Blake

In Chicago's buzzy West Loop, Ace Hotel has set up shop right across from Google's Midwest HQ. Fittingly, the 159-room property is a nod to the city's strong architectural history having partnered with LA-based Commune design studio to thoughtfully marry both utility and craftsmanship. Taking inspiration from Mies Van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, the hotel expertly mixes warm woods, clean lines, and rich textures. 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. In the guest rooms, the low-slung plywood furniture references Mid-century design with pops of blue, greens, and grays and geometric patterns. (One of our favorite rooms is the Loft, a 545-plus square foot space, where a turntable and selection of curated vinyl and an acoustic Martin guitar are also on offer.) Downstairs, Stumptown Coffee set up shop just off the lobby —it's their first location in the Midwest—making for an ideal pit stop before you explore the neighborhood by foot.

Over a century ago, this Michigan Avenue landmark served as home base of the Chicago Athletic Association. The building had been vacant since 1997, so it was a pretty big deal when design firm Roman and Williams stepped in to re-imagine the massive building as a slick 241-room hotel. Sport is still a prominent theme here, as evidenced by a tricked out game room and walls of museum quality athletic memorabilia. And while the stained glass windows, grand ballroom, and general clubbiness were left intact, the brass lighting fixtures and leather furniture (both in-room and throughout the hotel) are welcome additions. There's also the sexy rooftop restaurant, Cindy's, and three more places to eat and drink. Incidentally, the cozy library at Cindy's is an excellent place to host a private event—it doesn't feel at all like a corporate hotel space, and the views of Lake Michigan are jaw-dropping.

This 300+ room hotel takes up the first 13 floors of the Mies van der Rohe-designed building (it’s actually the architect’s final work) but feels more like a boutique operation rather than a corporate-y behemoth. That said, it’s well equipped to host both business and leisure-minded travelers: spacious rooms, a choice of on-site restaurants, and a killer spa. It also offers all the thoughtful extras one might expect from a Langham, including afternoon tea service and a mini fleet of the signature pink taxis.

This is easily the hippest hotel in town, and at only 6 rooms strong, it’s also the tiniest. But what it lacks in size and fancy amenities (there’s no concierge or room service) it totally makes up for in fun and food. For one thing, the open-plan rooms are exceptionally designed (terrariums, freestanding tubs, custom furniture handmade by the owners) with hilarious little details like vintage Fisher Price tape decks and PBR in the mini fridge. The guesthouse sits directly on top of its namesake Michelin star restaurant, which means that wild boar sloppy joes and over 150 varieties of whiskey are literally steps away. Understandably evenings tend to get rowdy, so keep that in mind when booking.

We don’t say this much—or ever—but: The Peninsula is maybe our favorite urban hotel in the entire country. It was recently renovated, which, in this case, means new custom artwork in the guest rooms (including silk floral wall prints), tablet technology for controlling everything (lights, curtains, room service) by touchpad, and a new cocktail lounge, Z Bar, perched high above Michigan Avenue, where drinks are made tableside on a roving cart. Sipping an Old Fashioned here while soaking in the rooftop views before heading to your room and falling asleep on Pretesi linens in one of the Peninsula’s supremely comfortable beds...this is the perfect Chicago evening.

Perched inside the only skyscraper for miles, this Wicker Park hotel not only boasts killer views of downtown, it's located on one of the best intersections in the city—at the corner Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues, it's just steps from Big Star, Dove’s Luncheonette, and the Damen Blue Line stop. The building itself is an art deco jewel that preserves much of the charm of its 1920s design, and its triangular footprint means each of the hotel's 69 rooms are filled with plenty of light. Their 13th-floor rooftop lounge, Up & Up, is a great place to grab a drink, too.

Scoring a membership here is like hitting the Soho House jackpot: There’s a rooftop pool, a killer house restaurant (and a separate white-tablecloth option), Cowshed spa, tricked-out gym with boxing ring, and a 40-room hotel. Including the two public restaurants on the ground floor (Chicken Shop and Pizza East), this is the largest space on the roster. And while it’s been a long time coming (nine years since Nick Jones first set his sights on Chi town), this outpost looks and feels like it fits right in with its cool West Loop surroundings.

This boutique hotel feels at once like an urban loft and a cozy cabin, combining rich colors and exposed brick with stellar views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Its Gold Coast location means it's just a walk away from shopping and dining on the Magnificent Mile (and legendary pizza from Lou Malnati's), though the admired Osteria Nico downstairs means you don't even have to leave the hotel for Italian with a view. Just as enticing are the modern rooms themselves, featuring velvet seating and Brooklyn-made D.S. & Durga toiletries. If you do decide to change out of the insanely comfortable robes and venture outdoors, though, take advantage of the hotel's complimentary offsite car service.

