Things to do, see, and eat in Chicago

Had to start this list with Johnnie's, it's allegedly what The Bear's sandwich place is based off of. My personal order is a combo with extra peppers and an Italian ice.

The caramelized crust that launched a thousand cravings. Deep dish done differently — heavier on the chew, lighter on the filler. Locals go here, not Lou’s.

Home of the legendary Beijing duck dinner — carved tableside, served with bao, and absolutely worth the hype. An Uptown classic that’s as satisfying for group dinners as it is for leftovers the next day.

Nothing fancy, just one of the best smash burgers and shrimp trays in the city. Cash-only, greasy in the best way, and absolutely essential late-night eating.

Underrated and lowkey Korean food, specifically the pork skin and skewers.

Logan Square’s ramen standby. Rich broth, tender chashu, and consistent lines out the door. It's your go-to when only a steaming bowl will do.

Piedmontese Italian done right. Known for its plin (hand-pinched ravioli), expertly curated wine list, and a level of execution that holds up even by European standards. Neighborhood charm with true culinary chops.

A birria specialist that’s all about slow-roasted goat, handmade tortillas, and deep, concentrated flavor. No frills, just serious craft.

Top tier sandwich in the city, but it's a Philly cheesesteak and not an Italian beef

Refined comfort food in a tight, energetic space. Dishes like crab tagliatelle or onion rings with fried ranch deliver unexpected polish. A favorite for first dates, repeat visits, and chef-driven reliability.

Hyper-seasonal Midwestern cooking with a pasta program that punches above its weight. Think beet agnolotti, clever veg-forward dishes, and a rotating list of small producers on the wine menu.

The OG of Logan Square’s food scene. Brunch, dinner, weekday lunch — it always delivers. Farm-to-table before it was a catchphrase, and still one of the city’s most consistently good meals.

Elevated Mexican dishes that don’t feel overworked. Expect nopales, grilled corn esquites, and the kind of tacos that earn double takes.

An all-day Italian pasta bar where everything is handmade and plated with style. You’re here for pillowy gnocchi, plin with sage butter, and Aperol in the afternoon sun.

Modern Filipino flavors layered with fine-dining finesse. Start with longanisa breakfast sandwiches, come back for the tasting menu that landed them a Michelin star. No other place in the country is doing it quite like this.

Italian deli-meets-sandwich counter. Where mortadella meets giardiniera on a crusty roll, and the pastrami is house-smoked. Ideal for weekday indulgence or picnic stocking.

A Chinatown standby with crisp-skinned roast duck and deeply comforting congee. For those who find Sun Wah too showy, this is the low-key alternative.

Polished Italian in the West Loop. Known for cacio e pepe with a yolk bomb, pastas finished tableside, and a dining room that always feels buzzy but never chaotic.

Ethiopian with warmth and depth.

Bridgeport gem with a rotating seasonal menu and a serious rotisserie duck. Equally solid for patio brunch or a cozy, candlelit dinner.

BYOB Argentinian steakhouse — big pours, sizzling meat platters, and moody candlelight. Casual in setting, classic in flavor.

Neapolitan pizza from a pizzaiolo who trained in Naples. Charred, puffy crust, minimalist toppings, and a rotating list of DOC wines. An ideal lunch or relaxed dinner option.

Stripped-down, ingredient-driven plates in a serene space. Minimalism at its most elegant — from sourdough to pickled ramps.

Southern food, redefined. Chef Erick Williams delivers catfish, collards, and cornbread with balance, finesse, and Chicago polish. A place that feeds you well and makes you feel something.

It is for tourists but also good! For both classic deep dish and this new special "Chicago style dog pizza"

A great museum in Chicago with an exceptional permanent collection but also good exhibits at any given time.

The Field Museum is one of the world's great natural history museums. This revered Chicago institution explores everything from ancient cultures to the latest scientific discoveries, drawing from an astounding collection of more than 40 million objects.

It was fascinating to trace history of many Chicago famous businesses, such as Marshall Field and Company, Tiffany's, Crate and Barrel, Pullman, etc. The museum is not crowded and a pleasure to visit. Very nice museum and very nice activity to do in Chicago.

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, formerly known as the Museum of Science and Industry, is a must-visit for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and its vast collection of artifacts that bring science, technology, and engineering to life. It's a great place for families and individuals to explore and get excited about science, can't recommend it more.

is a great (albeit not free) place to see fish and other sea-based creatures.

Locals often refer to as a tourist trap, but it's worth seeing at least once. It can be a fun spot to spend a couple of hours.

worth checking out as well

I love in Gold Coast. It used to be an Edwardo’s pizza location and they renovated and converted it to a restaurant the week I moved here. Been going since and it’s the best cozy Italian experience.

I unironically order Italian beef pizza all the time from! Giardineira and sliced beef on pizza is delicious.

One of the best Ancient Middle East collections in the world, with an amazing selection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, Dead Sea Scroll fragments, cylinder seals, and more.

If you're allergic to dust or have allergies, bring a mask, but it's such a gem. You can find the most unique fabrics. I love making clothing out of the crazy upholstery fabric I find there.

has quietly been one of the best cajun restaurants in the Chicago area for 50 years. In fact, Open Table had them as one of the 50 best southern restaurants in the US.

"The zoo puts up over 3 million lights all over the zoo, it’s fascinating and tickets are just $10."