Guidebook for Chicago
Food Scene
Try the vanilla bean latte and the maple bacon scone. You won't regret it.
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Scone City
1632 W Division St Try the vanilla bean latte and the maple bacon scone. You won't regret it.
Go for the tacos but you'll never leave with the margaritas or micheladas.
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Big Star
1531 N Damen AveGo for the tacos but you'll never leave with the margaritas or micheladas.
My go-to spot for getting work done. Mary and the rest of the staff are great. The turkey pesto sandwich is delicious.
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Lovely Kitchen & Cafe
1130 North Milwaukee AvenueMy go-to spot for getting work done. Mary and the rest of the staff are great. The turkey pesto sandwich is delicious.
Order the Mayan Mocha (iced or hot) for a one-of-a-kind coffee drink. Sit outside on the patio, sit at the coffee bar, or go upstairs to the quieter level. Great for people watching and eclectic music!
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Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Dark Matter Coffee)
2521 W Chicago AveOrder the Mayan Mocha (iced or hot) for a one-of-a-kind coffee drink. Sit outside on the patio, sit at the coffee bar, or go upstairs to the quieter level. Great for people watching and eclectic music!
Amazing brunch spot. Be prepared to wait. Try showing up early so you won't have to wait a while. If you do have to wait, kill some time at Volumes Book Cafe.
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Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee AveAmazing brunch spot. Be prepared to wait. Try showing up early so you won't have to wait a while. If you do have to wait, kill some time at Volumes Book Cafe.
As authentic as it gets. The owner is incredibly nice and will recommend some Polish staples. The pierogies are amazing.
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Podhalanka
1549 W Division StAs authentic as it gets. The owner is incredibly nice and will recommend some Polish staples. The pierogies are amazing.
My favorite sushi spot! BYOB with a place to buy sake next door. Try to get some reservations, or you might have a bit of a wait.
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Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill
1751 W Chicago AveMy favorite sushi spot! BYOB with a place to buy sake next door. Try to get some reservations, or you might have a bit of a wait.
When I don't feel like making the trek to Yuzu, this is a very close second on my list for favorite sushi in the city. Also BYOB (no corkage fee). Check in on Yelp to get a free appetizer!
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Seadog Sushi Bar
3344 1500 W Division StWhen I don't feel like making the trek to Yuzu, this is a very close second on my list for favorite sushi in the city. Also BYOB (no corkage fee). Check in on Yelp to get a free appetizer!
Probably my most frequented place to order takeout from. A short 3-minute walk from my apartment, their hummus is amazing, as is their baba ghanoush.
Ameer Kabob Mediterranean Cuisine
744 North Damen AvenueProbably my most frequented place to order takeout from. A short 3-minute walk from my apartment, their hummus is amazing, as is their baba ghanoush.
Go here for the drinks, food, or both! They're well known for their game meats, so be adventurous! During happy hour, they have half-off oysters!
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Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee AveGo here for the drinks, food, or both! They're well known for their game meats, so be adventurous! During happy hour, they have half-off oysters!
This place is amazing. Some of the best croissants and macarons in the city. You can also enjoy a latte in their sitting room (with wifi!) two doors down from the main bakery.
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Alliance Bakery
1736 W Division StThis place is amazing. Some of the best croissants and macarons in the city. You can also enjoy a latte in their sitting room (with wifi!) two doors down from the main bakery.
Want to get some work done, eat some food, and people watch all at the same time? This place is perfect. Just make sure to get here early on the weekends because the place gets pretty packed. Grab a seat on a comfy couch and enjoy.
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Filter Cafe
1373 North Milwaukee AvenueWant to get some work done, eat some food, and people watch all at the same time? This place is perfect. Just make sure to get here early on the weekends because the place gets pretty packed. Grab a seat on a comfy couch and enjoy.
Just a bit further down the street from Filter, this place has an awesome 80's vibe. The honey bear latte is pretty great too. It's also great for those who like to work late. It's open until 10pm.
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The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee AveJust a bit further down the street from Filter, this place has an awesome 80's vibe. The honey bear latte is pretty great too. It's also great for those who like to work late. It's open until 10pm.