The Waldorf’s massive, elegantly appointed guestrooms—a good portion of which have working fireplaces—are just one of the many reasons why we chose it as our home away from home during the Chicago goop pop. Here, a heated porte-cochère (a godsend during those brutal Midwestern winters) gives you the sense that comfort is taken very seriously before you even step through the doors. Balsan, the on-site bistro, has a solid selection of classic American fare (burgers, salads, and super fresh oysters), so leaving the grounds for a great market-driven meal isn’t a necessity.

Hovering above Fulton Market in Ballast Point, Aba is the 4,000 square foot rooftop restaurant that’s turned into one of the city’s buzziest warm weather hangouts (though with several fireplaces spread throughout, it’ll likely remain a hot spot well beyond the summer season). The best way to tackle the Mediterranean-themed menu is by sharing everything, especially the small plates that includes five kinds of hummus (the avocado and fava bean is our favorite), and the red beet tzatziki with horseradish, dill, and finger limes. For dessert, the frozen Greek yogurt with olive oil and sea salt is simple, but so satisfying.

The menu at this hidden gem (it's quite literally hidden near a Home Depot in an unmarked building) remains exciting: gnocchi with maple bacon, steak tartare with fried capers and egg yolk, PB&J bread pudding. In the summer, they open up a garage door in the back of the building to an open-air astroturf patio; head to the back to play a game of ping pong while you wait for your meal. The private dining room here is legendary, too—tucked away near the entrance to the main dining room, it's a popular pick for the film and music crowd.

Grant Achatz needs no introduction. The chef has helmed what is arguably the greatest restaurant in America since its 2005 opening (just watch the first episode of Chef's Table season two...there are no words). Alinea has received every accolade going (including a whopping three Michelin stars) but, awards aside, this thoroughly modern restaurant's greatest success is remaining open (and packed to the rafters) for over a decade. Spaced out across a few floors, the beauty of Alinea is choice—sixteen to eighteen courses on the first floor, a more subdued ten courses on the second (wine pairings available with both). The cuisine is on the experimental end which means lots of foam, the odd sprinkling of molecular dust, and a heavy dose of nostalgia mingled with modernity. The perfect example of a signature Alinea dish is the translucent pumpkin pie: that sweet, spiced pumpkin pie flavor distilled into clear gelatin and poured into a tradition pie crust—genius. A recent shake-up means that executive chef Mike Bagale is moving on and veteran staffer Simon Davies—who started in the restaurant as an intern over nine years ago—is taking the reigns. And finally, last year's renovation (aside from knocking down a few walls) meant the freed-up staff travelled the world for gastronomic inspiration—the new menu packs a nuanced, flavorful punch, and the space is a pleasure all its own. (Reservations open the fifteenth of each month.)

This beloved neighborhood haunt is one of the best family-friendly meals in town. The menu is packed with tasty dishes that are just simple enough to accommodate a kid’s palate. The roasted chicken in particular seems to net the most acclaim from diners both big and small.

Exposed brick, leather banquettes, and mood lighting make this the ideal date spot—whether it’s of the romantic or friendly variety. They don’t take reservations, so we suggest cozying up at the bar for a classic burger (many say it’s the best in town) and a cold beer (there are tons of domestic and international options). The brunch shouldn’t be missed—the fried house-made bologna sandwich with a side of hashbrowns is the restaurant’s most popular order.

Avec is one of Chicago's enduring food destinations. It boasts a sleek all-wood interior, and rows of communal tables that aren't exactly comfortable, but do the job (particularly because long lines dictate that you shouldn't exactly linger). It’s technically a wine bar, so there’s an extensive wine list in addition to a selection of beers and cocktails. Food-wise, the menu is broken up into shareable plates that range from charred octopus to stuffed dates, and large plates like confit chicken paella and whole roasted fish.

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.

Like most establishments on Brendan Sodikoff’s roster (Au Cheval, Gilt Bar), the décor at this River North steakhouse is old time-y and darkly romantic (tufted leather booths, hard-wood floors, vintage mirrors) with a dinner offering that clearly values tradition over pomp: meatloaf, crisp wedge salad, and really really good steak frites. Wash it all down with something from the classics-minded cocktail list (regulars tend to go for the Dark & Stormy).

A few years ago, the team behind Boka enlisted Simeone Deary Design Group to give the Michelin starred restaurant a top-to-bottom overhaul. The resulting space—an earthy mix of muted mauves, with one wall covered entirely in antique door handles and another in live moss—is the perfect setting for Chef Lee Wolen’s refreshingly unfussy take on fine dining: heirloom carrots, brandade ravioli, and the now famous roasted chicken. The desserts are pretty extraordinary too (see: 70 percent South American cacao mousse). The terrace opens up onto the patio and has doors that close to the main dining room for private events.

