Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Indulge in authentic Spanish tapas at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba. The menu also offers other traditional dishes like paella, and, to wash it all down, try the Spanish drink sangria. Every Saturday and Sunday, a Spanish brunch is served. This is a restaurant where you can enjoy quality food for a reasonable price.

• Web:

  www.cafebabareeba.com

• Address:

  2024 North Halsted Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 935 5000

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 4pm–9pm, Fri 11:30am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–9pm

Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill uses beautiful ingredients, often organic and custom-grown, to bring diners the bold flavors and immediate freshness that jump off the tongue — just as they do in Mexico. In 1994, Frontera Grill was ranked the world's third-best casual dining restaurant by the International Herald Tribune. In 2007, Frontera Grill won the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Restaurant" award, designating it the best restaurant in the U.S. In 2011, the Chicago Sun-Times called it "a study in the art of Mexican cookery".

• Web:

  www.fronteragrill.com

• Address:

  445 North Clark Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 661 1434

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Enjoy a good steak at this classic American steakhouse, and come with an empty stomach – the staff serve huge portions. On the menu you will also find fresh seafood, a variety of side orders and tasty desserts. The atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, and great for people-watching.

• Web:

  www.gibsonssteakhouse.com

• Address:

  1028 North Rush Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 266 8999

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–close

• More info:

  Features heated and covered patio

Gino’s East Pizzeria

Gino's East is one of the best places in Chicago to try the world famous deep-dish style pizza. Foodies in-the-know consider a trip here a Chicago essential. There are multiple locations across town.

• Web:

  www.ginoseast.com

• Address:

  162 East Superior Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 266 3337

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm

• More info:

  Second Windy City location at 521 South Dearborn (South Loop)

Jeong Restaurant

Sporting classy interiors almost entirely in dark wood, Jeong offers a tasting menu that features salmon tartare, 'bok bun ja', a fruity Korean wine, and 'goguma', a pudding made with roasted Korean sweet potatoes. There are also á-la-carte options, including pulled duck confit, sashimi and pork dumplings with fermented vegetables and spices.

• Web:

  jeongchicago.com

• E-mail:

  jtran@jeongchicago.com

• Address:

  1460 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 877 5016

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sat 5pm–9:30pm

Le Colonial

Le Colonial offers French-influenced Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting. High ceilings, louvred shutters and rotating fans transport you to a time forgone, all the while treating you to an exquisite French-Vietnamese fusion menu.

• Web:

  www.lecolonial.com/chicago

• E-mail:

  info@lecolonialchicago.com

• Address:

  57 East Oak Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 255 0088

Billy Sunday

When mixologist Alex Bachman and Yusho eatery chef Matthias Merges joined forces, they created Billy Sunday, a cozy, high concept antique-accented cocktail bar. Their drink menu features unique ingredients such as quince, grenadine, and ambergris-laced palm sugar; their food menu has items like pig ears and a chicken liver spread. Each of their 10 signature drinks feature different spirits. If you prefer more straight up beverages, they are able to accommodate all tastes.

• Web:

  www.billy-sunday.com

• Address:

  3143 West Logan Boulevard, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 661 2485

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 3pm-1am

Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy's Legends is a world-famous live blues club named for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend, Buddy Guy. This is the place to go for blues!

• Web:

  buddyguy.com

• Address:

  700 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 427 1190

Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret

Davenport's is definitely the place to go for entertainment and atmosphere, with a piano bar located in the front room, and a cabaret in the back.

• Web:

  www.davenportspianobar.com

• Address:

  1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 278 1830

House of Blues

House of Blues is an international chain of clubs, which promote current rock bands and other various acts performing jazz, blues, soul, funk and pop music.

• Web:

  www.houseofblues.com/chicago

• Address:

  329 North Dearborn Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 923 2000

Jazz Showcase

Jazz Showcase is a famous venue for live Chicago jazz since 1947, showcasing local and international talent. Matinees with special discounts for students, seniors, and musicians on Sundays.

• Web:

  www.jazzshowcase.com

• Address:

  806 South Plymouth Court, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 360 0234

Kingston Mines

This is the place to go for live blues music. Kingston Mines has been around since 1968, and this is one blues locale that really delivers. Stay all night, since the music doesn't stop, with bands rotating on two stages. Kingston Mines also has a late-night kitchen serving a full menu. Make sure to try the BBQ ribs.

• Web:

  www.kingstonmines.com

• Address:

  2548 North Halsted Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 477 4647

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Sat 6pm–1am

• Subway:

  Brown Line or Purple Line to Fullerton or Diversey

Atwood

Atwood offers customers an original interpretation of American cuisine. At this stylish hotel restaurant you can find something for everyone, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

• Web:

  atwoodrestaurant.com

• Address:

  1 West Washington Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 368 1900

Beverly Bakery

Beverly Bakery's custom coffees are brewed fresh daily and can also be ordered online. Stop by for breakfast or order a delicious pastry to go with your coffee.

• Web:

  www.beverlycoffeeroasters.com

• Address:

  10528 South Western Avenue, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 238 5580

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat & Sun 8am–2pm

Bridgeport Coffee Company

Bridgeport Coffee Company was founded in 2004. They roast their own coffee beans, which are sold to coffee bars and restaurants in Chicago and throughout the U.S. With a commitment to providing organic, fair trade products, Bridgeport Coffee Company has been named the Best Coffee Shop in Chicago by TimeOut Chicago. Also serves breakfast and lunch.

• Web:

  bridgeportcoffee.net

• Address:

  3101 South Morgan Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 247 9950

Gallery Cafe

Located in the Wicker Park / Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, this locally-owned coffee shop roasts all of its own coffee beans. Affordable breakfasts and lunches are made to order, with vegetarian options available. The cafe also displays works by local artists. Wi-Fi available.

• Web:

  www.gallerycafechicago.com

• Address:

  1760 West North Avenue, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 252 8228

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–3pm

• More info:

  Second location at 734 North Milwaukee Avenue

• Subway:

  Blue Line to Damen O'Hare

Intelligentsia Coffee

Intelligentsia branded coffee is served all over Chicago, but why not go straight to the source? Always a smart choice. While Intelligentsia is now a national chain with locations in Los Angeles and New York, this high-end coffee roaster opened its flagship location on North Broadway in Chicago in 1995.

• Web:

  www.intelligentsia.com/pages/millennium-park-coffeebar

• Address:

  53 East Randolph Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 312 920 9332

Pick Me Up Cafe

This late-night diner and espresso bar is located close to St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery and Chase Park. A local favorite, Pick Me Up serves a wide variety of menu options, including vegan. Street parking is available.

• Web:

  pmucafe.com

• Address:

  4882 North Clark Street, Chicago

• Phone:

  +1 773 248 6613