Chicago
“Man's Work” Hugh Hefner and Bunnies at the original Playboy Key Club, Chicago. Slim Aarons, 1960
Chicago, on Lake Michigan in Illinois, is among the largest cities in the U.S. Famed for its bold architecture, it has a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers such as the iconic John Hancock Center, 1,451-ft. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The city is also renowned for its museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago with its noted Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Here is our travel guide to Chicago, Illinois.
STAY
HOTEL ROBEY The historic art deco building by Mexico’s Grupo Habita is set in an art deco-era former office building, dating back to 1929, in Wicker Park. It has a restaurant, Cafe Robey, as well as a rooftop cocktail bar, and it shares the Cabana Club with its sister property next door The Hollander. 2018 W North Ave; therobey.com
THE GWEN The property features hand-carved limestone accents by Chicago-born sculptor Gwen Lux and Art Deco artwork and furniture in the main lobby and the Superior Suite has1930s design touches and an expansive outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the lake and the storied city skyline. 521 N Rush St; thegwenchicago.com
CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Opened at the end of the 19th century in an 1890s Gothic building that once housed an exclusive sportsmen's club, this renovated hotel lies along the Chicago Cultural Mile in The Loop across the street from Millennium Park. Don’t miss the sunset from Cindy’s rooftop bar and restaurant. 12 S Michigan Ave; chicagoathletichotel.com
THE CLARIDGE HOTEL Located in River North designed in 1923 by native Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager, and featuring a recently renovated lobby that pays homage to the '20s and '30s with gilt accents, a silk-wrapped custom chandelier, and gallery walls featuring black-and-white photos of the hotel when it was a residence in the '40s and '50s. 1244 N Dearborn Pkwy; claridgehousechicago.com
THE LANGHAM Situated in the stark black Ludwig Mies van der Rohe AMA Plaza with a lobby that displays art, hand-blown glass chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature more of the hotel’s famed Bauhaus-influenced design. 330 N Wabash Ave; langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/chicago
PUBLISHING HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST Set in a 110-year-old former publishing house in the West Loop, this cozy loft-turned-bed-and-breakfast blends minimalist decor with contemporary design. The rooms have claw-foot tubs and there is a fireplace in the middle of the lobby. 108 N May St; publishinghousebnb.com
WALDORF ASTORIA Most of the guestrooms here have working fireplaces as well as a heated porte-cochère, details that make the cold winters more bearable. The Brasserie also French bistro classics. 11 E Walton St; waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com
THE PENINSULA The recently renovated Peninsula is in a landmark highrise with a Chinese restaurant and rooftop bar perched high above Michigan Avenue, where the cocktails are made tableside on a roving cart. 108 E Superior St; peninsula.com/en/chicago
FREEHAND The second outpost to open after Miami, designed by Roman and Williams, and set in a 1927 building in River North. Enjoy cocktails and bites at the Broken Shaker bar. 19 E Ohio St; freehandhotels.com/chicago
ROYAL SONESTA A hotel focused on wellness in the art and design district. Group exercise classes include guided runs along Lake Michigan and ballet barre workouts on the hotel’s sundeck as well as in-room massages and yoga sessions. 505 N State St; sonesta.com/us/illinois/chicago
LONGMAN & EAGLE A contemporary take on a traditional Chicago inn—offering considered, inspired drinking, eating and sleeping options above a popular whiskey tavern. 2657 N Kedzie Ave; longmanandeagle.com
