Ada Street

At the Wythe Hotel, owned by the masterminds behind Marlow & Sons, you’ll find an outpost of Le Crocodile, a French bar, and views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines. The building has a plethora of spaces to rent for parties, including a full-fledged screening room. Oh, and if you're traveling in a band, as one does in Williamsburg, you can book their "Band Room," complete with bunk beds.

This dressed-up restaurant has all the elements of an old-school Mad Men-style steakhouse: Oysters, tick; an excellent Caesar Salad, tick; crabcakes and shrimp cocktails, tick. And of course, if it's steak you’re after, this is one of the best places in town to get it, with all the classic options for dressing it up, from Bearnaise sauce to an egg on top. The private space is moodily-lit.

This is one of the Joe Bastianich group's best restaurants, serving up his perfectly executed, regional Italian dishes in a dressed-up, white tableclothed setting. Unlike many other upscale NYC restaurants, Babbo has a fun (and never stuffy) vibe. It's hard to get a table but we like to go to the bar for an incredible plate of pasta and a glass of wine. The private room is a great place to host a fancy lunch.

Apart from the tasty Italo-American dishes—homemade spaghetti (kids go nuts for it) and the perfect roast chicken—the music is what really sets this restaurant apart. Colorful old-school boombox prints decorate the walls, and Snoop Dogg, Jay Z, and Dre boom from the speakers, making the meal a good one for a big group (they actually have a private dining room if you're inviting more than ten people), rather than an intimate gathering.

Housed in Mies van der Rohe's Seagram Building, this icon of a restaurant still honors its 1959 design by modernist Philip Johnson. Everything—from Philip Johnson's custom chairs and bar stools, to the metal chain curtains, to the Japanese-style pool in the middle of the dining room—is as true to the original concept as possible, making a meal here something of a field trip for Modernist design nerds. Needless to say, it's one of the city's true gems: While the Pool Room is a romantic spot for dinner, New York power lunches take place in the clubby, wood-paneled Grill Room. It's best for expense accounts: With its lofty prices and bustling location, it's usually packed with business types and Upper East Side denizens. And while it's an undeniably elegant space for an event, private rooms here are best reserved for big-deal celebrations like engagements or graduations.

For over 30 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event.

We like to stop by this homey café and wine bar for the occasional snack—a house-cured plate of salumi and a glass of wine—just as much as for a full, rustic meal. With gallerist David Zwirner as one of its backers, it’s no surprise this artfully restored ex-lumber supply space fills up with the art crowd on a regular basis. It's ideal for an event, too—their skilled planners will design a beautifully rustic event at long tables in the back rooms.

Lafayette serves all three meals in a beautiful brasserie space: Copper pots hang in the kitchen, horseshoe-shaped booths are spacious and inviting, while the clean, fresh look of the bakery—with blue-and-white patterned floor tiles and lots of white marble—offsets the rusticity of the dining room. We like the oysters, along with the rotisserie chicken for two and an order of the fries. It's also a great place to meet for breakfast, with simple, quality dishes that all have a French twist. The private wine cave has its own bar, which makes it ideal for office holiday parties.

Serving haute cuisine since 1962, this place is wonderfully old school (with the buttoned-up crowd to match). The food is decadent and indulgent as are the floral arrangements, for which they’re known. Incidentally, it's not surprising that it's an excellent choice for a fancy private event. The late night jazz is well worth staying—and dressing—up for.

Le Bernardin opened in 1986 after the success of the storied Parisian original. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripert, this swanky restaurant continues to deliver some of the finest, freshest fish in the city, served with delicate yet complicated sauces that make seafood incredibly exciting. The menu is prix fixe only and organized by preparation (almost raw, barely touched, lightly cooked, etc.). The private room here is upstairs and has a separate entrance.

Now under the ownership of Joe Bastianich, Lupa is full of ambiance and offers all sorts of affordable pastas served family style. Our favorite: Bavette cacio e pepe. It's simple but the quality of the ingredients makes it luxurious. You'd never know it, but they actually have a private room in the back. Or, for a larger group, you can reserve the entire restaurant.

This Greek seafood mecca launched the whole fish trend in NYC, and still does it to perfection. This, paired with delicious Greek mezze like grilled octopus, fresh salads, dips, and more in a beautiful whitewashed dining room with some of the highest ceilings in the city, is as close as you’ll get to the islands. The tuna burger with lightly fried zucchini sticks at lunch is pretty insane. Plus, their private room upstairs is perfect for an intimate dinner with a killer menu.

Daniel Humm of the Michelin starred Eleven Madison Park runs a food program here that is as delicious as it is elegant, all appropriate to the Jacques Garcia-designed surroundings. Choose between the clubby Parlour with velvet seats and Persian rugs or the shimmering Atrium under a massive skylight for your meal's venue—both are a treat. There are several private rooms available here, but opt for the rooftop if possible—you can actually stage a small table in the hotel's iconic cupola.

Napa's French Laundry may have put Thomas Keller on the map, but Per Se, which is perched above Central Park, confirmed his legendary status. The menu changes daily, and you can expect Keller to trot out some of his older hits along with some delightful new surprises. The meal itself can last for hours as you advance from seasonal course to course, and the set dinner menu starts at $390. The private room also happens to have one of the best views in town.

Red Farm’s menu focuses on fresh greenmarket product, artfully prepared fish, and delicious dim sum (including less familiar creations like pastrami egg rolls). The shrimp dumplings are delicious, the duck spring rolls are surprisingly refreshing, and we’re more than willing to endure the substantial wait (no reservations here) for a bowl of the veggie fried rice alone. They put together prix-fixe menus for large groups in private spaces.

If you've traveled in Austria and Germany, you know how uniquely delicious (if carb-heavy) the cuisine is—and also how hard it is to find good versions stateside. Blaue Gans' menu goes way beyond the obvious weiner schnitzel and wurst by including a hearty beef goulash, a traditionally made sauerkraut, and spätzle. Meanwhile, the kaiserschmarrn is apple-filled, with perfect batter and plentiful powdered sugar. The entire space can be rented for small gatherings.

