Summer in Chicago is FINALLY HERE PEOPLE. The city is so beautiful, but especially during the warmer months. So whether you’re here for a girls weekend, a bachelorette party or vacation, I wanted to put together some of my favorite spots in the city. I listed the restaurant’s Instagram handles where I could so you can look up each place, hope this is helpful for you! Come visit me in Chi, drinks on you 😉

Enjoy xx

B

Breakfast/Brunch

Beatrix – $$
(@Beatrixchicago)

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The atmosphere is so aesthetically pleasing and the food is delicious. They have home made juices that they will mix with any type of alcohol for your own brunch cocktail (a fun little change from your typical mimosa or bloody). They’re open for lunch and dinner as well with locations in Streeterville, Fulton Market and River North.

Maison Marcel – $$
(@maisonmarcelchi)

This French inspired bakery has some of the cutest decor in Lakeview. They serve coffee, espresso, etc. along with cocktails as well. They have a full breakfast/lunch menu to order from, however, I just can’t turndown a cappuccino and a pain au chocolat whenever I come here 🙂

The Madison Bar & Kitchen – $$
(@eatatmadison)

Two words: bottomless mimosas. $25 gets you bottomless mimosas with different types of juice so you can mix it up from your typical OJ. You serve yourself, so you can go up as frequently as you’d like and you also get to control the champagne to juice ratio (mine is probably 90/10 🙂 ) The menu has something for everyone. I’m talking omelets, french toast, benedicts, chicken & waffles and crab cakes. Just to name a few. The mid-century modern vibe of this place and great food just keeps me coming back! There’s also outdoor seating – as long as Chicago weather permits 🙂

Summer House Santa Monica – $$
(@summerhousesm)

This is one of my favorite spots in Chicago. The food is fresh and there are so many healthier options than your typical breakfast/brunch spot. But the atmosphere is a huge aspect of this restaurant that just keeps me coming back. The roof lets soooo much natural light in, the greenery and the rosé cart are all things you need when you brunch (if you didn’t know, now you do) And, on your way out, make sure you stop at the bakery counter because the cookies are honestly to die for…

Lunch

Eataly – $$
(@eatalychicago)

This Italian market/restaurant combo is such a fun place to visit in the city. There are fast service counters downstairs with different food options (pasta, gelato, etc.) and upstairs there are sit down restaurant/bars which basically combine to create a pizza, pasta, wine, cheese dream. The different counters/bars do have different menus but you can get a glass of wine or a drink at any of them (the most important part).  They also have rows of wine, homemade pasta and sauces for purchase.

3 Arts Club Cafe – $$$

This place is always busy, so prepare to wait when you visit. But, the great part is that it’s located inside of Restoration Hardware so grab a glass of vino and take a walk around the store or lounge on the huge couches they have throughout the waiting area. The interior design and aesthetics of this place are so amazing. It’s definitely more about the experience and less about the food. But don’t get me wrong, the food is awesome too.

Beatnik on The River – $$
(@beatnikontheriver)

Beatnik’s menu is just as eclectic as their decor. The fun atmosphere, drinks and food always make for a good time. There is also a location in West Town. Their ingredients are always fresh and in season. The cute cocktails & views of the river will not disappoint.

Shake Shack – $ 

I mean, this is a list of my favorite restaurants in Chicago so I’d be lying if I didn’t add this to the list. The chicken nuggets, with fries and a strawberry milkshake is my go to. Take this information and do with it what you will, but Shake Shack is the shit. That’s all.

Dinner

Yuzu – $$
(@yuzuchicago)

My favorite sushi place in the city. Everything is always fresh, they always have new specials to try, they blast the best of Drake, Travis Scott, etc. and they’re a BYOB joint. I think I owe a shoutout to my gal Jenny (@jennydigiii) for recommending this spot when I moved to the city. Love love love this place. It’s nice to be able to go out for great food, be able to bring your own beer/wine and not break the bank.

Doc B’s – $$
(@docbsrestaurant)

The best way to describe this place is elevated bar food. My favorite go to cocktail is The “Beet”lejuice, which is CH Gin, organic beet juice, mint and lemon served over crushed ice. The chicken wings, brussels sprout salad and crispy chicken sandwich are some of my favorites as well. This place isn’t too fancy or too casual, it’s kind of just that perfect, everyday place to grab a bite/drink.

Bar Siena – $$
(@barsiena)

This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the West Loop. It’s a two story rustic Italian restaurant with a modern twist. Think wood fired pizza, pasta, soup & salad but also smoked potato soup, kale & apple salad and duck mac & cheese. The atmosphere is so great here, it’s always crowded. If you’re waiting for your table and the downstairs bar is full, head up the stairs to the small bar located on the second floor, it’s usually easier to get a drink there since it’s sort of hidden 😉

Casati Pizza Vino – $$
(@casatispizzavino)

Another really cute Italian restaurant, but in Lincoln park this time. A little more upscale from Bar Siena, but a main reason I love this restaurant is their healthy take on Italian cuisine, they have a vegan menu with different options including gluten free pasta!

La Josie – $$

Who doesn’t love tacos & margaritas? We’re going back to the West Loop for some Mexican food. The tacos here are to die for. Grilled skirt steak, chorizo, shrimp and even some veggie options. The chips and guac, brussels sprouts, elote & spicy jalapeno marg are a few of my favorites.

BARS!

My favorite part 🙂

Blind Barber – This speakeasy bar is located behind an actual barbershop in the Fulton District. The music is always good and the vibe is really chill. One of my favorite low key spots in Chicago.

Remedy (@remedy_chicago) – This cozy bar in Bucktown/Logan Square is filled with creative cocktails. They always have different events and fun things going on throughout the bar. The space is also available for private events!

Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden – Go to this Lakeview bar if you like outdoor patio seating and a long list of craft beers!

AceBounce Ping Pong Bar & Restaurant – This place is always fun if you have a group of friends. You can rent ping pong tables and play while you eat awesome food (and drink, duh).

Hook & Ladder (@hookandladderchicago) – A tavern bar in Lincoln Park that always has throwback jams (this place is connected to Halligan’s bar – you can go back and forth between the two through the secret door in the back right corner) PSA these bars get shoulder to shoulder crowded on the weekends – but hey, at least you know that’s where the people are.

Kingston Mines – A blues bar in Lincoln Park with live entertainment with a “hole in the wall” type vibe.

The Franklin Room (@drinkatfranklin)- Another speakeasy type bar, except this time in Gold Coast and it’s not as secretive and intimidating 😀

Timothy O’Toole’s Pub – A bar in Streeterville that has a long list of draft beers and other cocktails but honestly, the pretzel bites were fire and I’ll keep going back solely for those, so.