Our Kinda Town

There’s nothing quite like the magic of Chicago, especially in the sweet Summertime.  The city has undergone its yearly transformation over the past week… Guys and Dolls have shed their large winter coats for shorts and a tee or a sundress. They’ve traded warm cups of hot cocoa indoors for a refreshing glass of rosé on a patio. Caitlin and Danielle are basking in the sunshine and the warm breeze of the Windy City. With a welcoming smile, every which way you turn, this is the season to be out and about. We’ve rounded up our top favorite Chi City Spots just for YOU!

Best Rooftops:

Bernie’s – This casual-cool hangout brings new meaning to Weekend at Bernie’s. We recommend gathering a group of Guys & Dolls to enjoy their delicious burger and happy hour specials.
660 N. Orleans Street

Cabana Club at The Robey – Wicker Park’s crown jewel is located at the six corners and is the HAWT spot for your best Dolls. Sip on one of 5 different flavors of frozen cocktails while kicking it by the pool or inside their newly decorated lounge.
2018 W. North Avenue

Cerise at Virgin Hotel – This magnificent hotel bar is located on the 26th floor and features a variety of cocktails, wine, sake and beer. Grab your glam squad and get ready for your close up. The view is stunning.
203 N. Wabash

Cindy’s Rooftop – The aery atmosphere atop the gorgeously-restored Chicago Athletic Association makes this rooftop totally swoon-worthy. You’ll bask in views of Millennium Park in this glass atrium.
12 S. Michigan Avenue

Devereaux at Viceroy Hotel–  Set on the 18th floor, this Gold Coast rooftop lounge and seasonal pool serves craft cocktails and delicious bites from Chef Wolen with unobstructed views of Chicago’s picturesque skyline and Lake Michigan. (peep the view in these photos)
1118 N. State Street

LondonHouse – In a city of sweeping views, everyone wants to be on top. The experience begins on the 21st floor and ends at the cupola, where you can hang out in a Roman-style columned dome.
85 E. Upper Wacker Drive

Homestead on the Roof – This urban rooftop garden oasis is a cozy and romantic dining experience in the heart of West Town. Go here for the farm-fresh seasonal fare.
1924 W. Chicago Avenue

Raised at Renaissance–  Down the street from London House, this pretty little terrace has a contemporary design, good cocktails and a sweet little city view.
1 W. Upper Wacker Drive

Indoors with a Breeze:

Beatnik – This boho [ultra]chic restaurant is an experience to be had in Chicago. The extravagant décor and delicious food are fit for a princess. The patio is inspired by the tropical lushness of Bali with 400+ plants and a breeze from the floor to ceiling windows that open to the street.
1604 W. Chicago Ave

Hampton Social  – The original “rosé all day” hotspot, this nautical hangout is still one of our favorites. We love their seafood and brick oven pizzas. The open windows let the summer air right in.
353 W. Hubbard

Opart Thai – While Thai is often a take-out choice, the ease and vibe at Opart sets it apart. This delicious eatery has a full bar (try the SōmruS drink) and they open windows to the street on warm days.
1371 W. Chicago Ave.

Best Tea Time: 

Palm Court at The Drake Hotel – Their afternoon tea is steeped in history – in fact, even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. This quintessential Magnificent Mile afternoon high tea experience is one to be remembered.
140 E. Walton Place

The Allis at Soho House – There’s nothing we love more than a sparkling afternoon tea. See and be seen enjoying finger sandwiches, scones, a selection of fancy cakes, tea of your choice – and of course a glass of rosé prosecco. The Allis has a sophisticated-cool vibe.
113 N Green Street

Pavilion at The Langham – The traditional afternoon tea that first debuted at The Langham, London in 1865. The perfectly pink and savory experience is a Doll-favorite activity. The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood includes special proprietary teas, and an array of sweet and savory bites for a relaxing and pampering afternoon diversion!
330 N. Wabash

Best Yoga Studios + Gyms:

Chill Meditation – Chicago’s modern wellness concept in River North has a space and philosophy designed for calm. With all the hustle and bustle of our busy city, we could all use a moment of respite.
222 W. Kinzie

Mirepoix – The studio mantra encourages moving to strengthen, not burn; meditating to process, not clear; and nourishing to fuel, not lose. We often visit this  studio to stay heavily meditated.
1414 N. Ashland Ave

OTG Bootcamp– We recently partnered with  this gym for their effective workouts, nutrition education, and amazing fitness community. Finding a gym with coaches who are just as passionate about your journey is the investment that keeps giving.