FOUR SEASONS In a skyscraper above a shopping mall with rooms overlooking Lake Michigan plus an indoor pool and hot tub, sauna, steam rooms, a gym, and a fine art collection. 120 E Delaware Pl; fourseasons.com/chicago
SOHO HOUSE The Chicago outpost is located in a former belt factory in the Fulton Market District, and it offers a rooftop pool, house restaurant, Cowshed spa, a gym with a boxing ring, and hotel. 113-125 N Green St; sohohouse.com
ACE HOTEL In Chicago's bustling West Loop, across from Google's Midwest HQ. The Chicago location of the Seattle-based chain partnered with Commune design studio to design the hotel, taking inspiration from Mies Van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Commune and Ace also tapped Chicago's Volume Gallery, which specializes in American Craft, to collaborate on a series of pieces specifically for the hotel by emerging and mid-career area artists. Stumptown Coffee is in the lobby, their first location in the Midwest. 311 N Morgan St; acehotel.com/chicago
THOMPSON HOTEL A boutique hotel with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Nico Osteria downstairs serves authentic Italian seafood to guests and non-guests alike. 21 E Bellevue Pl; thompsonhotels.com/hotels/illinois/chicago
NOBU HOTEL Nobu Hotel Chicago is located in the West Loop on Randolph Street, home to the famed “Restaurant Row.” The design blends elements of old world Japanese art and new-world utilitarianism, creating a sense of accessible sophistication. The signature Nobu Restaurant and new Nobu Rooftop are also part of the property. 55 N Peoria St; chicago.nobuhotels.com
DINE
ALINEA The three-Michelin star molecular gastronomy restaurant by Chef Grant Achatz that put Chicago on the fine-dining map. 1723 N Halsted St; alinearestaurant.com
GIBSON’S The original location of the steakhouse chain, on the bustling Rush Street downtown. Order the signature Macadamia Turtle Pie to share, served with a giant steak knife pierced through it. 1028 N Rush St; gibsonssteakhouse.com
GIRL AND THE GOAT Chicago chef Stephanie Izard’s popular restaurant. Start with a selection of house-made bread served at the beginning of each meal. She also owns and operates Little Goat Diner. 809 W Randolph St; girlandthegoat.com
THE PUBLICAN Voted one of Eater’s “Best Restaurants in America.” Long, wooden communal tables and share plates including oysters, roast chicken, fries make for the perfect setting for groups. Their butcher shop and cafe Publican Quality Meats is next-door, and offers a full butchery. 837 W Fulton Marke; thepublicanrestaurant.com
RL BY RALPH LAUREN The only Ralph Lauren restaurant location in the U.S.— the other is in Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood and New York City has the Polo Bar. The Chicago location has the feel of an old-fashioned feel of an English club, with dark paint on the walls, leather seats, and art arranged salon-style on the walls. It’s a prime spot for ladies who lunch. Stop by for their chopped salads, club sandwiches, and tomato soup. 115 E Chicago Ave; ralphlauren.com
AU CHEVAL Famous for their burger, voted the best in the country. In fact, the owner created Small Cheval, which only serves the burger. 800 W Randolph St; auchevaldiner.com
FAT RICE Portugal meets China at this inventive fusion restaurant. 2597 West Diversey Avenue; eatfatrice.com
WORMHOLE COFFEE An 80s theem café in Wicker Park decorated with novelty movie posters, a DeLorean, and mismatched mugs. 1462 N Milwaukee Ave; thewormhole.us
PROXI A West Loop restaurant designed by Meyer Davis. 565 W Randolph St; proxichicago.com
ABA Located in Fulton Market, complete with a living wall and cascading houseplants, this Mediterranean restaurant means “Father” in Hebrew and has a rooftop and patio. Signature dishes include Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Muhammara, Jerusalem Bagel with Labneh, Char-Grilled Lamb Chops, and Skirt Steak Shawarma. 302 N Green St; abarestaurants.com
