One of Peter’s top five tips for traveling Like a Local is to talk to the locals you encounter and ask them about their day-to-day routines. We sent radio producer Jordan Whitley to Chicago to test out Peter’s local travel tips and share her neighborhood finds.
Peter says Chicago one of his favorite cities. Having produced my fair share of radio shows with the highly discerning Travel Detective, I grasped the gravity of this statement and I plan to get to the bottom of it. So, I decided to take 72 hours in Chicago to put Peter’s local travel tips in effect to find a foodie-forward, history-driven course.
From $3 back alley cheeseburgers to reliving the WWII capture of a German submarine, here’s the best of what you won’t find on the hotel tourist map.
Westside:
Maudes: Here is great start to any Chicago visit. The narrow two story restaurant sits a stone’s throw from the famous Girl and the Goat and trendy Publican. Start with the bone marrow with homemade bread as an appetizer, then try the French onion fondue. It has a speakeasy feel with candlelit chandeliers. The bartenders, who wear bow ties and handlebar mustaches, turn cocktail mixing into a spectator sport. Most entrees are surprisingly under $20, so it’s a popular spot and reservations are highly recommended.
Randolph Street Antique Market: A must-visit for anyone looking for vintage clothing, antiques, estate jewelry, eclectic art, and turn of the century furniture. It is also great people watching! This massive indoor-outdoor market in the West Loop neighborhood opens up monthly, so be sure to check the website for dates.