By far the best BBQ in Chicago. The menu is short and, unsurprisingly, meat heavy but what makes Q special are the house wood-smoked meats and the distinctive rubs and pickles they concoct so consistently.

This self-professed “fast-casual” eatery prides itself on giving guests a 100 percent customizable experience. The tech-to-table system allows for lightning-fast service (order from a digital menu board, and then take a wireless tracker to your table), though if traditional waiter service is more your speed, there’s that too. Food-wise, the focus is on healthful, fresh fare, with the menus at both locations brimming with veggie-driven dishes (for the most part, produce is sourced locally) like kale slaw and grilled artichokes, in addition to comfort staples like matzo ball soup and close to a dozen burger variations (the turkey burger is a GP favorite). There's also a location in Gold Coast.

A working jukebox, padded stools, and counter seating...aesthetically speaking, everything about this smallish Wicker Park restaurant screams retro luncheonette. The menu, on the other hand, is the farthest thing from greasy diner food. Chef Ryan Piotrowski turns out an impressive selection of Southern-inspired Mexican comfort food (red chile enchiladas, grits, and a bunch of yummy chicken dishes) and a tequila-heavy drink menu to match. The seating situation is a tad unconventional and doesn't really accommodate large groups comfortably. That said, it’s ideal for a low-key one-on-one.

Chicago hasn’t been immune to the Nordic food craze of the past few years, and it reaches new heights at Elske, a Danish-influenced West Loop restaurant from husband-and-wife team David and Anna Posey (formerly of Blackbird, a few blocks away). The spare, airy dining room is thoroughly Danish, and made warm and inviting with jugs of wildflowers, ferns, and candlelight. The menu, meanwhile, is both curious and comforting, consisting of dishes like fermented black bean agnolotti with morels, sugar snap peas, and sherry and aged duck breast and grilled confit with ember roasted kohlrabi, kraut, and creamed duck fat. After dinner, there’s a huge outdoor fireplace—the perfect place to finish your Pinot Noir.

The first thing you need to know about Gilt Bar is that it’s not a bar—it’s a full-on restaurant, with a pared-down menu of small-plates that rarely eclipse the $20 mark. Here you’ll find pork meatballs, ramp risotto, and steak tartare served on toast. What’s more, there is an actual bar downstairs. It’s called The Library, and with its candlelit, subterranean vibe, and impressive classic cocktail selection, it’s arguably the best date spot in town.

We love Stephanie Izard's Girl & The Goat because craft is the key to every single one of the dishes. The food is separated into three categories—meat, fish, and vegetables—with plenty of crossover in between. Combinations are unexpected and bold flavors abound, all with a feminine, comfortable touch. Don’t miss the selection of house-made breads served at the beginning of each meal, and if you’re a beer drinker, you will be pleased with their unusual collaborations with Three Floyds. The "Underground Goat," their private dining space below the restaurant, is one of the most sought-after party venues in town.

According to High Five Ramen, a good bowl of ramen boils down to the broth. Their version is creamy and miso-y with a nice kick. Thanks to generous helpings of chiles and pepper—as the warning on the menu suggests—the restaurant’s signature namesake dish is guaranteed to set your mouth on fire. If you like your noodles a little less intense, try the no-spice version or the “Special” ramen. Though there are only sixteen seats, the wait is reasonable and the cavernous feel of the space is romantic. The alcohol offering is pretty skimpy, but the spiked coconut painkiller slushy is really all you’ll need.

Collectively, twin chefs Carlo and Melvin Vizconde have spent fifteen years honing their craft at respected sushi establishments before striking out on their own. So yeah, the backstory of this BYOB twenty-two seat sushi spot is just as interesting as the innovative offering of esclar-wrapped oyster clouds, duck skewers, and all manner of sashimi. At $90, the omakase menu is a good way to sample the best of the best.

Chefs (and married couple) Tim Flores and Genie Kwan worked together at two-Michelin-star Oriole, and with Kasama, they meant to open the kind of neighborhood bakery people would drop into for a croissant and a coffee. And Kasama is that, yes, serving relatively inexpensive breakfast sandwiches, adobo, and baked goods at brunch. (Try the Basque cake, which has ube and huckleberry filling.) But at night, it serves a 13-course tasting menu rooted in Filipino flavors. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect twists on lumpia, pancit, kinilaw, bistek, nilaga, and halo-halo.