GT PRIME One of Chicago’s most famous steakhouses, designed by Studio K. 707 N Wells St; gtprimerestaurant.com
SPLIT-RAIL Traditional American cuisine and comfort food are served here. 2500 W Chicago Ave; splitrailchicago.com
BIG JONES Cajun and creole food is served at this spot that Eater named one of the essential brunch destinations in the city. Order the Biscuits and Debris Gravy. 5347 N Clark St; bigjoneschicago.com
PARACHUTE A critically-acclaimed restaurant with a Michelin Star serving Korean-American cuisine, including a famous fried chicken. 3500 N Elston Ave; parachuterestaurant.com
MONTEVERDE A stylish spot serving contemporary Italian fare, inclduing fresh pastas and global wines. 1020 W Madison St; monteverdechicago.com
LEÑA BRAVA A restaurant by Chef Rick Bayless meaning “ferocious firewood” with Baja-style seafood with a focus on live-fire cooking, plus mezcal & wine. 900 W Randolph St; lenabrava.com
CRUZ BLANCA Another Mexican spot by Chef Rick Bayless with a brewery and a taco menu. 904 W Randolph St; brewpub.cruzblanca.com
DOVE’S LUNCHEONETTE A retro Tex-Mex diner with counter seats & a jukebox. 1545 N Damen Ave; doveschicago.com
BANG BANG PIE & BISCUITS A rustic bakery with a rotating menu of homemade sweet and savory pies & biscuits for eat-in or takeout. 2051 N California Ave; bangbangpie.com
THE PURPLE PIG A James Beard Awarding winning restaurant from a famed pork and wine specialist with an open kitchen. 444. N Michigan Ave; thepurplepigchicago.com
MOTT STREET Asian-inspired street food and craft cocktails are served amid funky furnishings. 1401 N Ashland Ave; mottstreetchicago.com
MINDY'S BAKERY An American eatery with rich desserts and a famous hot chocolate. 1747 N Damen Ave; mindysbakery.com
PICCOLO SOGNO Perhaps the most charming garden patio in Chicago. Serving rustic Italian fare, including pizza from a wood-burning oven. 464 N Halsted St; piccolosognorestaurant.com
PORTILLO'S A famous Chicago-style hot dog chain. portillos.com
CALUMET FISHERIES A seafood shack serving house-smoked fish and fried seafood platters, beloved by Anthony Bourdain. 3259 E 95th St; calumetfisheries.comDO-RITE DONUTS Buttermilk Old Fashioned doughnuts along with vegan or gluten-free offerings and local roaster Dark Matter Coffee are served here. doritedonuts.com
HEMA'S KITCHEN Located on Devon Avenue, Chicago's Little India. Try the curry! 2439 West Devon Avenue; orderhemaskitchen.com
HIGH FIVE RAMEN This intimate restaurant’s signature namesake dish is spicy, be warned. Order the spiked coconut painkiller slushy to help. 112 N Green St; highfiveramen.com
NEXT Next is an interpretation of French cuisine harkening back to 1906 by Michelin-starred Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea. 953 W Fulton Market; nextrestaurant.com
AVEC A wine bar with a sleek all-wood interior, and rows of communal tables, as well as plates including charred octopus, stuffed dates, and confit chicken paella. 615 W Randolph St; avecrestaurant.com
BOKA Chef Lee Wolen’s Michelin-starred restaurant designed by Simeone Deary, covered in antique door handles. Dishes include heirloom carrots, brandade ravioli, and a famous roasted chicken. 1729 N Halsted St; bokachicago.com
ADA STREET A hidden gem with a patio and standout dishes like gnocchi with maple bacon, steak tartare with fried capers and egg yolk. 1664 N Ada St; adastreetchicago.com
THE BRISTOL A Bucktown bistro by Chef Todd Stein with a famous brunch. Order the smoked ham benedict and braised pork chilaquiles. He also owns and operates Formento's. 2152 N Damen Ave; thebristolchicago.com
SCHWA Chef Michael Carlson’s tiny spot is hard to find, but once inside you will be greeted by hip-hop music and handsome waiters. Try the 9 course tasting menu at this Lincoln Park restaurant. 1466 N Ashland Ave; schwarestaurant.com
