There’s nothing I love more than playing host when friends come to visit, especially in the summer when Chicago's at its absolute best. When I’m planning a weekend for out-of-town friends, especially those that have been here before, I try to focus on highlighting the diverse food scene here. Each neighborhood has so much to offer, and a lot of these places are the reason why I love living here.
Friday: Exploring West Loop/Fulton Market and Pilsen
Breakfast
Good Ambler - West Loop: this coffee shop located in Fulton Market is my favorite coffee shop in the area. I loved their iced lattes and ham & swiss croissant. The coffee shop has a ton of seating and has a great ambiance. This is a good option for a quick breakfast.
VietFive - West Loop: VietFive is a great Vietnamese coffee shop in West Loop. I frequently run into this store to grab a coffee and a banh mi. The Ca Phe with Coconut Condensed Milk is my favorite coffee drink on the menu. Beware, the coffee is incredibly strong. The best part about VietFive is the owners. They are so friendly, and really involved in the local community.
VietFive
Beatrix - Fulton Market: Beatrix is a great option for a sit-down breakfast in the heart of Fulton Market that's always lively. The restaurant has a great outdoor patio, and their breakfast sandwich is fantastic.
Lunch
D'Amatos Bakery & Subs - West Town: For a casual lunch option, I'd definitely pick up sandwiches from D'Amatos on the edge of Fulton Market and West Town. Picking up sandwiches from this shop and having lunch by the Chicago Harbor on the lakefront would make for a great day. The Chicken Caesar Sub at D'Amatos has became popular in Chicago for good reason. The shop is run in an old-school Italian style, and the experience is idyllic. I'm talking answering the phone and taking your order in 5 seconds before hanging up type of Italian style.
Nonna's Sandwiches - West Loop: I'd be remiss to leave out my true favorite sandwich shop in West Loop, Nonna's. Nonna's is an ideal sandwich spot for hot sandwiches. Their Sausage and What The have been my two long-standing favorites on the menu for 4 years now.
Home
Aba - Fulton Market: For a nicer lunch option in West Loop/Fulton Market, Aba is a great option. There's a lot of patio seating, and this restaurant is great for shareable dishes. All of the food at Aba is Mediterranean, and the ambiance is fantastic.
Dinner
La Luna - Pilsen: La Luna in Pilsen is a small restaurant that packs a lot of flavor into their dishes. It's a great casual spot right on the main 18th street, and is always busy. I loved their tacos and margaritas, but the menu item that stole the show was Entraña, a skirt steak dish. La Luna is great restaurant to visit to get some exposure to Pilsen and all of the great culture.
Pilsen Yards - Pilsen: Pilsen Yards is a fun, upbeat restaurant with a lot of good Mexican options. At night when I've been there, there has been a DJ playing great music, a big bar in the center of the restaurant, and makes for a great place for a group dinner.
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Saturday: Exploring Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and Bucktown
Breakfast
Gemini - Lincoln Park: Gemini has been one of staples in Lincoln Park for years. It has that perfect mix of neighborhood charm and class. The food is consistently great, and they offer bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, which makes it a fun option for a group. In the summer, their patio is open and always fun to sit at. It’s definitely more of a sit-down, elevated brunch spot, perfect when you want something a little nicer without feeling too formal
Gemini Chicago
Colectivo Coffee - Lincoln Park: when I lived in Lincoln Park, Colectivo was one of my go-to coffee spots. The bright outdoor furniture gives it some character, and the big, sunny patio is one of the best places to sit and do some work during the summer. I used to love grabbing an iced latte to-go and strolling down Clark Street. It's a great spot for a grab-and-go coffee and pastry.
Lunch
Little Victories - Wicker Park: Little Victories is a neighborhood favorite in Wicker Park, and definitely one of my favorite bars in that area. It has a lived-in feel that makes it perfect for a casual night out. In the summer, the big open windows and garage-style doors completely transform the space and play into that classic Chicago summer vibe. The cocktails are great and the small bites were good, too. I just heard they added a chicken Caesar wrap to the menu, which I’ve been dying to try. Definitely more of a casual lunch spot with small bites.
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Dinner
Mirra - Bucktown: the food at Mirra in Bucktown was absolutely delicious and a fusion I never expected to love as much as I did. The menu combines Indian and Mexican flavors in a way that feels creative and comforting. It's the kind of spot that’s perfect to bring friends to when they're in town and looking for something different. This restaurant really highlights the diverse Chicago food scene. The restaurant is small but full of energy, and while it is a relaxed setting, there is an elevated feel to the experience that makes it stand out.
John's Food and Wine - Lincoln Park: this very intimate restaurant isn’t ideal for a big group since it’s walk-in only, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. The menu is prix fixe and priced relatively well for the quality and experience. Everything is coursed out, and the menu changes frequently based on what’s in season. I loved every dish we tried. The location is also right on Halsted and Armitage, a great intersections to walk around and explore before or after dinner.
Sunday: Exploring Gold Coast, Streeterville, and River North
Breakfast
Ralph's Coffee - Streeterville: Although Ralph's main location is in New York, the Chicago location is in the heart of the busy Streeterville neighborhood, and a very cute ambiance. I liked grabbing cups of coffee when I'm on the go at Ralph's. It would be a great spot to check out on a walk down Chicago's famous Michigan Avenue.
https://www.ralphlauren.com/home-ralphs-coffee
Lunch
3 Arts Club Cafe at Restoration Hardware Chicago: 3 Arts is one of those places that’s truly made for photo ops. The cafe is inside the Chicago Restoration Hardware location, and the space is absolutely stunning with high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and a courtyard-style setting. It is definitely more of a pricey restaurant, and while the ambiance is the main draw, the food holds its own. The salads are well done, and the matcha and coffee were both surprisingly good.
Condé Nast
Pizzeria Portofino - River North: Pizzeria Portofino has been a Chicago favorite since it opened, and the views of the Chicago River can't be beat. The pizzas are good, the drinks are fun, and it's great for a group. It's always hard to grab a reservation here, so booking in advance is ideal. I think it's prettiest for lunch while it's still bright out so you can sit and enjoy the patio on the river.
Dinner
Shaw's Crab House - River North: Shaw’s is one of those classic Chicago spots that always delivers, especially if you're craving seafood. The dining room has an old-school supper club feel that I absolutely love. The seafood is fresh, and they have everything from oysters to crab legs. It’s great for a celebratory dinner or when you want something that feels a little more special without being overly flashy.
Gibson's - Gold Coast: Gibson's is a classic brunch spot in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The Gibson's patio has now become somewhat iconic during the summers, and makes for great people watching. The food is good, and the restaurant setting captures a timeless white tablecloth steakhouse feel that this Gibson's location is known for. This restaurant can be on the pricier side, but is in a perfect location in Gold Coast to walk around before and after.
