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On April 29Jaydine Sayer answered the question:
What are the best restaurants in Chicago?
Boy, are there a ton of restaurants to choose from in Chicago. Even low-key fare gets the gourmet treatment here — there are a slew of joints that have elevated street food to fine fare, from hotdogs (my favorite spot is Hot Doug’s) to doughnuts (Glazed and Infused is a must-visit).
But for a true fine-dining experience with a killer view, book a table at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant Sixteen. If you plan far in advance you might be able to score a table at chef Grant Achatz’s Five-Star Alinea. For upscale Chinese, head to The Peninsula Chicago’s Shanghai Terrace not only for the food, but for the incredible rooftop patio, too.
And while every Chicagoan has their own opinion on the best restaurants, I think you can’t go wrong with dinner at Girl and the Goat and The Publican in the West Loop, Trencherman in Bucktown, Frontera Grill in River North and Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy. Each of these spots has excellent food and the type of laidback vibe that feels very Chicago. -
On April 24Jaydine Sayer answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Chicago?
If it’s luxury and big names your after, take a stroll down North Michigan Avenue to shop large boutiques (Chanel, Cole Haan, Tiffany, and the huge new Burberry) and trend-driven mega-stores (Zara, Forever 21, H&M). Just a couple blocks away in the Gold Coast neighborhood you’ll find more super luxe shops — think Prada, Barneys and Hermès.
But if you’re after a more cutting-edge shopping scene, head to Wicker Park and Bucktown. These neighborhoods have an interesting mix of brand names (Marc by Marc Jacobs) and independent boutiques (Sprout Home, Roslyn). Hip restaurants and bars line the streets as well, so if you need some liquid courage to splurge on a killer pair of boots, head to Big Star before buying.
For a leisurely shopping experience with a pleasant neighborhood vibe, head to Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park or to the Southport Corridor to shop local and brand name boutiques. Both of these hoods are less of a scene, but great shopping and eating options still abound.
Correspondent
Chicago, IL, USA
Jaydine Sayer is a Forbes Travel Guide correspondent who lives in Chicago and covers the city for Startle. She’s been writing and editing travel and lifestyle features for magazines, newspapers and websites for more than a decade, and her work has appeared in publications like The Chicago Tribune, Self and Angeleno. When she’s not traveling (both literally an virtually), Sayer likes to read from her neglected pile of magazines, play chef and plan out her next trip.
