It’s called the Windy City...and the Second City. But the nickname we like best for Chi-town is the City of Big Shoulders. This is a city that works...and works hard. It’s also a place that plays hard, which is why there are so many fun things to see and do here. We’ve put together the Sonnhalter Insider’s Guide to . It’s our way of helping you cut through the clutter to find the city’s best , shows and sights.

We asked some of our Chicagoland friends for their recommendations on the best places to sample some of Insider’s Guide to the city’s cuisine – and not just Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. We wanted those secret locales that only the locals know about. Because at Sonnhalter, we not only like to get our hands dirty...we also like to get them greasy!

So, when you’re not convening at the convention center, make sure you get out and get a real taste of Chicago. CHICAGO

Loop/Magnificent Mile/River North Bandera City Social Gene & Georgetti’s Restaurant American Multi-Cultural Italian Steakhouse (312) 644-3524 (312) 888-2968 (312) 527-3718 www.banderarestaurants.com www.citysocialchicago.com www.geneandgeorgetti.com Perched above Michigan Avenue and A hip, urban gathering place in the The steaks here are unseasoned and serving many local favorites like the heart of downtown, with a full , and cooked in an 1,100-degree Vulcan slow roasted rotisserie chicken and a menu featuring something for every- broiler where the heavy, heavy Macho Salad with roasted chicken, one; charcuterie, tacos, burgers, salads charring draws out the bloody flavor! dates, avocado and goat cheese. and steaks. La Scarola Coco Pazzo Italian Bavette’s Italian (312) 243-1740 French Steak House (312) 836-0900 www.lascarola.com (312) 624-8154 www.cocopazzochicago.com “You feel like Grandma is going to www.bavetteschicago.com Seasonal Tuscan menu abundant with walk out of the kitchen and pinch Part of Brendan Sodikoff’s growing both traditional and contemporary your cheeks.” empire, this “cool,” “trendy” dishes and a 200-bottle all-Italian wine chophouse is home to extravagant list that boasts a unique selection of Mercadito New American and Euro-inspired fare. popular and small production wines. Mexican (312) 329-9555 Billy Goat Tavern Doughnut Vault www.mercaditorivernorth.com Burger and Greasy Spoon Joint Gourmet Donuts This New York import’s taco-and (312) 222-1525 401 ½ N. Franklin St. tequila combination has proved a www.billygoattavern.com www.doughnutvault.com success…ceviche and guacamole have Made famous by Saturday Night Live The Doughnut Vault serves up never been this gourmet. “Cheezborger! Cheezborger! drool-inducing doughnuts.

No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!”? Nonnina The “original” location (on lower GT Oyster Italian Michigan) is where newspaper Seafood (312) 822-0077 reporters still hang out today. (312) 929-3501 www.nonninachicago.com www.gtoyster.com Named in honor of the 4 partners’ Cafe Iberico GT Oyster presents a seasonal menu nonnas (Grandmother in Italian) dishes Spanish Tapas comprised of both traditional and echo classic Italian-American fare with (312) 573-1510 non-traditional fish-centric dishes. an upscale dining room and a grab-and- www.cafeiberico.com go counter. Café Iberico prides itself on exquisite Spanish food, offering a variety of cold and hot tapas, dinners, desserts, sangria and more. Loop/Magnificent Mile/River North (cont.)