It doesn't get much better than Daniel when it comes to haute cuisine (and destinations for special occasions). From the exceptional French prix-fixe menu to the flawless service and elegant jacket-only dining room, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. For a slightly more casual (and reasonably priced) a la carte dining experience, head to the lounge. And for a special event, book their private Bellecour Room, which has windows facing 65th Street—a rarity for event rooms in the city.

In the continued migration west of all things New York comes the LA outpost of a beloved West Village cocktail bar. It's a stellar spot for a group, an ideal way to kick off a night of cocktail hopping, and the private room is our go-to for events or intimate dinners. Cofounder Dushan Zaric has transformed a former BBQ restaurant into a space straight out of a Baz Luhrmann movie, with Art Deco touches, mahogany paneling, and textured wallpaper. Fans of the original will notice the neon “Psychic” sign in the window, and indeed, there are three psychics in residence each night, available for fifteen-minute readings. But really you come for the cocktails: There are the classics for which EO is best known, plus newbies like the Hope Monkey (Kaffir-lime-infused Gin Mare and absinthe bitters). Many of the new cocktails showcase locally sourced chamomile and sage syrup, and CBD oils in addition to fresh citrus juices. There’s also a full dinner menu, but the bar snacks are probably your best bet—oysters, and fries are a good way to go.

With a guest list that has included Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Prince Charles, and Richard Nixon (he wrote his memoirs here), it's not that surprising that after a comprehensive remodel in 2011, people were upset that Hotel Bel-Air wasn't exactly the same. But we still love it: We just don't go there expecting to see the original. The lobby, in particular, is so chic, and the Wolfgang Puck restaurant is a great pick for an event.

Since 1982, Spago has managed to hold its spot as one of the busiest and most celebrated LA restaurants. Sure, there's a ton of air-kissing and people-watching, but the seasonally-focused food succeeds thanks to fresh produce, meat, and fish that's done simply and well (the beet layer salad is always a highlight). It's the kind of place that's justified by a special occasion, and there are plenty of private room options for large parties.

This wonderfully tiny, six-table spot is the latest addition to the Mozza family—with a homepage distinguished by a giant cleaver, Chi Spacca offers innumerable versions of pork and beef chops, which should definitely be shared (many are 42 to 50 ounces). Like any great steak house, even of the Italian variety, all that carne comes with a bountiful menu of delectable sides: The mashed potatoes are insane, as are the squash blossoms and grilled cauliflower. And, as this is California and all, you can trust that there's a simple grilled fish on the menu, along with a hearty kale salad. It's possible to rent the entire space for events.

With two Michelin stars at its back, Michael Cimarusti’s Providence easily ranks as one of L.A.’s best. The prix-fixe menu revolves around Cimarusti’s deep love for the sea, and the provenance of the fish on the menu is clearly-defined: There’s down-home “chowda,” lobsters from Maine, coho salmon from the Olympic peninsula, and a smattering of exotics, like ikura, uni, and razor clams. Meanwhile, the quietly-fancy space feels like it could double as the dining room of an opulent ocean liner. They have two private rooms for events.

This place has been around since the '80s, but in the intervening years, it's lost none of its appeal. As a pioneer in the Asian-fusion space (one of Wolfgang Puck's first restaurants), Chinois—which marries French and Chinese cuisine—totally revolutionized the L.A. food scene. Now, the food feels wonderfully familiar in a space that looks straight out of Ruthless People. The curried oysters, duck pancakes, and spicy miso black cod are classics. A trip here always brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was one of the first foodie destinations in California. The excellent service and family-style servings make it perfect for a group (and there's a private room to accommodate, too).

Decades after opening, this place—like its counterpart in NYC—is still going strong, retaining that old-school Santa Monica feel. With chef Frank Fermin's revamped menu, outrageously fresh cocktails, and a breathtaking redesign of their lush back patio, we’ve recently come to regard it as our very classy new evening drinking destination. The candle-lit back patio is also a magical spot for hosting an event.

Connie & Ted's is undeniably one of the best options in L.A. for a great New England-style seafood meal. The menu is vast and great all around, but you can't go wrong with the daily fresh catch, prepared simply and skillfully—that or the fish and chips, which is buttery, flaky, and not the least bit greasy. Same goes for the overflowing fried oyster sandwich, which you'll be all too happy to eat with a fork and knife. Their family-style dinners, served to up to 16 guests on the private patio, are perfect for any low-key special occasion.

This is the quintessential LA hangout where the fun people-watching comes with a side of craft cocktails and decent Italian food. The Butterfly Room (named after its centerpiece, a heart-shaped painting by Damien Hirst) is roomier than most private dining areas (it can accommodate up to forty guests) and has a private entrance.

There are now 32 outposts of Nobu—and they draw a devoted touristy crowd—but the Malibu location, positioned on a bluff overlooking the ocean, is worth braving the hordes. The backdrop offers sweeping views that deliver the drama people love for big, festive moments like a rehearsal dinner, plus the food is reliably good.

The first thing to know about Scopa is that it’s massive. In addition to a sea of cafe tables there are shared banquettes, communal tables, and a stretch bar which is home to an extensive spirit offering (there’s a healthy wine list as well). They even have a private room upstairs, with a peek-a-boo window overlooking the main dining room. We suggest starting with one of the expertly curated Italian cold cut and cheeses plates before diving into the more substantial pastas and mains. The menu is packed with classic Italian dishes (lasagne, whole branzino) which Chef Antonia Lofaso (of Top Chef fame) executes flawlessly. This is also one of the few non-Italian bakery spots in town where you can get a decent cannoli. Plus, unlike many L.A. eateries, this one serves food until midnight on most evenings.

It’s been several years, but Gjelina—a restaurant that ushered in a new sort of veggie-centric California cuisine—is as mobbed as ever. The crowds make a lot of sense: Everything is always excellent, from the vegetable sides to the whisper-thin jalapeño and smoked mozzarella pizza. Come when it opens so you can snag a table on the patio out back. (If the lines are too long, grab something to go at GTA, its takeaway spot next door.)