Great food, but the desserts will blow your mind. I've often come here after eating dinner at another restaurant. They're just that good. The hot chocolate is super rich, so it's definitely shareable.
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Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen AveGreat food, but the desserts will blow your mind. I've often come here after eating dinner at another restaurant. They're just that good. The hot chocolate is super rich, so it's definitely shareable.
The ice cream is really great here. Just watch out for the long lines.
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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee AveThe ice cream is really great here. Just watch out for the long lines.
Amazing gelato! Even on the busiest days, it's not a terrible wait. Cash only, though!
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Blue Frog Bar & Grill
676 N LaSalle DrAmazing gelato! Even on the busiest days, it's not a terrible wait. Cash only, though!
A bit of a greasy spoon, this place is great to grab some food after a night out. The mac and cheese with salami is a must have.
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Fatso's Last Stand
2258 W Chicago AveA bit of a greasy spoon, this place is great to grab some food after a night out. The mac and cheese with salami is a must have.
This place has great Italian food, without a doubt. But you must go for the beautiful patio!
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Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted StThis place has great Italian food, without a doubt. But you must go for the beautiful patio!
Get the pork belly - so good! There can be a line, but it's well worth the wait. One of Brendan Sodikoff's line of restaurants, all of which are great.
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Green Street Smoked Meats
112 N Green StGet the pork belly - so good! There can be a line, but it's well worth the wait. One of Brendan Sodikoff's line of restaurants, all of which are great.
My favorite ramen spot in the city. The caveat is that the line can be horrendous because it's a small little nook in the basement of Green Street Meats. Try and get there early (5pm) to put your name on the wait list and enjoy some beers at Green Street Meats while you wait. Or, go at the end of the night!
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High Five Ramen
112 N Green StMy favorite ramen spot in the city. The caveat is that the line can be horrendous because it's a small little nook in the basement of Green Street Meats. Try and get there early (5pm) to put your name on the wait list and enjoy some beers at Green Street Meats while you wait. Or, go at the end of the night!
I love brunch, and this place might just be my favorite spot. I highly recommend the French Toast or Pancake orgy. Amazing. Sometimes the line can be out of control though, so get here early on the weekends.
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toast
2046 N Damen AveI love brunch, and this place might just be my favorite spot. I highly recommend the French Toast or Pancake orgy. Amazing. Sometimes the line can be out of control though, so get here early on the weekends.
A cute little cafe right off the 606, this place is a perfect spot to stop and catch your breath and caffeinate yourself while you're walking the 606.
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Ipsento 606
1813 N Milwaukee AveA cute little cafe right off the 606, this place is a perfect spot to stop and catch your breath and caffeinate yourself while you're walking the 606.
If you like Chinese food and spicy food, then this place will hit the spot. In the newer Chinatown area.
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Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer AveIf you like Chinese food and spicy food, then this place will hit the spot. In the newer Chinatown area.
I've never actually had any of their food here, only their Boba tea. I love the taro root tea.
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Joy Yee
2139 S China PlI've never actually had any of their food here, only their Boba tea. I love the taro root tea.
Mexican food that's authentic, affordable, and delicious. They have a small parking lot off of 17th street, behind the building.
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Taqueria Los Comales
1544 W 18th StMexican food that's authentic, affordable, and delicious. They have a small parking lot off of 17th street, behind the building.
BYOB with amazing steak? It doesn't get much better than that.
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Tango Sur
3763 N Southport AveBYOB with amazing steak? It doesn't get much better than that.
My favorite place to get deep dish pizza in the city. The crust is amazing.
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Pequod's Pizza
2207 North Clybourn AvenueMy favorite place to get deep dish pizza in the city. The crust is amazing.
Great pizza! New Haven pizza, which is unique. Awesome atmosphere and a wide selection of beers from their microbrewery.
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Piece Brewery
1927 W North AveGreat pizza! New Haven pizza, which is unique. Awesome atmosphere and a wide selection of beers from their microbrewery.
Amazing sweets. The confetti cupcakes/cakes are to die for.
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Sweet Mandy B's
1208 W Webster AveAmazing sweets. The confetti cupcakes/cakes are to die for.
Delicious Indian food in the heart of Chicago's Indian area, Devon Avenue.