LULA CAFE A long-standing neighborhood farm-to-table restaurant with a famed brunch. Try the nettle-infused creamed grains and the farm egg “royale.” 2537 N Kedzie Blvd; lulacafe.com
DOC B’S FRESH KITCHEN A “fast-casual” Chicago chain with veggie-driven local dishes like kale slaw and grilled artichokes, in addition to comfort staples like matzo ball soup and close to a dozen burger variations. docbsrestaurant.com
MFK RESTAURANT A seafood restaurant in Lakeview with staples like ceviche on squid ink toast, sea scallops with pickled Fresno peppers, and a cured anchovy starter. 432 W Diversey Pkwy; mfkrestaurant.com
GILT BAR Despite the name, Gilt Bar is a full fledged restaurant with small standouts like pork meatballs, ramp risotto, and steak tartare. Curio is the subterranean bar downstairs, and the perfect place for a date. 230 W Kinzie St; giltbarchicago.com
KAI ZAN Twin chefs Carlo and Melvin Vizconde own and operate this BYOB intimate sushi bar with inventive dishes like esclar-wrapped oyster clouds and duck skewers. Try the omakase menu. 2557 W Chicago Ave; eatatkaizan.com
MIRAI SUSHI The chefs are traditionally trained at this sushi spot. miraisushi.com
RICCARDO TRATTORIA An authentic Italian standby with seasonal pasta and ossobuco by Chef Riccardo Michi. 2119 N Clark St; riccardotrattoria.com
ATHENIAN ROOM A neighborhood favorite, famous for their roasted chicken. 807 W Webster Ave
Q Some of, if not the best, barbecue in Chicago. Try the house wood-smoked meats. 1160 N Dearborn St; chicagoqrestaurant.com
ARAMI A West Town gem with fresh sushi, uni shooters, sashimi, and nigiri b Chef Nelson Vinansaca. 1829 W Chicago Ave; aramichicago.com
TIED HOUSE Parker House rolls are served with chicken liver mousse, green tomato marmalade, and buttery bone marrow. Try not to fill up, and save room for entrees including maitake mushrooms in a shoyu and leek broth or milk-braised pork with cabbage salsify and short rib with black garlic and chanterelle mushrooms. 3157 N Southport Ave; schubastiedhouse.com
LONESOME ROSE From the team from Land and Sea Dept., which run popular spots like Lost Lake and Cherry Circle Room. Lonesome Rose is in Logan Square and serves Tex-Mex. Try the chile con queso and fried chicken torta with pickled peppers. The basement bar, Golden Teardrops, is the perfect place for a nightcap. 2101 N California Ave; lonesomerose.com
ELSKE Elske is a Danish-influenced West Loop restaurant from husband-and-wife team David and Anna Posey (formerly of Blackbird). The Danish-inspired dining room is cozy with jugs of wildflowers, ferns, and candlelight. Try the fermented black bean agnolotti with morels, sugar snap peas, and sherry and aged duck breast and grilled confit with ember roasted kohlrabi, sauerkraut, and creamed duck fat. 350 W Randolph St; elskerestaurant.com
BARCOCINA Chef Matt Williams global restaurant with Mexican, Korean, and Thai influences. Order the House Fire cocktail with cointreau, jalapeno-infused tequila, and the homemade sour mix to enjoy outside by the firepit. 2901 N Sheffield Ave; barcocinachicago.com
ANNETTE’S ITALIAN ICE A walk-up window in Lincoln Park serving Italian ice with flavoris ranging from lychee to pink lemonade tochocolate. 2009 N Bissell St; annettesitalianice.com
BLUE DOOR FARM STAND A café and grocery store in Lincoln Park with seasonal ingredients from Blue Door farm. Try the grilled cheese or selection of craft beers. 2010 N Halsted St; bluedoorfarmstand.com
DOUGHNUT VAULT Flavors run the gamut from buttermilk to gingerbread, but the award winning glazed is the long-standing favorite. 401 N Franklin St; doughnutvault.com
ELI’S CHEESECAKE Chicago-style cheesecake is less dense than NY-style with a moist, butter-cookie crust. Flavors include white chocolate raspberry, hot chocolate, blackberry sour cream, but the original is still the best. 6701 W Forest Preserve Dr; elicheesecake.com