You’d never guess that The Tasting Kitchen sits on one of Venice’s busiest thoroughfares: It’s partly because of the fortress-like entrance, and partly because the loft-y, two-floor space revolves around a small grove of transporting olive trees. The food—modern Italian by Portland transplant Casey Lane—is excellent, made even better by the comfortable, leather wrapped Eames chairs, welcoming bar area, and always kind and attentive service. While it's one of the city's major culinary destinations—and gets really booked—if you walk in at 6, you can generally always get a table, and there are two big communal tables in the bar. If you have at least 20 people, you can book their elegant private space upstairs.

Luxe ingredients like lobster and caviar, made with a nod to traditional French technique, earned Melisse two Michelin stars. A tasting menu is basically mandatory at a place like this—if you're adventurous go for Chef Josiah Citrin's Carte Blanche menu. It's a great place for a white tablecloth-style event in one of their private rooms, too.

For the true Italophile, pull out all the stops and order the seven-course pasta tasting menu at the more dressed-up of the two Mozza dining rooms. If you choose, you can accompany each course with their suggested wine. Their wine room is an ideal location for a small private event, but it's also possible to arrange a full buyout.

Cassia came on the scene in 2015 as the brainchild of two great culinary couples: Rustic Canyon’s Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb and Spice Table’s Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng. With a great cocktail program, a somm-selected run of Rieslings, an airy dining room, a legitimately good patio, and buckets of natural light, it’s still one of most pleasant spaces in Santa Monica, especially south of Lincoln. But it’s the warm service and excellent food—an 80/20 blend of Chinese-Singaporean and Vietnamese, with French inflections—that will have you booking a return reservation before you’re out the door. We ordered a generous pile of green papaya salad, chickpea curry with clay oven bread (or lettuce cups, if you’re gluten-free), ultra-tender Hainan chicken confit, and a mushroom satay we’ll be thinking about for a long, long time.

The interior of Leo's is another gorgeous creation from Ken Fulk, with marble tabletops, verdant wallpaper, checkered, East Coast-style floors, and wicker stools. Tucked away from the main restaurant are two distinct private dining spaces. The Tiki Lounge is a bamboo-wrapped tropical oasis perfect for an intimate dinner. The Hideaway is an ode to old-Hollywood with sumptuous palm-patterned wallpaper and room for up to twenty-eight seated guests. As for the food, the oysters here are served old-school, on ice and with a generously poured flute of champagne. The menu's just as good off the raw bar—we love the lobster roll, shrimp toast, and tater tots.

The slick interior and miles-deep wine list make this is a great place for a dressed-up celebratory dinner. The food spans a variety of cuisines but the emphasis remains on local and organic fare. We're partial to the Sunday brunch (get the beignets) and the burger any night of the week. They have three elegant rooms for private parties—the events team is particularly skilled at florals.

While there are delicious small plates for veggies to tuck into, the mains at this Chef Jennifer Puccio-helmed spot have the carnivore crowd in mind. The Marlow burger is particularly memorable (and by memorable, we mean it's one of the best we've ever had). Ken Faulk—regarded as one of the most talented interior designers in the city—re-imagined the sprawling space to resemble an elevated butcher shop. They have several spaces to accommodate private parties, the best one being their private patio space: It's decorated with herbs and other greenery and dotted with heat lamps that make it comfortable year-round.

Come nighttime, the dim lighting and loud music draw a younger crowd to this tightly-packed gem a few blocks off the main Mission drag. The lineup of house-made pastas is as unusual as they come. From maltagliati with braised rabbit and sunchokes to trenette with pork sugo and chili, the concepts are always inspired. The pizzas are just as interesting. It's not a light meal, so come with hungry friends as a lot of it is great to share. The dough room where they roll the pasta during is available as a private dining room in the evenings.

Not nearly as fancy as sister restaurant, Quince, Cotogna serves up Northern Italian fare using the highest quality ingredients from nearby markets. It’s the kind of stuff we’d happily eat on a nightly basis: fresh pastas, veggie plates, wood-fired pizza, and simple fish entrees. In the elegant, almost all-wood dining room, the vibe is lively but not loud as tables are generously spaced. If you can get a table, great, if not, dining at the bar while watching the chefs at work is pretty awesome, too. A better option yet is to snag the Chef's Table in front of the open kitchen (or reserve the entire place).

The indoor-outdoor dining room is equal parts rustic (Edison bulbs, communal tables) and modern (exposed kitchen, cement floors) while the food is hearty Northern California fare through and through. Taking full advantage of the region's bounty, Chef Thomas McNaughton developed relationships with local farmers who provide just-plucked produce for dishes like squash maltagliati, figs with coppa di testa, and melon and burrata. If you're hosting an event, keep in mind that the attached Salumeria, which is a market by day, becomes a cozy dining room by night.

Michael Tusk's Quince has fast become the standard for fine dining, so it's no surprise that his catering business, Tusk Events, is booming. They can handle events of any size, but it's good to remember that Quince's family-style tables can also be reserved for large parties—a nice option if you're looking to host a gathering with minimal-effort. The various tasting menus, aided by a miles-long wine list, make for a pretty perfect weekend date night or decadent catch-up session with pals.

We love that the Oaxacan region of Mexico serves as Chef Matt Gandin’s muse at this Arts District favorite. The result? A menu of ceviches, tamales, tacos, and insane shared dishes that stays true to tradition while bringing something innovative to the table. It's a pretty awesome space, too, with an exposed-brick dining room, plus a massive outdoor area with fire pit and beer garden. If you've got a group of 20 or more, ask about their private room in the back, where they serve those crazy-good sharing plates family style around one long table.

This big, bustling Italian restaurant is a huge hit with the after-work crowd on weekdays and for date night or group hangs on weekends; and with five separate private dining room options, it's a classic on the holiday office party circuit. The sharable plate of house-cured meats is a must order no matter what your reason for venturing out. The rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits list of Italian comfort food: loads of seafood, grilled veggies, and of course, pasta. Though the main dining room has a great convivial vibe, we prefer to take our meals at the bar (coincidentally, the cocktails here are excellent).