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Tiffin The Indian Kitchen
2536 W Devon AveDelicious Indian food in the heart of Chicago's Indian area, Devon Avenue.
Amazing pho. Argyle Street is Chicago's Little Vietnam, and this place should not be missed.
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Tank Noodle
4953-55 N BroadwayAmazing pho. Argyle Street is Chicago's Little Vietnam, and this place should not be missed.
A no-frills restaurant for excellent Mexican seafood. Order a platter to share.
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Alegrias Seafood Chicago
1024 N Ashland AveA no-frills restaurant for excellent Mexican seafood. Order a platter to share.
Drinks & Nightlife
A great neighborhood dive bar where you can get your ping-pong game on and enjoy a drink or two on the patio.
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Happy Village
1059 N Wolcott Ave A great neighborhood dive bar where you can get your ping-pong game on and enjoy a drink or two on the patio.
Strong drinks and excellent cheese curds. What more could you ask for?
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Bangers and Lace
1670 W Division StStrong drinks and excellent cheese curds. What more could you ask for?
A famous speakeasy bar. Sometimes hard to find because it's front is a painted mural, but usually there's a line outside, tipping you off to the location. Make sure to follow the rules once you're in!
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The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen AveA famous speakeasy bar. Sometimes hard to find because it's front is a painted mural, but usually there's a line outside, tipping you off to the location. Make sure to follow the rules once you're in!
A nice, upscale bar around the corner. It used to be an old bank, so you can enjoy some drinks in the vault.
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The Bedford
1612 West Division StreetA nice, upscale bar around the corner. It used to be an old bank, so you can enjoy some drinks in the vault.
Beauty Bar is a lot of fun. Check out their Facebook page for information on the theme of the night. On Mondays, they have Salonathon, which has unique performance pieces from local artists. Either way, it's a great place to cut loose and enjoy yourself. And if you get too tired from showing off your dance moves, you can catch your breath while getting a manicure.
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Beauty Bar
1444 W Chicago AveBeauty Bar is a lot of fun. Check out their Facebook page for information on the theme of the night. On Mondays, they have Salonathon, which has unique performance pieces from local artists. Either way, it's a great place to cut loose and enjoy yourself. And if you get too tired from showing off your dance moves, you can catch your breath while getting a manicure.
Playing the games here is so much fun. Make sure to bring cash though so you can get some quarters. Sometimes they have live music too!
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Emporium Wicker Park
1366 N Milwaukee AvePlaying the games here is so much fun. Make sure to bring cash though so you can get some quarters. Sometimes they have live music too!
This part of River North transforms into a nightclub scene after 10pm. Out of all of the bars, this one is probably my favorite. It's more chill than many of the others, and they occasionally have live music and performances. On Thursday nights, they have a burlesque show.
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Untitled Supper Club
111 W Kinzie StThis part of River North transforms into a nightclub scene after 10pm. Out of all of the bars, this one is probably my favorite. It's more chill than many of the others, and they occasionally have live music and performances. On Thursday nights, they have a burlesque show.
Lost Lake
3154 W Diversey AveAwesome tiki bar, but it can get pretty packed.
A great bar, but come on Wednesday for the Speakeasy night, where you're greeted with anything from live jazz to Flamenco to a Cabaret show.
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Bordel
1721 W Division StA great bar, but come on Wednesday for the Speakeasy night, where you're greeted with anything from live jazz to Flamenco to a Cabaret show.
A relatively new rooftop bar on top of the renovated Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's offers excellent brunch during the day and wonderful drinks at night. Well worth it for the view alone.
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Cindy's
12 S Michigan AveA relatively new rooftop bar on top of the renovated Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy's offers excellent brunch during the day and wonderful drinks at night. Well worth it for the view alone.
Parks & Nature
Start the 2.7-mile trail at Marshfield and Bloomingdale and experience a different side of the city's outdoors that's not on the Lakefront. The trail will take you from Bucktown, through Wicker Park to Humboldt Park. Enjoy it on a bike, with some skates, or on your own two feet with a furry friend.
