Not Too Touristy

Description:

The term boutique hotel may conjure up images of quaint, country inns, but this 19-story, 483-room hotel is far from kitschy and rural. In fact, it is the epitome of urban luxury and style. The historic 1894 building is situated in the Theater District has Art Deco rooms that look straight out of a postmodern painting. The rooms are suited to business travelers, and feature such amenities as cherry wood desks and fax machines. The suites have Jacuzzi tubs. For a true night of something different opt for one of the theme suites: one is decorated with props from the set of the Broadway hit "Rent;" the other is based on Chicago's famous comedy troupe Second City.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best breakfast in the city. Expect a very busy atmosphere — this place has been a breakfast hot spot for years — but the food is always right on the money.

Description:

This place is the real deal. It has barely changed since it opened in 1935. Come in to this friendly diner and be prepared to stuff yourself with omelets and pancakes. It is not a place for the granola-loving crowd, unless you consider blending an entire orange to make your juice healthy. Mornings are very busy, but any wait is worth it. For the price, this is one of the best breakfast and lunch joints in town. Do not forget your free donut hole on the way in, and you might even want to buy a few for the road. Also, check out Lou Mitchell's Express, at O'Hare's International Terminal.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are traveling in the winter Garfield Park is a great place to warm up and enjoy some artful vegetation in the dead of winter.

Description:

The Garfield Park Conservatory is often referred to as "landscape art under glass" and is one of Chicago's best kept secrets. Off the beaten path, it is located on the West Side and is easily accessible by the CTA Green Line. In the late 19th century, each of the three large parks on Chicago's West Side (Garfield, Humboldt, and Douglas parks) had their own conservatories and greenhouses, but over 20 years they were not kept well, became obsolete, and were demolished. For their replacement, the Parks Commission decided in 1905 to build "the largest publicly owned conservatory under one roof in the world" at Garfield Park. The Conservatory now houses several natural landscapes; impressive among them are the Palm Room and the Fern Room.

Description:

Run by the same owners as Marché (above), Red Light puts a similar emphasis on one-of-a-kind decor. Here, the mood is sultry: The dining rooms have deep-red walls, colorful lanterns, gently waving palm fronds, sensuously curved windows and ceilings, and chairs that could be mistaken for metal sculptures. (They're not very comfortable, but they do look cool.) Chef Jackie Shen incorporates Chinese, French, Thai, and other Asian ingredients and cooking techniques. Curries and seafood entrees are the highlights, from a traditional Japanese tatsu curry to the crispy Shanghai-style whole catfish in red-vinegar-sweet-and-sour sauce. It's not on the menu, but the delicious "Hong Kong Jerry," named for the restaurant's owner, should not be missed: pepper-crusted beef chunks with mushrooms and vegetables in oyster sauce. You can also dig into traditional dishes such as pad thai or a modern version of kung pao chicken. And as befits a restaurant that's big on style, there's a fine selection of (expensive) specialty cocktails.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are in the mood for a relaxing day, Millennium Park is the perfect place for a afternoon picnic, where you can take in the art and architecture. In the summer catch a performance at Pritzker Pavilion, while enjoying a bottle of wine with friends from the Great Lawn.

Description:

Chicago is full of must-see attractions, but at the top of the Can't Miss list is Millennium Park. It debuted in 2004, several years overdue, but it was worth the wait. It is a true gem, right downtown between Michigan Avenue and the lake. One can easily spend an afternoon just sitting on the benches at the perimeter of the Pritzker Pavilion, stare at their warped reflection in Cloud Gate ("The Bean" to locals), and watch the rotating faces in Crown Fountain spew water every five minutes or so. Immediately to the south of Millennium Park lie the Art Institute and Grant Park, which all together would make for a wonderfully relaxing day. If you only have time for one of the three, though, do not pass go, do not collect $200- without going to Millennium Park.