This is Stephanie Izard's elevated riff on the classic American diner, so expect to find vinyl booths and all-day breakfast—but know that it’ll be the farthest thing from rubbery eggs and soggy toast. It's more like spaghetti and clams, kimchi bacon & eggs, and a savory bull’s eye French toast. For lunch, go for the build-your-own burger and side of smoked fries...this is a diner after all.

In a blue, rectangular clapboard building in Logan Square, the team from Land and Sea Dept., which run popular spots like Lost Lake and Cherry Circle Room, have scored another hit with Lonesome Rose. The decor gives off a Southern California vibe (lots of light wood accents, potted cacti and ficus, and sunlight streaming through oversized windows), but the food is pure Tex-Mex. The chile con queso is probably the best you’ll find in the city (you’ll want to add black beans), and the fried chicken torta with pickled peppers is a winner, too. There’s also a basement bar, Golden Teardrops, convenient when you want an after-dinner drink without having to travel too far.

This is another great Chicago gastropub that has pretty impressive and rarified food and drinks. There are also a few very affordable and sleekly decorated guestrooms, featuring the work of some great American craftsmen and designers, just upstairs.

This long-standing neighborhood standby adopted the farm-to-table approach long before it was the cool thing to do. Though you’re guaranteed a great meal any time of day, it’s the weekend brunch that garners the most praise from locals. Nettle-infused creamed grains and the farm egg “Royale” are particularly delicious but there’s no guarantee either will stick around as the offering is tailored according to what’s in season. Given that Lula is operated by a husband-and-wife team, the emphasis is on community, hence the family-style Monday night prix-fixe dinners.

This seafood-centric newcomer takes up a beautifully appointed but tiny sliver of a space in Lakeview. In contrast, the menu is a vast. There’s ceviche on squid ink toast, sea scallops with pickled Fresno peppers, and a cured anchovy starter that’s way better than it should be. For veggies, there’s a section of seafood and meat-free dishes (the tempura eggplant is bomb). Reservations are hard to come by so plan ahead.

"Unfussy" is probably the best word to describe the fresh fish at this sexy little sushi joint. All the chefs are traditionally trained, so while the more out-there rolls and daily specials are great, it’s the beautifully cut sashimi and nigiri that steal the show. It’s also important to note that while the offering is topnotch, the atmosphere is decidedly low-key, just right for a weeknight dinner.

This spot at the heart of Chicago's restaurant-dense West Loop neighborhood is excellently executed Italian comfort food from chef Sarah Grueneberg, with an emphasis on handmade pasta you can watch being made over at the tasting counter.

How could we do a Chicago guide without mentioning Grant Achatz, the Midwestern wunderkind of molecular gastronomy? His restaurant, Next, and bar, The Aviary, are tops in our book. Expect flavors, textures, and combinations that you’ve never encountered before. Next is an interpretation of French cuisine harkening back to 1906. The Aviary is more than a cocktail bar or lounge. It’s a lab. To get a coveted reservation (or a ticket, as the website indicates), sign up online.

This Avondale forty-seater got its start from a Kickstarter campaign and is operated by Top Chef alum, Beverly Kim, with help from her husband, fellow chef Johnny Clark. Their Americanized take on Korean staples (pork belly and mung bean pancake, Spanish mackerel Bi Bim Bop, house-made kimchi) has proven to be a huge hit with locals who are encouraged to come in with family in tow and ask for the thoughtfully developed kid’s menu.

A collaboration between a chef and a wine connoisseur, Chef Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo opened Piccolo Sogno in 2008. The modern and rustic Italian food is all about the freshest, seasonal ingredients and Italian wines. The best seats in the house, especially in the summer, are in their quiet outdoor patio.

Dining at The Publican is always a treat. It’s kind of the ideal menu, with oysters, roast chicken, fries, and lots of delicious sides. The room is big and light and open, plus, many booths have little saloon style swinging doors on them for privacy. Their butcher shop and cafe (Publican Quality Meats) is next-door, and offers a full butchery plus sandwiches and old-fashioned breakfasts; it can be converted into a dining room in the evening for private events.

This is the kind of authentic Italian standby that has no need to futz with the basics. Everything, whether it’s a seasonal pasta or ossobuco, is prepared perfectly and true to tradition, the way chef Riccardo Michi has been doing it for years (go if you're especially hungry, as portions tend to run large).

RL Restaurant (yes that’s RL for Ralph Lauren), has the 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.

The absolute highlight of any Chicago trip is eating at Schwa. Chef Michael Carlson and his staff are so punk rock that they don’t even answer the phone, which makes getting a table difficult, yet weirdly fascinating. From the outside, Schwa looks like it has been condemned. Inside, the dining room is small and spare yet cozy. The formality of the service and menu (no orders taken until the whole party arrives, and the elaborate tasting menu) is juxtaposed by the waiters in casual clothes and the blaring music. The food is sublime. It’s classic American comfort food by way of Ferran Adrià/Banksy/Tony Hawk. It’s off the hook. Try the 9-course tasting menu.

