Girls Guide to Chicago
Where to stay:
Monaco Chicago: The ideal location in my opinion. It was near literally everything I wanted to do! Right along the Chicago River and in between The Trump, London House and The Langham. We were able to walk everywhere listed below even in the freezing cold!! Make sure to bundle up though, I found the best day for me was when I layered 2 shirts, 2 jackets, and leggings under my pants!! Clearly have become accustomed to LA weather.
City Staples to Eat:
Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati's: I was genuinely SO impressed with this deep dish pizza. It was my first time trying deep dish and it will not be the last. I honestly didn’t think it would be as good as it was! I think my favorite part about it was the extra amount of cheese and the chunky tomato sauce.
Donuts at Stan’s Donuts: Gluten free options available! Need I say more. I got the gingerbread donut and it was tasty.
Popcorn at Garrett’s: The “Garrett’s Mix” of caramel and cheese popcorn is the most popular but as you may know I am a cheese fein! I got the cheese mix and happily walked through the park dirtying up my fingers with the cheese.
Pastries from Magnolia Bakery: A must from NYC! The coffee here is amazing and I love the cupcakes, they are most famous for their banana pudding, which is a must try too.
Hot dog from Portillos, I don’t eat meat but I have heard this one!!
What to do:
Go to the bean
Chicago River walk
Architecture Tour
Skate at Maggie Park
Go to see Macy’s Holiday Display
See the Chicago Sign
Go to Millennium Park and see the Blue Spruce tree
Must go to restaurants:
Quartino: This place is open and inside! The restaurant caught my eye while walking by because of its french cafe style chairs and all the heat lamps. It is amazing Italian food and such a vibe. They play old movies too like The Ambassador’s Daughter!
The Gwen Rooftop: This outdoor rooftop with spectacular views is new to Chicago. It brings in great crowds opposed to the craziness that you’ll find at London House. I think its more low key but still elegant. The food was amazing I got the Parisian Gnocchi, it was made with delicata squash, pine nuts, sage, brown butter & pecorino.
Beatnick on The River: All the Moroccan vibes here! The cocktails are crafted to perfection and the decor is the ultimate fun vibe.
Unfortunately this year a lot of indoor restaurants were closed but for when they open I wanted to add some of my all time favorites that I got to go to last year!
Travelle at The Langham Hotel: Travelle puts the Chic in Chicago. My all time favorite. We got a bottle of champagne and a cheese plate and gazed at the river from our table.
RL Restaurant: There are a few locations of Ralph Lauren’s restaurant but personally I love them all. They each have a unique twist to them and although the Beverly Hills location is pink and so my aesthetic the Chicago one was classy and amazing! I got the vegetable pasta and was in heaven.
The Allis Soho House: This may be the only Soho House with a restaurant open to the public? Chic of you Chicago! It definitely has a cozy coffee house vibe and would suggest it for evening coffee. If you can go upstairs do so! Everything on the menu is amazing.
All in all Chicago is an amazing city to visit! I have only gone in the winter and excited to experience it in the spring and summer months as well!
