The Fangirl Guide to Chicago
- thefangirlguides
- Dec 20, 2018
- 4 min read
“everything you love about new york city minus everything you hate about new york city equals chicago.” - @pauljasonklein
Chicago is one of our all-time favs, and it miiiight have more great venues per capita than any other city in America. So if your favorite isn’t included here, fear not. We’ll be revisiting Chicago with a part two to this guide soon. Until then…
NEAR CONCORD MUSIC HALL / SUBTERRANEAN
Where to Stay
This is our favorite Airbnb ever. We stayed here during Lollapalooza, and to say it was perfect would be an understatement. The place is beautifully decorated, the host has thought of everything, and the neighborhood is as adorable as they come. Plus there are two bedrooms, so you can bring your crew along and split the cost. 5 stars. 10/10 would recommend.
Might also like: Urban Holiday Lofts Chicago Hostel
Where to Caffeinate
Ipsento 606
This local fav sits right off the 606 (Chicago’s equivalent of New York’s High Line), serving up grade-A coffee and pastries (mini-donuts, anyone?) in a picture-perfect space. They even have a full bar in the evening, making it a great post-show hang, too.
Might also like: The Wormhole Coffee
Where to Eat
Small Cheval
We’re big fans of restaurants that pick one thing and do that one thing ridiculously well. Small Cheval is one of those places. Their burgers, fries, and milkshakes are loved far and wide. And if the weather’s nice, you can enjoy them on their beautiful patio.
Might also like: Northside Bar & Grill
Pre-Show
Logan Arcade
Go by this Logan Square spot in the afternoon, grab a drink or two, and play some vintage arcade games. I don’t think it gets more chill than this.
Might also like: Walk or bike the 606!
Post-Show
WhirlyBall
Lacrosse + basketball + BUMPER CARS = WhirlyBall. If that’s not enough to sell you on the place, they also have bowling, laser tag, an expansive beer list, and a pretty stellar menu. I truly can’t think of a better place to ride out that post-show high.
Might also like: Ipsento 606
NEAR CHICAGO THEATRE / HOUSE OF BLUES
Where to Stay
The plants! The rugs! The natural light! The deck! This is basically the apartment of our DREAMS. The living areas and studio spaces are shared, but you get a private bedroom that can sleep up to three, plus a private bath.
Might also like: Freehand Chicago Hostel (stylish + budget-friendly = always a good move)
Where to Caffeinate
Intelligentsia - Millennium Park
If you’re a coffee person, you know Intelligentsia is the! good! stuff! And since it’s a Chicago-based company, you kinda have to visit one of their shops while you’re in town.
Might also like: Caffe Umbria
Where to Eat
Pizzeria Due
It’s Chicago. You gotta have deep dish. We were en route to a different deep dish joint during one of our first trips to Chicago when our Uber driver recommended this place instead, and it did not disappoint. Warning: the portions are huge. You’re gonna need a sidekick--or two--to help you finish even a small pie.
Might also like: Stan’s Donuts (who says you can’t have donuts for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner?)
Pre-Show
Chicago Cultural Center
The Cultural Center is home to all kinds of amazing art exhibits, but the main attraction is the building itself. The unbelievable beauty of each and room will leave you speechless. And it’s free to visit!
Might also like: The Art Institute of Chicago
Post-Show
AceBounce Ping Pong Bar & Restaurant
Ummm the name kinda says it all. You can play ping pong. And drink. And eat. All at the same time. God, we love Chicago.
Might also like: Elephant & Castle (y’all know we love a good British pub)
NEAR LINCOLN HALL / SCHUBAS / METRO / VIC THEATRE / BEAT KITCHEN
Note: We know this is a lot of venues in one category, but they’re all pretty close to each other.
Where to Stay
Located in a historic building close to tons of Chicago hotspots, this beautifully decorated space is absolutely perfect, especially if you’re traveling with a group (there’s room for you + 7 of your bffs).
Might also like: Chicago Getaway Hostel (save that $, yo)
Where to Caffeinate
Colectivo Coffee
THAT PATIO, THO. If you want somewhere to drink great coffee and chill out, this is *the* place. Plus, they offer great food (real food, not just classic coffee shop pastries), so you could probably spend all day here tbh.
Might also like: Osmium Coffee Bar
Where to Eat
Athenian Room
We’re kind of obsessed with Greek food. And we’re kind of obsessed with Tina Fey. And since Tina Fey called this Greek restaurant one of her fav spots in Chicago, we’re kind of obsessed with it too. Real talk tho, locals love this place. The food is top-notch, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Might also like: Ann Sather (get a cinnamon roll!)
Pre-Show
Wrigley Field
Okay this is touristy af, but Wrigley is one of the most iconic ballparks in the country. Even if you’re not a sports person, it’s worth a visit.
Might also like: Lincoln Park. It’s even larger than New York’s Central Park, and features a Conservatory, a Cultural Center, a (free!) zoo, and a whole lot more. So there’s tons of exploring to be done.
Post-Show
Tied House
Tied House is one of the most exciting new restaurants in Chicago, and its killer drink selection makes it the perfect spot for grabbing a drink before calling it a night. Plus, it’s right next to Schubas. Doesn’t get better than that.
Might also like: Delilah’s (for something a little more divey)
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