chicago to get seafood when I live in a coastal town with amazing seafood. Wow, was that thought irrelevant when I was served a platter of the absolute best crab legs of my entire life. You only visit Chicago once and it is vacation, right? Worth. Every. Penny. 

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza- you are on your own with this one! Too many options, too many reviews, and too many must haves! You will pretty much be okay wherever you end up trying because the majority of restaurant ratings are five-stars in order to be located in Chicago. Good luck pizza lovers! 

Chicago & COVID-19:

As a major United States City, Chicago has ample COVID-19 rules and restrictions in place. 

  1. Capacity- Most restaurants will not accept reservations for any parties over 4 people. If you haven’t planned your trip yet, only invite three friends. If you have and you have a larger party, you will need to make multiple reservations for two different tables. 
  2. Reservations- Reservations are a necessary must! You want to make your brunch, dinner, and activity reservations (river-cruise or 360Chicago) at a minimum of three weeks in advanced to guarantee prime times! 
  3. Time- All restaurants and bars have a 90 minute time-limit in place. While, at first my friends and I thought this was extremely annoying when as paying customers we were told that our time was up… but then, I began to appreciate it. By the venue keeping the clock for you, you know it is time to move onto a new location, even if it is a different restaurant or bar! So, you get to try more on your trip! 
  4. Alcohol sales- Chicago currently has alcohol sales suspended at 11 PM. 
  5. Curfew- Chicago has a city curfew in place of 1 AM.

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