Guidebook for Chicago

Dave & Tracy
Dave & Tracy
Guidebook for Chicago

Drinks & Nightlife

Fantastic speakeasy, recently named the best cocktail bar in the USA! Sometimes hard to find amidst the ever-changing wall mural, Violet Hour is a dark, sumptuously appointed retreat from the harsh world outside, attended by nattily dressed barkeeps who exhibit a balletic facility with jigger, shaker, and glass. (Chicago Reader) Dress code always in place: no sneakers, no t-shirts, no hats. Also, no phones!
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The Violet Hour
1520 N Damen Ave
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Fantastic speakeasy, recently named the best cocktail bar in the USA! Sometimes hard to find amidst the ever-changing wall mural, Violet Hour is a dark, sumptuously appointed retreat from the harsh world outside, attended by nattily dressed barkeeps who exhibit a balletic facility with jigger, shaker, and glass. (Chicago Reader) Dress code always in place: no sneakers, no t-shirts, no hats. Also, no phones!
Lemmings is a neighborhood staple that won't be crowded or over-populated with tourists. It's a nice local bar worth stopping at if you're wanting a quieter scene. Solid brews, great staff, never over-priced.
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Lemmings On Damen
1850 N Damen Ave
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Lemmings is a neighborhood staple that won't be crowded or over-populated with tourists. It's a nice local bar worth stopping at if you're wanting a quieter scene. Solid brews, great staff, never over-priced.
Wicker Park icon, has been a live music venue for over 20 years. Double Door has shaped the neighborhood's vibrant music scene for decades. ALL your favourite bands have payed here!
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Double Door
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Wicker Park icon, has been a live music venue for over 20 years. Double Door has shaped the neighborhood's vibrant music scene for decades. ALL your favourite bands have payed here!
Two-floor venue with a variety of live entertainment from musicians to DJs to burlesque dancers. Reggae night will draw huge crowds - expect to wait in line, but fun is guaranteed!
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Subterranean
2011 W North Ave
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Two-floor venue with a variety of live entertainment from musicians to DJs to burlesque dancers. Reggae night will draw huge crowds - expect to wait in line, but fun is guaranteed!
Casual beer-focused bar & garden with jukebox, billiards & weekend live music with no cover charge.
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Nick's Beer Garden
1516 N Milwaukee Ave
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Casual beer-focused bar & garden with jukebox, billiards & weekend live music with no cover charge.
Trendy yet laid-back bar featuring incredibly delicious and creative cocktails plus DJs or live music every single night with no cover! FYI - they ID *everybody* ... even if you're 102!
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The Whistler
2421 N Milwaukee Ave
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Trendy yet laid-back bar featuring incredibly delicious and creative cocktails plus DJs or live music every single night with no cover! FYI - they ID *everybody* ... even if you're 102!