Portillos Shaw’s Crabhouse The Purple Pig Hot Dogs Seafood Mediterranean (312) 587-8910 (312) 527-2722 (312) 464-1744 www.portillos.com/portillos www.shawscrabhouse.com/chicago www.thepurplepigchicago.com The first Portillo’s stand known Where crab is always in season… Featuring housemade charcuterie, as “The Dog House” opened in 1963 plus live music in their Oyster Bar cheeses and classic Mediterranean and today there are 46 locations in the (Sun–Thurs) and close to the jazz clubs fare plus an extensive yet accessible Chicago-area. Make sure to get the on Hubbard. wine list. “hot peppers” with the Italian beef. Topolobampo/Frontera Grill Quartino Spiaggia Restaurant Mexican Italian Italian (312) 661-1434 (312) 698-5000 (312) 280-2750 www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/ www.quartinochicago.com www.spiaggiarestaurant.com topolobampo/ Menu features Italy’s regional Spiaggia, Chicago’s premier Italian res- “Possibly the most elegant and serious specialties including artisanal salumi, taurant, is known for innovative Italian Mexican restaurant in the country.” Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house- cuisine, elevating beloved traditional recipes to unparalleled heights. made pasta and seasonal dishes. Tortoise Supper Club American Fare Sumi Robata (312) 755-1700 Roka Akor Japanese www.tortoiseclub.com Japanese/Sushi (312) 988-7864 (312) 477-7652 www.sumirobatabar.com Traditional American offerings served www.rokaakor.com in an upscale setting featuring a grand The menu is anchored by a variety of piano and fireplace. Roka Akor’s menu features prime cuts dishes from the robata grill, enhanced of steaks, seafood, and vegetables with by traditional cold and hot Japanese Vermilion unique Japanese-inspired marinades appetizers. Indian/Latin Fusion and sauces, along with sushi, sashimi, (312) 527-4060 tempura and extraordinary desserts. Sunda www.thevermilionrestaurant.com Asian A selection of untamed regional Indian Revival Food Hall (312) 644-0500 fare “Heat” – tapas, signature entrees, Gourmet Food Court & Bar www.sundachicago.com boutique latin & global wines, “herb & (773) 999-9411 Contemporary setting with a unique spice” cocktails. www.revivalfoodhall.com take on Asian fusion fare that’s long 24,000 square feet in a historic building on style. and 15 fast casual food stalls make this all-local dining concept truly unique. BBQ to bakery, gelato to tacos, there’s something for everyone.

Old Town/Gold Coast/Lincoln Park Alinea Demera Ethiopian Restaurant Le Colonial Progressive American Ethiopian French/Vietnamese (312) 867-0110 (773) 334-8787 (312) 255-0088 http://alinearestaurant.com www.demeraethiopian.com www.lecolonialchicago.com Named one of the world’s Top 50 Tradition served daily at this Michelin Upscale French-Vietnamese that restaurants, you don’t come here if you recommended restaurant. captures the beauty and spirit of the want a quick meal. The double-digit French colonial period from the 1920s. course menu will take you a few hours to complete! Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Nico Osteria Steakhouse (312) 266-8999 Italian/Seafood Boka www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/ (312) 994-7100 American www.nicoosteria.com (312) 337-6070 The iconic Chicago Steakhouse. www.bokachicago.com For 27 years, a fixture in Chicago. An Italian-inspired seafood restaurant at the all-new Thompson Chicago Offering a swank atmosphere and an The ONLY steakhouse to be awarded its own USDA Prime Certification. brings rustic simplicity to the heart of ambitious, Mediterranean-influenced Chicago’s Gold Coast. contemporary American menu created by award-winning executive chef Kamehachi Giuseppe Tentori. Sushi Penny’s Noodle Shop (312) 664-3663 Noodles www.kamehachi.com (773) 281-8448 Burger Bar www.pennysnoodleshop.com (312) 255-0055 The classic, casual sushi bar offers a www.burgerbarchicago.com friendly, neighborhood ambiance, Locals flock to this pan-Asian noodle & Fried pickles, stacked burgers, hand and an impressive sushi selection. plates restaurant because the food is spun shakes, cold beer…we are talking delicious, inexpensive and the service is the motherload of taste explosion. consistently great.

Old Town/Gold Coast/Lincoln Park (cont.)