Chef Melissa Perello's first San Francisco restaurant, Frances, earned a Michelin star for its refined, uncomplicated dishes, so everyone's expecting great things from her next spot, just-opened Octavia. The entire operation, from the speckled pottery dishes to the wooden tables to the meal, is rustic with a modern bend, and the space is light and airy with Scandinavian furniture. Like most Bay Area chefs, Perello changes her menu with the seasons, but recent favorites include a little gem salad with persimmon, a pork chop with escarole and mushrooms. The private dining space in an attached converted bakery is a great space for an event that's special without feeling too fancy.

The gentrification of the Mission hasn't included a ton of new architecture, so Farina's neon sign and sleek modern build makes it stick out a little on the street—all the better, because their famous Neopolitan pizzas (cooked in a specially made oven) are not to be missed. The best seat in the house is the back patio, which is super lush, and benefits from the Mission's warmer microclimate (it's usually about 10 degrees warmer here than in the rest of the city). The entire patio can be rented out for private events, and the restaurant provides heat lamps that make it a good option year-round.

In a city that's known for great seafood, Farallon has been a go-to spot for fish and shellfish for almost 20 years now. It's sort of an old-school joint at this point, but the oyster menu is miles-long, and the dinner options always include a great lobster dish and excellent grilled fish. Décor-wise, they’re famous for the jellyfish lounge, where jellyfish lamps hang from the ceiling and the mezzanine level itself is shaped like the creature. While it;s a little bit over-the-top, you have to appreciate the lengths they took to make the space unique and special. The private rooms here are decorated in the same fantastical style, and they've been around long enough to appreciate the value of having an event planner on staff, which always makes things easier.

The place to be at this lounge-y restaurant (which is up on the fifth floor of Hotel Zelos) is the covered outdoor patio, which has long fire pits that keep guests warm in the cooler months—you can actually eat outside here all year round. Chef David Bazirgan puts together shared plates in unexpected combinations—soft-shell crab with banana ketchup, asparagus with smoked egg yolk, sweetbreads with kimchi and pineapple—which keeps things pretty exciting. They're also known for a fantastic cocktail program. Private dining options here spill onto the patio, making it a particularly good choice for cocktail reception-style events where guests will want to walk around.

Town Hall has been a local favorite for a while now, with indulgent, Southern-style cooking—the best menu items include fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and classic veggies like okra and fried green tomatoes. Their event space in the back is lined with wide windows that make it perfect for a mid-morning or early-afternoon event.

The first thing you'll notice about Beretta is the elegant décor—industrial chandeliers dangle from the high ceilings and glass light fixtures dot the bar. One of the first spots that brought the Mission to culinary fame, they're best known for great Italian comfort food (don’t miss the thin crust pizzas and classic pastas) and an insanely good brunch (how can you not order the carbonara brunch pizza?). The upstairs event space is perfect for an event that feels sophisticated but with a little bit of cool factor.

Boulevard won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2012, and it's easy to understand why; the food here is consistently outstanding. The menu changes seasonally, but straightforward dishes like a soft-shell crab with polenta, a delicate squash blossom risotto, and a classically awesome Filet Mignon are executed in a really elegant way. The location right on the Embarcadero lives up to the great menu—you’ll have views of the bay from most seats. Their private wine vault is a comfortable space for small events, but they also have a larger room that’s a nice (and conveniently located) pick for corporate functions.

Acquerello has been serving upscale Italian in Nob Hill for 25 years now—with excellent food and a decidedly grown-up setting, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to go to for special occasions. Run by a father-son team from Bologna and an executive chef/partner that’s been with them from the beginning, the classic Italian dishes are unshakably good. There are two private room options that are both relatively formal.

It’s not easy to find Greek cuisine served in an upscale, white tablecloth setting, which makes Kokkari sort of unique in its class. The best menu items here are the classics: moussaka, lamb chops, and a killer (and gorgeously presented) greek salad. The hole-in-the-wall private dining room here feels like a secluded wine cellar—it's cozy and perfect for smaller groups.

Absinthe was an early pioneer both of the craft/artisanal cocktail scene in San Francisco (the absinthe cocktails are still amazing) and of the Hayes Valley neighborhood (they were one of the first in the area). The cuisine slants French, but not in a restricting way—you’ll find a Hawaiian swordfish alongside their famous French onion soup and coq au vin. The upstairs private space is unique in the city for being completely separate, with an exclusive-use bar and entrance.

Chef Dominique Crenn is equal parts poet and chef, as evidenced by the creative titles of her tasting menu, which includes dishes like "the sea" or "walk in the forest." She’s also known for inventive presentation—expect lots of props, like dishes with glass panels, or mossy branches, to adorn your meal. The private room makes for a lovely space for a private meal.

Acadia's 10-course prix fixe menu, which includes two cocktails that are mixed table-side, earned it a Michelin star. But if you don’t have the time (or budget) for the full experience, go just to sit at the bar and order the burger, which is served with bacon onion jam, gruyere, and taleggio mornay. Though it's best reserved for exceptionally special events, their private dining room has space for 20.

Balena is the second restaurant the team behind The Bristol and Formento's, and it manages to capture the same sophisticated but comfortable vibe as the former, with tall ceilings, rustic furnishings, and some seriously cool firefly-like light fixtures. The menu here is straight-up Italian, filled with classic dishes like a potato gnocchi in a mushroom sauce, a fennel sausage and onion pizza, and a classic roasted chicken with romesco and walnut parmesan. The private room has its own bar that's decorated with back-lit wine bottles for a cool stained-glass effect.

Blackbird is another member of the Avec family, with a Jetsons-level futuristic interior, complete with an architectural slab of a bar lined with chrome swivel chairs. In contrast, the Midwestern menu is super hearty and the service fittingly warm and attentive. On the second floor, you'll find a secluded dining room, where private parties are assigned dedicated serving and cooking staff.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Just-opened Formento's is the latest spot to join The Bristol and Balena family. It's old-school Italian in every way, from the white tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes to the chicken parm and Italian wedding soup. They have a big, open loft upstairs for private events.