Food Scene

Fantastic gourmet tacos and margaritas. Lines in the summer can leave people waiting 2 hours for a taco and margarita fix, but the wait is always worth it. The have one of the best outdoor patios in the city. In a hurry? They have a walk up window, too. Cash only!
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Big Star
1531 N Damen Ave
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Fantastic gourmet tacos and margaritas. Lines in the summer can leave people waiting 2 hours for a taco and margarita fix, but the wait is always worth it. The have one of the best outdoor patios in the city. In a hurry? They have a walk up window, too. Cash only!
Fun bar, good food. They have a big selection of board games for rent, and host live viewings of HBO favorites like Game of Thrones.
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SFCO
1941 West North Avenue
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Fun bar, good food. They have a big selection of board games for rent, and host live viewings of HBO favorites like Game of Thrones.
Awesome breakfast joint, known for their gourmet pancakes. Often a long wait on the weekends, but worth it!
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Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee Ave
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Awesome breakfast joint, known for their gourmet pancakes. Often a long wait on the weekends, but worth it!
Fun coffee shop with eclectic decor and a seriously delicious menu.
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The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee Ave
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Fun coffee shop with eclectic decor and a seriously delicious menu.
GREAT vegetarian bar with delicious all vegetarian menu. Yum!
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Handlebar
2311 W North Ave
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GREAT vegetarian bar with delicious all vegetarian menu. Yum!
Rick Bayless' famous torta restaurant. It's ridiculously tasty food that won't break the bank.
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Fonda Frontera
1471 North Milwaukee Avenue
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Rick Bayless' famous torta restaurant. It's ridiculously tasty food that won't break the bank.
Amazing donuts! They serve Intelligentsia coffee. Open late!
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Stan's Donuts & Coffee
1560 N Damen Ave
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Amazing donuts! They serve Intelligentsia coffee. Open late!
Great place for a quick breakfast, serving Metropolis coffee. Hot fresh bagels, with house-made schmear. Try the Sriracha!!
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Brobagel
1931 W North Ave
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Great place for a quick breakfast, serving Metropolis coffee. Hot fresh bagels, with house-made schmear. Try the Sriracha!!
GREAT pie and solid brews. Open late.
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Piece Brewery
1927 W North Ave
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GREAT pie and solid brews. Open late.
Pizza by the slice, and oh so yummy - you'll want to get two! Great lunch special - $6.95 for a slice and a gourmet salad. Best deal around. Open extra-late!
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Dimo's Pizza Wicker Park
1615 N Damen Ave
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Pizza by the slice, and oh so yummy - you'll want to get two! Great lunch special - $6.95 for a slice and a gourmet salad. Best deal around. Open extra-late!
YUMMM!! Excellent Burgers. You won't be disappointed.
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Umami Burger Wicker Park
1480 N Milwaukee Ave
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YUMMM!! Excellent Burgers. You won't be disappointed.
The original Lillie's Q! Award winning barbeque in a contemporary setting. Over 40 craft-beer selections, and specialty moonshine cocktails.
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Lillie's Q
417 North Ashland Avenue
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The original Lillie's Q! Award winning barbeque in a contemporary setting. Over 40 craft-beer selections, and specialty moonshine cocktails.
Hybrid eatery, butcher shop & salumeria serving meat-oriented American fare & drinks in woody digs. Deli / Restaurant - they make a darn good sandwich!
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Chop Shop
2033 W North Ave
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Hybrid eatery, butcher shop & salumeria serving meat-oriented American fare & drinks in woody digs. Deli / Restaurant - they make a darn good sandwich!
VEGAN. Totally and completely vegan. And deeeeelish! Try the nachos. YUM!
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Native Foods
1484 N Milwaukee Ave
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VEGAN. Totally and completely vegan. And deeeeelish! Try the nachos. YUM!
Burgers and fries. The BEST burgers and fries. This is a baby-brother to uber-famous Au Cheval (in West Town), and which is also worth checking out if you're over that way!
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Small Cheval
1732 N Milwaukee Ave
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Burgers and fries. The BEST burgers and fries. This is a baby-brother to uber-famous Au Cheval (in West Town), and which is also worth checking out if you're over that way!
Hip family-friendly American eatery known for its seasonal fare, rich desserts & hot chocolate. MUST STOP for dessert! - Open late
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Mindy’s HotChocolate
1623 N Damen Ave
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Hip family-friendly American eatery known for its seasonal fare, rich desserts & hot chocolate. MUST STOP for dessert! - Open late
Rated #1 in the city for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's is right around the corner. My favorite: the house salad (it's seriously SO GOOD), and The Malnati Chicago Classic pie. ** THIS IS A CARRY-OUT ONLY LOCATION so call ahead and place an order! (773) 395-2400
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
1120 N State St
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Rated #1 in the city for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's is right around the corner. My favorite: the house salad (it's seriously SO GOOD), and The Malnati Chicago Classic pie. ** THIS IS A CARRY-OUT ONLY LOCATION so call ahead and place an order! (773) 395-2400
New sandwich shop opened by celebrity chef Jeff Mauro. Seriously GOURMET - you won't regret this decision.
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Pork & Mindy's
1623 N Milwaukee Ave
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New sandwich shop opened by celebrity chef Jeff Mauro. Seriously GOURMET - you won't regret this decision.
ICE CREAM!!!! The best damn ice cream you'll have in Chicago... maybe anywhere. Perfect on a hot summer day!
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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1505 N Milwaukee Ave
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ICE CREAM!!!! The best damn ice cream you'll have in Chicago... maybe anywhere. Perfect on a hot summer day!
Awesome espresso and specialty drinks!
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Buzz Killer Espresso
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Awesome espresso and specialty drinks!
Ready to splurge for an unforgettable dinner? This is the place to go. Modern American dining & craft cocktails in a former bathhouse with a vintage vibe.
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Trench
2039 West North Avenue
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Ready to splurge for an unforgettable dinner? This is the place to go. Modern American dining & craft cocktails in a former bathhouse with a vintage vibe.
Considered one of THE BEST restaurants in Chicago, this is a real Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails. The brunch in INCREDIBLE and a bit more budget-friendly. While the dinner might set your wallet back a bit, the meal will surely be one of the best you've ever had!
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Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave
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Considered one of THE BEST restaurants in Chicago, this is a real Hipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails. The brunch in INCREDIBLE and a bit more budget-friendly. While the dinner might set your wallet back a bit, the meal will surely be one of the best you've ever had!
Upscale Tex-Mex diner eats plus cocktails & lots of tequila in retro digs with counter seats & a jukebox. Popular lunch spot!
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Dove's Luncheonette
1545 N Damen Ave
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Upscale Tex-Mex diner eats plus cocktails & lots of tequila in retro digs with counter seats & a jukebox. Popular lunch spot!
In the mood for Ramen and loud hip-hop music? This is the place to go. Dine-in only. (Get the furious sauce *on the side* unless you REEEEEALLY like spicy food!)
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Furious Spoon Wicker Park
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In the mood for Ramen and loud hip-hop music? This is the place to go. Dine-in only. (Get the furious sauce *on the side* unless you REEEEEALLY like spicy food!)
Just opened, this is a great spot for a quick Mediterranean bite. Schwarma/falafel/pita/etc. Yummy and cheap!
Rumi Middle Eastern Grill
1534 N Milwaukee Ave
Just opened, this is a great spot for a quick Mediterranean bite. Schwarma/falafel/pita/etc. Yummy and cheap!
Sushi burrito and Korean BBQ - YUMMMMY! This is our new favourite spot in the 'hood!
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En Hakkore Sushi Burrito & Poke Bowl
1467 N Milwaukee Ave
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Sushi burrito and Korean BBQ - YUMMMMY! This is our new favourite spot in the 'hood!
Amazing new Ramen spot - order an extra egg, you won't regret it!
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Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
1482 N Milwaukee Ave
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Amazing new Ramen spot - order an extra egg, you won't regret it!