Pequod’s The Angry Crab Topo Gigio Pizza Cajun Italian (773) 327-1512 (773) 784-6848 (312) 266-9355 www.pequodspizza.com www.theangrycrabchicago.com www.topogigiochicago.com Serving its version of crispy thin-crust Seafood served by the pound, with delicious Yes, the mouse from the Ed Sullivan pies and pan pizza (and more) since sauces and a Cajun flair. show…great spot, especially in the 1970 with their caramelized crust! summer. Reservations (and sometimes patience) are required. Toast Riccardo Trattoria Brunch/Breakfast Italian (773) 935-5600 Twin Anchors (773) 549-0038 www.chicago-toast.com BBQ www.riccardotrattoria.com Great spot for brunch with a kick… (312) 266-1616 Chicago’s creamiest panna cotta. offering a wasabi Bloody Mary, a www.twinanchorsribs.com variety of mimosas, select craft beers Known for their famous ribs by locals, Summer House Santa Monica and spiked hot chocolate. this small neighborhood bar is a must Fresh Fare to dine at while visiting Chicago. (773) 634-4100 www.summerhousesm.com/chicago The California-influenced, American restaurant features a wood-fire grill as its centerpiece and will dish out an ever-changing menu that spotlights locally-sourced produce and ingredients. Also features Chef Mahin’s signature artisanal bread program, an extensive wine list, fresh-squeezed juices and a wide array of pastry and sweets. CHICAGO West Loop/River West

Athena Girl & The Goat Piccolo Sogno Greek American Italian (312) 655-0000 (312) 492-6262 (312) 421-0077 www.athenarestaurantchicago.com www.girlandthegoat.com www.piccolosognorestaurant.com Great outdoor patio serving some Menu is divided into three categories: Piccolo Sogno, which translates to of the best food in Greektown! vegetable, fish and meat and appeals “little dream” in Italian, features fresh, to all tastes and gastronomical creeds. seasonal rustic Italian cuisine and an Au Cheval all-Italian wine program. Casual Bar/Eatery Greek Island Restaurant (312) 929-4580 Greek Tanoshi Sushi www.auchevalchicago.com (312) 782-9855 Sushi “Best burger in the city.” www.greekislands.net (312) 207-8894 Greek Islands is proud to import its own www.tanoshiisushi.com Avec extra virgin olive oil, wine, cheeses, seafood, Steeped in the tradition of omakase, Small plates olives, herbs and spices directly from its chefs craft dishes according to (312) 377-2002 Greece. individual tastes. www.avecrestaurant.com Avec’s cuisine reflects the aromas, Jerk. flavors and colors of the Mediterranean, Jamaican Barbecue while its moderately priced wine list (312) 763-2870 focuses on the boutique vineyards of www.jerkgrill.com southwestern Europe. At Jerk, they’ve taken their love for Jamaican street food and summer backyard barbecues Carnivale to create a new casual dining experience. Latin (312) 850-5005 www.carnivalechicago.com Monteverde Italian The kaleidoscope of bright colors, (312) 888-3041 salsa music and playful décor ignites www.monteverdechicago.com the sense of being in a Latin house party, all in a unique Kleineresque setting. Blending traditional Italian dishes with chef Sarah Greunberg’s influences and world flavors.

South Loop

Acadia Flo & Santos The Berghoff Contemporary American Pizza and Pierogi German (312) 360-9500 (312) 566-9817 (312) 427-3170 http://www.acadiachicago.com/ www.floandsantos.com www.theberghoff.com An open kitchen and wine room set the Featuring “Tavern Style” pizza and Carlyn Berghoff (the founder’s tone for this restaurant. Attention to Polish classics such as pierogies, granddaughter) is at the helm and still detail, quality ingredients and a contem- kielbasa, potato pancakes along offers those German specialties, as well porary take on classic American cuisine. with tasty appetizers like pork wings. as contemporary dishes for those who don’t want a schnitzel for lunch/dinner.

Cafe Bionda Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen Deli & The Gage Italian Upscale Comfort Food (312) 326-9800 (312) 939-2855 www.mannysdeli.com (312) 372-4243 www.cafebionda.com www.thegagechicago.com For more than a half century, Manny’s Café Bionda has a great selection of Think of this handsome spot across old-school Italian dishes and features has served simple, delicious deli favorites in a family atmosphere. from Millennium Park as an Irish a large selection of liquor, including that went to culinary school. a signature martini list, and an impressive wine list.

