Planning a bachelorette party to Chicago this summer? Here are some thoughts:
Stay
I’m assuming you’re not going to be there for the winter because that would be nuts. In fact, if that is your plan, close this tab immediately. I can’t help you.
I would stay in Wicker Park. It’s central enough but tranquil, with better coffee shops and amazing architecture. It’s a neighborhood vibe— much better if you’re in the 30+ crew. Pro tip: Stroll down Beer Baron’s Row in tiny shorts. Stay there forever! The Robey is a pretty good hotel with Le Labo products, but an Airbnb is probably your best bet. Here’s the view from the top:
Or just lean all the way in and go River North – would be best to find a hotel or airbnb with a pool. Apartment complex pool culture BOPS in the summer. Just a head’s up: The Moxy is a swingers’ hot spot.
Restaurants
River North / Downtown
Quartino is my place of worship. I’ve been going here for a decade. The shared pasta dishes and $22 liters of wine always hit. Tell them you’re on a bachelorette party if you’d like a phallic dessert. Go next door to Redhead Piano Bar afterwards. This is how I met a one Roy Woodhouse. This place is truly special and iconic.
ABA! The Greek food is truly incredible. Don’t skip the olive oil soft serve at the end.
Any of the RPMs but I would recommend Seafood for the views and the vibes. Get the seafood tower and manage to look happy about it:
Gibson’s Italia is such a treat and has beautiful views.
HAmpton Social for brunch. Two orders of hash browns per person.
STEAK— should be its own zip code in Chicago
Go classic Gibson’s for steak. It’s the authority on Chicago Steakhouses. Start with a dirty martini. Finish with the chocolate cake. Iconic.
Maple and Ash does a personalized menu and is very instagrammable. Plus the steak is good, I admit it.
Swift and Sons. Order the table magic show. It’s wild.
BYOB Argentinian Currasceria at Tango Sur. This is the option for cool kids. Roy once took a chick on a date here and drank TWO WHOLE BOTTLES of wine himself. We love you, Roy.
West Loop
Au Cheval burger is historic. One of my favorite nights out was taking myself to Aire baths and then sitting at the bar having a glass of red wine and an epic burger.
Little Goat is great. Actually anything Stephanie Izard does is wonderful. Try Little Goat Diner for brunch or her ice cream counter for a sweetie treaty in the afternoon.
Rosemary’s is supposed to be incredible. I could never get in and I’m not still salty about it. I’m not.
Momotaro incredible Japanese food – the downstairs is more of a bar and it’s incred. Get a rice dish.
Monteverde is an incredible Italian restaurant. Don’t skip the cabbage appetizer..
Bread at The Publican really should be in the Culture section.
The Aviary for a fancy FANCY cocktail. It’s worth it.
Blind Barber for cocktails
Kumiko for Japanese American cocktails. The bartender is a badass.
Lone Wolf has a perfect Knob Creek old-fashioned. Don’t miss it.
Pizza
Pequod’s Pizza for deep dish. It really is lovely and an elevated take on classic deep dish.
Lou Malnati’s is a classic for a reason. Double up on Chicago mainstays and go to the location with a comedy club on the roof.
I always wanted to try Oven and Grinder but didn’t because I knew it would wreck my bowels
Wicker
Get breakfast at Kasama! They just got voted as one of the best tasting menus in the country. Go for that if you’re fucked, but the breakfast is just as good. There’s a brie honey truffle croissant that’s also on the dinner menu, because there’s never a wrong time to eat it. I shrieked when I put it in my mouth.
Dinner at Le Bouchon. Still the best French food I’ve had on this continent. And sooo romantic and nice in there.
Vegan food at Bloom if that’s your jam.
Breakfast sandwich / coffee at Foxtrot
Tortello for pasta! It’s so good
Big Star for tacos and margz right by the park
Mama Delias for paella and manchego cheese plus a sherry based cocktail
Queen Anne for oyster happy hours + gin martinis
Estelle’s (My faaavvorrrrrite cocktail bar with an insane happy hour)
The Violet Hour for incredible, inventive cocktails
Culture
Hit the River Walk for happy hour. Stay to watch the light show projected on Merchandise Mart. The drinks are very overpriced so feel free to botellon on the stairs OR abide by my lifelong adage: a quick enough hand and big enough purse, anywhere is BYOB.
Shedd Aquarium is legit incredible
Cocktail bar at the top of the Hancock building. Skip Sears Tower and do this instead.
Art Institute is wonderful. You can get lost in here for a beautiful afternoon.
Shop Mag Mile. Make sure you stop in for some Garrett’s popcorn.
Shop around Gold Coast– a bit more upscale but still really fun and can get more unique offerings
Field Museum for dinos
Bike or walk the 606 – get some ice cream after
Comedy show! Duh. Go to Improv at The Second City and the famous Old Time Ale House across the street after. There are also so many good options for stand up if that’s more your speed.
Spa Day at Aire Baths – this is such a lush girl’s activity. Don’t bother with the treatments. Just go and float around the hot baths, cold baths, steams, sauna and have long lovely chats with eachother
Green Mill for jazz
The Bean puts on some concerts and movies in the summer. Picnic! Bring wine!
Dip into see the Tiffany Dome if you’re anywhere near the bean
Take a water taxi from River North to Chinatown. Go out for dumplings and karaoke in Chinatown
Chicago Magic Lounge for a $25 BYOB magic show in Boystown. Hit up a gay bar after. I love wok and roll BYOB sushi around this too. Make sure you splash out on some nice ass champagne because it is GIRL’S WEEKEND
Bounce dem titties on a boat. Go to the playpen. You can do half and full day rentals, or just wear something trashy and head to the marina to find an old dude. SORRY I DON’T MAKE THE RULES
Try to get into someone’s fancy building rooftop pool. Yeet. Get on tinder.
wooly mammoth antiques and oddities for taxidermy