Everything Else

Seriously the fanciest Walgreens you will ever see - it used to be a bank. Big store, can get all the essentials and even some groceries.
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Walgreens
3646 North Broadway
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Seriously the fanciest Walgreens you will ever see - it used to be a bank. Big store, can get all the essentials and even some groceries.
Great studio in the neighborhood! They have an awesome introductory rate of $21 for 21 days of UNLIMITED yoga! Perfect for the traveling yogi!
Eb and Flow Yoga Studio
2125 W North Ave
Great studio in the neighborhood! They have an awesome introductory rate of $21 for 21 days of UNLIMITED yoga! Perfect for the traveling yogi!
Open 24 hours, just in case!
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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
1800 W North Ave
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Open 24 hours, just in case!

Essentials

Great little neighborhood market, offering lots of local items, quality organic options, and they have a great cheese counter!
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Olivia's Market
2014 W Wabansia Ave
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Great little neighborhood market, offering lots of local items, quality organic options, and they have a great cheese counter!

Shopping

Record shop where you can find just about anything! Mostly Vinyl, but they have a selection of CD/BluRay/DVD/etc. as well.
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Reckless Records
929 W Belmont Ave
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Record shop where you can find just about anything! Mostly Vinyl, but they have a selection of CD/BluRay/DVD/etc. as well.
High-end re-sale shop. All clothing is designer and in great condition, worth the stop! Always something new for the traveling fashionista.
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Crossroads Trading
1519 N Milwaukee Ave
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High-end re-sale shop. All clothing is designer and in great condition, worth the stop! Always something new for the traveling fashionista.

Parks & Nature

Beautiful park in the middle of of a super hip area. Lots of green space, a huge water fountain, and kids playground. Be sure to check out the FARMERS MARKET held here on Sundays (8am-2pm) June through October! Also, FREE YOGA IN THE PARK every Tuesday at 6:30 from June through August.
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Wicker Park
1425 N Damen Ave
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Beautiful park in the middle of of a super hip area. Lots of green space, a huge water fountain, and kids playground. Be sure to check out the FARMERS MARKET held here on Sundays (8am-2pm) June through October! Also, FREE YOGA IN THE PARK every Tuesday at 6:30 from June through August.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands and featuring 26 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats: McDonald Woods, Dixon Prairie, Skokie River Corridor, and Lakes and Shores. If you have a car, it's worth the trip! Open year-round.
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Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd
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The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands and featuring 26 display gardens and surrounded by four natural habitats: McDonald Woods, Dixon Prairie, Skokie River Corridor, and Lakes and Shores. If you have a car, it's worth the trip! Open year-round.

Sightseeing

Skip the $20 admission to the viewing deck and head straight to the Signature Room for a cocktail - located only one floor lower than the tourist deck, you won't pay admission and the views are just as spectacular!
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John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
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Skip the $20 admission to the viewing deck and head straight to the Signature Room for a cocktail - located only one floor lower than the tourist deck, you won't pay admission and the views are just as spectacular!