Wicker Park/Bucktown/Logan Square

Big Star Las Palmas Osteria Langhe Tacos Mexican Northern Italian (773) 680-7740 (773) 289-4991 (773) 661-1582 www.bigstarchicago.com www.laspalmaschicago.com www.osterialanghe.com À la carte honky-tonk where the One of Bucktown’s best-kept secrets, Brings an authentic Italian dining bartenders spin old time country Las Palmas serves spirited Mexican experience to Logan Square with a and western music and make cuisine in an upscale, but refreshingly menu and wine list inspired by the great margaritas. unpretentious environment. Piemonte region.

Bongo Room Lillie’s Q Owen & Engine Brunch/Breakfast BBQ British Gastropub (773) 489-0690 (773) 772-5500 (773) 235-2930 www.thebongoroom.com www.lilliesq.com www.owenandengine.com Serving fresh, seasonal breakfast & Decorated with meat hook light Everything you’d expect in a traditional brunch food in a unique way...like the fixtures with Edison bulbs, reclaimed British Pub, plus small plates, local smoked duck breast benedict or the wooden tables and a four-foot copper produce and delicious spins on pub banana oreo hotcakes! moonshine still, Lillie’s Q is a perfect fare. The best fish & chips this side of blend of southern tradition and the Atlantic. Bristol Bucktown personality. New American (773) 862-5555 Piece Pizza www.thebristolchicago.com Mindy’s HotChocolate Pizza Restaurant & Dessert Bar (773) 772-4422 The diverse menu includes bar snacks, (773) 489-1747 www.piecechicago.com daily specials, a rotating chalkboard www.hotchocolatechicago.com menu featuring nose-to-tail cooking, Piece unites classic New Haven-style charcuterie and handcrafted cocktails. thin crust pizza with award-winning Mirai Sushi microbrews in a spacious loft setting. Sushi Fat Rice (773) 862-8500 Macau www.miraisushi.com (773) 661-9170 www.eatfatrice.com This Wicker Park place has the best sushi in town. Best described as Portuguese-Chinese fusion, meals at Fat Rice have to be tried to be believed. North Central/Irving Park Pilsen Neighborhood West Rogers Park

Smoque BBQ Dusek’s Taste of Peru BBQ Gastropub Peruvian/Latin (773) 545-7427 (312) 526-3851 (773) 381-4540 www.smoquebbq.com www.dusekschicago.com www.tasteofperu.com A true destination BBQ joint. BYOB Located in a historic Czech tavern, this Peruvian food is the French Cuisine of eclectic location sports inventive food, a South America. In the Peruvian food you live venue, a carriage house turned cozy will find Spanish and African influences, The Bad Apple cocktail bar and a basement rec room late Asiatic cultures and ingredients, and Burgers/Sandwiches night bar. flavors of spices similar to India. (773) 360-8406 www.badapplebar.com Known for unique/great burgers and wide selection of brews.

Bars

AceBounce – www.acebounce.com/ Publican – www.thepublicanrestaurant.com Baptiste & Bottle – www.baptisteandbottle.com/ Redhead Piano Bar – www.redheadpianobar.com/ Boiler Room – www.boilerroomlogansquare.com Revolution Brewing – www.revbrew.com Butch McGuire’s – www.butchmcguires.com Rockit Bar & Grill – www.rockitbarandgrill.com Delilah’s – www.delilahschicago.com/ Roof – www.roofonthewit.com Estereo – www.estereochicago.com/ Schubas Tavern – www.lh-st.com/ Green Mill Cocktail Lounge – www.greenmilljazz.com/ Small Bar – www.thesmallbar.com Hop Cat – www.hopcat.com/chicago Southport Lanes – www.southportlanes.com/ Hopleaf Bar – www.hopleafbar.com/ Spilt Milk – www.facebook.com/spiltmilktavern/ Local Option – www.localoptionbier.com State – www.state-chicago.com Lux Bar – www.luxbar.com The Hideout – http://www.hideoutchicago.com/ Maude’s Liquors – www.maudesliquorbar.com The Matchbox – www.thesilverpalmrestaurant.com/TheMachBox.php Map Room – www.maproom.com The Signature Room at the 95th – www.signatureroom.com Moneygun – www.moneygunchicago.com/ Twisted Spoke – www.twistedspoke.com Murasaki – www.murasakichicago.com Violet Hour – www.theviolethour.com Old Town Social – www.oldtownsocial.com Vol. 39 – www.vol39.com/ Peninsula Bar – chicago.peninsula.com/en/fine-dining Webster’s Wine Bar – www.websterwinebar.com Pepper Canister – www.thepeppercanister.com Zebra Lounge – www.thezebralounge.net

