Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on the North Side serves true Chicago style deep dish pizzas, complete with a thin crust and wholesome toppings. The decor isn't very dressy, except sports paraphernalia and framed T-shirts on the walls. The extremely special tomato sauce used here is made from the finest ripe plum tomatoes, that renders it a fine texture. Generous helping of sausages along with spinach, mushrooms, sliced tomatoes and a blend of mozzarella, Romano and cheddar cheeses is irresistible! Lou also serves appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches and will FedEx pizzas anywhere in the U.S. The staff is friendly and makes you feel right at home. If booze is up your alley, a full bar keeps you well serviced. ...more

Millennium Park is one of the newest additions to Chicago's many wide-open urban spaces, and is host to a range of indoor/outdoor activities for the entire family. You can listen to top musical events at the outdoor pavilion, or glide across the bustling ice skating rink come winter. The park is also home to some of the city's best public art, such as the interactive Crown Fountain, and the scene-stealing Cloud Gate, a mirrored sculpture situated in the middle of the plaza. For a scenic walk, take a stroll through the Lurie Garden, or wind your way along Frank Gehry's BP Bridge. For a bit of the park's history, be sure to take a peek at the Peristyle, a replica of the curving row of paired Greek columns that were on the corner of Grant Park near Michigan and Randolph from 1917 to 1953. ...more

"The city is our museum," claims this historic museum. The CAF highlights Chicago's diverse architecture and design through a multitude of lectures, exhibits and educational programs. For a hands-on experience, take the Loop Walking Tour—a two-hour daily tour that explores the national landmarks downtown. The CAF Architecture River Cruise offers a river's eye view of the city and highlights more than 50 historic sites along the Chicago River. Reservations are suggested. Gallery admission is free. ...more

People from all over come to Martini Park to pump themselves full of liquor in the hopes of attracting someone of the opposite sex. When the lights come up at the end of the night and you realize the hot girl you were talking too looks a lot better under a veil of darkness, remember, standards don't count in bars. You may think she should have told you about the crow's feet before all the drinks you bought, but hey, desperation loves company and you, my friend, are desperate. That's why you're at Martini Park. ...more

From popular Rembrandt masterpieces to recent works by lesser-known artists, this museum houses one of the finest art collections in the world. Spanning centuries of human creativity, exhibits include a distinguished collection of prints and drawings, an internationally acclaimed collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, sculptures, photographs, Asian, African and American arts, architectural drawings, textiles and more. Many pieces are on loan from the famed Terra Foundation for American Art. Educational programs and guided museum tours are available. Art books, reproductions, postcards and other items are available in the museum shop. Free public lectures are given during weekends. ...more

Lincoln Park Zoo is perfect for a family outing. Built in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoological gardens in the country. The zoo management team comprises experts in wildlife conservation, community education and recreation. The zoo, which attracts more than three million visitors a year, is open all year-round. Admission is free. ...more

A visit to the Vermilion is for those who are daring enough to try the Indian-Latin American tapas menu. A serious foodie though will love this potboiler of a restaurant, where you can munch tacos dripping in melted cheese alongwith generous helpings of Indian curry. Don't forget to check out the black and white photographs that adorn the walls. ...more

The best place for jazz in Chicago. Period. Run by the old Capone outfit, the Green Mill was a speakeasy during Prohibition and gained nationwide notoriety as the place where comedian Joe E. Lewis got his throat slashed. The interior is dark and old. It has not changed much since Al Capone frequented the establishment, and the jazz is just as hot as ever. Cover is free on Friday and Saturday nights after 1am. Come at that time to hear the thundering Sabertooth Jazz Quintet, or head in earlier to catch one of a number of other acts, from big band to sultry torch singing. The Mill also hosts the popular "Poetry Slam," where would-be bards read their poetry and brave the heckling of the audience. ...more