What to Do & See in Chicago

The best restaurants, hotels, sights, and local spots that you need to see in Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods.

As lifetime residents of Chicago, we’re always searching for new establishments to visit and recommend to people who go on one of our Chicago walking tours. Whether you’re looking to eat some fantastic local food or you want to go off the beaten path and see some unique sights, Chicago’s many diverse neighborhoods will offer you a one of a kind experience.

Here are some of our personal recommendations for the best restaurants, hotels, and sights in Chicago.

Above photo of breakfast food including maple syrup and orange juice

Picture collage of Asian Cuisine, Deep Dish Pizza, and Breakfast Food in Chicago

Where to Eat

Revival Food Hall

A large industrial food court and bar composed of exclusively local businesses. Offers a variety of restaurants including American food, Indonesian cuisine, and a bakery.

125 S. Clark St.
773-999-9411

Portillo’s

A popular local restaurant chain that offers Italian beef, burgers, salads, and Chicago-style hot dogs.

520 W Taylor St.
312-667-4560

Time Out Market

A large collection of classic and top-rated Chicago food created by a rotating list of award-winning chefs and local restaurants.

916 W Fulton Market
312-637-3888

The Berghoff

An iconic Chicago establishment, The Berghoff is a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving classic homemade German food for more than a century.

17 W Adams St.
312-427-3170

Lou Malnati’s Pizza

Lou Malnati’s family pizza restaurants have been serving some of Chicago’s best deep dish pizza since 1971.

5 Rabanitos

An authentic classic Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, 5 Rabinitos serves some of the best Mexican food in the city. It’s also only a block away from the National Museum of Mexican Art.

1758 W. 18th St.
312-285-2710

Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen

There’s truly no greater deli restaurant experience than Manny’s Deli, a storied local institution that’s been serving classic deli food in a cafeteria setting since 1942.

1141 South Jefferson St.
312-939-2855

Au Cheval

Au Cheval is an upscale diner and cocktail bar that has a constantly rotating list of tasty plates that always pair well with their cocktail menu.

800 W Randolph St.
312-929-4580

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

For the best Chinese dumplings in the city, Qing Xiang is going to be your go-to spot. Along with dumplings, Qing Xiang also offers tasty kebabs and an assortment of delicious teas.