Our Local Expert Says:

No trip to Chicago is complete without a trip to Cloud Gate, or "The Bean" as locals call it. Soon after its unveiling in 2004, it was closed off in portions so that the rivets could be buffed out. Now it is a seamless sculpture, reminiscent of one giant fun-house mirror. When you're finished here, head over to the Crown Fountain in the spring and summer months to take in the walls of smiling faces.

Description:

This popular sculpture in Millennium Park has become a landmark of Chicago's cityscape. Ever since the public first glimpsed the then-unfinished structure in 2004, its unique appearance has drawn a great deal of both criticism and praise. Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor and forged from steel plates that have been polished to a mirror-like finish, Cloud Gate has been affectionately named "The Bean" by city residents because of its legume-like shape. At 66 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 33 feet high, this is one mighty bean, weighing in at 110 tons. The highly reflective surface and curved shape create an effect similar to that of a funhouse-mirror, distorting the shape of curious onlookers and making it a popular attraction for children of all ages. The sculpture often takes on a life of its own as its surface reflects Chicago's skyscrapers and the blue sky.

Description:

This 120 feet tall location is home to some of the largest and most well-known musical performances in United States, accomodating approximately 11,000 people at a time. Named in the fond memory of businessman Jay Pritzker, this pavilion hosts a number of rock as well as classical concerts. Latest state-of-the-art sound system adds to the experience. The Pavilion also organizes annual prestigious shows like the Grant Park Music Festival. Admission to most events is free.

Description:

For those who can stomach spooky tales of Chicago's dark past, a ghost tour of notable Chicago landmarks is highly recommended. Ghost hunter Richard T. Crowe tells stories of Chicago's less celebrated past, from the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the Valentine's Day Massacre to the Billy Goat Curse. Tours run about 4 hours and can be either a boat cruise or bus tour (depending on the season). For tours around Halloween, call for reservations well in advance. Another excellent ghost tour is Chicago Hauntings with Ursula Bielski, www.chicagohauntings.com.

Description:

Piece proves to deep-dish-loving Chicagoans that thin-crust pizza deserves respect. A casual, welcoming hangout, Piece makes a good lunch stop for families with older kids; at night it becomes a convivial scene full of young singles sipping one of the restaurant's seasonal microbrew beers. The large, airy dining room -- a former garage that's been outfitted with dark wood tables and ceiling beams -- is flooded with light from the expansive skylights overhead; even when it's crowded (as it gets on weekend evenings), the soaring space above keeps the place from feeling claustrophobic.

Piece offers a selection of salads and sandwiches on satisfyingly crusty bread, but pizza in the style of New Haven, Connecticut (hometown of one of the owners), is the house specialty. Pick from three styles -- plain (tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and garlic), red (tomato sauce and mozzarella), or white (olive oil, garlic, and mozzarella), then add on your favorite toppings. Sausage and/or spinach work well with the plain or red, but the adventurous should sample a more offbeat choice: clam and bacon on white pizza.

Description:

This is perhaps the most authentic rock and roll venue in Chicago. You should call ahead to find out what the charge is. Performances are held on a medium-sized stage on the main floor. Not much dancing happens here, though there is room for it, and acts tend to be of the strictly rock and roll variety. Big name acts are known to favor this club, including the Rolling Stones, as well as lesser-known virtuoso acts, such as the Magnetic Fields. If music is not your gig, head downstairs to the poolroom or hang out in the second-story seating area and sip beers while watching the crowd glide by.

Description:

A sophisticated café serving classic American cafe cuisine in an art deco ambiance that invites you to linger.

Our Local Expert Says:

Conveniently located downtown to help begin your Chicago exploration.

Description:

The Chicago Cultural Center was built in 1897 as the city's public library, and in 1991, it was transformed into a showplace for visual and performing arts. Today, it's an overlooked civic treasure with a basic Beaux Arts exterior and a sumptuous interior of rare marble, fine hardwood, stained glass, and mosaics of Favrile glass, colored stone, and mother-of-pearl inlaid in white marble. The crowning centerpiece is Preston Bradley Hall's majestic Tiffany dome, said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

The building also houses a Chicago Office of Tourism visitor center, which makes it an ideal place to kick-start your visit. If you stop in to pick up tourist information and take a quick look around, your visit won't take longer than 15 minutes, but the Cultural Center also schedules an array of art exhibitions, concerts, films, lectures, and other special events (many free), which might convince you to extend your time here. A long-standing tradition is the 12:15pm Dame Myra Hess Memorial classical concert every Wednesday in the Preston Bradley Hall.