NICO OSTERIA A sleek venue featuring Italian seafood specialties, cocktails and wines, located in the Thompson Hotel. 1015 N Rush St; nicoosteria.com
3 ARTS CLUB Located inside Restoration Hardware, combining a coffeehouse, wine bar, and an American restaurant. 1300 N Dearborn St; rh.com/chicago/restaurant
PIZZA
LOU MALNATI Founded by the son of Rudy Malnati, who was instrumental in developing the recipe for Chicago-style deep dish pizza. A local favorite! loumalnatis.com
PEQUOD PIZZA Open since 1970, serving deep dish pan style pizza with a “carmelized crust.” 2207 N Clybourn Ave; pequodspizza.com
GIORDANO'S Brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio founded Giordano's in 1974, specializing in deep-dish stuffed pizza. giordanos.com
PAULIE GEE’S A rustic-chic eatery and bar serving wood-fired pizzas featuring unusual names & gourmet ingredients. 2451 N Milwaukee Ave; pauliegee.com
GINO’S EAST Gino's East is a Chicago-based restaurant chain specializing in Deep Dish pizza. Two cab drivers opened the original location in 1966. ginoseast.com
DRINK
THE AVIARY The Aviary is more than a cocktail bar, it’s a lab. Much like Alinea, famed for molecular gastronomy, Chef Grant Achatz serves inventive cocktails at this Fulton Market lounge. 955 W Fulton Market; theaviary.com
Z BAR The popular rooftop lounge in the Peninsula Hotel by designer Yabu Pushelberg. 108 E Superior St; zbarchicago.com
THE VIOLET HOUR A speakeasy with a nod to Prohibition-era Chicaga, hidden behind a street-art-decorated brick door. 1520 N Damen Ave; theviolethour.com
BAPTISTE AND BOTTLE A whiskey bar in the midcentury-modern Conrad Hotel. Noyane rooftop bar is also in the Conrad. 101 E Erie St; baptisteandbottle.com
LOST LAKE A tiki bar with an extensive rum collection. 3154 W Diversey Ave; lostlakechicago.com
TAPSTER Pour-your-own-beer bar and tasting room with multiple locations. tapstertastingroom.com
PARSON'S CHICKEN & FISH Watch out for the Negroni slushies. 2952 W Armitage Ave; parsonschickenandfish.com
SCOFFLAW Gin-centric cocktails and craft beers are served at this rustic, cozy bar. 3201 West Armitage Avenue; scofflawchicago.com
THREE DOTS AND A DASH Try a Puka Puka Punch at this tiki-style bar. 435 North Clark Street; threedotschicago.com
SCHUBAS TAVERN One of Chicago's best live music venues, and they have a cozy bar/restaurant. 3159 North Southport Avenue; lh-st.com
EMPORIUM A good old-fashioned barcade (part bar, part arcade). They also have live music. emporiumchicago.com
MONTROSE SALOON A neighborhood bar filled with locals and live music. 2933 West Montrose Avenue; montrosesaloon.com
THE GREEN MILL COCKTAIL LOUNGE An old school jazz bar with live music until 4:00a.m. 4802 North Broadway Avenue; greenmilljazz.com
BIG STAR A bourbon and beer-focused late-night honky-tonk inWicker Park by Chef Paul Kahan. bigstarchicago.com
PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL A 1950’s style diner with bowling, karaoke, bocce, and an arcade room. Craft cocktails and comfort food like the buttermilk-brined southern fried chicken is also served. 310 N Green St; punchbowlsocial.com/location/chicago
SPILT MILK A 1920s pharmacy serving classic cocktails in Logan Square. William Morris floral wallpaper lines the walls and there is a forty-foot mahogany bar. Try the Turkish Delight, made with Prairie organic vodka, pistachio, lemon, pineapple and rose petal. 2758 W Fullerton Ave; spiltmilktavern.com
FEDERALES Mexican barbecue-style tacos, ceviche & tequila are served at this indoor outdoor beer garden. Try the spicy margaritas, homemade tortilla chips, and guacamole, and the adobo shrimp or pulled chipotle chicken tacos. 180 N Morgan St; federaleschicago.com
LONDONHOUSE CHICAGO The hotel’s rooftop bar, located on Upper Wacker’s riverfront, has sweeping views of Chicago’s downtown. 85 E Wacker Dr; londonhousechicago.com
