Originally the New Garland Coffee Shop, owner Jimmy Bannos transformed it into Heaven on Seven in 1985 after Jimmy discovered southern cooking. It quickly became the place for Cajun food in the city. The pace is frantic during the week, when Loop-folk jam in for gumbo, soft shell crab, jambalaya and assorted micro-brews. There are a few other locations throughout the city; check website for more details. ...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

Forget about the mega-chain this pizzeria spawned. This location is the first, with arguably the best pizza in the world. Waits can be long, up to two hours sometimes, but it is worth it. One-of-a-kind crust, loaded thick with toppings make the pizza to die for, or go for some Minestrone Soup and a salad. The decor is rough-and-tumble, old school Chicago, but the menu has is modern trends and features "specialty" pizzas. Do not even think about counting grams of fat - just eat. ...more

While many Chicago cruise lines are corporately owned and designed with lavish amenities like on-board meals and in-house DJs, this cruise line offers a refreshingly simple, non-corporate and decidedly "unslick" presentation. Family-owned since 1935, the captain and narrator offer interesting tidbits on the city with dry one-liners. These low-key and no-frills cruises are an entertaining alternative to their competitors. Several different tours are available, and the boats offer partial cover. Cash only. ...more

Grant Park stretches from the Museum Campus at Lake Shore Drive and Roosevelt Road all the way north to the Prudential building, with Columbus Drive on its west side and the lake on its east. At one time, this stretch of land was undeveloped and a prime target for builders. However, department store magnate Montgomery Ward did not want the lake view from his Michigan Avenue office obstructed, so he successfully lobbied the city to create Grant Park. In the summer months, the grounds bloom with rose gardens, and the famous Buckingham Fountain springs to life. The Petrillo Band Shell is home to the Grant Park Music Festival and also hosts such events as Jazz Fest and Blues Fest. Perhaps the park is most famous for The Taste of Chicago, a culinary festival which happens every year in late June and early July. ...more

Clean & hushed, decorated with stylish restraint by Crofton herself in white & grey, the space is simple & modern. The candlelit room's walls are bare, save for a wavy symmetrical mirror that hints at Crofton's whimsy. There's no excess, no flash-nothing to distract from Crofton's exceptional, seasonal American cuisine.
Crofton's touch is restrained but confident, from the playful zing of smoked scallop ceviche with grilled baby octopus with mango, to the earthy, dark flavor of saut�ed wild mushrooms in a basket of fried leek. Barbecued pork tenderloin is a dinner standout, two fist-sized chunks of perfectly cooked meat glazed with sauce & drizzled with zesty poblano cream with dense corn pudding on the side. For dessert, extra-bittersweet chocolate cake isn't kidding-so intense, it'll give you a head rush. For something milder, dip into the delicious, Trio of Cr�me Brule�s which change according to the chef's whim. ...more

This South Loop bar blends sophistication with quiet comfort. Neighborhood folks mingle with downtown types stopping for lunch or an after-work cocktail while the jukebox plays softly in the background. Lunch fare consists of soups, appetizers and sandwiches ranging from $6-$8. Breakfast is served Friday through Sunday. Expect a crowd on Sunday mornings during football season when the Bears are in town. Pancakes are light as air, omelets fluffy and filled with whatever your heart desires. Breakfast runs $4-$6. ...more

Nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan, this indoor aquatic world is home to more than 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from across the globe. Explore Caribbean waters at the 90,000-gallon coral reef exhibit, or watch whales and dolphins play during marine mammal shows. Eat at Soundings restaurant, where you will find a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, or in the Bubble Net food court. Aquatic souvenirs are available in the gift shop. See website for package deals, visitor info, maps, membership details, and events calendar. ...more

With the enormous popularity of Pizzeria Uno, the management of the eatery had to open a second restaurant right around the corner. The pizza is the same and so is the wait. You will also find the same menu of regular and specialty pizzas, along with salads, munchies, Signature Minestrone Soup and a slim selection of beers to wash everything down. The atmosphere is not quite as gruff as Uno's, but it still has a similar dingy charm. And check out the building, a well-kept look into Chicago's past, a relic in a chain-laden environment. ...more

You can't miss this building if you happen to be passing through the North Side neighborhood of Chicago. A 100-storey expressionist design with a glass façade, it is the third-tallest building in the city, and the fourth-tallest in the United States. Being a multi-functional structure, it houses restaurants, offices and condominiums too. And while you are here, enjoy the panoramic views that it offers—take a trip to the 94th floor and discover a breathtaking picture of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Talking telescopes provide information on the sites as you observe them, while an open-air skywalk allows you to experience the windiness of the Windy City from 1,000 feet up. You can also take a virtual tour of popular Chicago sights. ...more

Follow the rich smell of chocolate and you will eventually come to the Ghirardelli's only store in the Midwest. Originally founded in San Francisco during the Gold Rush by Domingo Ghirardelli, son of an Italian chocolatier, Ghirardelli Chocolate employs the finest European traditions in chocolate making. Indulge in delicious chocolate and ice cream creations and purchase confections at this lesser-known gourmet shop and soda fountain. Located just steps from Michigan Avenue, it offers the perfect break from shopping. ...more

A warm, rich interior featuring Mahogany paneling & Persian rugs, RL Restaurant houses an art collection that reflects & represents a lifestyle vision of quality, integrity & timelessness - the design & cultural aesthetic of Polo Ralph Lauren. The menu is written daily with core items, some prepared tableside, which reflect the Ralph Lauren "aspirational lifestyle." The food is not based on how exotic the chef can appear with his creativity, but on how finely tuned & balanced are his compositions -- renditions of ideas that have a history on the American Table. ****Please note that reservations are for dining room only. Bar and Patio are first come first serve.****** ...more