Guided architectural tours of the Cultural Center run at 1:15pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Our Local Expert Says:

Graceland is not just a run-of-the-mill cemetery. Even an untrained eye can tell that the memorials here are one-of-a-kind.

Description:

Graceland Cemetery is the final resting place of many of old Chicago's elite. Graceland opened in 1860, and the tombstones and monuments of some of those buried there are quite spectacular, reflecting the opulence of their time. Notable tombs and memorials include those of Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe (all architects), Potter and Bertha Palmer, Marshall Field, and George Pullman. Pullman's tomb was reinforced with concrete and railroad ties so that angry workers could not exhume and desecrate his body. An urban legend says that the statue at Inez Clarke's burial site sometimes disappears, and some have reported seeing a little girl in period dress wandering the grounds.

Our Local Expert Says:

Uncommon Ground supports local farmers, so the ingredients are always fresh and the menu changes every couple of weeks. Always delicious!

Description:

As you enter Uncommon Ground, the beautiful, bright wooden interior seems to glow. After you get over the incredible warm décor, you'll see that their menu is replete with sustainable, locally sourced delicacies like fall egg scramble with bacon brussels sprouts, and swiss and tempura avocado tacos. Enjoy an agripolitan (cranberry-infused organic rain vodka, apple cider, chai-infused sweet vermouth, licor 43, and lemon, served up with an apple slice) and a portion of the proceeds is donated to Chicago Rarities Orchard. Take in work by local artists and performances by indie bands. In 2011, Uncommon Ground received the title of "Greenest Restaurant in the Country" from the Green Restaurant Association.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great activity for you weekend!

Description:

This might seem like an average bar, but look a little further and find the night's best activity: bowling! Located just off the Southport Brown line stop in lively West Lakeview since 1922, Southport Lanes is a small and fun local bowling alley, which uses real pin-setters! There are only four lanes, so it may be difficult to find a spot on the weekends, but enjoy a game of pool and a few beers while you wait. Even if you don't want to bowl, this is a fun hangout any night of the week.

Description:

Leather couches and a warm and inviting fireplace make this an excellent winter hideout and a great place to recline with a glass of fine wine. Or in the warmer months, sip your wine in the outdoor seating area. Choose from a varied selection of Mexican, Chilean, South African and Italian wines at reasonable prices, available by the glass, flight or bottle. The 404 Bar seeks to take the pretension out of wine. Salut!

Description:

The term boutique hotel may conjure up images of quaint, country inns, but this 19-story, 483-room hotel is far from kitschy and rural. In fact, it is the epitome of urban luxury and style. The historic 1894 building is situated in the Theater District has Art Deco rooms that look straight out of a postmodern painting. The rooms are suited to business travelers, and feature such amenities as cherry wood desks and fax machines. The suites have Jacuzzi tubs. For a true night of something different opt for one of the theme suites: one is decorated with props from the set of the Broadway hit "Rent;" the other is based on Chicago's famous comedy troupe Second City.

Description:

This unintentionally macabre shrine to medicine is my pick for the weirdest tourist attraction in town. Not for the faint of stomach, it occupies a historic 1917 Gold Coast mansion designed by the noted architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, who modeled it after Le Petit Trianon at Versailles. Displayed throughout its four floors are surgical instruments, paintings, and sculptures depicting the history of surgery and healing practices in Eastern and Western civilizations (it's run by the International College of Surgeons). The exhibits are old-fashioned (no interactive computer displays here), but that's part of the museum's odd appeal.

