GRACE’S PERSONAL TOUR
Favourite shop MYOPIC BOOKS
Get lost in this Wicker Park used bookstore, Chicago’s own Shakespeare and Company. This stretch of Milwaukee Avenue is littered with fantastic vintage shopping. myopicbookstore.com
Favourite bars ESTEREO
Fab tequila cocktails – this is the place to be in the summer. estereochicago.com
BEST INTENTIONS
Killer cocktails, an old-school Chicago aesthetic and a poppin’ backyard space. bestintentionschicago.com
Favourite gallery PILSEN MURALS
Pilsen is covered in incredible street art. The walk from the 18th Street Pink Line station and around Harrison Park is one of the best art tours in the city. The 18th Street Pink Line Station is at 1710 W 18th Street.
Favourite café THE BAKERY AT FAT RICE
Taste fresh-baked treats inspired by Macau and Portugal at the bakery attached to Fat Rice. Don’t miss the egg tarts. eatfatrice.com/menus/thebakery
Favourite restaurants EL MEZQUITE
The neighbourhood is chock full of great hole-in-the-walls, but El Mezquite’s my favourite. taqueriaelmezquite.com
PARACHUTE
Upscale Korean-American eatery – the best meal I’ve had in the city. parachuterestaurant.com
Favourite market RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
Shop crafts and homemade goods from local makers at this seasonal fair. renegadecraft.com
Place to see by night
Uptown – the corner of Lawrence and Broadway has spectacular mid-century signage on iconic venues including the Green Mill cocktail lounge, the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theatre.
Best view
On the Pink Line. Ride this L line out of the Loop and you’ll get a spectacular view of the Chicago skyline from an uncommon vantage point.