Some Chicagoans swear that Small Cheval has the best burgers in the city. The burger they’re known for is the “double stack,” two patties with cheddar cheese, dijonnaise, pickles, and two slices of maple-glazed bacon. The food menu is small (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries), so don’t come here for a salad. But when you’re craving a summertime burger outside on a picnic table with a pitcher of locally-made Half Acre microbrew, there’s no place better.

The typical caution against filling up on bread before dinner flies out the window at Tied House, in Lakeview, where Parker House rolls are served with addictive sides like chicken liver mousse, green tomato marmalade, and buttery bone marrow. Some of the best entree options are on the lighter, side, including vegetarian dishes like maitake mushrooms in a shoyu and leek broth that’s packed with umami. If there’s room, though, meat-based items (milk braised pork with cabbage salsify and apple, short rib with black garlic and yellow foot chanterelle mushrooms) is worth the extra calories.

Unlike so many of the city’s more popular watering holes, this indoor-outdoor Tex-Mex spot is bright, airy, and massive in size. It’s part of One Off Hospitality Group (Dove’s Luncheonette, Avec) and as evidenced by the deep tequila/beer/cocktail list and 2am closing time, values a good time above all. To balance out the copious amounts of booze, order tacos and lots of guacamole from the walk-up window—it's usually faster than waiter service.

It’s always a good sign when you need sunscreen for lunch. Federales is such a place. It has a retractable roof above a massive patio, serves the perfect spicy-but-not-too-spicy margaritas, and the homemade tortilla chips and guacamole are the kind that could sustain you until tomorrow. It’s the kind of place you want to bring a group of friends—or hell, strangers—and stay for an entire afternoon under the sun. Those lively afternoons turn into even livelier evenings once the tequila starts flowing (there are over forty varieties) and the tacos (adobo shrimp, pulled chipotle chicken) are some of the best in the West Loop.

As the name suggests, you can come here for excellent chicken and fish, both fried to perfection and not at all greasy. But an emphasis on booze is to be expected from the guys that brought you Longman & Eagle. The bar stays open till 2am nightly (3am on Saturdays!) and serves craft cocktails and beer on tap, as well as a lethal Negroni slushy. They also make excellent use of the outdoor space (complete with freestanding bar and ping-pong tables) which functions as a patio in summer or an ice skating rink in the colder months.

There’s no shortage of bars worth a visit in Logan Square, but Spilt Milk stands out for its dimly-lit, Prohibition-era mood, with elegant William Morris floral wallpaper and a forty-foot mahogany bar. The menu is short and sweet, and there’s nothing typical about it—we love the Turkish Delight, made with Prairie organic vodka, pistachio, lemon, pineapple and rose petal, but the local beers on tap (including brands like Moody Tongue and Solemn Oath Brewery) provide a few more reasons to stop in.

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). But if Italian ice isn't your thing, the smoothies or ice cream concoctions here will do just fine.

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.

While Dollop has expanded across Chicago over the past 10 years, it’s still very much the neighborhood coffee house at heart—there’s nothing slick or overwhelmingly modern about any of the cafes. At the original Uptown spot, the seating options include lived-in couches and upholstered chairs, which if you’re in it for the long haul, makes a difference. The food offering, while modest, will do the trick in a pinch.

Doughnuts have been enjoying a pretty awesome resurgence, and nowhere is that more evident than this family of bakeries, where out-the-door lines are a daily occurrence. Flavors run the gamut from buttermilk to gingerbread stack, but the award winning glazed is the long-standing favorite. For diehards, it might be worth it to hop from shop, to shop, to truck as the menus and daily specials vary. The truck, for example, serves strictly old fashioneds (check twitter to find out where it’s parked). Keep in mind that all three can shut down unexpectedly if stock runs out.

This is where real Chicagoans go for Chicago-style cheesecake—less dense than NY-style with a moist, butter-cookie crust. There’s a miles-long list of inventive flavors—white chocolate raspberry, hot chocolate, blackberry sour cream—but the original is still tops. Coincidentally, Eli’s is also famous for having the best tofu-based vegan cheesecake in the country, which according to lore, the owners developed after GP suggested there was a hole in the market for vegan cheesecake that didn't taste like cardboard.

