By The Editors By The Editors | December 16, 2021 | Lifestyle, Feature,
From vegan restaurants to hair salons and everything in between, here are our best recommendations of 2021 in Chicago.
One of the city’s top toques, James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg heads up the kitchen at buzzy, much-lauded hot spot Monteverde—and with a slate of fresh pastas, delectable sides and decadent desserts, the accolades are more than deserved. 1020 W. Madison St.
See our full list of Chicago's 15 best Italian restaurants here.
Occupying a cavernous space in River West, AIRE is an experience unlike any other in the city. The serene candlelit space features a series of hot and cold pools to traverse at your leisure. The thermal experience promotes tranquility while awakening the senses. A pair of steam rooms, heated marble stones and ultraluxe add-ons complete the picture. 800 W. Superior St.
See our full list of Chicago's 19 best rainy day activities here.
As a brand that has earned a reputation of providing world-class service amid first-rate amenities and stunning settings, The Peninsula Chicago’s newly renovated The Peninsula Suite takes this dedication to the next level. With 3,600 square feet of living space, a private 2,000-square-foot wraparound terrace—complete with sparkling views of Lake Michigan—and iconic interior design, the suite creates a temporary home-away-from-home environment for travelers, adventurers and staycationers. For those in need of roomier environs, the suite can be extended from one to three bedrooms, taking up an entire wing of the building and allowing for visitor accommodations, an extensive housekeeping team and a guest relations crew. 108 E. Superior St.
See our full list of Chicago's 6 best weekend
getaways here.
Formerly the pastry chef for Chicago three-star Michelin restaurant Grace, owner Bobby Schaffer has channeled that culinary passion into this delightful neighborhood destination. The cardamom buns are justifiably craveworthy, and the double chocolate croissant is the best we’ve had in Chicago. 5318 N. Clark St., 2140 W. Division St.
See our full list of Chicago's 18 best bakeries here.
Chef Kevin Hickey first made his name as a fine dining force to be reckoned with, drawing raves with notable stints at The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons—but it’s at this Bridgeport tavern where the South Side native has truly come into his own. The elevated-yet-approachable brunch menu delights with a slate of tempting dishes: rotisserie duck hash, smoked salmon avocado toast, an “egg McDuckInn” sandwich and, of course, Hickey’s signature take on a Chicago-style dog cooked in duck fat, natch. 2701 S. Eleanor St.
See our full list of Chicago's 25 best brunch spots here.
Coffee maestro Hiroshi Sawada heads up this Fulton Market destination, where hipsters sip the oh-so-Instagrammable signature matcha-spiked “military latte” and nibble on Doughnut Vault sweets. 112 N. Green St.
See our full list of Chicago's 10 best coffee shops here.
Serving locally sourced, New American style cuisine, Cindy’s caters to family-style comfort food on its awe-inspiring open air terrace, which offers sweet views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan and The Art Institute of Chicago. Stop in for brunch to try the decadent buttermilk pancakes topped with whipped mascarpone, macerated blueberries and smoked maple syrup. If savory is more your style, dig into the pastrami smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraîche. 12 S. Michigan Ave.
See our full list of Chicago's 13 best rooftop patios here.
Margie's Candies
Beloved by generations, this ice cream shop and candy store has been drawing lines out the door since 1921 for jumbo sundaes, sodas and banana splits. 1960 N. Western Ave., 773.384.1035; 1813 W. Montrose Ave., 773.348.0400
See our full list of Chicago's 7 best ice cream shops here.
You’ll want to make plenty of free time in your schedule when heading over to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. With 72 holes across four courses, a driving range, learning center and two golf shops, this sweeping range has received national recognition for its great courses and fabulous teachers. Since 1964, Course No. Four, also known as “Dubsdread,” has been distinguished for its ability to test some of the best professionals in PGA Tours and USGA tournaments. Are you up for the challenge of beating Tiger Woods’ course record? 12294 Archer Ave., Palos Park
See our full list of Chicago's 7 best golf courses here.
There’s little point in arguing Geja’s status as Chicago’s most romantic restaurant. Prepare to be enchanted with the Arabian Nights cocktail featuring Empress 1908 gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and hints of jasmine to The Connoisseur fondue of beef tenderloin, white shrimp and Australian lobster tail. Serenades from classical and flamenco guitarists add even more romance to the evening affair. 340 W. Armitage Ave.
See our full list of Chicago's 8 best date spots here.
Proudly meat free since ’83, Chicago Diner serves up America’s favorite comfort foods in Lakeview and Logan Square that even dedicated meat eaters are sure to enjoy. Tall stacks of pancakes, biscuits and seitan sausage gravy, delicious dairy-free milkshakes and more diner classics are available for your next vegan weekend brunch. 3411 N. Halsted St.; 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
See our full list of Chicago's 5 best vegan restaurants here.
Nestled in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood, this salon is an all-inclusive glamour solution from owner Daniel Janicek’s handpicked team of Chicago’s most talented artists. 300 N. Elizabeth St., Ste. 201C
See our full list of Chicago's 10 best hair salons here.
Photography by: Thumbnail By Pedro Lastra/Unsplash
