CHICAGO
I moved to Chicago 12 years ago for school and fell in love with the city. Chicago is full of grit, charm, and personality.
Here, I share my favorite finds in the city, from chic restaurants and cozy new coffee shops to vibrant neighborhoods and hidden gems.
Whether you’re a local looking for fresh inspiration or visiting for the weekend, this is your guide to experiencing Chicago through a stylish, thoughtful lens.
Featured posts…
On the blog…
Citrine: An Anniversary Dinner in Oak Park
“…By the end of the night, I was already looking forward to our next anniversary, because I think this is going to be our spot.”
Lardon: A Gourmet Sandwich Shop
“…It was absolutely incredible. The meat was flavored really well - I’m not a meat person but I appreciated this!”
9 Most Unique Drink Spots in Chicago
“My drink came in a glass full of shaved ice and topped with a fruit puree, and a separate mini bottle of aviator spirits. I hollowed out some of the shaved ice and poured the spirit in there…”
Harold Washington Library’s Secret Top Floor
“This is a perfect spot to study, read a book, or just chill for a bit. It’s also gorgeous, and photography is allowed…”
Christkindl Market: Chicago’s Best Winter Activity
“My favorite food to get is the potato pancakes with applesauce. I have a major sweet tooth, so anything that can be sweetened is good in my book…”
9 Must Visit Chicago Nature Spots
“…they also have an English garden that makes you feel like you’re in a period drama.”
Must Try Latin American Cuisine in Chicago
“The food is some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Everything on the menu pairs really well together and also with the drinks…”
Best Coffee Shops in the West Loop
“…it’s absolutely magical. They serve some holiday beverages, and their gingerbread latte is unmatched. It’s one of few times I’ll actually order a latte hot.”
How To Spend a Day in Hyde Park, Chicago
“…step down the stone stairs into a really cozy store with winding hallways. It’s a great place to roam around and find your next read!”
County Line Orchard: Apple Picking Near Chicago
“…we usually like to start by going to the barn and getting some hot apple cider (or an apple cider slushie depending on the weather).”
Good Ambler: A Coffee Shop for the Bougie
“You can watch the pastry chefs knead dough, pull things out of the oven, and frost desserts…”
5 Must Try Brunch Spots in Chicago
“The aesthetic is eclectic farmhouse, which you don’t see much of in big cities. It was kind of nostalgic being from a small town…”
Plein Air Cafe: A Charming Brunch Spot
“If enchanting cafes tucked behind bookstores and surrounded by trees is your thing, then you’re going to want to check out Plein Air Cafe in Hyde Park…”
Green Street Smoked Meats: Chicago BBQ
“It’s not a popular tourist spot so it has a “locals only” vibe…”
Chicago Restaurants To Try Before Summer Ends
“The restaurant has a domed, glass ceiling, is surrounded by plants, and has a beautiful concrete fountain in the center. The menu is simple, yet has good options…”
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba: Tapas in Lincoln Park
“We all have that one restaurant we like to take our out of town guests to. It has a cool vibe, it’s in a trendy place, and the food is worth every single penny…”
UChicago: A Photo Diary
“…Gothic architecture is predominant, including the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, which is open to visitors year-round.”
Froth: A Trendy Coffee Shop in the West Loop
“Both times I have gotten the Dalgona Iced Coffee and both times I have loved it. It’s topped off with a bit of toffee, which slowly disintegrates while you’re drinking…”
Chicago Open House: Chicago’s Best Kept Secret
“October is the best time of year. The weather is cool, the leaves are changing colors, and Chicago hosts their best annual event - the Chicago Open House…”
Unique Chicago Coffee Shops
“…it is such a vibe with chandeliers and an open space concept. It’s a fun spot to take out of town guests, not to mention that it’s in the amazing West Loop neighborhood.”