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Bloomingdale Trail
Bloomingdale TrailStart the 2.7-mile trail at Marshfield and Bloomingdale and experience a different side of the city's outdoors that's not on the Lakefront. The trail will take you from Bucktown, through Wicker Park to Humboldt Park. Enjoy it on a bike, with some skates, or on your own two feet with a furry friend.
Lakefront Trail
Lakefront Trail Beautiful. Enough said.
The Promontory Point in Hyde Park is a gem. Chill out in the shade or jump in the lake for a refreshing dip. I'm not the only fan -- George Lucas got married here not too long ago!
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Promontory Point
5491 S Shore DrThe Promontory Point in Hyde Park is a gem. Chill out in the shade or jump in the lake for a refreshing dip. I'm not the only fan -- George Lucas got married here not too long ago!
Enjoy a game of basketball, flag football, or baseball in this quiet neighborhood park, right across from a lovely abandoned cathedral.
Fun fact: this park was where Nike filmed their iconic commercial after the Cubs won the World Series.
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Eckhart Park
1330 W Chicago AveEnjoy a game of basketball, flag football, or baseball in this quiet neighborhood park, right across from a lovely abandoned cathedral.
Fun fact: this park was where Nike filmed their iconic commercial after the Cubs won the World Series.
Take your furry friend to the Southeast corner of the aptly named Wicker Park for some fun times!
Wicker Dog Friendly Area
1425 N Damen AveTake your furry friend to the Southeast corner of the aptly named Wicker Park for some fun times!
Absolutely beautiful with plenty of things to see and do. The Japanese Garden area is a favorite. Admission is free (unless you're seeing an exhibit), but parking is $20 for non-members.
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Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook RdAbsolutely beautiful with plenty of things to see and do. The Japanese Garden area is a favorite. Admission is free (unless you're seeing an exhibit), but parking is $20 for non-members.
Incredible nature within the city! And free, too! Definitely recommend checking this place out, if you're into this kind of stuff. Parking lot is right next door.
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Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park AveIncredible nature within the city! And free, too! Definitely recommend checking this place out, if you're into this kind of stuff. Parking lot is right next door.
This place is a favorite spot of mine. You see the city from a different angle, and it's never crowded. Northerly Island used to be a private airport until Mayor Daley demolished it in the middle of the night around 15 years ago.
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Northerly Island
This place is a favorite spot of mine. You see the city from a different angle, and it's never crowded. Northerly Island used to be a private airport until Mayor Daley demolished it in the middle of the night around 15 years ago.
A hidden gem, you'd have no idea you're in the Midwest once you're here. It's right behind the Museum of Science and Industry, so you could hit up both at the same time.
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Garden of the Phoenix
6300 S Cornell AveA hidden gem, you'd have no idea you're in the Midwest once you're here. It's right behind the Museum of Science and Industry, so you could hit up both at the same time.
A small little beach in a little pocket, this is less crowded than Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach to the north.
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Ohio Street Beach
600 N Lake Shore DrA small little beach in a little pocket, this is less crowded than Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach to the north.
Arts & Culture
An affordable alternative to Second City or Steppenwolf, you can catch a play or have fun playing The Last Defender, an interactive puzzle play.
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Chopin Theatre
1543 W Division StAn affordable alternative to Second City or Steppenwolf, you can catch a play or have fun playing The Last Defender, an interactive puzzle play.
The Baha'i Temple in Wilmette is the only Baha'i Temple in North America. If you have the means, it's well worth a visit.
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Baha'i House of Worship
100 Linden AveThe Baha'i Temple in Wilmette is the only Baha'i Temple in North America. If you have the means, it's well worth a visit.
If you like art, this is a must. Consistently rated one of the best art museums in the world, the Art Institute has famous works that are recognizable to all, including the Nighthawk and American Gothic, and the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso
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The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan AveIf you like art, this is a must. Consistently rated one of the best art museums in the world, the Art Institute has famous works that are recognizable to all, including the Nighthawk and American Gothic, and the works of Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso
Take a break from the Mag Mile to enjoy some creative pieces at the MOCA.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
220 E Chicago AveTake a break from the Mag Mile to enjoy some creative pieces at the MOCA.
If you're willing to shell out some cash, the Lyric Opera has some of the best Opera out there.