Chicago Sightseeing

Adler Planetarium – www.adlerplanetarium.org Field Museum of Natural History – www.fieldmuseum.org Architectural River Tours – www.cruisechicago.com/architecture-tours Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio – www.flwright.org/ Art Institute of Chicago – www.artic.edu John Hancock Observatory – www.hancockobservatory.com Botanic Garden – www.chicagobotanic.org Lincoln Park Zoo – www.lpzoo.org Chicago Bears at Soldier Field – www.chicagobears.com Millennium Park – www.millenniumpark.org Chicago Blackhawks at The – www.nhl.com/blackhawks Morton Arboretum – www.mortonarb.org Chicago Bulls at United Center – www.nba.com/bulls Museum of Contemporary Art – www.mcachicago.org at – – www.navypier.com chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc Old Town School of Folk Music – www.oldtownschool.org/ – www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/ Chicago Cultural Center Second City – www.secondcity.com supp_info/chicago_culturalcenter.html Shedd Aquarium – www.sheddaquarium.org Chicago History Museum – www.chicagohs.org Weird Chicago Tours – www.weirdchicago.com/ Chicago Symphony Orchestra – www.cso.org Willis Tower Skydeck – www.theskydeck.com Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field – chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=cws Taxis and Ground Transportation Choose Chicago Limo – (773) 735-2200 Expedite Limo Service – (773) 237-5466 Chicago Airport Car Service – (312) 804-1310 Flash Cab – (773) 561-4444 Chicago Carriage Cab – (312) 326-2221 Shoreline Water Taxi – (312) 379-8530 Chicago City Taxi Cab Services – (773) 262-1103 Taxi Affiliation Services – (312) 881-3330 Chicago Limo Express – (773) 443-2093 Uber – www.uber.com Chicago Signature Limousine Services – (312) 804-1310 Yellow Cab – (312) 829-4222

Rosemont Area Restaurants Bars

Buona Beef Gene & Jude’s Red Hot Stand Bub City – www.bub-city.com/rosemont/ Italian Beef (708) 452-7634 Cube – www.riverscasino.com/desplaines/ (847) 803-2333 www.geneandjudes.com dining/cube www.buona.com/ 2720 River Rd. in River Grove Five Roses - http://www.fiverosespub.com/ Chicago’s authentic Italian Beef sandwiches Voted best hot dogs in Chicago, and thin crust pizza. Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar but don’t ask for ketchup!!!! www.chicagotikibar.com Ram Brewery Carlucci www.theram.com/illinois/rosemont.shtml (847) 518-0990 Kings www.carluccirosemont.com American Shoeless Joe’s Sports Bar (847) 233-0099 www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com Traditional Northern Italian fare with www.kingsbowlamerica.com/rosemont/ – www.zanies.com/rosemont a great wine list. Zanies Retro bowling atmosphere (with 20 lanes) and executive chef-designed menu come Edelweiss together for a unique and family friendly (708) 452-6040 entertainment and dining experience www.edelweissdining.com German neighborhood favorite with great “schnitzel and wurst” plus liter Maharaja Restaurant of brews. Indian (847) 720-4971 www.maharajachicago.com/ Gale Street Inn (773) 725-1300 Chef owned & operated, this authentic www.galestreet.com Indian restaurant offers authentic dishes and unparalleled service. Some of the best ribs outside the city!

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