Lincoln Park

Grant Achatz needs no introduction. The chef has helmed arguably the greatest restaurant in America since its May 2005 opening.

The metal cryotherapy tanks found at Lincoln Park’s CryoBar are as futuristic as it gets—and be warned: the thought of being surrounded in a subzero fold of icy fog is a little daunting. But many regulars describe the enveloping cold as a surprisingly pleasant experience, which 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. It’s an easy, quick process: Step inside, remove your robe, and after three minutes, you emerge with a body that feels rested and recharged.

While Mexican fare is the anchor of the Barcocina menu, the food takes cues from other parts of the world, too, like Korea (short ribs with kimchi) and Thailand (a chicken quesadilla with spicy chiles and peanuts). It’s a testament to chef Matt Williams’ skill that everything is equally great, and the large, warehouse-style space is made cozier with communal tables and wood-paneled walls that give off a warm, welcoming feel. There’s a fire pit on the patio for pre- or post- dinner cocktails. Our favorite is the House Fire, made with Cointreau, jalapeno-infused tequila, and the homemade sour mix.

This no-frills, walk-up window shop in Lincoln Park (with a small patio) is known in part for its wide range of Italian ice flavors (from lychee to pink lemonade and chocolate).

This beloved vintage furniture/décor/botany mecca was a major contributor to making the Chicago goop Pop the experience it was. Somewhat rare, Jayson Home designs floral arrangements that are as exceptional as their furnishings. Perusing the shop's bright space is always an inspiring experience, but you can also order flowers and plants from their online store for delivery in the Chicago area.

You might know Jayson Home for the gorgeous store (great furniture and other home goods), but their floral department is one of Chicago's best-kept secrets. The proof is in the pudding: See the elegant white-and-green bouquets they arranged for the Chicago #gooppop dinner. So simple, and so good.

Part neighborhood café, part grocery, this Lincoln Park favorite is the definition of farm-to-table: All seasonal ingredients for the café and fresh produce for the market either come from the Blue Door farm, which is situated on what used to be Oprah’s property, or a number of other local purveyors. The eat-in menu has six grilled cheese varieties and a selection of craft beers while the small dry-goods section offers house-made pantry stockers and giftables from Chicago Candle Co., and goop-approved Murchison-Hume.

It’s kind of blasphemous to visit Chicago and not indulge in a deep-dish pizza, and the pan pies at Pequod’s (they’ve been churning them out since 1970) are the best money can buy. Sure the crust is simultaneously crispy and pillowy and the toppings bountiful, but it’s the extra layer of cheese between the dough and the pan that’s helped them stand the test of time.

This beloved vintage furniture/décor/botany mecca was a major contributor to making the Chicago goop Pop the experience it was. Even if you’re not in the market for say, a crushed velvet fainting sofa or crystal chandelier, perusing the bright space is an inspiring experience. Can’t do in-person? The online shop is the next best thing.

After years of putting her MBA to good use as an ad exec, Chandra Greer left it all behind for more creative pastures and never looked back. Greer is the kind of stationery-slash-gift shop you can pop into in a hurry and emerge with the perfect present (say, a Xenia Taler trivet or Lucia candle) or time permitting, pass an afternoon perusing the artfully cluttered displays. All the usual suspects—Rifle Paper Co., Delfonics, Ferme a Papier—are well represented, as are less-known indie makers like Antiquaria and Tiselle. Don’t miss the house line of miniature just-because cards, aptly called Civilettes.