Owner Arjun Waney (he's behind London favorites like Zuma, Roka, and Oblix) seems to have nailed that special formula for modern dining, which obviously involves great food. If the meals alone don't fully justify the membership fee, the art collection (you'll see a John Baldessari and a Tomas Saraceno sculpture in the stairwell) and exquisitely decorated common spaces for gathering over coffee and afternoon tea definitely do. Members and their friends can also book one of the Club's 16 enormous, gorgeously-appointed hotel rooms, which offer 24 hour butler service. Perhaps most importantly, though, members get access to 1863, the club's intimate bar and performance space, where you can see some of London's best musicians perform literally feet away.

Like the rest of André Balasz' hotels and restaurants (the iconic Chateau Marmont in LA and Mercer in NY, to name a couple), his first venture in London is undoubtedly one of the sceniest in town. Part of the allure is the decor, courtesy of Studio Ko, who seamlessly integrated original features like the fireman's pole, brick and tilework, and fire doors with velvet seating, glitzy marble bars, and old-fashioned, flower-print carpeting. And part of it is chef Nuno Mendez' brasserie-style menu that's packed with his near perfect takes on the classics like Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken, plus some of the most delicious and inventive appetisers in town—the crab-stuffed doughnuts are a brunch favorite. A private dining room at a hotel like this is a must, and the elegant—though much less splashy—room here ticks all the boxes and accommodates 12.

The River Café hardly needs an introduction. Serving unmatched Italian since 1987, it is a landmark among restaurants everywhere. They've always been known for their simple, seasonal fare, and the location right along the Thames is great for a sunny Sunday lunch or a special dinner. There's also a private room just off the main dining room that seats up to 18 (fitted out with the Café's signature hot pink rug, and minimal tabletop), which makes an ideal venue for an occasion. You'll definitely want to try something that's been cooked to perfection in their pink wood-fired oven, which has been the central focal point of the restaurant since its renovation, undertaken under the watchful eye of architect (chef Ruth Rogers' husband) Lord Richard Rogers.

Modeled after a Raj-era Indian sports club, Gymkhana balances old-world interiors with some of the best Indian in London: It was voted the number one restaurant in London in 2013 before going on to win a Michelin star in 2014. The food is served family-style—Tikkas, Biryanis, Saags—but things get really exciting when it comes to the bread. The duck egg bhurji with lobster, for one, is epic. Perfect for intimate, private dinners, the restaurant also has two beautifully appointed vaults that seat 9 or 12: They are tasting menu only so, go prepared for a big meal.

Jason Atherton is the master at creating a buzzy atmosphere at his restaurants, as evidenced by the fact that it's nearly impossible to land a reservation at Pollen Street Social and the Social Eating House. Meanwhile, Berners Tavern, located inside Ian Schrager's Edition Hotel in Fitzrovia, is no exception, attracting locals in the creative industry for breakfast and lunch meetings, and a decidedly more dressed up crowd for dinners and weekend brunch. Here, inside the large ballroom-like space, which is covered from floor to ceiling in a dramatic display of framed images, Atherton serves up meaty, seasonal British game along with some of the best Dover Sole in town. The sleek private dining room for 12 doesn't lose out on any of the drama, as its situated right under a restored, historic skylight.

After cutting their teeth on the vineyards in Napa, Charlotte and Michael Sager-Wilde brought their love for great Californian wines back to London, where they’re something of a rarity. A meal at their first large restaurant venture, under converted railway arches in Bethnal Green, is pretty transporting (and a lot less than a ticket to Napa), pairing wonderful wines with an Italian-influenced seasonal menu of small plates. The terrace upstairs tucked into one of the railway arches, makes a great spot for a private meal; meanwhile, winos will love checking out the Sager-Wilde's collection in the room's glass cave.

Like stepping back into old-world Eastern elegance, this beautiful dining room serves exquisitely-executed, upscale Cantonese classics, like their whole suckling pig, which requires 24-hour notice and £150 pounds. It's a splurge but makes for a memorable meal, particularly if it's served in one of the three adjacent private rooms that seat up to 26—Ping, Pang, and Pong—or combined to seat 80. The dim sum, which is less of an investment, is also great, the seafood and veggie sides are as fresh as they come, and they've totally nailed cha siu. A meal here is best enjoyed with an expense account, but you can always hit the swanky bar for one very delicious cocktail.

The phrase "over-the-top" is basically synonymous with Bob Bob Ricard: There's the hyper-luxe interiors that look like they were created by Wes Anderson's design team, there's the champagne on tap—just press the "Champagne" button at your table—there's the rich Russo-British Chicken Kievs, caviar and the like, and there's the fact you absolutely have to dress up (no sneakers allowed) or else the bouncer at the door won't let you in. It's all in good tongue-in-cheek fun, and if there's one spot that's perfect for starting a big, celebratory night out in London, it's here. And, if your booking is for more than 10 people, you get upgraded into the private dining room, which is possibly even more stylized than the rest of the space.

It's not a big surprise that restaurateur Alan Yau—Wagamama, Hakkasan, and Yauatcha—has moved on to his next big concept. (He’s sold all three of his ventures.) While the food and the beer list at this Chinese gastropub is undeniably stellar (as expected, the Cantonese roasted duck is the thing to get), the interiors, by Turkish design firm Autoban, might just be good enough to usurp the spotlight—You don't miss out on either in either of the private rooms which seat up to 12.

Tucked away on Charlotte Street, you'll find one of the most spectacular chef's tables in London. In this cozy, horseshoe-shaped space, up to 20 guests crowd around James Knappett's open kitchen where he continually develops his ever-changing 11-course tasting menu that's won him a Michelin Star. Plus, he's picked up a few tricks at a pretty impressive list of restaurants including Per Se, Roganic, and The Ledbury. This special culinary performance can be hired out for the evening, too.