It may appear to be one of those hip, brick coffee houses that are ubiquitous these days, but this Logan Square roaster also happens to serve an excellent breakfast and lunch, too. Locals swear by the duck egg benedict and house made pickles, and the tartines (ricotta with pear, prosciutto and olive oil; salmon with goat cheese, capers and chives) make for great snacks in between exploring the area’s vintage and specialty stores. Pro tip: Buy a bag of Gaslight’s beans to bring home, and you’ll get your coffee order for free.

We teamed up with Heritage as part of our Chicago pop last year. After all, this is the kind of family-run operation that can make all your bike-related dreams come true. Not only will they custom build one from scratch (Tassels? Glitter? No problem!), but they make great coffee, too. The original Lincoln Avenue outpost (owners Mike and Melissa Salvatore actually live upstairs) does both in addition to a sweet general store, while the Heritage Outpost in Uptown is devoted entirely to coffee. You'll find free Wifi, and a group of people working on laptops, at both locations.

Chicago-based Intelligentsia ushered in a new wave of gourmet coffee shops, the kind where responsibly sourced and expertly roasted coffee is prepared using methods that, though time-consuming, result in a pretty perfect cup. As a rule, all outposts are aesthetically unique, offer free Wi-Fi, and have loads of seating options.

Tired of almond milk? This is your place. This colorful little place gives the health-obsessed cafés of L.A. a serious run for their money when it comes to alternative creamers. Pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts, and coconuts are all soaked, pressed, blitzed, and strained for the perfect velvety, dairy-free latte. These nutty elixirs are spiked with all manner of adaptogens and superfoods (ashwagandha, moringa, maca, camu camu) for a supercharged, super healthy pick-me-up. The coconut Cubano—hot espresso poured over a teaspoon of coconut sugar—is the perfect marriage of syrupy sweetness and bitter heat.

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.

Chicago antique malls are the stuff of mid-century modern legend, and BAM is the crème de la crème. At 75-vendors strong (most with a focus on Art Deco, Mission, and Mid Century modern design), it’s got something for everyone. Furniture, clothing, accessories, costume jewelry—all of it blessedly organized so there’s little need to dig. And as locals will tell you (or more likely, not tell you) the semi-annual sales are epic.

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. This is the kind of place where American, Scandinavian, and Italian mid-century modern designs attract interior designers and new home buyers from around the city. You’ll find Eames chairs, Arne Jacobsen flatware, and more obscure finds (there’s an Alvar Aalto tea trolley, for instance), but it’s a good idea to browse the website before making an appointment at the store: Some may not be ready in the showrooms, but a quick call or email ensures that whatever you’d like to see is brought from the warehouse to the shop for your perusal.

Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo, the founders of this Wicker Park standby, are known for their trend-driven, yet somehow totally timeless sensibility, which is perfectly reflected in the boutique’s easy-to-navigate layout and eclectic buy (Judi Rosen denim, knits from Barcelona-based Yerse, and In God We Trust charm necklaces). And while the eponymous house line might skew a little young for some, for the right girl, the racks of retro-tinged dresses and printed separates are a sartorial goldmine. The apothecary, however, is a sure bet for just about everyone—think, D.S. & Durga fragrances and Qualitas candles.

Owner Claire Tibbs puts a lot of love into staging the beautiful range of vintage modern furniture, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry as a series of vignettes, making this sprawling space that much easier to navigate. It also means you get a pretty convincing preview of what, say, a retro brass bar cart or Hans Olsen leather chair might look like in your own home. On a smaller scale, the selection of local-designed jewelry, home goods, and apothecary items is as easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet.

Ikram is an incredibly special store with everything handpicked by Ikram Goldman, the owner who is known for, among other things, having styled Michelle Obama. The sprawling space itself is pretty impressive, with a dedicated home goods shop, gallery, and cafe on the second floor. Same goes for the one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories and spectacular jewelry on offer from such lauded names as Lanvin, Manolo Blahnik, and Tom Binns. Also, come here to shop new designers you've probably never heard of before and fun collaborations.

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.

Stepping in here is the closest thing to time travel. Peter Merz opened this North Side institution in 1875 to resemble the European apothecaries his customers were missing, and other than moving to a bigger space in the 80s, it really hasn’t changed much: Holistic remedies and herbal tinctures (rounded out by a massive selection of vitamins and supplements) are displayed in their original antique jars, while natural skincare and beauty products from modern day favorites like Dr. Hauschka, Klorane, and Jao line the shelves.

Maybe it’s because it’s so damned cold in Chicago in the winter that the Moncler store here is one of the best in terms of selection. The Italian brand is famous for making winter outerwear, even big puffy jackets, look good.

