Top 10 hidden gems in Chicago

Our Local Expert Says:

This tucked away dive bar draws a varied line up and is generally packed with locals looking for a crazy dance party. Generally you will find plaid-wearing "cool kids."

Description:

This friendly tavern's OLD STYLE BEER sign shines like a beacon, guiding roots-music fans through the grimy industrial neighborhood that surrounds it. The owners' beer-can collection and some "celebrity" memorabilia are on display in the front room. In back, local musicians play country, rock, and bluesy tunes on a small stage backed by an impressive stuffed sailfish. It's no-frills, all right, but the Hideout also books some of the best lineups of folk and "alt country" bands in the city, including Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco), Kelly Hogan, and the New Duncan Imperials.

Description:

A fixture on Chicago's late-night theater scene, the Neo-Futurists have been doing their hit Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind since 1988 (it's now the longest-running show in Chicago). The setting -- a cramped room above a funeral home -- isn't much, but the gimmick is irresistible: Every night the performers stage a new collection of "30 plays in 60 minutes." The "plays" vary from a 3-minute comedy sketch to a lightning-quick wordless tableau; the mood veers from laugh-out-loud silly to emotionally touching. The show starts at 11:30pm on weekends; get there about an hour ahead, because seats are first-come, first-served, and they do sell out. The late-night curtain attracts a younger crowd, but I've taken 60-something relatives who have had a great time (unlike many improv comedy troupes, the Neo-Futurists don't rely on raunchy or gross-out humor). Admission is random: Theatergoers pay $9 plus the roll of a six-sided die. If you want to feel that you've experienced edgy, low-budget theater -- but still want to be entertained -- this is the place to go.

Description:

Taste of Heaven is an ideal place to stop for coffee and dessert in Andersonville. Just one look at the cakes, brownies, scones, and other treats on offer in the glass bakery case will have you hooked. A few dessert standouts include a (rather generous) slice of one of their many house-made cakes (Jeanine's and the 1000-chocolate chip cake are both delicious). Another mouth-watering option is to try one of their apple pastries served a la mode with vanilla ice cream. (Taste of Heaven dishes up a variety of rich and creamy Petersen's ice cream flavors.) For those with more of an appetite, Taste of Heaven also has on offer a number of hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées. Just be sure that you have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely meal, as during busy times the kitchen can become overwhelmed, leaving you with a long wait for your food.

Description:

In just a few short years, Victory's Banner has grown to become one of Chicago's most popular breakfast houses. In 2002 and 2003, Victory's Banner was rated #1 breakfast house by the Chicago Reader Restaurant Rater Poll. They received a rare 20/20 rating from Sherman Kaplan's review on WBBM radio. For all those who work at Victory's Banner, the restaurant stands as a spiritual expression. They exist for one reason and one reason only...to serve you joyfully. They offer the best food they can, prepared and served as devotedly as possible. They use the finest ingredients, like free-range eggs (no hormones, they taste better!), imported cheeses, fresh fruit, real whipped cream and great coffee.

Description:

Located in a traditionally Swedish area of Chicago, this museum weaves the heritage of two great countries through historical exhibits, art and artifact collections dating back to the mass immigration of Swedes to Chicago in the 19th century. The 24,000 square foot center also houses a Swedish library and meeting and workshop areas. Concerts, educational programs, lectures and films are held throughout the year. Free to members.

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:

Great place to support local artists and experience the wide array of Chicago talent!

Description:

Wrigleyville is packed with sports fanatics and a plethora of bars, but is also home to one of the best performance venues in the city. Established in 1978, Links Hall is home to many local performing artists, and virtually every weekend you can catch a show in the small, intimate performance space, which also seconds as a rehearsal studio rented by many local theater and dance artists. This is a great way to see some of Chicago's smaller scale artists and experience something off the normal tourist path.

Description:

Touted as the home of the city's best burger by three local newspapers, this out-of-the way burger joint and watering hole is worth the trip. Moody's has been serving up its half-pound burgers and skin-on French fries since 1959. The restaurant's decor is simple, with heavy, dark oak tables reminiscent of a German beer hall. But during the summer, the best seats are outdoors. The tree-covered patio, ivy-covered walls and gurgling water fountain will whisk your troubles away and take you to a world where the only thing that matters are good burgers and a pint of brew.

Description:

Mindy Segal's desserts got raves when she worked at the restaurant mk, so when she opened her own place in early 2005 -- with a dessert theme, no less -- there were lines almost immediately. Although Segal knows her way around high-end kitchens, she's designed Hot Chocolate to be more of a casual neighborhood spot, although the chocolatey brown color scheme makes it look more sophisticated than your standard corner bakery. It's the kind of place you can stop in for a brioche and coffee in the morning, a Kobe beef steak sandwich at lunch, or a plate of glazed pork tenderloin in the evening; there's also a wide selection of specialty ales and lagers -- as well as a full wine list -- aimed at late-night diners. However, desserts are the main event here; many use seasonal fruit (apple-cider potpie, or the banana napoleon, with layers of caramelized bananas, banana coffee cake, graham crackers, and a topping of banana ice cream), but chocoholics can get their fill, too, with dishes such as the rich chocolate soufflé with caramel ice cream. Or you can finish up with a flight of mini hot chocolates served with homemade marshmallows. My only complaint is that Hot Chocolate has been a little too successful; come on a weekday (for a late lunch or early dinner) to avoid a wait.