You'll look at your doctor in a whole new way after viewing the trepanned skulls excavated from an ancient tomb in Peru. The accompanying tools bored holes in patients' skulls, a horrific practice thought to release the evil spirits causing their illness (some skulls show signs of new bone growth, meaning that some lucky headache-sufferers actually survived the low-tech surgery). There are also battlefield amputation kits, a working iron-lung machine in the polio exhibit, and oddities such as a stethoscope designed to be transported inside a top hat. Other...

Description:

Bistrot Margot is not only one of the best restaurants in Old Town, but it's also one of the better French bistros in Chicago. It can get very busy and loud, and the tables are quite close together, but, for many, that only adds to its charm. This is true bistro dining -- very casual and never stuffy. Starters include out-of-this-world mussels in white wine with fresh herbs; escargot in garlic butter; country-style pâté; and crab folded into seafood mousse. Don't skip the salad course, either (in warm weather, go for the light, refreshing Belgian endive with spicy walnuts, blue cheese, and apples). Specials are usually the best bet for the main course. But the usual suspects (roasted chicken with garlic, lemon, herbs, and pommes frites; rack of lamb with Dijon mustard and garlic bread crumbs; and a terrific steak frites) are proof that, when done right, it's hard to beat classic French cuisine. On warm summer nights, the restaurant sets about half a dozen tables on the sidewalk, which, on this colorful stretch of Wells Street, makes for a truly memorable meal.

Description:

Watch Chicago grow from a 1779 riverfront trading post to a modern-day, world-class metropolis. The Chicago Historical Society features dynamic exhibits, films, videos and performances that trace the city's history and culture. Visit a fur trader's cabin in the "Hands-On History" gallery and learn more about the abolition of slavery in the American History wing. Exhibits cover the city's different neighborhoods, the Great Chicago Fire and much more.

Description:

Lincoln Park ranks up with New York's Central Park as one of the nation's finest urban playgrounds. In fact, the two were designed by the same landscape architect genius, Frederick Law Olmstead. From North Avenue all the way up to Ardmore, Lincoln Park encompasses over 1000 acres (405 hectares) of rolling green spaces and pretty lakes. Locals prize the viewing bridge over the North Pond that looks out at the Michigan Avenue Skyline. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago Historical Society. Dozens of statues, including the famous statue of General Grant, can be found here. Look for other statues of Goethe, Shakespeare, Sir George Solti, Ben Franklin and Hans Christian Anderson. Be sure to watch out behind you, though. Joggers, roller-bladers and bicyclists tend to whip through here without caution.

Our Local Expert Says:

The cuts of meat are fresh, tasty, and huge, so go hungry. The dining room is dark and can get loud, but it's a friendly loud — everyone's having a good time there.

Description:

Romantic, European, fun, cozy, and savory can all be found at Lakeview's Tango Sur, a lovely Argentine steak house. The restaurant has several rooms to make your meal more private and intimate. The food is amazing with empanadas, steak, and flan. Patrons marvel at the quality of the steak, which is always cooked to perfection. Plus, the restaurant is BYOB, so bring your choice of wine to accompany your dinner!

Description:

Featuring live alternative/rock bands hoping to break into the big time, Metro is the place to see tomorrow's bands today. Metro's self-described mission is to bring a cross-platform of the best local, regional, and national emerging artists, and they have been successful thus far. Names like Liz Phair, the Smashing Pumpkins, Creed, Pete Yorn, Papa Roach, and more have all performed at the venue.

Description:

With over 100 martinis on their menu, the most difficult choice you'll have to make at the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is deciding which one(s) to try first. The good news is that whatever you choose, it's guaranteed to be delicious. One of the major draws to Kit Kat are the entertaining drag queens who strut their stuff throughout the evening. While martinis reign supreme on the menu, food options should not be overlooked. Whether looking for an appetizer or dessert to go with your drinks, or a larger meal, there are options on the menu for just about any taste. Given the lounge's popularity with boy's night out and bachelorette parties, a prix fixe party menu is also available.

