On rare occasions, Chicago can be a city difficult to love. Between the harsh winters, frequent political turmoil, and a rampant barrage of potholes, it certainly has its off days. But during the hard times, it’s important to remember why you fell in love with the city in the first place, so revisit those reasons or maybe find a new one to help it happen all over again.
Beverly’s Rainbow Cone on the far South Side has been a Chicago mainstay for 90 years. A seasonal operation, they serve rainbow-colored cones of ice cream, with orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry, and chocolate flavors.
The Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 238 7075
Rainbow Cone at The Taste of Chicago | © julie corsi/Flickr
Pamper yourself at this chic Wicker Park spa. Mojo Spa is a full-service nail salon and sells more than 200 types of house-made beauty and cosmetics products.
Mojo Spa, 1468 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 235 6656
The historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel is as Chicago as it gets. Come for a luxurious stay in one of their suites or just enjoy the decadence and a drink in the main lobby.
The Palmer House, 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 726 7500
The Palmer House | © Sandra Cohen-Rose/Flickr
Pequod’s has been one of the best pizzerias to fly under the mainstream radar in Chicago for decades. They’re most beloved for their thick, cheese-laden pan pizzas.
Pequod’s Pizza, 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 327 1512
At the Old Chicago Inn, you’ll find their hidden Room 13 Speakeasy. Just head down the side alley to be transported back in time with jazz music and themed cocktails.
Room 13, 3222 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 472 2278
This seasonal spot for sweet treats has been delighting Chicago since 1954. Mario’s Italian Lemonade is a fixture on Little Italy’s infamous Taylor Street and caters to customers of every age.
Mario’s Italian Lemonade, 1066 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL, USA
Myopic Books in Wicker Park consistently ranks high in popularity among Chicago’s best bookshops. They have more than 70,000 books spread across three floors, plus they host poetry readings, author appearances, and occasional live music.
Myopic Books, 564 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 862 4882
Myopic Books | © Lauren Manning/Flickr
In the ritzy area of upscale River North, Streeter’s underground, wood-paneled bar filled with games, beer, and good music is like a breath of fresh air. Come here for beer pong, pool, foosball, giant Jenga, cheap drinks, and all-night fun.
Streeter’s Tavern, 50 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 944 5206
It may be a big tourist draw, but Eataly is worth it. This massive food mecca sells and serves fresh Italian cuisine and numerous kitchen goods.
Eataly, The Shops at North Bridge, 43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 521 8700