What expats recommend in Chicago
The SkyDeck is a great place to see the city's skyline illuminated in support of a good cause, specifically breast cancer awareness. Each year, the SkyDeck participates in the #LightUpMBC campaign, where the tower is lit up in pink, teal, and green lights to raise awareness for metastatic breast cancer.
The Rainbo Club is one of the favorite dive bars in the city, featured in a print showcasing Chicago bars with 'club' in the name. Its martini lunch is 'dangerously good', as one person notes.
Best poached eggs I’ve ever had. Great hash. One of my all-time Chicago favorites.
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Don Giovanni, a 2-act opera that lasts around 3.5 hours, including a 30-minute intermission. The performance includes projected subtitles for those who prefer to follow the original language.
Afternoon Tea at The Drake is a phenomenal experience, offering finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. It's a wonderful hotel that really showcases how grand Chicago was in the 1900s.
As an alternative to Adagio Tea, Rare Tea Cellars is a local option that offers a by appointment only shop in Ravenswood. You can also find their teas at various restaurants, including the Ritz Carlton's afternoon tea service and Lula Cafe. For a unique tea experience, consider visiting Rare Tea Cellars or trying their teas at a local restaurant. The Crema Earl Grey is a standout option, and you can even find it at the Ritz Carlton's afternoon tea service.
It has great reviews as one of the better medical supply stores in Chicago, and places specializing in DME (Durable Medical Equipment) usually stock 'tall walking boots.' Just be sure to call ahead to confirm they have the 'tall version' in your size, rather than just the 'short version.'
Blank Street Coffee is a rapidly expanding New York chain opening in Wicker Park at the old Starbucks Reserve spot at the North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection. Their coffee shop is a great option for those looking for a new place to grab a cup of coffee or a quick bite to eat.
The Wrigley Building's stunning pre-modernist architecture is a standout feature of the Chicago skyline. Its beautiful light, as captured in a painting, is particularly noteworthy.
The silent black and white movie 'Nosferatu' is played inside the cavernous chapel at the University of Chicago, accompanied by live organ music. It's a really neat experience, with organ waves pounding your bones, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Pickleballchi.com is a free directory of pickleball spots in the Chicago area, including public parks and indoor facilities. It provides information on prices, booking links, and ratings from people who actually play there. You can add a court if it's missing, rate the ones you've been to, and sign up as a player to find people at your level to schedule games with.
L&L Tavern is a dive bar worth visiting for a cheap drink and a malort, a type of strong liquor. It's located near the Vic, making it an ideal spot to pregame before a show.
The CabriniNow project aims to redevelop the site with 4100 planned units, which could include a mix of market-rate and affordable housing. However, it's claimed that the cost of building affordable housing units is high, around double what it costs private developers, which might make it unaffordable in reality.
Chicago is haunted as fuck. Check out the Palmer House. It’s a beautiful place, too. You can get a drink at Lockwood Bar during your visit.
Located in the Little Village neighborhood, Ash Vasquez's mural is one of several murals in the area that showcase the community's cultural heritage. Specifically, his work can be found at number 11 on the list, featuring an axolotl and alebrijes, which are a type of colorful Mexican folk art.
Go to the Board of Trade, the vault is cool. It's probably one of my favorite things ever to do in Chicago and I hope all the new people that have moved here visit at least one site.
Graceland Cemetery has some beautiful trees that turn color in autumn. It's a great place to walk year round, and the fall foliage is particularly stunning.
Located in the West Loop, the Slate Truck Showroom offers customized electric vehicles at a price that's competitive with traditional cars. For $30-40k, you can get a sturdy plug-in. For a family car or a vehicle for hauling things from Home Depot, Slate Truck Showroom has options that fit your needs. It's a great alternative to traditional car manufacturers that often target the premium market.
Choose the White Sox as your Chicago team, especially if you're on the South side. It's the obvious choice if you want to be part of a team with a dedicated fan base, and you can even root for them to set the worst record ever by a major league team!
Sidetrack in Boystown reportedly hosts a live watch party for the Olympia, making it a great place to catch the event with fellow bodybuilding fans. It's located in Boystown, so you can find it by heading to the area and looking for the bar.