[solidcore] – As yoga instructors and fitness fanatics, we stay in tune with all the new fitness trends. When we learned from Social Media that the new workout craze was coming to Chicago, we had to try it out! Each [solidCore] class is a  50-minute session, led by high-energy instructors. The class is taken on reformers, much like pilates for low impact on your body and incorporates other fitness style elements in a bootcamp format. The output is high impact, low intensity movement done very slowly. It also burns 700 to 900 calories, and close to a third that many over the next 24 hours.

Yoga Loft – This studio holds a special place in our hearts. This is where we earned our 200 Hr Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) license. This studio features Vinyasa and Ashtanga classes with absolutely fantastic guides. 
15 W. Hubbard

Zen Yoga Garage – This locally-owned studio features  yoga, bootcamp, barre, and hot classes. Our favorite part about class? The open air garage doors open during savasana for a gentle touch of cool air.
1845 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Best Coffee Shops:

3 Arts Club Cafe –  Enjoy the proprietary 3 Arts Club coffee blend in the Grand Courtyard, a light-filled, all-season oasis featuring a restored historic fountain and Heritage olive trees, or anywhere else in the gallery. You won’t want to leave!
1300 N. Dearborn St.

Fairgrounds – This trendy coffee spot has options galore – from espressos, cold brews and classic coffees to matcha and kombucha on tap. There is great coffee and food all in one place.
1620 N. Milwaukee Ave. 

Sip Coffee – This independent coffee house is neighborhood gem! From the moment you walk in,  you’ll feel a since of community. Continue straight back to the outdoor patio and enjoy your cafe al fresco.
1223 W. Grand Avenue

Werewolf Coffee – Two words. Glitter coffee. We admit, we might spike ours with SōmruS.
1765 N. Elston

Best Sushi:

Coast Sushi – This trendy sushi spot has been around since 2003. Simple and complex flavors make this a hit for sushi lovers and novices alike. This is a classic choice for a night out.
2045 N. Damen Ave

Enso Sushi – We recently discovered this fun and trendy sushi spot! The ingredients are locally sourced and the ambiance is lively. A great spot to bring your Dolls… in fact we recently kicked off a bachelorette party here.
1613 N. Damen Ave

Sushi Suite – Are you ready for a Sushi Speakeasy? From the moment the concierge hands you the key to the exclusive dining suite to the second you enter the room, you are unlocking a dining experience like no other.  This cozy (500 square foot) space was once a hotel room made over to a loungey private dining experience. The dinner features a 17-course 60-minute omakase sushi dining extravaganza for $125 which is inclusive of tax and gratuity. You will feel as if Executive Chef Kin Wangchuk is your own personal chef as he creates 17 delectable pieces of nigiri sushi right in front of you ranging from succulent botan ebi to prized Hokkaido uni all made from sustainable fish sourced from all over the world. Chef Kin trained at perennial Michelin star restaurants Masa and Cagen in New York City and will now create his sushi masterpieces in front of Chicago’s only in suite omakase audience. Chef Kin will guide you through the meal and provide you a truly exclusive experience.
1816 N. Clark Street

Yuzu – This restaurant transforms your food into a work of art! Each creation is playful with a seasonal menu, using exclusive vendors to find the right ingredients.
1751 W. Chicago Ave

Best Tacos:

Big Star – This is a must-do experience for Chicago natives and tourists alike. Combine yummy Mexican street food and tasty margaritas for a lively scene and a great time.
1531 N. Damen Ave.

Dos Toros – We’ve grown fond of the fast prep-time, simple journey, casual atmosphere, fresh ingredients and friendly staff.  The décor is modern and instagrammable, furnished with loads of comfortable wood and leather.
1 N. Dearborn

Taco Veloz – Full disclosure… this is a down and dirty burrito joint. Enjoy 😉
1745 W. Chicago Ave

Tuco & Blondie – This trendy little hot spot in The Southport Corridor is fully themed for MEXIFUN and bound to leave all your senses satisfied. The restaurant is bursting with color from the inside out. You will find original décor throughout the establishment  including bright and original wallpapers, festive piñatas, murals inside and out and a light up cat wall.
3358 N. Southport Ave.

Quick Casual Salads + Bites:

Bari – This Italian deli & grocery is nothing short of delicious. We love to pack their sandwiches for a boat day on Lake Michigan.
1120 W. Grand Ave.