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Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N Upper Wacker DrIf you're willing to shell out some cash, the Lyric Opera has some of the best Opera out there.
Frank Lloyd Wright is a Chicago staple. Visit Robie House to see a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright's genius, and it might inspire you to visit Oak Park, a near West suburb, where he is from. Fun fact: the Booth School of Business across the street was built with the Robie House as inspiration.
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Frederick C. Robie House
5757 S Woodlawn AveFrank Lloyd Wright is a Chicago staple. Visit Robie House to see a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright's genius, and it might inspire you to visit Oak Park, a near West suburb, where he is from. Fun fact: the Booth School of Business across the street was built with the Robie House as inspiration.
They often have great bands playing live music, but check out their Brew and View events. You can often catch a movie and enjoy drinks for $5.
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The Vic Theatre
3145 N Sheffield AveThey often have great bands playing live music, but check out their Brew and View events. You can often catch a movie and enjoy drinks for $5.
Great little music hall behind the front bar. Very affordable too!
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Schubas Tavern
3159 N Southport AveGreat little music hall behind the front bar. Very affordable too!
I may be biased because I'm an alumnus, but UChicago has a gorgeous campus. Gothic buildings covered in ivy juxtaposed with modern buildings like the glass-domed Mansueto library, there's much to see and do.
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The University of Chicago
5801 S Ellis AveI may be biased because I'm an alumnus, but UChicago has a gorgeous campus. Gothic buildings covered in ivy juxtaposed with modern buildings like the glass-domed Mansueto library, there's much to see and do.
Free, beautiful architecture, and solid art exhibits.
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Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington StFree, beautiful architecture, and solid art exhibits.
Getting Around
Rent a Divvy for an hour or a day and explore the country's most bike-friendly city on two wheels!
Divvy Station: Noble St & Milwaukee Ave
Rent a Divvy for an hour or a day and explore the country's most bike-friendly city on two wheels!
Rent a Divvy for an hour or a day and explore the country's most bike-friendly city on two wheels!
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Divvy
Rent a Divvy for an hour or a day and explore the country's most bike-friendly city on two wheels!
This will get you to the Loop and the West side or take you North to Logan Square and eventually O'hare.
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Milwaukee & Division station
This will get you to the Loop and the West side or take you North to Logan Square and eventually O'hare.
Essentials
The nearest hospital
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AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center
2233 W Division StThe nearest hospital
A small little grocery store with an excellent beer and wine section.
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Garden Gourmet Market
1130 N Ashland AveA small little grocery store with an excellent beer and wine section.
Decent parking lot on the top floor of the building. Mariano's has all of the supermarket items you'd need, along with a great cheese section.
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Mariano's
2021 W Chicago AveDecent parking lot on the top floor of the building. Mariano's has all of the supermarket items you'd need, along with a great cheese section.
The closest supermarket within walking distance (~5 minute walk). Open 24 hours, but expect long checkout lines.
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Jewel-Osco
3531 N BroadwayThe closest supermarket within walking distance (~5 minute walk). Open 24 hours, but expect long checkout lines.
Closest pharmacy, it has decent hours, a few parking spots, and the essentials.
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CVS
771 N Ogden AveClosest pharmacy, it has decent hours, a few parking spots, and the essentials.
Entertainment & Activities
Great movie theater with free parking!
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ShowPlace ICON Theatres at Roosevelt Collection with ICON•X
1011 S Delano CtGreat movie theater with free parking!
Great theater with affordable parking. Stop by the Creperie across the street before or after for a nice dinner!
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Landmark's Century Centre Cinema
2828 N Clark StGreat theater with affordable parking. Stop by the Creperie across the street before or after for a nice dinner!
Take their BYOB pottery class! It's a ton of fun, and you get to keep the two pieces you make.
Penguin Foot Pottery
2514 W Armitage AveTake their BYOB pottery class! It's a ton of fun, and you get to keep the two pieces you make.
Not nearly as touristy as Second City, which is also hilarious. But The Neo-Futurists have some amazing comedy for decent prices.
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Neo-Futurists
5153 North Ashland AvenueNot nearly as touristy as Second City, which is also hilarious. But The Neo-Futurists have some amazing comedy for decent prices.