Hyde Park: 
The Museum of Science and Industry: While the Field Museum and the Aquarium are nice, the MSI is the true gem. Plan to dedicate an entire afternoon to explore- everything from how tornadoes and lightning work, to exploring the inside of the German WWII submarine captured by the US- complete with a live audio visual recreation. There is also a great aviation wing for the plane buffs out there.
City Center/Magnificent Mile:
Balsan Restaurant: Chef Danny Grant, a two star Michelin chef at 29, runs this restaurant in the Elysian Hotel. The restaurant has a intimate pre-dinner cocktail lounge vibe with a strong wine list and creative appetizers. Order the artisan cheese and bread plate, which comes with the hotel’s own honeycomb.
Shaw’s Crab House: A locals favorite, you can choose from the lively, music filled oyster bar, the power players bar area, or the real deal- red leather booths and white tablecloths with the best snow crab in town. This is old Chicago done right.
Billy Goat Tavern: The tavern is a well known landmark, first made famous by Saturday Night Live, but it lives up to its reputation. Tucked steps from Shaw beneath an underpass, it provides a satisfactory $3 cheeseburger fix, but the staff are what makes this a memorable visit (“Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!” Need we say more?)
What’s your favorite Chicago spot? What do you do to get local recommendations? Share your tips in the comments and if you impress us we’ll send you a Like a Local guide of your choosing.
For more Chicago travel ideas, check out:
- Peter’s Signature Dish Demo with Chicago Chef Christian Fantoni
- Three Days and Nine Meals in Chicago, Illinois
- Behind the Scenes Green: Fairmont Chicago, Millennium
- Americas Gypsy Puerto Rico in Chicago
By Jordan Whitley for PeterGreenberg.com. Jordan Whitley is a seasoned adventure traveler, photographer and action sports host currently based in Birmingham, Alabama. Visit her on the Web at www.jordanwhitley.com or at www.jordanwhitleycanvas.carbonmade.com.