Description:

The term boutique hotel may conjure up images of quaint, country inns, but this 19-story, 483-room hotel is far from kitschy and rural. In fact, it is the epitome of urban luxury and style. The historic 1894 building is situated in the Theater District has Art Deco rooms that look straight out of a postmodern painting. The rooms are suited to business travelers, and feature such amenities as cherry wood desks and fax machines. The suites have Jacuzzi tubs. For a true night of something different opt for one of the theme suites: one is decorated with props from the set of the Broadway hit "Rent;" the other is based on Chicago's famous comedy troupe Second City.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you are an independent traveler, the bike tours are the way to go. Explore Chicago at your own pace, making all kinds of discoveries along the way!

Description:

Grab a friend, rent a bike or in-line skates and sweat your way though Chicago. You may trek the 18-mile lakefront or choose any of the other scenic bike paths. Mountain bikes, kids bikes and quadricycles available. Bike Chicago has three other locations at these popular tourist spots: Oak Street Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo and Buckingham Fountain, and you may pick up your bike or skates at one location and drop them off at another.

Description:

This mecca of multicultural feasting has a dining room with an Arabian motif, complete with flying carpets. Food may stem from the Middle East, Morocco, India, Italy or Asia. Typical dishes are the Indian Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Breast with Basmati Rice, Spinach and Mint Raita. Owner Debra Sharpe modeled the restaurant to mirror her rock 'n' roll catering style. It has a gorgeous outdoor garden and glass atrium add to the ambience.

Description:

Japonais serves authentic Japanese food in a warm and soothing ambience. The restaurant has two dining rooms; both are spacious and elegant with cozy seating arrangements. The lounge & bar is very romantic with its plush interior and comfortable sofas. Make sure you try at least one of the sushi combinations and the Sashimi. The restaurant hosts private parties and has live music performances from time to time.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nestled in the quasi-pedestrian section of Lincoln Square, Cafe Selmarie is right off a plaza, giving it a hearty dose of European feel. The entrance at the bakery is pretty smart — it's hard to leave without picking up a dessert (or two).

Description:

Nestled into charming Lincoln Square, looking out onto the square's fountain, Cafe Selmarie is a delightful eatery to enjoy a treat, lunch, or a cup of coffee in the morning. It is hard to bypass the beautiful pastries in the bakery, where your mouth will water at beautiful cakes, cookies, and tortes. The menu offers homemade soups, salads, quiche, sandwiches, and plenty of fresh and creative entrees. Patrons can also choose to dine on the outdoor patio during the summer months, right on the square.

Our Local Expert Says:

Wine lovers will appreciate this warm wine bar that has an extensive wine selection, an informative menu, and a knowledgeable staff. The bar offers comfy couches for a couple of friends, bigger tables for groups, and quiet corners for those on a date.

Description:

It's a bit off the beaten track -- on the western fringe of Lincoln Park -- but the low-lit, sophisticated decor makes Webster's a good alternative to the usual beer blast. The waitstaff can help you choose from a list of dozens of wines by the bottle or glass, or you can hone your taste buds with a flight of several wines. There's also a tapas-style menu for noshing. Step back into the library area to light up a cigar and recline on the couch.

Description:

First Sears sold the building and moved to cheaper suburban offices in 1992. Then the skyscraper got an ego blow when the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, went up and laid claim to the title of world's tallest building. (The Sears Tower has since put up a 22-ft. antenna in an attempt to win back the title.) Tallest-building posturing aside, this is still a great place to orient yourself to the city, but I wouldn't put it on the top of must-see sights for anyone with limited time (and limited patience for crowds).

The view from the 103rd-floor Skydeck is everything you'd expect it to be -- once you get there. Unfortunately, you're often stuck in a very long, very noisy line, so by the time you make it to the top, your patience could be as thin as the atmosphere up there. (Come in the late afternoon or early evening to avoid most of the crowds.) On a clear day, visibility extends up to 50 miles, and you can catch glimpses of four surrounding states. Despite the fact that it's called a "skydeck," you can't actually walk outside. Multimedia exhibits on Chicago history and Knee High Chicago, an exhibit for kids, are additional attractions. The 70-second, high-speed elevator trip...