EAT
Momotaro: Some of the best sushi in Chicago – a creation of the BOKA group in the trendy Fulton Market area.
Cabra: The genius of Stephanie Izard has this Peruvian gem on a rooftop at the cool kid in town - The Hoxton Hotel in the uber cool West Loop.
Girl & The Goat: The longevity of this place is unreal. Run by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard.
Alinea: Chicago’s Finest Restaurant. If it’s good for Barack its good for me. Hard to get a reservation, but they have a waitlist accessible through their website. This is destination dining. This is bucket list dining.
Gibsons: A Chicago institution. Located in the popular Gold Coast area is a sure bet!
Gibsons Italia: Looking for a great scene, superb food and prime views of the Chicago River. Look no further.
Nobu: There is now a Nobu in Chicago and it's beautiful. The rooftop is stunning.
Tre Dita: Looking for something new and hot. Good luck getting a table! Get one if you can.
Topolobampo: River North, funky and cool. Probably one of the best Mexican restaurants I have been to. The price fix menu is fantastic. Michelin Star as well
Summer House: One of the best places to sit and enjoy a meal. Even better on a nice day as the roof basically opens up. Great neighborhood, great scene and lots of fun. Their baked goods are worth the visit alone.
Aba: Mediterranean hot spot in Fulton Market. A beautiful room. Outposts in Austin and Miami
The Loyalist: Looking for one of the best burgers in a refined and upbeat spot? Look no further.
Au Cheval: It's a place flocked by locals and out towners. ANOTHER place with an outstanding burger. Can you tell that I like cool places that offer a great burger?
Bazaar by Jose Andres: The chef alone brings A+ cred and it won't disappoint. Its new and hot!
The Bristol: Best gastropub in Chicago. Located in Bucktown.
Tavern on Rush: You’ll see locals and tourists fresh from shopping on Michigan Avenue. Its an upscale, contemporary steakhouse. It's more lively in warm weather, because the restaurant opens its wide shuttered windows and sets up a sidewalk patio.
Luxbar: Good after work crowd that starts rolling in around 5PM. Great post shopping spot. Sit on the patio and enjoy the people watching.
Tzuco: This place is one of those must go spots. The Michelin chef has constructed an innovative menu that is absolutely delicious.
RPM Italian: Formula always works: It will be a fun night here.
RPM Steak: The sister restaurant for the above. A no brainer for a great meal and a good time. RPM just gets it.
Bar Mar: Probably the best place in Chicago's Loop area. A great open concept dining room with exemplary dishes.
Bavette: Unique, cool, fun and outstanding. A steakhouse that embodies Chicago....and now Vegas! Highly recommended.
Maple & Ash: Can’t emphasize enough how awesome this place is. One of my Chicago favorites. A steak house/bar. A classy and cool spot that is loads of fun. Quintessential Chicago.
Boka: Cant go wrong with this Lincoln Park institution. I recommend sitting on their secluded patio. Did I say Cant go wrong…you cant!
Roister: If I had one night in Chicago this may be the place. Sit at the bar and watch the magic happen. Sister restaurant to Alinea.
Somerset: Located at the Viceroy. One of those rare places that is good for dinner and brunch.
Travelle: At the Langham Hotel is one of my favorite places to hang out in Chicago. There is something really cool and classy about this place. The lighting, the ambience, the food and drink.
BRUNCH:
Beatrix: Coffee bar, juice bar, bar bar and comfort food – all in one. I prefer the Fulton Market location.
The Allis: At the Soho House – my one stop, gotta go, favourite brunch spot in Chicago.
Mott Street: Another great brunch spot in the uber cool Bucktown neighborhood. Its worth the uber ride.
Cafe Robey: Your one shop stop in Bucktown at the new Hotel Robey. Come for brunch, lunch and dinner. Located on a bustling corner with many places to wander and stroll after.
Somerset: You know when I recommend a place for dinner and brunch that it has to be good - and it is!
Tzuco: I'm really into Mexican restaurants and their brunch. This place is one of those must go spots. Super cool design and a Michelin chef.
Adorn: It's at the Four Seasons and its awesome. Yes its not your casual brunch but it's not stuffy either. Rather a treat to enjoy and savour.
Marisol: Located at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. Outside of hotel restaurants there are not many places for a great brunch. This is place is definitely worthwhile. The attached cafe is fantastic as well with it in house pastries
LUNCH - POST MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING
Sophie’s: Terrific north facing view of the Mag Mile while you enjoy your cobb salad.
Gibson’s, Tavern on Rush, Luxbar: Any of these are a sure bet.
Eataly: Yup - there is one in Chicago. A mecca for food lovers. The mini restaurants are all fantastic and the Nutella bar is awesome!
Revival Food Hall: Every city has a cool Food Hall
STAY
The Peninsula: Posh, prime location and the brand speaks for itself. The Chicago outpost is fantastic.
The Hoxton: If you want a little uniqueness, hipness and first class good and drink options - this Fulton Market hotel is the pick.
Waldorf Astoria: Excellent location off Rush Street. Modern, sleek and classy hotel. Was selected as best city hotel in the USA by Forbes.
Thompson Chicago: Fantastic location near shopping and many of the hot restaurants.
Four Seasons: The Chicago property is outstanding.
Hotel EMC2: For you Marriott rewards people - this is your spot. Excellent location one block from the heart of Michigan Avenue. A modern boutique concept of a hotel where I really enjoyed my stay. Also a robot will deliver towels to your room...no joke!
The Robey: New hip hotel in the uber funky, cool Bucktown neighborhood.
Viceroy Chicago: Looking for Gold Coast hip? This is your place. Fantastic location.
The Gwen: For you Mariott Bonvoy folks. This is a great property and a super location.
The Langham: Probably the best hotel in Chicago.
drink
The Violet Hour: Impossibly cool cocktail lounge. Just go. Trust me.
Hubbard Inn: Intimate tavern, very “in the moment” spot.
Cira: The BOKA group does it again at this hot spot at the new Hoxton Hotel. Also some
Federales: Busy, busy, busy…let your hair down and have fun. Tacos, T-shirts and Tequila!
Cindy’s: One of the best view’s in Chicago. The rooftop is a hot spot for drinks. Excellent for "after work".
Tao: Yup - there's one in Chicago. If you want a big night out - this is your place. Eat, drink and dance the night away.
The Up Room: At the Robey hotel. Great views. Located in the middle of Wicker Park.
Aba: One of Chicago's best rooftop bars. A pretty happening restaurant as well.
LH Rooftop: Sweeping views of the Chicago skyline with a cool vibe.
HANG
Neighborhoods: Lakeview is a very cool neighborhood. Go to Halstead Street for shopping and cafes. Bucktown: Very much recommended neighborhood to visit – easily accessible via subway – it’s the Damen stop on the blue line. Great architecture in the neighborhood.
CTA: Chicago’s transit system. You can save time and money by taking the subway from O’Hare to downtown. Chicago traffic sucks
Lincoln Park Zoo: Is one of the best in North America.
Art Institute of Chicago: No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit here.
Lakeshore: When the weather is nice, go for a run, rollerblade, walk along this scenic stretch. North Avenue Beach is the place to be!
Architectural Tour: Is a must!
Cubs Game: Whether you are a sports fan or not, a visit to Wrigley is a must. It's a giant party - not many people watching the actual game! Try to go to a day game.