Chicago

EAT:

Chicago, similar to New York, is dominated by successful food groups that own multiple restaurants that are all close to each other and all worth snagging a reservation at. The favourites: 

• HOGSALT — Aster Hall, Au Cheval, Small Cheval, Bavette, Gilt Bar, Lena Brava, Trivoli Tavern 

• BOKA RESTAURANT GROUP, which features beloved Stephanie Izard’s restaurants — Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Girl & The Goat, Momotaro, Cira (Hoxton Rooftop)

• LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU — Beatrix, Joe’s Stone Crab, RPM, Ema, Three Dots and a Dash, Aba, Summer House Santa Monica

• ONE OFF — Avec, The Publican, PQM

Other restaurant recommendations: High Five Ramen, Lulu Cafe, Dear Margaret, Ada Street, Rose Mary, Ina Mae, Monteverde, Galit, Lula, Saint Lou's Backyard, Timeout Market, RL Restaurant, Mindy’s Bakery, The Allis (in Soho House), Lula Cafe, Bongoroom, Blue Door Farm Cafe, Brass Track, Helfields Deli

Treat yourself to cookies from Levian and ice cream from Jenni’s. 

Chicago Classics:

• Chicago Beef from Als or Mr. Beef

• Vienna Dog from Portillos

• Deep Dish Pizza from Giordano’s, Pequod’s Pizza or Lou Malnati’s 

DO:

• Architectural tour is a must

• Walk around Millennium Park

• Shop in Magnificent Mile - stop into the largest Starbucks

• Shop and eat your way through Fulton Market and West Loop, make sure to pop into the international McDonalds