our favorite things in our favorite city

we wanted to get married so close to home because we love our neighborhood! here’s some stuff we recommend nearby

vintage

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coffee

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food

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drinks

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accommodation

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shopping

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fun

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vintage * coffee * food * drinks * accommodation * shopping * fun *

where to stay

hotels

the robey

heart of wicker park, w/ breakfast restaurant and rooftop bar

wicker park inn

boutique bed and breakfast in the neighborhood, walking distance to lots of shopping and restaurants

the emily hotel

boutique hotel in west loop, 10 min drive away. zoe hosts lots of corporate events here, can vouch

the hoxton

boutique hotel, also in west loop, 10 min drive away. has great bar + restaurant inside

local airbnbs

nearby

check out west town, ukrainian village, wicker park, bucktown, humboldt park, west loop

other neighborhoods we recommend

pilsen, logan square, ravenswood + andersonville (though would be a schlep)

what to see

sunday farmer’s market (wicker park)

plan to picnic on the lawn after!

the 606

walk (or rent divvy bikes) on an elevated rail line

galleries on chicago ave

arc < mu < patron < document < truborn < andrew rafacz

antiques on grand ave

urban remains < warehouse 55 < salvage one < golden triangle < modern times

garfield park conservatory

beautiful plant-filled greenhouse

chinatown

we recommend triple crown dim sum, veggie house, and chiu quon bakery

where to drink

coffee

metric

the only place ricky will buy his beans

candor

watch the baristas make tiktoks and mostly good lattes

lost larson

coffee okay but pastries GREAT

oud

palestinian coffee shop (rec: seasonal latte + date cake)

wormhole

classic wicker park coffee shop w/ unusual latte flavors (try the ghostly trio)

booze

hi-lo

zoe’s fav patio bar for refreshing cocktails

all together now

mostly wine bar with great cheese curds

innertown pub

classic neighborhood bar with pool table (cash only)

nilda’s

one layer deeper local dive bar… chihuahuas welcome… see to believe…

bar bambi

new snazzy bar known for funky cocktails and neon lighting

what to do

shopping

center for order + experimentation

local perfume, stationary, pottery (in a cool way)

black dog gelato

best place ever

sugoi sweets

amazing bon bons + japanese sweets + tea (matcha)

perpetual books

new, used, and unusual books + records

in good spirits

n/a bottle shop

epic spices

best harissa spice mix ever (use in bean stews all winter long)

gemini + penelope

clothing - go gemini first (expensive) + penelope to actually buy

alcala’s western wear

very cool cowboy store

so much vintage shopping…

activities

comedy shows

logan square improv or holy fuck at the annoyance theater

shedd aquarium

one of the best aquariums in the country

architectural boat tour

a classic for a reason!

where to eat

breakfast

flying saucer

cash only comfort food diner (zoe’s fav is huevos volandos)

spinning j

retro soda bar with PIE and breakfast sandwiches

uncle mike’s

traditional filipino breakfast, not veggie friendly so enjoy for us!!

heyday

all-day ukrainian breakfast and unexpectedly good japanese drinks (matcha)

dove’s luncheonette

tex mex diner + tequila, spins vinyls + has great tlayuda

sunrise cafe

rumor has it the owner attacked a server w/ a hammer… but great diner!

hoosier mama

CLASSIC neighborhood pie shop

dinner

enoteca roma

local italian with “secret garden patio” + best eggplant spaghetti

tortello

pasta inspired by nonna! focaccia w/ whipped ricotta + honey is a must

qing xiang yuan dumplings

chinatown outpost 2nd location, great dumplings + tea menu

chengdu bistro

best mapo tofu ever! + back patio

lao peng you

handmade chinese dumplings & noodles inspired by grandma’s recipes

phodega

pho + bodega = phodega!

sushi taku

all-you-can-eat sushi and a patio

bungalow by middle brow

best woodfired pizza, beer, and portlandia patio vibes

demera

ethiopian food feasts where we celebrate ricky’s birthday every year