Murano is the crown jewel of chef Angela Hartnett's growing restaurant emporium, and is also the place you're most likely to catch her in the kitchen making her trademark modern twists on Italian dishes and ingredients. A meal here is a highlight in and of itself, but the private dining room is where it's at. Here, Angela and her team will create a special set menu for the dinner party on request, and if you're lucky, the glass partition in the room can be retracted, allowing guests a direct view into the kitchen. There are also two sister restaurants, Café Murano, from Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams (one on St. James Street and one in Covent Garden).

Set in a huge, light-filled space in Somerset House, Spring is helmed by chef Skye Gyngell, who won a Michelin star for her restaurant at Petersham Nurseries—and then promptly left. She’s finally returned after a long time away and is back to her old tricks: Light, seasonal, Italian-inflected dishes that are essentially perfect. For a private meal or event, there's the Salon, which is a pretty magical light-filled space located under an original glass atrium that can seat up to 45 at tree-lined tables (yes, tree-lined).

This is Argentinian restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz's very first venture in London, a restaurant with a seriously clubby feel serving up European dishes with a slightly Argentinian bent—i.e., protein-heavy dishes, like beef carpaccio and a perfect, blackened chicken. With dark, velvet-clad walls, a stunning copper bar as a central fixture in the middle of the dining room, and decidedly dim lighting, this eatery has serious sex appeal and is a perfect venue to rent as a whole for a party. The upstairs, which includes a secluded and leafy terrace (for London's good weather), is also available for rent.

This little sister restaurant to Angela Hartnett's Murano isn’t really a step down: It has a menu of hearty, Northern Italian dishes, like Fritto Misto, Linguine Vongole, and Osso Bucco perfected by Hartnett's deputy, Sam Williams. It’s the kind of place that’s great for both a leisurely family lunch (there’s even a kids menu) or a dressed-up dinner with friends in the private room that seats 22.

The newly renamed Cé La Vie, which occupies the top floor of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands Hotel, is just as impressive from the outside as it is from the inside. One of the most notable structures of Singapore's skyline, the hotel's three towers are connected at the top by an enormous canoe-shaped topper—and a giant infinity pool which stretches across the expanse. There are different areas for pool-time, eating dinner, or drinking at their club, which draws a big crowd.

Located right in the middle of Beijing, Capital M is really all about the unrivaled view, including Tiananmen Square. You'll see brightly colored structures in the daytime, and buildings that are lit up on every tier at night. The menu is primarily European—on the weekends they offer tea and champagne.

The décor at Two Rooms Bar & Grill was put together by 8 Inc., a San Francisco-based design firm that only works on cool projects. Case in point, this rooftop Tokyo bar and restaurant, where you'll find a sleek bar and lounge area that can only be accessed by crossing a bridge over a water terrace (which is basically an infinity-pool extension of their patio space). It pulls from from Tokyo's fashion world in the evenings for cocktails overlooking the city, but the brunch menu is pretty great, too.

Gracing the rooftop of one of the Peninsula hotels, L'Oiseau Blanc (the White Bird) is named for a French plane that crashed over the Atlantic in 1927 during a transatlantic flight attempt. The restaurant's décor pays homage to the pilots, complete with a small-scale replica of the biplane that looks like it's flying off the terrace. Even if you're not a history buff, you'll appreciate the sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower and the excellent service.

With a now-iconic interior that's dripping in red velvet, Hôtel Costes is one of those spots that has perfected its aesthetic—which, of course, extends to the music. It can get dark and smoky inside, so head out to the enclosed terrace (you can still hear whatever the DJ is spinning inside), which is equally great for either an afternoon glass of wine or an after-dinner cocktail. Plus, the people-watching is always fabulous.

Besides hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and live performances, this ex-storage space turned squat cultural institution on the Canal Saint-Martin is also home to one of the area's best bars. On busy days, the local art crowd spills out onto the banks of the canal with beers and affordable cocktails from noon until...whenever.

Le Zyriab, part of a chain of Lebanese restaurants in France, is nothing fancy, but the stunning views from atop the Institut du Monde Arabe set this place apart for drinks overlooking the Seine and the Ile St. Louis. Aside from being inside one of the finest cultural institutions in Paris, it's also never too busy in the afternoons before dinner, making it a standby for getting the evening started over a couple of glasses of Lebanese wine, which is actually pretty good.

Located close to what was once Paris's red-light district, Hôtel Amour takes a deep bow to the neighborhood's tawdry past. Conceived by nightlife visionary André Saraiva (the force behind Le Baron), the black lacquered bar, brasserie, and outdoor terrace are as scene-y as you can get in Paris. Whether for a boozy Saturday brunch or dinner and drinks, the best seats in the house are outdoors, in the leafy courtyard dotted with vintage ’50s cafeteria tables. The brasserie is open late, and you can linger on for hours until it's time to hit the bar or a nightclub in nearby Pigalle.

This restaurant, bar, and nightclub—in an iconic rotunda built by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, the father of Neoclassical architecture—is also smack in the middle of one of the main alternative drags in Paris. Young Parisians flock here for dinner under the cupola and drinks all day in the verdant and colorful terrace garden right on the Place Stalingrad. When it gets late, you can always head back indoors to the Mini Club for some French disco.

This spot is named for the nineteenth-century painter Rosa Bonheur, the first woman to become an officer of the Legion of Honour, whose paintings of horses and cows grace the walls of the Louvre and New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. While Bonheur used the then-wilds of the Bois de Boulogne to find animals to paint, this Rosa Bonheur is situated in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, a beautiful garden in the 19th. The emphasis here is on day-drinking, really, though it gets overly packed as the night wears on. It serves great appetizers, plus it's laid-back, unpretentious, and kid-friendly. Should you stay past 10 p.m., expect to follow the crowd onto the dance floor.

