Edition: Chicago Architecture 101
Concierges' Favorite Neighborhoods
Author: By Jody Robbins
We work with hundreds of Chicago concierge for a reason: They know what they’re doing! Our researchers in the field are always on the job, be their work in the city or the suburbs, so here we look at must-hit spots in some of our concierges’ favorite neighborhoods.
ANDERSONVILLE
First settled by Swedish immigrants in the mid-1800s, the distinct colors of the Swedish flag let you know you’re there. Have a meal at the months-old Anteprima (5316 N. Clark St., 773-506-9990), which serves rustic Italian cuisine to rave reviews. Or, visit Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark St., 773-334-9851), a gastropub with both a rich, European-style menu and a stellar collection of top ales from around the world. Everyone must visit the Ann Sather Family Restaurant (5207 N. Clark St., 773-271- 6677); the free-with-your-meal cinnamon rolls are heavenly. If you want to take something home, stop in at City Olive (5408 N. Clark St., 773- 878-5408) and check out their specialty culinary goods.
ROSCOE VILLAGE
Most will enjoy Kitsch’n on Roscoe (2005 W. Roscoe St., 773-248-7372) for the quirky nature of the place, and the tasty, comfort food-inspired menu. If you’re not in a kitsch-y mood, head across the street to Kitsch’n owner Jon Young’s decidedly grown-up wine bar, Volo Restaurant & Wine Bar (2008 W. Roscoe St., 773-348-4600). Share a bottle and a range of small plates, ranging from a marinated hearts of palm and citrus salad to seared scallops with American sturgeon caviar and crispy leeks.One of the best sushi places in the city, Kaze’s (2032 W. Roscoe St., 773-327-4860) jade green-lined atmosphere is as soothing as the tuna.
BUCKTOWN/ WICKER PARK
Two neighborhoods in one, this hip spot is one of the hottest areas in town. Shop at the new Levi’s Store (1552 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for traditional denim, or visit one of the many cool boutiques like p45 (1643 N. Damen Ave., 773- 862-4523). If you are a do-ityourself type of person, then it’s off to the T-Shirt Deli (1739 N. Damen Ave., 773-276-6266) to design your own. Next, Hot Chocolate (1747 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1747), a critically-acclaimed restaurant headed by chef Mindy Segal, is a no-brainer. A full menu is complemented by some of the best desserts you’ve ever put in your mouth, and her Saturday/Sunday brunch is the zenith of that meal as an art form.
BOYSTOWN
Start by seeing The Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted St., 773-348-4000) and then satisfy your inner foodie at HB Home Bistro (3404 N. Halsted St., 773-661-0299) for familiar American dishes accented with unique, vibrant flavors. Yoshi’s Café (3257 N. Halsted St., 773-248-6160) pulls its menu from all over the culinary map, providing high-end cuisine at an affordable price. Or, for something completely different, take a daytime stroll east on Belmont Avenue all the way to Lake Michigan and visit the dog beach at Belmont Harbor. Run spot, run!
OLD TOWN
Cutting-edge improve comedy is always on display at The Second City (1616 N. Wells St., 312-337-3992), hallowed ground for fans and practitioners of improvisational comedy. Adobo Grill (1610 N. Wells St., 312-266- 7999) is a consistent purveyor of authentic Mexican cuisine, and just down the street Kamehachi Café (1400 N. Wells St., 312-664-3663) has been doing sushi since the 1960s. At the end of the night, depending on your desires, stop in at The Fudge Pot (1532 N. Wells St., 312-943-1777) for their decadent chocolate-covered strawberries; or, have a final cocktail across the street at Burton Place (1447 N. Wells St., 312-664-4699).
Anteprima
5316 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
At this Andersonville Italian eatery, home-style dishes with twists will make you feel like family.
Hopleaf
5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
This gastropub has a huge selection of ales from around the world and a European-style menu.
Ann Sather Restaurant
5207 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
This location is a spin-off of the Lake View original, which has been serving up traditional Swedish fare since 1945.
City Olive
5408 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
European style culinary store in Andersonville.
Kitsch'n on Roscoe
2005 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, IL 60618
Comfort food & brunch.
Volo Restaurant & Winebar
2008 West Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60618
This cozy winebar is located in a boutique storefront and makes wine unintimidating.
Kaze Sushi
2032 W. Roscoe,, Chicago, IL 60618
KAZE's seasonal cuisine, comfortable décor and knowledgeable service will provide you and your guests a dining experience that is both entirely satisfying and highly memorable.
p45
1643 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
An intimate women's clothing boutique in the fun and funky Wicker Park neighborhood.
T-Shirt Deli
1739 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
This is a fun, happening place to create your own personalized t-shirts, baby hats, underwear, and dog tees.
Hot Chocolate
1747 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
This always-jammed, on-the-perpetual-hot-list restaurant serves a full savory menu concentrated on local, organic ingredients, followed by desserts the taste of which will exhibit the concept of genius in cooking for you and your palate.
Blue Man Group
3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657
Home Bistro
3404 N. Halsted St. , Chicago, IL 60657
Home Bistro serves up breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Yoshi's Cafe
3257 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657
The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614
The best in comedy and the launching ground of generations of comedic talent, The Second City guarantees a fun night out.
Adobo Grill
1610 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614
This contemporary Mexican eatery is a larger sibling of the popular Old Town original. The festive dining room features exposed brick walls, vibrant Mexican artwork, an open display kitchen, and there's a large, covered sidewalk cafe in the summer.
Kamehachi
1400 N. Wells, Chicago, IL 60610
This two-story sushi hotspot has ample selections of sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, plus an extensive cooked menu that includes soba and udon noodles, chicken katsu and salmon teriyaki
Burton Place
1447 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610
Grap a cocktail at this Old Town bar.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) offers a 88 different tours in total. You can explore the city by bus, boat, bike on foot or even via a segway.
Get a glimpse of what's going on at the CAF in this great video!
Buckingham Fountain
Congress Parkway & Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
The Buckingham Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. Located in Grant Park, it's unique and stunning architecture is a sight to see. Be sure to come on the hour to see the water display as it shoots out water 150 feet in the air for 20 minutes.
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