Fusing boutique-hotel modern with the historic architecture of the Printers Row neighborhood, the Blake’s 19th-century Morton Salt building façade

Finding what looks like the interior of a seaside resort in the middle of this swanky Gold Coast neighborhood can be a little disorienting, but as

Built in 1923 and featuring a grand, hushed lobby topped with a ceiling mural of clouds in the sky, the Belden-Stratford offers the “Eloise at the

Opened in April 2006, The James marries a residential vibe to a hotel setting. To evoke an apartment style, all of the 297 contemporary rooms have

As the preferred stop for visiting heads of state, the Drake is the grande dame of Chicago hotels, with a prime location, storied history, white-gl

Perhaps no other hotel showcases Chicago’s impressive architectural history like the Burnham. The historic 1894 Reliance Building was lavishly re

As you walk into the Peninsula, the concierge and receptionist greet you by name; classical music plays when you enter one of the 339 rooms; and yo

Paris flirts with the Midwest at Sofitel’s North American flagship property. The 32-floor glass prism, Parisian-inspired restaurant (Café des Archi

Immortalized by the 1970’s Saturday Night Live skit in which a short-order cook (John Belushi) screamed “Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps

Just steps away from Oprah’s Harpo Studios, the unfussy Wishbone is a favorite among staffers for southern-inspired fare that tends toward the ligh

Unless you knew to look for it, you’d probably never notice the dingy storefront of this local secret—and that would be a shame. The interior, remi

Aside from the absence of cigarette smoke, it’s hard to imagine that this classic steak-and-seafood place has changed much since it first opened in

Inspired by the traditional pizzerias in Naples, this Ravenswood eatery is known for its authentic, fresh ingredients. True to tradition, Spacca Na

This hip Windy City café is another big supporter of fresh ingredients from regional markets and farmers. There's always a "griddle cake" on the me

Inspired by the wine-making regions of Europe, this West Loop wine bar is the sister restaurant to neighboring Blackbird. The main attraction here

At the forefront of the groundbreaking molecular gastronomy movement, Alinea offers meals that are quite simply unlike any others. Dedicated follow

On a wood plank sign, colorful markers advertising authentic Costa Rican dishes welcome visitors to this family-owned café in Bucktown. In addition

Said to be the country’s oldest jazz club, The Green Mill has been a Chicago landmark for more than a century. Beneath its sparkling green neon sig

With overstuffed royal-purple chairs, a French oil painting, and architectural books scattered throughout, Sofitel’s Le Bar feels like a nobleman’s

This elegant cocktail lounge, located on the ground floor of Chicago's Peninsula hotel, is a popular after-work hangout for locals and travelers in

Instead of visiting the John Hancock Center’s zenith during daylight hours, opt for an evening cocktail in the building’s high-flying lounge. Locat

Stroll down the Magnificent Mile and stop at Garrett Popcorn. Although the company now has stores throughout Chicago and New York City, the first o

From a wood and amethyst ring to white gold and blue topaz earrings, Gem showcases one-of-a-kind handmade accessories. In 2004, Laura Kitsos opened

Located in a very popular shopping area along North Michigan Avenue, Alternatives not only stays ahead of current trends, but has been know to insp

Get a haircut, shop for new outfits, and watch TV—all at the recently opened Guise|Chic. Owners Brad Habansky, Heidi Taylor, and Jodi Immel transfo

Whether you want a pair of skinny jeans or a black cocktail dress, visit sister stores Veruca Salt Fun and Veruca Salt Fancy. For basics like Grass

Whether you want a pair of skinny jeans or a black cocktail dress, visit sister stores Veruca Salt Fun and Veruca Salt Fancy. For basics like Grass

From her own clothing line to the commissioned skirt-form sculpture hanging from the ceiling, owner Robin Richman displays her touch everywhere in

Named for the famous Grateful Dead tune, this Oak Street boutique has been a Chicago standby since it opened in 1972. Chic yet comfortable separate

Chicago’s answer to New York’s Fifth Avenue and Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive, the Magnificent Mile is the city’s shopping and dining mecca. The resu

Founded in 1959 by Alan Arkin and several cohorts, this comedic theater company has been the training ground for the likes of John Belushi, Mike My

Once a historic movie theater, the two-story venue transformed itself in 1996 as an outlet for up-and-coming jazz, R&B, funk, and hip-hop musicians

This is one of only seven Bahai temples on earth and just one in the Western Hemisphere, built for the more than five million people worldwide who

While most museums have a firm “do not touch” policy, the Field is hands-on and kid-friendly. Originally founded in 1893 to house the Columbian Exp

With more than 260,000 works of art ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary, the Art Institute is home to some of the world’s most celebrated

Since opening in 2004, the 24.5-acre Millennium Park has become a Chicago staple that lures renowned artists, architects, and musicians. Highlights

The Water Tower and Pumping Station were the only public buildings left standing after Miss O’Leary’s cow allegedly knocked over a lantern and igni

The Water Tower and Pumping Station were the only public buildings left standing after Miss O’Leary’s cow allegedly knocked over a lantern and igni

At 100 stories and more than 1,000 feet high, the John Hancock Building is the 12th-tallest building in the world (for now, anyway). Stacked X’s ch

Cocktail culture meets small plates at The Drawing Room at Le Passage in the Gold Coast neighborhood. This culinary cocktail lounge’s natural backd

Although there’s no sign or clearly marked door, a yellow light bulb heralds this Wicker Park cocktail lounge, where crystal chandeliers and cornfl

With its white deli cases, waxed butcher paper, and gingham-patterned walls, you might be tempted to order a corned beef on rye or pastrami, but th