DOLLOP COFFEE CO A neighborhood coffee house with multiple outposts. dollopcoffee.com
HERITAGE BICYCLES A custom bicycle shop and cafe. Owners Mike and Melissa Salvatore actually live upstairs. 2959 N Lincoln Ave, C heritagebikesandcoffee.com
INTELLIGENTSIA Chicago-based Intelligentsia has multiple locations in Chicago as well as nationally. Our favorite happens to be in Venice Beach, CA. intelligentsia.com
OROMO Pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, and coconuts are all made into nut milk here. Try the The coconut cubano—hot espresso poured over a teaspoon of coconut sugar oromocafechicago.com
ARTS | CULTURE | ACTIVITIES
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago has a permanent collection of over 300,000 works, including American classics like Grant Wood's American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, and Impressionist works like A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Renzo Piano designed the newly reopened Modern Wing. 111 S Michigan Ave; artic.edu
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Housed in a Josef Paul Kleihues-designed building in the heart of the city, the MCA is one of the world's largest contemporary art venues. 220 E Chicago Ave; mcachicago.org
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOME & STUDIO Frank Lloyd Wright established a studio in his Oak Park, Chicago home in 1898 when he was just twenty-two years old. You can tour his home and studio as well as the nearby Robie House and Harry S. Adams House in the neighborhood. 951 Chicago Ave; flwright.org/visit/homeandstudio
THE SECOND CITY A legendary sketch and improv comedy troupe where comedians like Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and more got their start. You can catch one of their shows any night of the week. secondcity.com
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Field Museum encompasses about sixty-five million years of natural history, complete with Dinosaur skeletons (including the most complete T-Rex frame in the world). 1400 S Lake Shore Dr; fieldmuseum.org
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER Visit the Chicago Architecture Center museum or book a ride on Chicago’s First Lady for a river cruise with unparalleled views of landmarks like theMART, the wave-inspired Jeanne Gang-designed Aqua skyscraper, and Marina City by architect Bertrand Goldberg. architecture.org
NAVY PIER A waterfront destination with a Ferris Wheel, shops, and restaurants. 600 E Grand Ave; navypier.org
MILLENNIUM PARK A public park in Chicago’s Loop, home to a collection of sculptures, including Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate and Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion. 201 E Randolph St; chicago.gov
SKY DECK The 103rd floor of the former Sears Tower with a clear observation boxes and views extending to four states. 233 S Wacker Dr; theskydeck.com
DRIEHAUS MUSEUM The museum is housed within the historic Samuel M. Nickerson House, the 1883 residence of a wealthy Chicago banker. The interiors are replete with marble, onyx, carved exotic and domestic woods, glazed tiles, and stained glass. On display are original furnishings from the Nickerson era along with American and European decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including art nouveau furnishings and a number of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum is named after its founder, the Chicago businessman, philanthropist, and art collector Richard H. Driehaus. The artworks on display in the museum are selections from the private Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts. driehausmuseum.org
THE CHICAGO THEATRE The Chicago Theatre, originally known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, is a landmark theater located on North State Street in the Loop area of Chicago.
LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the leading opera companies in the United States. It was founded in Chicago in 1954, under the name 'Lyric Theatre of Chicago' by Carol Fox, Nicola Rescigno and Lawrence Kelly, with a season that included Maria Callas's American debut in Norma. lyricopera.org
SHEDD AQUARIUM An indoor public aquarium. When it opened in 1930, the 5 million US gallon aquarium was the largest indoor facility in the world. Today it holds about 32,000 animals. 1200 S Lake Shore Dr; sheddaquarium.org
WRIGLEY FIELD Wrigley Field is a baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago, and home of the Chicago Cubs, one of the city's two Major League Baseball franchises. 1060 W Addison St; mlb.com/cubs/ballpark
GARFIELD CONSERVATORY A botanical garden, away from the hustle of downtown, and a local favorite, especially in the cold winter months. This 4.5-acre conservatory is home to thousands of plants, trees, and flowers, with the focal point the palm-fringed prismed dome you see as soon as you enter. 300 North Central Park Avenue; garfieldconservatory.org
SHOP
IKRAM An iconic purveyor of high-end apparel, fragrances, and accessories. The owner, Ikram Goldman, even styled former First Lady Michelle Obama. 15 E Huron St; ikram.com
THE MAGNIFICENT MILE Chicago’s version of 5th Avenue or Rode Drive. For more of a local boutique shopping experience, try North Damen Avenue and the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods.
MERZ APOTHECARY An apothecary stocking homeopathic remedies, upscale toiletries, pampering products from around the world. 4716 N Lincoln Ave; merzapothecary.com
P.O.S.H. Antique housewares shop carrying vintage goods sourced from auction houses & European flea markets. 613 N State St; poshchicago.com
BLAKE Minimalist store specializing in sophisticated women's apparel, plus shoes & accessories. 212 W Chicago Ave
PENELOPE'S A Wicker Park boutique selling European & U.S. brands like A.P.C. and Gitman Vintage Hawaiian-print shirts. 1913 W Division St; shoppenelopes.com
ASRAI GARDEN Jewelry and home decor. asraigarden.com
SEMICOLON An independently owned bookstore. 1714 W Division St; semicolonchi.com
HUMBOLDT HOUSE Showroom featuring textiles, accent pieces, housewares & vintage modern furniture in casual digs. 1045 N California Ave; humboldthouseco.com
NOTRE An Andersonville menswear boutique with a mixture of lines including A.P.C., Common Projects, and Steven Alan and unique collaborations like S.N.S. and the Barbour x White Mountaineering line. 118 N Peoria St; notre-shop.com
SPROUT HOME Fresh flowers and gardening tools galore plus botany-related workshops and a mini nursery in the back. sprouthome.com
WRIGHT An auction house that organizes modern and contemporary design shows. The Wright Now showroom houses globally-sourced décor, furniture, and fine art that can be viewed by appointment. wright20.com
RR #1 CHICAGO A gift shop selling jewelry, soaps, candles, and other home goods in a restored 1930s pharmacy. 814 N Ashland Ave; rr1chicago.com
BROADWAY ANTIQUE MARKET A 75 vendor antique market made up of mostly Art Deco and Mid Century modern design. Furniture, clothing, accessories, and costume jewelry all under one roof. 6130 N Broadway; bamchicago.com
ROBIN RICHMAN A Bucktown boutique exclusively focuing on European lines (tiered dresses by Tsolo Munkh, Elena Dawson separates, Guidi boots). 2108 N Damen Ave; robinrichman.com
ESKELL Founders Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo are known for their taste (Judi Rosen denim, knits from Barcelona-based Yerse, and In God We Trust charm necklaces). The apothecary carries D.S. & Durga fragrances and Qualitas candles. Eskell, 2029 N Wester; eskell.com
GREER A stationery shop carrying Rifle Paper Co., Delfonics, Ferme a Papier as well as Antiquaria and Tiselle. 1013 W Webster Ave; greerchicago.com
JAYSON HOME A beloved vintage furniture/décor/botany mecca. 1885 N Clybourn Ave; Jaysonhome.com
CIRCA MODERN A former architect and auctioneer, respectively, Jared Peterson and Don Schmaltz partnered up to open one of Chicago’s best furniture showrooms in West Town. American, Scandinavian, and Italian mid-century modern designs— Eames chairs, Arne Jacobsen flatware, and more. 1114 N Ashland Ave; circamodern.com
