Last summer, mine and Sofia’s friend, Ryan, moved to the Windy City. Back in April 2019, I helped Ryan go apartment shopping in downtown and we got to explore to some really awesome places before he moved there. Since then, Sofia has visited Chicago and Ryan got to show her around to some of the best night life and bars. We were happy to hop on a call with Ry to ask him about his experiences, reminisce, and get his insight on how to survive Chicago on a budget. Here are so of his top places to go:
Restaurants
Casual Dining
Portillos:
Imperial Lamian:
Ramen Takeya fulton market:
http://www.ramentakeya.com/menu
Cafe Ba-ba Reeba:
https://www.cafebabareeba.com
Au Cheval:
Best Day Time Activities
Depends on season:
Options:
https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/
Summer: (cubs games, “beaches”, shops, Divvy bike, parks, rooftop bars)
Fall/Winter: (weather is brutal so limited options – Bulls game, second city, ice skating at McCormick or Maggie Daley)
Best Night Time Activities:
Concerts and Bars (Lincoln Park, Old Town, West Loop, River North)
Coolest buildings in Chicago: Hancock, Water Tower for shopping, Willis Tower
Bars
Wrigleyville:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-wrigley-bars-each-and-every-one-htmlstory.html
Sluggers:
Point and Feather:
https://www.pointandfeatherchicago.com
Three Dots and a Dash (basement bar):
https://www.threedotschicago.com
What to Wear in Each Season
Fall: Light Jacket
Winter: Layer up, puffy coats, gloves, hats, be creative
Summer: Shorts, tees, tanks, anything goes
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
Ryan said: Summertime CHI is the best! – everyone is out & about, perfect weather, most things to do during this time
Best places for Music and Theatre:
CIBC Theatre:
https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/theatre/cibc-theatre/
House of Blues
https://www.houseofblues.com/chicago
How To Stay Safe in the City
Ryan said: not as scary as one might think – just be aware of you surroundings and try to have a buddy when you go out/walk through neighborhoods.
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