Sprawling across the top of the Docks en Seine (a mixed-use warehouse with a neon-green extruded glass roof that's impossible to miss), this newcomer from two Le Baron founders has packed in the crowds since opening day. There's no dress code at Nüba, the DJ booth is actually a beach hut, there's a resident food truck, and lawn chairs dot the landscape—though it is a well-turned-out scene, thanks in part to the fact that Docks en Seine hosts Paris's preëminent fashion school. While you can dance in the open air, the club stretches far inside, too.

Situated on the quay of the Docks en Seine—also home to Paris's fashion institute—Wanderlust is a bit more than just a club/bar/restaurant. Though a small part of the enterprise lives indoors, it primarily resides on the sprawling outdoor terrace which overlooks the Seine. Exposed pipes, neon lights, live music (DJs, generally), and a stylish crowd are all hallmarks of this much-buzzed-about destination.

Tucked away on an idyllic street in Islington, this pretty Georgian pub boasts a lot of outdoor space—a rarity in London. On summer evenings and weekends, the best spots in the house are in the front courtyard for beers and cocktails, and out back for classic pub fare in the wisteria covered courtyard. This being one of the most popular gastropubs in the area, dinner and Sunday roast reservations come in handy.

Ever since 2008, Frank's Cafe—a bar located on top of a parking garage in Peckham—has been the neighborhood's main hub for summertime drinking. It's fairly bare bones when it comes to drinks and presentation—cocktails are pretty standard and you dine at shared picnic tables—but the sunset views across South London make navigating the always crowded concrete rooftop worthwhile. There are a lot of good up-and-coming galleries in the area, too, including Hannah Barry and The Sunday Painter. This means that the best nights to head over are after the gallery openings, when many of the neighborhood's young artists and curators head out for a celebratory drink, and this installment of the pop-up's light, Mediterranean-inspired fare.

Selfridges may sometimes be a bit of a tourist trap, but the rooftop restaurant and bar always feels like a well-kept local's secret—it's hardly ever crowded, the casual English fare care of restaurateur Des McDonald is excellent, and the views over Mayfair's rooftops are striking. The theme of the rooftop changes seasonally as does the menu and the cocktails.

For those missing out on the Shoreditch House's private member's rooftop and pool next door, The Boundary Hotel comes to the rescue with a rooftop bar and restaurant that's open year-round, under a canopy of grape vines, no less. You'll also find a kitchen garden upstairs, along with an outdoor lounge that's set around a wood-burning chimney, ideal for a lazy afternoon in good weather. Being part of Terence Conran's empire guarantees that everything from the Mediterranean food, to the wicker furniture in the rooftop lounge, is in great taste.

On weekend afternoons, this warehouse bar and brewery is a haven for locals and young families who come for the wood fired thin-crust pizza served both indoors and canal-side. And, as the afternoon wears on, and the music turns up, the kids pizza parties get replaced by older groups of friends who come for the brewery's excellent beers, ales and local ciders. In other words, it's a pretty ideal place to while the afternoon away, in the sprawling, industrial space, drinking at the large communal tables both indoors and out. Open year-round, it's best in the summer, when you can take a leisurely walk down the canal until you reach the brewery.

Designed to look like an old-fashioned luxury European ship, this is a great (and affordable) place to stay. The rooms, like the Bunk Bed Cabins, are small, but they have everything you need—minus a huge price tag. Don’t expect a quiet stay: The lounge gets plenty of foot traffic when the bar opens, though you can always seek refuge at hotel’s popular restaurant.

The highlight at this swank hotel located right on McCarren Park is the saltwater swimming pool (you can rent pool passes for if you're not checking in), with full bar and snack service. Meanwhile, the complimentary bike rentals and rooftop lounge make McCarren Hotel & Pool a slice of vacation in the middle of bustling Billyburg.

Roberta’s has been warmly flourishing for years. Camouflaged by an industrial, kind of uninviting exterior, this gem of a spot offers a succinct menu includes a few wonderful pizzas, plus seasonal veggies and pasta dishes. There’s an indoor, primarily communal seating area where you can watch the pizza-making go down in the open kitchen. The vibe is casual and the ambiance always lively, as it routinely draws big crowds. While you can expect to wait, it’s a good place to have a drink.

From June through October, this oyster bar aboard the historic Sherman Zwicker schooner docks at Pier 25 in Tribeca. Under yellow and white stripe canopies, servers in appropriately nautical outfits distribute casual sea-side fare and cocktails from the built-in bar. During weekend days, it’s a fun lobster roll destination with kids, and in the evenings, thanks to a solid list of schooner-themed cocktails and oysters and small plates, it’s a pretty great night out. While the location is a bit remote, it’s still conveniently close to downtown—plus, how cool is it to eat on the water?

Gallow Green is actually the rooftop of the McKittrick Hotel. When you first walk in, you might expect a woodland nymph to pop out from behind one of the lush arches. The cozy garden vibe here is neither pretentious nor touristy, and the views of the city are some of the best. Their unusual cocktails keep with the theme, with names like Summer Coven and The Garden Shed.

Originally constructed in the ‘30s as an opulent apartment building (its design takes after the Gothic chateaus of the Loire Valley), the Chateau quickly morphed into a hotel. It has official historic landmark status for a million reasons: It’s played host to everyone in Hollywood (sadly, John Belushi died here), and despite an André Balazs re-do in the ‘90s, it still feels wonderfully old-world. Its popularity has never waned, to the extent that you generally can’t grab a bite or a drink here unless you’re checked-in, or meeting a guest. Images: Nikolas Koenig

Malibu Farm is our go-to restaurant for impressing out-of-towners, thanks to its sweeping views of the ocean in both directions (and even of Catalina Island on a clear day). Enjoying a zucchini pizza and white sangria on the porch while you watch surfers and stand-up paddleboarders on iconic Surfrider Beach? That's as California as it gets.

Preux & Proper is yet another newish addition to LA's growing downtown bar and restaurant scene. The New Orleans-inspired spot features an elegant but unstuffy interior: white walls and tile are grounded by dark floors and black leather stools and banquettes, and there are open-air patios on both floors. For an upscale, ladylike dining experience and fresh oysters (proper), sit upstairs. For a more rowdy bar scene and the opportunity to test their 6 separate frozen Daiquiri flavors (preux), stay on the first floor.

