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Writer's pictureOlivia Anelise

Liv's Local Guide To Chicago

Hey friends! It's been about 7 months since I've lived in Chicago but I get asked often on my favorite restaurants and things to do throughout the city so I decided to put them all in one place. It's also a great reminder for me when I come back home on where my favorite places are. Chicago will always have a special place in my heart and still has some of the best food and coffee shops in my opinion.

​What are some of your favorite spots in Chicago?




BRUNCH


Cafe Marie Jeanne - Humboldt Park

Little french restaurant in Humboldt Park with some of the best breakfast. They have THE BEST scrambled eggs + toast (not gf) ever! 



Range - Lincoln Park 

Seasonal and farm-to-table menu. I always love the eggs bennedict! 


Gather - Lincoln Square

Seasonal and farm-to-table menu. The pancakes and biscuits + gravy are just... wow. 


Eden Chicago - West Loop

Farm-to-table menu. One of the best brunch spots in Chicago. 


Seasonal menu and supports local farmers. Try the rice krispy treat! 


Baker Miller - Lincoln Square 

​Mindy's Hot Chocolate - Wicker Park 

MUST try a bagel. Just sayin! 


Local farm-to-table restaurant and grocery shop. Haven't been dissappointed once. 


Wheat's End - Lincoln Park 100% gluten-free restaurant. From pancakes to veggie panini, everything is amazing! 


3 Arts Club Cafe - Gold Coast Mainly a must for the experience and walking around the furniture gallery. 


The Allis - West Loop Great place to work and find inspo. 





DINNER


Gather - Lincoln Square 

This is my all time favorite restaurant in Chicago. The brussels sprouts are my favorite dish and before you think "really, brussels sprouts?" Give them a try and your mind will be blown. This place is hands down my favorite restaurant I've ever tried. 


Arami - West Town 

Authentic Japanese spot with quality fish. Let the waiter pick for you. They never disappoint.


Yuzu - West Town 

A hip sushi spot that's always packed. The mango-avocado salad + baked mushrooms are a MUST! 


Cafe BabaReeba - Lincoln Park 

Great place to go with a group and share. They also have pitchers of sangria! ​


Rangoli - Humboldt Park 

Authentic Indian food thats so damn good and also super spicy! 


Ping Pong - Lakeview 

Haven't had a bad thing here. The best part is the chocolate covered fortune cookies at the end of your meal! :) 


Kai Zan - Humboldt Park 

The place that made me fall in love with sashimi. Also the uni shooters are a must. Definitely make reservations ahead of time because it is always busy. 


Pera Turkish Kitchen - Lincoln Park 

Mana Food Bar - Wicker Park

Favorite vegetarian restaurant in all of Chicago! Tapas style so you can try a few different things! 


Girl + The Goat - West Loop The first restaurant of Top chef, Stephanie Izard and definitely a must try at least once. I had to make our reservations like 3 months in advance just an FYI!  


Aba - West Loop ​

Rootstock - Humboldt Park 

Isla Pilipina - Lincoln Square 

One of my favorites in all of Chicago for filipino food. The lumpia shangai, nilaga, spaghetti and fried chicken with a calamansi juice on the side are key. Finish off with halo-halo! 


Handlebar - Wicker Park 

Vegetarian bar/restaurant. Nothing too fancy but a fun place to go with a group. 


Mindy's Hot Chocolate - Wicker Park 

Obviously get a hot chocolate for dessert! 


Urban Belly - West Loop/Wicker Park




CHEAP EATS

Simply It - Lincoln Park 

My favorite vietnamese restaurant in all of Chicago and is also super cheap. Get the spring rolls, pho and avocado wontons. 


Chiya Chai - Logan Square 

Cheap and delicious. Try the classic Spicy Masala Chai and the homemade pies. 


Sticky Rice - North Center Great Thai food! 


Bon Bon Sandwiches - Wicker Park 

Vietnamese restaurant with tons of vegan and vegetarian options. 



DRINKS


Oromo Cafe - Lincoln Square 

They make ALL their nutmilks in house. My favorite is the Golden Milk Latte. 


Intelligentsia - Multiple Locations 

Matcha with oatmilk. <3 

CC Ferns - Humboldt Park 

This has been my coffee shop since it opened. I lived 5 minutes from here and would go daily. They carry Metropolis coffee and also have delicious matcha. The ambiance itself is dark, calm and cozy. 


​Chiya Chai - Logan Square 

La Colombe - West Loop/Wicker Park/Lincoln Park 

Oat milk draft latte when its hot orrrrr oat milk latte. I also am a huge fan of their plain drip. 


Limitless Coffee - River North 

A lot of different lattes and adaptogen tonics. 


Caffe Streets - Wicker Park 

​Fairgrounds Coffee + Tea - Wicker Park Marin Kombucha on tap. Also can get any matcha as an espresso style drink. Matcha americano anyone?


JuiceRx - Wicker Park The fruit bowl with homemade coconut whip cream is just... wow. 


Heritage Bicycles + Cafe - Lincoln Square 

​Sawada Coffee - West Loop Two words -- Military Latte. Just try it. 


Real Good Stuff Co - River North MUST try the NoYo FroYo! My favorite flavor is Bluice Wayne and Matcha!




LOCAL MARKETS + FARMERS MARKETS


Lincoln Square Farmers Market - Starting June 4th (Tuesday) and June 6th (Thursday) throughout October 31st 

Green City Farmers Market - Saturdays -- June through October

Local Foods - The name says it all -- a complete grocery store full of local goods. They also have a coffee bar, meat counter and food there as well. 

Amish & Healthy Foods - My favorite little Amish grocer in Ukrainian Village. 




SHOPPING

Humboldt House - Humboldt Park 

Home goods, vintage wear, rugs and so much more. 


Little Peach Fuzz - Humboldt Park 

A hip and modern shop just for kids! 


Rotofugi - Lincoln Park 

Gather Home + Lifestyle - Wicker Park 

Una Maes - Wicker Park 

AD HOC - West Town 

Sprout Home - West Town Home-goods and plant heaven! 


Adams + Sons Gardens - Humboldt Park Family owned and affordable plants. 


​Sir & Madame - Hyde Park 

Modern Cooperative - Hyde Park 

Fleur - Logan Square 



ACTIVITIES



OUTSIDE OF THE CITY


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