A few weeks prior to heading to Chicago, Ken and I really had no real plan for how we were going to spend our time. When I thought of Chicago, what came to mind were the quintessential landmarks: the Bean, the Navy Pier, the Chicago Theatre and the Merchandise Mart. These are all great things to see, but what I really wanted to do was get at the heart of what makes up the fabric of the city in terms of the restaurant scene and the local creatives doing cool things. Since both the food and creative scenes are constantly changing and evolving, it was tough to find good, current recommendations on the web, so thank goodness for the kind and thorough recommendations of our friends and colleagues, who put together the most comprehensive lists two tourists could ever hope for and really helped us discover the side of Chicago we were hoping to find! Here’s the breakdown of where we stayed and the restaurants we loved. Tomorrow I’ll breakdown our favorite neighborhood and local shops.
We stayed at PUBLIC Chicago because we loved the historic-modern aesthetic, the great location in the heart of the Gold Coast, and the incredible value. We were able to book our standard guestroom for $113/night before taxes by booking on Public’s website! The beds were super comfortable and robes were provided upon request. Ken makes fun of me, but I always say a sign of a good hotel is one that provides robes! We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back next time we’re in town. Public Chicago. 1301 N. State Parkway.
On Friday night, both exhausted from the week, we decided to eat dinner in The Pump Room, the restaurant inside the Hotel. The Pump Room exudes the moodiness and allure of 30′ glamour with gold leafed alcoves, luxe drapey fabric at every turn, and lighting that seemed inspired by the “machine age” of the early 20th century. The menu was created by 2011 James Beard award winner, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and needless to say the food stood up to it’s reputation. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long week. Recommended Dish: Shaved Brussel Sprouts with Manchego and Marcona Almonds. The Pump Room. 1301 N. State Parkway.
For brunch on Saturday morning, we headed up to The Bongo Room in Andersonville before checking out the shops on Clark St. We got there around 10:30 am which seemed to be a good time, any later and we would’ve had a hefty wait in front of us. We liked the Bongo Room’s laid back and unpretentious vibe, good service and great food for a good price. Recommended Dish: The Breakfast Burrito. The Bongo Room. 5022 N. Clark St.
After perusing the shops of Andersonville, we stopped for a late a afternoon pint at Hopleaf to regroup and chart out the rest of the day. They have an impressive beer selection, particularly when it comes to saisons (my fave!). Hopleaf. 5148 N. Clark St.
For dinner on Saturday night we went to The Purple Pig which is located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Since it’s located in one of the most touristy areas of Chicago, we were told to try to go either for an early or late dinner, as it’s a hoppin’ place not only because of it’s location, but its unmatched mediterranean small plate menu. (It was voted #1 of the 10 Best New Restaurants in America by Bon Appetit Magazine in 2010.)We arrived around 4pm and lucked out in that we were sat within 5 minutes. I can’t speak highly enough of the food and service! Recommended Dish(es): Salt-cured Yogurt Smear with Apple Compote, and Chicken Thigh Kebabs, Fried Smashed Potatoes & Tzatziki. The Purple Pig. 500 N. Michigan Ave.
After dinner we moseyed over to, Jimmy, a 1970’s inspired speakeasy lounge a few blocks in from the Magnificent Mile for a cocktail. Surprisingly, this hush-hush retro lounge, doesn’t have a sign visible from the street, and the entrance is disguised inside Burke’s Bacon Bar, a tiny grab-and-go sandwich shop. Once inside the sandwich shop, there’s a discreet sign marking the door, but if you weren’t looking for it you’d miss it. As you enter through that discreet door, you’re brushed with a wave of sparkling chrome beaded curtains, the lighting is very low, the bartenders are smartly dressed in crisp, white shirts and black vests, and the drinks are strong, deliciously strong. Adding to the allure of the lounge, Jimmy seats a maximum of 30 people at a time, so I’d suggest stopping in for a cocktail earlier than later in order to avoid the wait. Recommended Cocktail: Legal in Vermont (Bourbon + Maple Syrup + Orange Bitters + Cinnamon Ice). Jimmy at the James Hotel. 610 N. Rush St.
And there you have it, our favorite Chicago eats! Do you have any favorites? Please share!