What To See Do Along Chicago's Blue Line Train

Chicago’s Blue Line is best known, and often used, for its path to O’Hare Airport in the suburbs, but it offers a lot more than that. After you land and head southeast to downtown, it hooks around the Loop and goes back out west to Forest Park. Check out this list of great things to do along the way.

Things to do and see:

Rosemont

Stop: Rosemont

Just outside Chicago city limits and before you stop off at O’Hare, visit suburban Rosemont. The town is a nightlife hot spot, jam-packed with things to do. Catch a show at the Rosemont Theatre or the Allstate Arena, shop at the outlet malls, let loose at Rivers Casino or eat at a few of their numerous world-class restaurants.

Rosemont Stop

Chicago Loop

The Blue Line mimics the Red as it travels through the Loop underground. Take advantage of its path by checking out the city’s nearby highlights. The popular and family-friendly Christkindlmarket begins on November 11th at the Daley Plaza off the Washington stop and runs daily through the holiday season. You also get immediate access to Chicago’s best Broadway shows at the Oriental Theatre and the Goodman Theatre off Clark/Lake. Thanks to its central location, you’re within walking distance of all the Loop’s best attractions you already know and love.

The Loop

Places to eat:

The Silver Palm

Stop: Chicago

The draw of The Silver Palm is definitely the ambiance. It’s housed in a 1940s-style vintage train car and slings American grub including award-winning jumbo sandwiches. Try the famous Three Little Piggy or the classic Pork Belly BLT for a protein-packed meal during your next trip to the River West neighborhood.

The Silver Palm, 768 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 666 9322
Margie’s Candies

Stop: Western

Margie’s is the classic sweets parlor from all of your childhood dreams. Drop in for a sundae or a milkshake and bring the entire family. Kids will love sitting in this retro diner and learning about times past. Margie’s opened on Western in 1921, and it has been delighting Chicago ever since. Try the Turtle Sundae and a jar of their homemade candies.

Margie’s Candies, 1960 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 384 1035

Big Star

Stop: Damen

This street taco joint is one of Wicker Park’s major hits, but it’s worth fighting off the lines of tourists. Big Star serves up margaritas on an expansive patio and has a true late-night Mexican vibe. They’re also big on house-selected single barrel bourbon and lots of craft beer. Come for the out-of-this-world pork tacos, but stay for the unique and eclectic atmosphere.

Big Star, 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 235 4039

Places to drink:

Dugan’s

Stop: UIC-Halsted

Since 1985, Dugan’s has been a notorious cop bar, entertaining police officers, firefighters, city workers and the public alike. It’s also the only Irish pub in the compact neighborhood of Greektown in the West Loop, meaning you can spend the evening here for drinks and then walk down the street for a 24-hour gyro joint as a nightcap. Check out their digital jukebox and constant local sports coverage.

Dugan’s, 128 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 421 7191

The Kinderhook Tap

Stop: Oak Park

This local watering hole offers all the typical perks of a great bar, but it goes a step further. The owners of Kinderhook have committed to serving eco-conscious menu options, including grass-fed beef and local vegetables. It’s a great place to spend a Friday night on the far west side with plenty of drinks on tap and signature cocktails.

The Kinderhook Tap, 800 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL, USA, +1 708 434 0373