Spotlighting what they describe as “well-built, aesthetically driven goods,” the guys responsible for this Andersonville menswear standby have nailed the elusive not-trying-too-hard vibe. The shop offers a thoughtful mix of luxe lines (A.P.C., Common Projects, Steven Alan) and classic standbys (Filson bags and Red Wing Heritage boots), but what sets them apart is their penchant for seeking out unique collaborations, like exclusive knits from S.N.S. and a sizable selection from the Barbour x White Mountaineering line.

Not counting department stores, it’s not often we find a shop where every member of the family is guaranteed to leave happy. For husband-and-wife team Jena Frey and Joe Lauer, the trick is to stock their Ukrainian Village boutique with cool, well-designed lines that they themselves want to wear—A.P.C, Me and Arrow, and Sessun for women; Brooklyn Tailors, Mollusk, and Norse Projects for guys; plus a small but mighty selection of beauty-shelf staples from Herbivore Botanicals and Plant. And while there isn’t a ton for kids, the stuff that’s available—Petit Bateau onesies, Hansel from Basel socks—is all pretty much perfect.

Come to this deliberately cluttered mom-and-pop (located in the historic Tree Studio building) for all the benefits of antique shopping, without having to deep dive for the good stuff—here, piles of vintage hotel silver salvaged from European estate sales sit next to 1950s maps found at local flea markets. And while everything on display is good, it’s the tiny kids corner—packed with books, serving sets, and vintage toys—that’s arguably the main attraction. Fair warning: Serious collectors have to be quick on the draw as much of the offering is one-of-a-kind.

With its almost exclusive focus on lesser-known European lines (tiered dresses by Tsolo Munkh, Elena Dawson separates, Guidi boots), this Bucktown shop has been a hit with the avant-garde crowd since the '90s. The airy, welcoming space is really more gallery than store, which makes sense since the buy is largely of the architectural and one-off variety.

Housed in what used to be a 1930s apothecary (thankfully, the original wood paneling was left untouched), RR#1 Chicago is one of those stores that you’ll have a hard time leaving empty-handed. On offer: a dizzying array of candles, teas, and soaps, as well as kitschy prank gifts, tea towels, and novelty books. It’s pretty ideal for picking up a last minute something for the hostess, they'll even gift-wrap your selection right at the counter.

Navigating this colossal salvaged furniture and décor warehouse is actually surprisingly easy, especially if mid-century modern is your design sweet spot. Inventory is updated pretty much daily so no two trips are alike. Conveniently, they also offer carpentry services at the on-site workshop, making this an excellent resource for decorators and designers. Plus, the lush courtyard is an easy sell as a popular special event and wedding venue.

DL Mullen, the female founder behind Semicolon, one of Chicago’s newest independently owned bookstores, has created a space where the library of titles is immense and the comfort is instant. An afternoon spent browsing books is a lesson in sensory pleasure, with rotating art on the walls, plenty of seating, and gorgeous decorative touches, like bright rugs and literary quotes. It’s the kind of spot where settling in with a stack is encouraged and questions are welcome. Mullen and her team provide thousands of donated books to Chicago public school students, and Mullen (who has a PhD in literary theory) is a seasoned pro at helping reluctant-to-read kids and young adults find books they won’t be able to put down. Images courtesy of Zach Caddy.

In just a few years, owners Lance and Jim have made a name for themselves for their impeccable taste, and for bringing otherwise-unknown designers and brands to their shop on North Michigan. Their tastes run the gamut from post-pop ceramics by Seletti, to tongue-in-cheek stationery, to Building Block tassel bags, Rachel Comey trousers, and Markus Lupfer sweatshirts: In their words, “it’s a general store that’s anything but general.” In the beauty department, find everything from Binchotan charcoal masks, to a full range of clean skincare.

It’s true that here you’ll find all manner of fresh flowers and gardening tools—they’ll even help black thumbs figure out how to revive dying houseplants—but it’s the custom terrariums that make the original Sprout Home a must-see (there’s a second location in Brooklyn, NY). In addition to botany-related workshops and wedding florals, professional garden-design services (there’s a mini nursery in the back) are also available.

This fabled auction house’s claim to fame is organizing modern and contemporary design shows that have the power to bring seasoned collectors to their knees and inspire novices to start investing. In addition to a gallery and consignment department, the Chicago location is home to the Wright Now showroom, which houses globally-sourced décor, furniture, and fine art that can be viewed by appointment.

In many ways, Chicago is a city made for kids. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, and the museums always seem to have plenty to offer the little ones. Adler Planetarium, right next to the Field Museum on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a prime example. Come here for a fun dose of cosmic escapism (adults will love it, too), where exhibits like “The Universe: A Walk Through Space” is akin to stepping into another world. You’ll wander through darkened rooms illuminated only by high resolution, twinkling recreations of the stars, galaxies, and planets.

