I lay back in my bed feeling warm, cozy, and extremely happy. I think about all the things I have experienced this year, lots of ups and downs, my job, and friends I have made. It’s been quite a year. I think back to all those times I was watching The Office, wondering if I would ever meet my Jim?
Well, I did. I have met my own Jim, and he was right there in my office all along.
A Girl’s Guide to Chicago Checklist
During my first year in Chicago, city life was so new to me, and I had so much fun exploring all the sights, restaurants, and the bar scene. Most of the places that I visited during my first year have become an important part of my life, filled with special memories, and they are still my favorite places to go with my husband, friends, and family.
Use this checklist to help you explore Chicago. These are my personal hotspots, and all are mentioned in my book. They can be your own girl’s guide to explore some of my favorite places in the amazing city of Chicago. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
☐ Marshall Field’s/Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street (This is the first store I visited as a little girl during my first trip to Chicago. Visit during the holidays, it is magical, and dining at the Walnut room is a must.)
☐ Michigan Avenue
The Magnificent Mile (Aptly named, this street will never get old for me for all the shopping, dining, enjoying a stroll, and even people watching.)
☐ Lake Michigan
The Lakefront (There is nothing better than walking, biking, or jogging along the lake trail. There are miles of beaches, parks, gardens, and it is the perfect place to spend a day enjoying the sunshine.)
☐ Osteria Via Stato
620 N. State Street (You can enjoy their amazing Italian tapas and the fresh bread with fresh garlic and oil is the best.)
☐ Grand Lux Cafe
600 N. Michigan Avenue (This is great for a quick, easy lunch. It is more of a tourist spot.)
☐ SoPo
(SoPo sadly closed. This bar holds fond memories for me. I just had to include it.)
☐ Gold Coast
Rush and Oak Street (A beautiful neighborhood for shopping and fine dining anytime of the year. The Gold Coast is a luxury neighborhood that also features many designer shops.)
☐ Freds Chicago at Barneys
15 E. Oak Street (Perfect for a fancy ‘ladies who lunch’ kind of spot.)
☐ Lao Sze Chuan
520 N. Michigan Avenue (Best Chinese in Chicago. You have to order the Tony’s Chicken, Crispy Shrimp w/ Lemon Sauce, and the crab rangoon.)
☐ POPS for Champagne
601 N. State Street (Cute downtown wine bar. They offer a world-class selection of champagne and full-service bar. Perfect place for an after-work cocktail or host a special event.)
☐ Green Street Meats
112 N. Green Street (Known for its BBQ, pulled pork, brisket, and more. The West Loop is full of amazing fun restaurants like this one.)
☐ United Center
1901 W. Madison Street (This is not only the home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, but it is also the place to see major artists in concerts.)
☐ Underground
56 W. Illinois Street (A popular nightclub in Chicago, once named “One of the Sexiest Places in the World”. It is a trendy nightclub that hosts special entertainment events and features popular DJs.)
☐ Angelina Ristorante
3561 N. Broadway Street (This is a authentic, cozy, Italian gem in Lakeview.)
☐ J9 Wine Bar
1961 N. Halsted Street (In the heart of Lincoln Park, this bar offers a wide selection of fine wine, cocktails, cheese and charcuterie platters in a cozy at-home atmosphere.)
☐ Mercadito
108 W. Kinzie Street (In the heart of River North, it offers authentic Mexican cuisine, signature tacos, and the best margaritas in the city. You must ask for the regular margarita and add the spicy salt.)
☐ Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
2024 N. Halsted Street (Authentic Spanish tapas and a variety of sangrias in Lincoln Park, a perfect place for a girls’ night.)
☐ Ann Sather
909 W. Belmont Avenue (Offers breakfast and lunch menus, and the cinnamon rolls are a must!)
☐ Beatrix River North
519 N. Clark Street (One of the best brunch/lunch places. I love the egg white omelet. Ask for the brown sugar bacon and extra avocado. The almond chocolate croissants are amazing and, for lunch, I love the Straight A Salad.)
☐ Le Colonial
937 N. Rush Street (In heart of the Gold Coast, it’s Chicago’s famed Vietnamese restaurant beautifully styled in the era of the French Colonial Southeast Asia of the 1920s. It has the best lychee martini in the city, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.)
☐ Intelligentsia Coffee
3123 N. Broadway Street (Local favorite coffee bar that offers a variety of coffee, tea, and espresso. I love the vanilla latte.)
☐ Mortar and Pestle
3108 N. Broadway Street (Offers globally inspired cuisine and is a favorite neighborhood brunch spot. The homemade biscuits and homemade jam are the best.)
☐ Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison Street (In Wrigleyville, it’s the Home of the Chicago Cubs. This stadium is magical with its iconic ivy-covered outfield wall and hand-turned scoreboard. You have to see a baseball game. Don’t forget your Chicago-style hotdog.)
☐ Parson's Chicken & Fish
2952 W. Armitage Avenue (casually served fried chicken and fish. Amazing backyard-style patio. This is a perfect place to sip on a famous Negroni slushy during the summer.)
☐ Cesar's Killer Margaritas
2924 N. Broadway Street (The name says it all. Favorite for authentic Mexican restaurant and giant margaritas.)
☐ RPM Italian
52 W. Illinois Street (Trendy, hot spot that offers freshly made pasta and great Italian tapas. Also, if you are a fan of the celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, you will love this place. They are partners in this restaurant.)