The just-opened E.P. & L.P. is excellent proof that you don't need an ocean view to have a magical rooftop experience in Los Angeles. While the downstairs restaurant, which serves Asian-inspired dishes, is certainly deserving of a spot on any "to try" list, any one of the bars (there are three, one inside the restaurant and two on the roof-top deck) is definitely the place to be. Upstairs, the décor feels very L.A., with a wood deck, neon chairs, and ample greenery to round out stunning views of the hills. Drink-wise, expect to find everything from traditional Pimm's cup to spiked boba tea.

When you daydream about moving to California and lounging in a beach house, the image you conjure probably looks something like the Bungalow. Its notable address on the corner of Wilshire and Ocean means that the west side hang-out has a solid view of the Pacific, with the décor to match—the shaded patio is dotted with hammocks, relaxed couches, and white-washed Adirondack chairs gathered around cozy fire pits. They also lay definitive claim to the best margarita in this part of town. Unfortunately, the secret's out about this spot, so the lines can get long on Fridays and Saturdays—we'd only recommend it for a weeknight or Sunday afternoon.

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.

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.

Celeste is divided into several different floors, and while they all share the same elegant aesthetic, the rooftop garden is far and away our favorite. The intimate space is decorated with white Victorian couches and chairs, and the brick walls are softened with vines and planters. While the punchbowl is considered one of the city's best, we usually spring for one of two frozen drinks (an Electric Pisco Colada and a Nuclear Caipirinha) that you can only get on the roof.

This rooftop bar at the CANVAS Hotel—the latest in a crop of younger, hipper hotels—offers spectacular views of the city’s South Side. Come for sunset drinks by the pool or at the bar, take in the Dallas skyline, and make a meal of it, too, thanks to a menu of substantial snacks—hot dogs, tacos, salads, and the like.

HG SPLY CO. offers all the benefits of a healthy menu without any white-washed "healthy" restaurant aesthetic, making it the perfect place to take your boyfriend when he wants a beer and you're craving a green juice. Their paleo-inspired menu is light and clean yet substantial—favorites include the tex mex quinoa bowl, pulled pork nachos, and texas steak bowl. The fire pits, twinkle lights, and red picnic tables, plus the well-chosen beer list, make their rooftop a pretty perfect place to spend a long, drawn-out evening.

Beer is an important theme at the Rustic: In addition to their impressive list of Texas beers on draft and a seriously good beer-butt chicken, the bar's centerpiece is an American flag sculpture constructed from old beer cans. In the summer, their enormous outdoor patio (dotted with picnic tables and fire pits) plays host to country music bands and singers that play late into the evening. Their huge custom marquee sign completes the scene.

Come here for sustainable, organic, and healthy Mexican food. Their simple cocktail list offers a straightforward margarita and paloma, plus blue-bottle coffee for abstainers.

This is a local favorite for great margaritas (which should arguably be ordered only by the pitcher) and big sweeping views of the city. The vibe is cozy, and while there are ample heat lamps to keep you warm as the sun goes down, this place is really best for day drinking—get there early enough put in a brunch order.

With its central location along the Embarcadero in the Financial District, Americano is an easy spot for drinks after work. Their patio, where they often have live music, has a wide view of the bay, anchored by the Ferry Building on the left and the Bay Bridge on the right. The happy hour menu is blessedly simple, offering a cocktail, a wine, a beer, and a snack in their signature farm-to-table Italian style.

San Francisco's notoriously gloomy weather means pool parties aren't exactly abundant in the city. But on those rare days that call for a bikini, the poolside patio at Chambers Eat + Drink at the Phoenix is the place to be. The scene can get a little rowdy in the afternoon, so go early (the brunch is good).

The menu at this Chinese/Korean hybrid runs the gamut of Asian delicacies. There’s Korean tacos and steamed bao for lunch, ramen and braised mahi mahi for dinner, and a dim sum brunch on the weekends. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers who focus on quality and sustainability. The portions are large enough to encourage sharing and go perfectly with the restaurant’s communal vibe—massive tables, a well-stocked bar, and outdoor picnic tables.

This is one of those places that immediately transports you somewhere else: in the case, Austin, Texas. In addition to the endless patio outside, there's a stage for live music inside, and the décor is wonderfully Texan, with a big star behind the bar and a classic longhorn mount. If you're there for drinks, get the guacamole, queso, and a Vampire Weekend, their house horchata cocktail. They also have a location in Cabbagetown.

Bartaco also has a few locations in Connecticut, and you can definitely feel the beachy vibe when you walk inside: The patio is white-washed with blue cushions and accents, and the hanging pendants inside are made from woven baskets. The garage door separating the patio from the restaurant opens wide on warm evenings, when you can sit under the twinkle lights and order from their well-tended cocktail list (favorites are the margarita, the mojito, and a bold blend of chorizo spice, reposado, and mezcal called the CLT). If you're staying to eat, trays of guacamole, salsa, and an assortment of tacos take the stress out of ordering for a crowd.

So there are the cocktails (great), but then there are the snacks: cheese, "pub frites," and bacon in a glass. You can pretty much stay all day. The shaded patio is undeniably pleasant, and the open garage door (a big trend in Atlanta) makes it airy and bright.

We were sold on this place already for its patio—complete with a fire pit—and, fortunately, the food is fantastic, too. The cozy outdoor space here will make you want to cuddle up with a glass of rioja and order enough tapas to stick around for a while. While we like to go at night (aforementioned fire), we hear the brunch (there’s a bloody mary bar and a seriously good sangria) is just as great. There's an additional location in Knight Park, but this one's our favorite.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every time we find ourselves in Chicago, we head straight to Blake (it's actually one of GP's absolute favorite stores in the world). They stock everything from Rick Owens to The Row to Saint Laurent, and round it out with more mid-priced brands like L’Agence. The buyers have amazing taste; it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.

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.