SALVAGE ONE A 60,000-sq.-ft. showroom of salvaged indoor and outdoor furnishings, plus custom design services. 1840 W Hubbard St; salvageone.com
SPACE 519 A modern general store, boasting everything from stationary to designer clothing. 200 E Chestnut St; space519.com
LUXURY GARAGE SALE A high- end consignment store. 900 Michigan Ave; luxurygaragesale.com
DOVETAIL A contemporary and vintage boutique. dovetailchicago.com
AZEEZA A boutique selling Azeeza's upscale, trendy women's apparel, and accessories. 900 N Michigan Ave; azeeza.us
RSVP GALLERY An upscale designer clothing boutique that stocks 3.1 Phillip Lim and Acne Studios alongside Public School and Off-White. 1793 North Damen Avenue; rsvpgallery.com
MCSHANE'S EXCHANGE A consignment shop featuring designer women's clothing for the current season, organized by color. 815 West Armitage Avenue
GRAMAPHONE RECORDS A record store with rare finds. 2843 North Clark Street; gramaphonerecords.com
HYDE PARK RECORDS Buy/sell/trade shop with a cool vibe offers new & used vinyl & CDs of many music genres, plus DVDs. 1377 East 53rd Street; hydeparkrecords.com
ANDERSONVILLE GALLERIA The exposed-brick loft building features dozens of local vendors, selling everything from custom-made artwork to hand-stitched clothing and photography. 5247 N Clark St; andersonvillegalleria.com
SPA
MIREILLE’S STUDIO Mireille Hamon grew up and received her training in France, which accounts for her less-is-more approach. Her facials and LED light therapy and microdermabrasion sessions are excellent as is her eyebrow shaping. 49 E Oak St; mireillesstudio.com
CLEISE BRAZILIAN DAY SPA Owner Cleise Gomes moved to Chicago from Brazil in 2000, and has bringing traditional Brazilian beauty techniques to the U.S. ever since. Famous for her facials as well as glycolic peels, oxygen and LED light therapy, and a face massage-focused sessions. 732 N Wells St; cleisespa.com
ALLYU SPA Allyu (pronounced eye-you) is the Quechua word for community, and this Riverwalk-neighborhood spa's commitment to community spreads far beyond its clients. Sustainability manifests itself in nontoxic beauty products, cabinets made from reclaimed barn wood, and locally made soaps for sale. The facials incorporate healing grape stem cells, rose-quartz massage, and smoothing enzyme masks, plus a chakra balancing treatment. 600 W Chicago Ave; allyuspa.com
CREDO This progressive, impeccably curated natural beauty boutique stocks a wide range (more than 100) of nontoxic brands from around the globe, including top skincare and makeup products from de Mamiel, Ilia, Kjaer Weis, Kypris, RMS, and Tammy Fender. credobeauty.com
THE PENINSULA SPA The spa is high up on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel, and the treatments are beyond-pampering and impressively corrective. The Cryo 3R Facial uses chilled air to regenerate skin and support collagen while the European Deep Cleansing Facial involves a revitalizing massage, thorough pore detoxification, and layer upon layer of nourishing serums and creams. There's a eucalyptus steam room, as well as a relaxation room where you can curl up next to a fireplace. The facials can absolutely stand alone, but if you're splurging, consider one of the famous half- or full-day spa journeys. 108 E Superior St #2; peninsula.com/en/chicago
CHILL As the name suggests, Chill is a meditation studio designed to calm and reset the mind. chillanywhere.com
YOGAVIEW Lincoln Park’s Yogaview studio itself is a calming mix of exposed brick, high wood-beamed ceilings, and warm, soft lighting. 2211 N Elston Ave; yogaview.com
THE CRYOBAR Lincoln Park’s CryoBar is meant to release endorphins and produce an anti-inflammatory response that can reduce pain and increase your metabolism. It’s also said to encourage a great night’s sleep. thecryobar.com
COWSHED This British import, located inside the Soho House offers extraordinarily comfy treatment chairs and farmhouse vibes. sohohouse.com
Text: Veronica H. Speck Photo: Slim Aarons, © Getty Images