Just like the name suggests, this is a place for a hearty breakfast and other wholesome meals. The pleasant, warm-toned interior is always filled with the divine aroma of freshly baked muffins and cakes. Plenty of light, petite white-leathered chairs, and a handwritten menu on the wall rule the ambience. Choose from Thyme-crusted Roast Beef, spicy Tortilla with Chorizo, Couscous with Roasted Vegetables, cookies, sweets, pastries, bread pudding, and lots of coffee. This is a good place to take your kids, and also to meet single parents. ...more

When Louisa May Alcott penned her classic book "Little Women," she probably never imagined that an American retail center would someday pay such a complete tribute to young girls, too. Just around the corner from the Magnificent Mile shopping district, this three-story complex features a playhouse showcasing The American Girl Review, a cafe offering delicious meals, and a shop featuring American Girls dolls and clothing. Girls aged seven and up will find this an irresistible getaway. ...more

If you are not holding one of Bloomie's famous Big Brown Bags as you walk down Michigan Avenue, you might feel like a misfit; so make sure you try a taste of New York while in the heart of Chicago. Six floors of shopping emphasize designer clothing and accessories, but also include housewares and gift departments. If you would rather have someone else do the shopping for you, a personal shopper is also available. ...more

Navy Pier decorates the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan and rises over 3,300-foot (1,010 m). It is now a popular tourist destination and a romantic spot for young lovers. The pier cost over $4.5 million to build and was part of city planner, Daniel Burnham's plans to create a multi-purpose public infrastructure. ...more

Located across from Millennium Park in a historically landmarked building built in the late 1800s, The Gage offers upscale, yet casual dining in a vintage atmosphere inspired by the gastropubs of Ireland and England and the space's original use: a hat warehouse! At The Gage, you'll experience the innovative, passionately cooked cuisine of acclaimed chef Dirk Flanigan, formerly of Meritage and Blue Water Grill. Time Out has said The Gage's menu "covers every craving" and includes Scotch eggs, crispy chicken livers, locally made sausages, burgers, steaks, salads and Guinness-battered fish and chips. The Libations list features craft beers, interesting wines and a selection of Irish whiskeys and single malts. Now open for dinner at 4 everyday, The Gage will open for lunch and brunch the week of April 23rd. The Gage offers the perfect setting for a casual drink, a business meeting or a formal event--refined rusticity--steps from Millennium Park. ...more

Not only a beloved Chicago showcase, Second City is now treasured by the world, as well. Many a legendary comedy career began here; perhaps you will catch tomorrow's star in tonight's revue. This is the birthplace of sketch comedy, the type of humor that spawned such shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Kids in the Hall." In fact, many favorite SNL comedians got their start here. John Belushi, Bill Murray, Jerry Stiller and Elaine May are just a handful of those who went on to national fame. Be sure to check out all the photos on the wall while you wait to be seated - cabaret style, of course. The drinks are good, the price is right, the comedy and satire is unbeatable. This is an unforgettable end to an evening out in Old Town. ...more

This mecca of multicultural feasting has a dining room with an Arabian motif, complete with flying carpets. Food may stem from the Middle East, Morocco, India, Italy or Asia. Typical dishes are the Indian Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Breast with Basmati Rice, Spinach and Mint Raita. Owner Debra Sharpe modeled the restaurant to mirror her rock 'n' roll catering style. It has a gorgeous outdoor garden and glass atrium add to the ambience. ...more

The Magnificent Mile stretches from the Chicago River to Oak Street. It is located one block East of Rush Street, which is known for its nightlife. The Magnificent Mile includes fine restaurants, hotels, stores, and tall buildings. Prestigious buildings and landmarks located on the Magnificent Mile include the Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, Old Chicago Water Tower District, and the Allerton Hotel. ...more

Chances are, if you look into your basement you'll probably find at least one product that Filene's sells. Specializing in everything from men's business attire to luggage, this is your one stop shop for bargain prices on all your favorite designer products. The "basement" actually originated in Boston in 1908 and has been providing its customers with an astonishing amount of useful and eccentric finds ever since. ...more

While no longer the world's tallest building, the Sears Tower still stands proud. High-speed elevators climb 110 stories to the observatory deck, and when clear, the view from 1,454 feet can be stunning. Enjoy bird's eye views of Lake Michigan, both the North and South Sides of the city, the surrounding suburbs and, on a clear day, parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. The Skydeck Tour also includes a multimedia presentation and an exhibit with information on the Sears Tower and other architecturally significant buildings. Admission: USD12.95 adults, USD9.50 children (3-11), children under 3 free. All prices include tax. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing. ...more

Sullivan's is reminiscent of a 1940's Chicago styled steakhouse featuring the finest steaks & seafood, unparalleled martinis, & great live jazz!
The interior has touches of art deco with dark polished wood, crisp black linen & fresh flowers. Sullivan's serves the finest hand selected premium choice aged beef, which is cut in-house daily, along with a great selection of seafood, ranging from Salmon Steaks to Florida Stone Crab Claws & Live Maine Lobsters. Proud recipient of Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence", the wine list offers an array selections from around the world, with emphasis on California Reds. In addition, Our bars boast live entertainment seven nights a week & are graced with beautiful baby grand pianos, as well as high-end cognacs, single malt scotches, an incredible wine selection & a fully stocked cigar humidor.
Come feel the buzz, & see how incredible a dining experience can be! We look forward to having you join us & letting us serve you. ...more