Guidebook for Chicago
Parks & Nature
This place is as exotic as Chicago gets in terms of nature
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I-Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveThis place is as exotic as Chicago gets in terms of nature
Really good spot ;-) go at dusk and enjoy a picnic...it's special
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Northerly Island
Really good spot ;-) go at dusk and enjoy a picnic...it's special
Essentials
This place is the go to spot for your for literally almost everything. Fulfills both grocery and convenience needs. The only thing I don't get here is produce, which I prefer to get from Whole Foods
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La Casa Del Pueblo Inc.
1810 S Blue Island AveThis place is the go to spot for your for literally almost everything. Fulfills both grocery and convenience needs. The only thing I don't get here is produce, which I prefer to get from Whole Foods
Food Scene
Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W 18th StGreat local authentic Mexican cafe!
One of the best sushi restaurants in the city. Expect to pay $$$ at the end of the night but so worth it if you love your sea food raw. Great romantic spot too ;-)
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Momotaro
820 W Lake StOne of the best sushi restaurants in the city. Expect to pay $$$ at the end of the night but so worth it if you love your sea food raw. Great romantic spot too ;-)
Opart Thai House Restaurant
1546 S State StBest Thai restaurant I've eaten at. Hands-down.
My girlfriend and I go here regularly for Chinese food. Get the egg-white fried rice dish and/or the Japanese tofu with watercress plate.
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Chi Cafe
2160 S Archer AveMy girlfriend and I go here regularly for Chinese food. Get the egg-white fried rice dish and/or the Japanese tofu with watercress plate.
An upscale interpretation of Mexican food. Cocktails here are also good. Try the "Not-your-mother's-horchata"
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Pl-zen
1519 W 18th StAn upscale interpretation of Mexican food. Cocktails here are also good. Try the "Not-your-mother's-horchata"
Arts & Culture
Voted Number 1 museum in the world on TripAdvisor..what more can I say!
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I-Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveVoted Number 1 museum in the world on TripAdvisor..what more can I say!
Right here in the neighborhood!
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Iziko Lomuzi Wokubaluleka Womzantsi Afrika Womzantsi Afrika
1852 W 19th StRight here in the neighborhood!
Seminary Co-op Bookstores
5751 S Woodlawn AveI love this bookstore!
Another great bookstore associated with the University of Chicago
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57th Street Books
1301 E 57th StAnother great bookstore associated with the University of Chicago
Small gallery that showcases artwork on the more academic end.
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The Renaissance Society
5811 S Ellis AveSmall gallery that showcases artwork on the more academic end.
So many collections are housed here: Ebony & Jet Magazine...and the Frankie Knuckles vinyl archive. If you care at all about contemporary Black cultural history, this is the spot.
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Stony Island Arts Bank
6760 S Stony Island AveSo many collections are housed here: Ebony & Jet Magazine...and the Frankie Knuckles vinyl archive. If you care at all about contemporary Black cultural history, this is the spot.
Drinks & Nightlife
Super cool, swanky and hidden. This is where the cool kids go to drink.
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The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveSuper cool, swanky and hidden. This is where the cool kids go to drink.
This is THE spot for House/Techno. You have to stop here if you're a true fan.
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Smartbar
3730 N Clark StThis is THE spot for House/Techno. You have to stop here if you're a true fan.
Another great spot for electronic dance music. The first Boiler Room Chicago took place here.
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Primary NightClub
5 West Division StreetAnother great spot for electronic dance music. The first Boiler Room Chicago took place here.
Very good spot. Great for a group of friends to chill around drinks. They've got good bar games too! This place is popular and so it gets loud and busy :)
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Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan AveVery good spot. Great for a group of friends to chill around drinks. They've got good bar games too! This place is popular and so it gets loud and busy :)
The ICONIC Jazz spot in Chicago. Obama took Michelle here. Enough said.
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The Green Mill
4802 North BroadwayThe ICONIC Jazz spot in Chicago. Obama took Michelle here. Enough said.
Super great Blues bar. They have two stages, with really amazing musicians playing them. If you're a college student make sure to bring your ID and you get free entry!
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Kingston Mines
2548 N Halsted StSuper great Blues bar. They have two stages, with really amazing musicians playing them. If you're a college student make sure to bring your ID and you get free entry!
Getting Around
This is where you can take the Pink Line train to downtown Chicago. Super accessible!
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18th Street & Paulina station
This is where you can take the Pink Line train to downtown Chicago. Super accessible!
Catch the bus here to head south to the Orange Line (which can take you to Midway) or up north past downtown into the North side.
Ashland & 18th Street
Catch the bus here to head south to the Orange Line (which can take you to Midway) or up north past downtown into the North side.
Shopping
Maybe Sunday Collective
1320 W 18th StMy friend Jason's art & design store. One word: DOPE.