InfiniteUS Crystal and Juice shop – a fabulous spot for alternative healing that celebrates healthy lifestyles and a community that shares insight about a higher level of consciousness. We love their juices and healthy menu items.
1644 W. North Ave

French Market – With over 30 different vendors, there is something for everyone! Yes, even those with sensitive diets. You’ll find raw foods, vegan and many gluten-free options among the selection of venders. The Chicago French Market is a great spot for date night, happy hour with friends or to just stop in and grab a delicious bite. You never know who you will meet amongst the magic of the French.
131 N. Clinton St.

Left Coast – Their mission is to make eating healthy quick and easy and still taste delicious. Their menu items fit into our on-the-go lifestyle with simple, fresh, nutritious and convenient food and juice solutions. Although, the entire space is a-doll-able so we tend to bring our computers and work from the well-lit dining area.
717 N. Wells St.

Lyfe Kitchen – So many delicious, nutritious options! What we love about this establishment? The beef is grass-fed, chicken is free of antibiotics, wahoo is line caught,  salmon is sustainably farmed and responsibly raised and they source local, organic greens whenever possible.
Multiple locations

Janik’s Cafe – This family owned restaurant is great for anyone and everyone. Kids to adults will  enjoy comfort food with a Latin twist.
2011 W. Division St.

Windy City Cafe – This neighborhood favorite specializes in simple, fresh, healthy food. We love their playful edge, focus on flavor and presentation at an affordable price.
1062 W. Chicago Ave

Best Pho & Ramen:

Fuh – This is a great fast-casual take on our favorite Vietnamese dish. There are actually hundreds of ways to prepare Pho, but FUH decided to give their customers full control of their bowls. Layer your own flavors and textures.
2218 N. Lincoln Ave

Tank Noodle – We love the traditional Vietnamese Pho here! With roots in Vietnam, this dish is nothing but tradition for the restaurant owners. Whenever we are up North, we treat ourselves to a delicious huge bowl along with a fresh coconut.
4953 N. Broadway

The Noodle – The speciality at this Chinatown restaurant  is Pho… and it is so delicious! This is another authentic experience that will warm you up on the inside.
2336 S. Wentworth

Wasabi – This secret gem has savory comfort food with fresh, high quality ingredients. Their authentic Japanese ramen is made from boiling pork bones for days.
2102 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Best Pizza:

Bricks Pizza – The Bricks experience is built on the holy trinity of tasty beer, crispy pizza and funky music. This low-key pizza joint has your deep-dish alternative with thin-crust pies and plenty of toppings.
1909 N. Lincoln Ave

Boiler Room – This funky spot has fantastic pizza that will keep your tastebuds dancing. Don’t leave without trying the boozy ice cream, and if you’re feeling wild ask for their signature PB&J (pizza, beer and a shot of Jameson for $5).
2210 N. California Ave.

D’Amatos – The best Italian bakery there ever was! Their square pizza is so delicious! Don’t forget to try an Italian cookie too.
1124 W. Grand  Ave.

Hometeam Pizza – This fairly new pizza spot has quickly become one of our favorites. The secret family recipe is to Doll for.
1363 W. Ohio Street

Pequods – This Chicago Deep Dish Pizza with a caramelized crust is something to salivate over. It’s decadent and delicious.
2207 N. Clybourn

Pizanos – There’s nothing like this buttery crust, gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce combo at Pizanos. You can’t top it! Unless you add sausage and pepperoni.
Multiple Locations

Best Burgers & Hot Dogs:

AMK Kitchen Bar – This creative American eatery has a classic delicious burger (topped with fried pickles) that the Dolls adore.
1954 W. Armitage Ave

Au Cheval – This upscale diner-style burger is what dreams are made of! Many have proclaimed this the best burger spot in America. Our advice? Put your name in early for a table.
800 W. Randolph

Mindy’s Hot Chocolate – While this spot may be known for their hot chocolate, we advise you not to skip the burger. Slagel Farm Beef and gooey cheese on a house-made bun! So many noms.
1747 N. Damen

Portillos – There’s nothing like a classic Chicago-style hotdog and outside  of Wrigley Field, this is your spot. Go big and wash it down with cheese fries and a chocolate cake shake. You’re welcome!
Multiple Locations

Caitlin and Danielle are wearing Doll-Dresses from Ted Baker. Stop in their boutique at 1009 N. Rush Street in Chicago to shop our looks.

THANK YOU to the beautiful and talented Crystal Nicole for taking such gorgeous photos at The Viceroy in Chicago.