Chicago native Jim Belushi has mesmerized Hollywood with his personable charisma—not only as an incredibly successful comic actor, getting his start at The Second City and Saturday Night Live—but also as an accomplished dramatic actor and musician with more than 75 films and 300 television episodes under his belt.

As a partner in The Comedy Bar, Belushi took time to sit down with Concierge Preferred while in town introducing shows and taking part in performances at the year-old comedy venue to discuss some of his favorite spots around town.

CP: When it comes to entertainment in Chicago, what hotspots top your list?

JB: Chicago’s comedy scene is absolutely booming right now and for decades this city has been putting out great comic talent. From The Second City to The Comedy Bar, this is the best town to see rising star comedians and comic actors and should be on anyone’s “to-do” list.

CP: What are some of your favorite Chicago restaurants?

JB: For a great steak and bottle of wine, you can’t go wrong with Smith & Wollensky in River North. I love the downstairs area with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River. You can even see the iconic Chicago Theater marquee off in the distance which creates an incredibly “Chicago” experience. I also love Portillo’s for an Italian beef or hot dog and Gene & Jude’s in nearby River Grove for a classic Chicago hot dog stand experience.

CP: Any particular neighborhoods you enjoy visiting?

JB: I love going to Old Town and visiting The Fudge Pot for their great taffy apples and fudge—it’s the best in the city—and, since I am a cigar enthusiast, heading to nearby Up Down Cigar Shop to browse through their impressive collection.

CP: Any other must-do’s for those looking to explore Chicago?

JB: You have to experience real Chicago blues. The House of Blues has amazing old blues guys playing the real thing straight from the South Side of Chicago every night of the week at their Back Porch Stage and Kingston Mines up on Halsted is incredible.