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Chicago Bloggers Take On The City
- by freeandflawed
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- December 08, 2008
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Just because I live in Chicago it doesn't mean that I actually know what's going on here. When I need help, I turn to my trusted group of Chicago experts, a.k.a. the Chicago Bloggers. I've asked a handful of them what their "best of" Chicago list would look like.
Introducing d from d-blogged
I’ve known d for nearly a year. We met at the very first Chicago blogger meet-up last February. He arranged it at the Waterhouse, which I featured in a previous guide. He’s since helped me select future meet-up locations. I asked him what he thought some of the “best ofs” of Chicago were and I trust his judgment :)
Chicago's Best Coffee
“Intelligentsia, without question. I get mine at Alliance Bakery on Division, but most of the non-chains are either serving it or serving something they think is better…and everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
Intelligentsia Coffee
55 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
I’ve heard great things about their coffee. I’ve been there a couple of times, but I always had juice or tea. If you’re heading near one, I suggest the Moroccan Mint Tea and the Cloud and Mist Green Tea – Delicious! In addition to their Millennium Park location on Randolph, they can also be found on Broadway and Jackson.
I’ve heard great things about their coffee. I’ve been there a couple of times, but I always had juice or tea. If you’re heading near one, I suggest the Moroccan Mint Tea and the Cloud and Mist Green Tea – Delicious! In addition to their Millennium Park location on Randolph, they can also be found on Broadway and Jackson.
Best Dessert
“Starfruit. That ’ish is amazing”
Starfruit
1745 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622
“All the constellations have aligned. Starfruit is here, the lighthearted lovechild of taste and nutrition. Starfruit comes from a galaxy of lowfat smoothies, frozen treats and yummy parfaits.”
It is made with kefir, which has 10 probiotic cultures in it instead of the 2 or 3 found in most frozen yogurt. The good bacteria helps fight lactose intolerance (yes!), lower cholesterol and promote weight loss.
Best Pizza
Piece
“In this city, this is tough. I suggest Piece for a unique experience, and people are gonna hate this but I love Rosati’s.”
Rosati's Pizza
4863 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
Rosati’s actually got its start in New York. If you know nothing about pizza, then you wouldn’t know that Chicago and New York are rivals when it comes to pizza. Rosati’s made the move to Chicago after realizing that Chicago-style pizza is the best and NY sucks :P
Rosati’s actually got its start in New York. If you know nothing about pizza, then you wouldn’t know that Chicago and New York are rivals when it comes to pizza. Rosati’s made the move to Chicago after realizing that Chicago-style pizza is the best and NY sucks :P
Best Sports Bar
“I think every bar in Chicago is a sports bar…but since I’m a soccer guy I’m gonna suggest Smallbar.”
Small Bar
2049 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622
Small Bar is one of the only soccer bars in the area. The kitchen is open until 1 a.m., which is a plus! It has a sister bar in Logan Square.
Best Gym
“Cheatah Gym, for sure.”
Cheetah Gym
1934 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
It’s a bit crowded, but it’s also one of Chicago’s more affordable gyms. Everything you need to get in a good workout is there, but if you’re looking for extras in the locker room, keep searching.
It’s a bit crowded, but it’s also one of Chicago’s more affordable gyms. Everything you need to get in a good workout is there, but if you’re looking for extras in the locker room, keep searching.
Best Wi-Fi
“Alliance Bakery, AGAIN. damn they should pay me.”
You hear that Alliance?
Best Kept Secret
“Aki Sushi on Division. NO ONE knows about it.”
Well d, now we do.
Aki Sushi
2015 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622
Many people agree that the food at Aki Sushi isn’t too bad, but the prices are a bit too high. It seems to always be packed, so they must be doing something right! If you go, let me know what you think!
Best Bakery
“It’s like a treasure trove of breads, mini-sandwiches, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, bagels, pastries, quiches, and culinary inventions. Plus, the staff is really nice and helpful.”
Alliance Bakery
The photos on the front page of their site are enough to lure me out of my house on this cold, cold Chicago day.
Best Breakfast
“This is a sellout, but for a quick and super tasty bite I’m always at Janik’s.”
Janik's Cafe
2011 W. Division Chicago, IL 60622
Janik’s has a big selection of food to choose from. One review mentioned that someone could eat there for a month and still have something new each time. Breakfast is served ALL day, which is a big plus in my book!
Finding the Best Breakfast in Chicago
Another guide I created, dedicated entirely to the best meal of the day: breakfast!
Best Hot Dog
“I don’t really eat hot dogs, but it’s a must at every Cubs game.”
Who doesn’t eat hot dogs?! Don’t tell me what’s in them – I don’t want to know!!! I have to say that any place that serves up traditional Chicago hot dogs is a place that I want to eat at.
Best Neighborhood Bar
“I’m newly partial to Mac’s, which is the definition of neighborhood bar, but Cody’s Public House is my all-time favorite.”
This reminds of a building I’d see in Salem, MA…I don’t know why.
Mac's
1801 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622
Best After-Work Bar
“Downtown, Sidebar is the best. Away from the office, I think English is pretty happening.”
Sidebar Grille
221 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60601
It’s a bit on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a convenient spot for an after-work cocktail or beer, check it out.
It’s a bit on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a convenient spot for an after-work cocktail or beer, check it out.
English Bar & Restaurant
444 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
If you need to get out of downtown Chicago, check out English. Find out what it is about this place that keeps people coming back.
If you need to get out of downtown Chicago, check out English. Find out what it is about this place that keeps people coming back.
Best Vintage/Thrift Shop
“Lenny and Me.”
Lenny and Me
1463 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL 60622
This is one of my favorite resale shops. They offer some pretty unique finds. Moving out and need to furnish an apartment with some awesomeness? Check out Lenny and Me before dropping another hundred at Target.
Best First Date Spot
“Webster Wine Bar, or a tasting at Randolph Tasting Room.”
As a girl, I can honestly say that treating me to wine tasting on a first date would either score your major points, or convince me that you’re trying to get drunk and get in my pants.
Randolph Tasting Room
1415 W. Randolph Chicago, IL 60607
This West Loop wine bar has a great first-date atmosphere. Even if its not your first date, it’s still a great choice for date night.
Webster Wine Bar
1480 W. Webster Chicago, IL 60614
Don't forget...
1. If you’re in Chicago, hit up these places and tell me if you agree with d.
2. Stay tuned to read what the other Chicago bloggers love about Chicago.
3. To check out d’s blog!!!
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Hey….I’ll pass on that Wrigley dog and go for that starfruit. I think I’ll love it 3 times over, since I am (1) lactose intolerant (2) have high cholesterol (3) trying to lose weight. Thanks for the tip!
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This is such a great idea! I don’t go into the city all that often so I only know the tourist spots. Between your guides and the blogger meetups I am learning about the “real side” of Chicago!
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