☐ John Hancock Building
875 N. Michigan Avenue (Loved living so close to one of my favorite buildings. You have to enjoy a Godiva martini at the Signature Lounge, of course, by the windows. Also, the women’s bathroom is the best in the city, when you go you will see why. The 360 Chicago observatory has the best view of Chicago.)
☐ Drumbar at the Raffaello Hotel
201 E. Delaware Place (Favorite fun speakeasy-style rooftop bar with great cocktails.)
☐ Coq d'Or at The Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Place (The Drake Hotel is one of my favorite hotels. Built in 1933 after the repeal of prohibition, it was the second Chicago establishment to obtain a liquor license. Have cocktails at Coq d'Or and afternoon tea in Palm Court. It is a must-do in Chicago.)
☐ The Peninsula Hotel
108 E. Superior Street (The Bar is perfect for late-night cocktails. Enjoy the chocolate bar during the holidays in The Lobby. The garden in Shanghai Terrace is splendid for cocktails with friends or a special someone.)
☐ Sunda
110 W. Illinois Street (Asian cuisine. Fun and trendy sushi spot.)
☐ Naoki Sushi
2300 N. Lincoln Park West (A mix of classic and contemporary Japanese cuisine in a speakeasy-style restaurant. It has amazing fresh sushi and its location is a true hidden gem tucked behind the kitchen inside the Belden-Stratford.)
☐ The Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Avenue (A secret hidden speakeasy. If you can find the entrance, it is worth the amazing cocktails and ambience inside.)
☐ Smoke Daddy
1804 W. Division Street (Favorite BBQ spot in Wicker Park)
☐ The Riverwalk
along The Chicago River (One of the best places to hang out in the summer. Multiple great bars for drinks, including City Winery.)
☐ The Hampton Social
353 W. Hubbard Street (Fun nautical spot and the best place for rosé all day.)
☐ Millennium Park/Jay Pritzker Pavilion
201 E. Randolph Street (One of the most beautiful parks in the city. Attend a concert or a movie at the pavilion. This is a summer favorite.)
☐ RL Restaurant
115 E. Chicago Avenue (Perfect spot for lunch or dinner after a day of shopping on Michigan Avenue, especially during the holidays.)
☐ Cindy’s at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
12 S. Michigan Avenue (Panoramic rooftop view for dining and delicious cocktails.)
☐ Summer House Santa Monica
1954 N. Halsted Street (Located in Lincoln Park, it offers a warm feel of the West Coast with beach house décor and California wines. It is a favorite spot to go when you want it to feel like it is summer.)
☐ Eataly Chicago
43 E. Ohio Street (I love to go here for a late-night dessert. The offer fresh pasta, pizza, Italian hot chocolate, and wine tastings.)
☐ Mastro’s
520 N. Dearborn Street (The best steakhouse restaurant. Get the lemon drop martini, filet Oscar-style, lobster mash, and save room for the butter cake.)
☐ Bijan’s Bistro
663 N. State Street (Great late-night spot and, yes, the French onion soup is really good!)
☐ The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Avenue (One of my favorite museums in the city. You have to see the Thorne Miniature Rooms.)
☐ Star of Siam
11. E. Illinois Street (A little hidden gem downtown and my favorite Thai restaurant in the city.)
☐ 676 Restaurant at The Omni Hotel
676 N. Michigan Avenue (My own hidden gem overlooking Michigan Avenue. I love to sit by the window and look out over The Magnificent Mile.)
☐ Stan’s Donuts
multiple locations (My favorite donut place. Enough said, you must try these donuts.)
☐ Ghirardelli Chocolate
830 N. Michigan Avenue (Even though it is a chain, the hot chocolate and sundaes are really the best.)
☐ Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush Street (An upscale contemporary steakhouse. I love dining in the bar area in the winter and dining on the patio during the summer.)
☐ Restoration Hardware (RH) and 3 Arts Club Café
1300 N. Dearborn Street (Perfect place for afternoon tea or drinks with the girls.The Café is a sight-to-behold with its glass atrium ceiling, potted trees, and a magnificent chandelier.)
☐ ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark Street (Zoo Lights is a popular holiday thing to do in Chicago. During the Christmas season, the Zoo is transformed by millions of lights and displays that make it look like a winter wonderland. Make sure you grab a hot chocolate first to keep you warm. The zoo is free and a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.)
☐ Christkindlmarket
50 W. Washington Street (It is one of the best and most beloved outdoor holiday markets inspired by German tradition in the Chicago Loop. Bundle up and sip on some delicious mulled wine.)
☐ Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Avenue (This is a movie venue for independent and foreign films, cult, and classic films. If you are here during the Christmas holidays, you must see “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It is a tradition that I love to do every year.)
☐ La Creperie
2845 N. Clark Street (I love this little neighborhood gem for crepes, wine, or coffee. The back-garden patio is a favorite of mine during the summer.)
☐ Pequod’s Pizza
2207 N. Clybourn Avenue (A local favorite for Chicago deep dish pizza.)
If you are looking for more things to do in Chicago, girlsguidechicago.com has tons of guides for girls who love to have fun and want to explore some of the best places in the city.
While you use this checklist to visit these my favorite places, send photos of you with your girlfriends using the hashtag #GGCBook.
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