WHAT TO EAT, DRINK, & DO DURING YOUR TIME IN THE WINDY CITY

We hope you enjoy exploring Chicago beyond the wedding festivities! We have included some of our favorite spots, both near the wedding hotels and a few beyond! We hope you make the most of your time here and have some memorable bites and sips! Be sure to snap pictures to show us where the city takes you!

Tourist traps we would avoid:

  • deep dish pizza (it is highly overrated - go for tavern style instead!)

  • Chicago Riverwalk food & bev - the Riverwalk is definitely a unique stroll, but the food and bev kiosks leave a lot to be desired! Head up the stairs and find somewhere off the Riverwalk for a beverage or bite!

  • Navy Pier - full of tourists and skippable!

Chicago Recommendations within short distance of Wedding Hotels (Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Magnificent Mile, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, Park Hyatt Chicago)

  • Doma Cafe: 946 N. Orleans St.

    The breakfast sandwich is a must-try! There is a patio through the back to enjoy in-house and sip your coffee.

    Do-Rite Donuts: 233 E. Erie St.

    Start your day with a donut or 3! Some of the best in the city!

    Ralph’s Coffee: 750 N. Michigan Ave.

    Very curated and heavily Instagrammed, but very good coffee!

    Starbucks Reserve Roastery: 646 N. Michigan Ave

    The largest of only 5 Starbucks Roasteries in the world! Roasteries are large, flagship destinations featuring coffee roasting and mixology bars. Don’t sleep on the espresso martinis!

  • Beatrix: 2 locations - 519 N. Clark St. & 671 N. St. Clair St.

    Delicious brunch and cool vibes.

    3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago: 1300 N. Dearborn St.

    The brunch menu is the star of the show and be sure to leave time to roam around the RH showroom after!

    Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe: 2 locations - 196 E Pearson st. & 130 E Randolph St.

    Grab a coffee at Dollop next door to the Randolph location.

  • Crying Tiger: 51 W. Hubbard St.

    One of Chicago’s hottest new restaurants so definitely make a reservation soon if you are wanting to go! Very high on our ‘want-to-go’ list!

    Gilt Bar: 230 W. Kinzie St.

    A cozy Chicago favorite for craft cocktails, steak, and pasta. Don't skip the vodka rigatoni - Emily insists!

    Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna: 531 N. Wells St.

    Casual pizzeria serving the only Chicago-style pizza you should prioritize: tavern-style pies, alongside Italian entrees and cocktails.

    Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse: 1028 N. Rush St.

    Skip the high-priced entrées and just go for a filthy gin martini and a few appetizers!

  • Walk the lakefront: the lakefront is very accessible from the wedding hotels, as well as from many places in the city! Definitely get outside and walk the iconic lakefront, with an incredible skyline contrast.

    Stop at Oak Avenue Beach if you want to lay out or swim - a true beach experience in the middle of the Midwest.

  • To conveniently explore another area of the city take the Chicago Water Taxito Chinatown. Once there, we recommend QXY Dumplings or MingHin Cuisine for an unforgettable meal.

    Obama Presidential Library and Center: One of Chicago's newest landmarks, the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. It's well worth a visit if you have extra time to explore the city, but be sure to reserve tickets early!

    Art Institute Chicago: Definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been! And even if you have been, there are always new installations to discover.