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is hands down one of the city’s oldest treasures. The permanent collection is 300,000-strong, boasting such American classics as Grant Wood's American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s worth a visit just to see the recently opened, Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing. Piano is famous for his lighting, and the shelter above the space (which allows some daylight to sift into the galleries) is one of the best examples of his work to date.

One of the country’s great institutions, the Field Museum encompasses about sixty-five million years of natural history, give or take. Dinosaurs are almost brought to life with fully reconstructed skeletons, including the most complete T-Rex frame in the world, and dozens of animated videos and interactive displays create an engrossing narrative of evolution that’s easy for kids to digest. But grownups are just as enthralled. There’s also the Play Lab, an educational space for the youngest visitors to crawl into recreated dinosaur nests, play with toy fossils, and experiment with musical instruments from ancient cultures. The building itself is a neoclassical beauty inspired by the temples of Ancient Rome and Greece, and the location—right on Lake Michigan and adjacent to Grant Park—is perfect for outdoor picnics and running around after a visit.

A native Midwesterner, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Chicago work is easily accessible for architecture nerds in search of inspiration, especially in the Oak Park neighborhood. This is where you’ll find Wright’s own former home and studio, designed when he was just twenty-two years old. While you could happily amble about the leafy streets and see the Robie House and the Harry S. Adams House—two of the most well-known Wright-conceived homes in the area—it’s really his own home place that makes the best starting point. You’ll see features, like his obsession with horizontal lines, cantilevering, and inglenook fireplaces, that would become Wright’s signature in his later projects. It’s a fascinating history lesson to walk through his early experimental, trial-and-error canvas.

Housed in a Josef Paul Kleihues-designed building in the heart of the city, MCA Chicago is one of the best contemporary art museums in the world. In years past, they've organized everything from the first David Bowie retrospective, to the US debut of Colombian sculptor Doris Salcedo, as well as a major survey of American painter Kerry James Marshall (which they co-organized with the Met and LA's MOCA). We also love MCA for its manageable size—you can easily traverse the major galleries in a couple hours.

This legendary sketch and improv comedy troupe has churned out some of the country’s best comedians (Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert—and that’s barely skimming the surface). The group now has a permanent presence in Toronto and Hollywood, but its roots have been firmly planted in Chicago since 1959. You can catch one of their shows any night of the week, but you’ll want to pick up tickets well in advance as shows tend to sell out.

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. Besides a range of more traditional services, the incredible facials incorporate healing grape stem cells, rose-quartz massage, and smoothing enzyme masks, plus an amazing chakra balancing treatment.

As the name suggests, Chill is the place to come to escape. It’s a River North meditation studio that breaks the daunting task of quieting the mind into thirty-minute sessions, each designed to calm and reset a specific area of concern. “Breath” is focused on mental clarity and the elimination of brain fog. “Insight” is for the career-minded looking for work dilemma breakthroughs, while “Rest” is for those on a quest for better sleep. There’s even a course for kids, designed to train younger minds to de-stress and find stillness amid jam-packed schedules.

Owner Cleise Gomes moved to Chicago from Brazil in 2000, and has been working to bring traditional Brazilian beauty techniques to the U.S. ever since. Gomes is famous for her waxing techniques, but it's her facials that are actually one of the city's best kept secrets. There are glycolic peels, oxygen and LED light therapy, and a face massage-focused session that includes a rousing, heavenly scalp treatment.

This British import, located inside the Soho House in Chicago's buzzy West Loop, offers extraordinarily comfy treatment chairs and farmhouse vibes. It's particularly popular for its indulgent manis and pedis (60 and 75 minutes, respectively): Each of the chairs features its own TV and freshly brewed tea served in a teapot is available upon request. There are only five treatment rooms, but they'll do everything from facials (some with SkinCeuticals products) to body wraps, scrubs, and deep tissue massages.

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.

Mireille Hamon counts Oprah among her many makeup and skincare clients. The skin guru grew up and received her training in France, which explains her brilliant less-is-more approach. She’s a wizard at clearing blemishes via gentle steams, soothing masks, and careful extractions. Her LED light therapy and microdermabrasion sessions are stellar. And the woman is also an eyebrow genius.

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 (you look remarkably glowy immediately after), 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.

There are yoga studios that teach you to stretch and strengthen, and then there are yoga studios that seem to give you the tools to master mind and body. Lincoln Park’s Yogaview definitely falls into the latter. That’s due to thoughtfully-led classes taught by instructors who somehow manage plenty of individual attention, even in group classes, especially beginner sessions so newbies develop a strong foundation of basics. The expansive studio itself is a calming mix of exposed brick, high wood-beamed ceilings, and warm, soft lighting.