Chicago City Guide

A city filled with magnificent architecture, world-class museums, inspiring chefs, a massive brewing scene, and 77 unique neighborhoods to explore from Bridgeport to Logan Square, Chicago is also home to that midwestern charm that you just can’t find anywhere else. With easy-to-use public transportation, it’s not hard to get around the city to experience the different pockets, each so distinctive and worth visiting that it will almost be an impossible task to narrow down what to see and do. We’ve put together a curated list of our favorites to help inspire you while visiting the windy city.

EAT & DRINK

beatnik
Beatnik On The River
Aba restaurant in Chicago
Aba

Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery - Conveniently located in the River North neighborhood, a short walk or drive from our Level River North location, Centennial Crafted Beer & Eatery is a local gathering spot serving up 56 taps with a selection of 36 rotating craft beers as well as a curated wine and spirits list. When ready to pair your brews, have a look at their chef-driven menu which focuses on beer pairings in addition to incorporating beer as part of many of the dishes offered. 

Beatnik On The River - This riverfront boho-chic oasis transports you to a time of bohemian freethinkers of the 1950’s. Come to Beatnik for the breathtaking views of the Chicago River but also for the colorful tiles, ethnic daybeds and fringe umbrella style decor that dominates the space. The menu is worldly and Executive Chef Marcos Campos takes guests on a journey without borders, playing with flavors from places like Spain to South America, Asia and the Middle East. 

Fora - Fora is a contemporary, globally-inspired restaurant and patio at The Emily Hotel. From insta-worthy patio pop-ups to mocktail making classes, weekly brunch and elevated private dining, there's something for everyone here.

Aba - Located on a rooftop patio in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, Aba brings Chef CJ Jacobson’s lighter style of cooking with influences from the Mediterranean, including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. Their exceptional bar program is crafted by Liz Pearce and showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits. 

Ken Kee - With decor and neon accents inspired by the streets and markets of 1950’s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is famous for it’s noodle cart offerings (there is a traditional menu as well). Guests can customize their noodle bowl to their liking, picking the broth, noodles and all the toppings from a generously long list of options. 

Giant - Pre-COVID times, Giant operated as a teeny tiny restaurant with a not so tiny reservation waitlist. During the pandemic, Giant took it’s food to the streets via their food truck, and today, they are back to indoor dining, serving simple, delicious food. Menu items not to miss include their saffron tagliatelle, pizzas and burroti (a burrito wrapped in roti bread), and of course their dark chocolate microwave cake served with banana ice cream and halva.

Bar Avec - A two-minute stroll from Level River North you’ll find a rooftop patio inspired by the leisurely style of dining found in coastal towns along the Iberian Peninsula. Take in sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while you sip on bar avec's line-up of crafted cocktails and nosh on classic Spanish cuisine inspired by seaside diners. Be sure to try their bacon-wrapped chorizo stuffed dates and their salt cod brandade – two bar avec fan-favorites.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Established in 1989, Gibsons quickly became a staple in Chicago’s dining landscape. The interior is characterized by dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and vintage photographs, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Known for its USDA Prime Angus beef, Gibsons offers a variety of cuts, including the famous Gibsons Prime Angus and Gibsons Grassfed Australian beef. Popular choices include the Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and the 48-ounce Porterhouse. Their flagship location is in the Gold Coast neighborhood at 1028 N. Rush Street. Gibsons also has locations in Rosemont and Oak Brook.

Lou Malnati's - Lou Malnati's is famous for its traditional Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. This pizza features a buttery, flaky crust, a thick layer of mozzarella cheese, and a robust, tangy tomato sauce on top. Popular varieties include the “Lou” (spinach, mushrooms, and sliced tomatoes), “Malnati Chicago Classic” (sausage, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce), and customizable options with various toppings.

Portillo's - Known for their authentic Chicago-style hot dogs, which include an all-beef frank topped with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced tomatoes, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served in a steamed poppy seed bun. Portillo’s was founded by Dick Portillo in 1963 as a small hot dog stand called "The Dog House" in Villa Park, Illinois. It quickly gained popularity, leading to its rebranding as Portillo’s and expansion into a full-fledged restaurant. Over the years, Portillo’s has expanded significantly, with numerous locations throughout Illinois and several other states, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Florida, and California.

Dialtone Cafe - If you like coffee and wine, you'll love Dialtone Cafe, opening in winter 2024. A coffee bar by day and wine bar by night, Dialtone Cafe is located on 1136 N Wells St. For those staying at Level Chicago - River North, you're in luck - all you have to do is take the elevator down to the main floor lobby and you'll find yourself looking right at the cafe.

PLAY & EXPLORE

Chicago Riverwalk
The Chicago Riverwalk
chicago 360 courtesy chicago 360.jpeg
360 Chicago

Green Mill - Green Mill is an uptown institution that was frequented by infamous Chicago gangster, Al Capone. But since Prohibition is a thing of the past, the club has made a name for itself for hosting live jazz. Take photos under the green glimmering marquee and step inside for an evening unlike no other (minus the gangsters).

The Chicago Riverwalk - The 1.25-mile long Chicago Riverwalk path includes four distinct districts: The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic and the Esplanade. The Riverwalk is a treasured natural amenity that allows a close proximity to the waterway while strolling past famous architecture. Grab a glass of wine at City Winery or a cold beer at Chicago Brewhouse. Boat and kayak rentals are also available for those wanting to get out on the water.

360 Chicago - Take the elevator to the 94th floor to 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, atop the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center for views of the city (and surrounding states) from 1,030 feet above the streets. Enjoy a cocktail at their bar and explore the interactive exhibits detailing the history of Chicago. But before you go, board a glass-enclosed platform that slowly tilts over the side of the building at a 30-degree angle (TILT tickets are available for purchase).

Millennium Park - Millennium Park is home to iconic public art installations such as Cloud Gate, also known as “the bean”, this 25-acre park is popular with everyone. Depending on the time of year, the park hosts all sorts of community events, arts programming and even has a 3.5-acre urban sanctuary, the Lurie Garden.

Rooftop Cinema Club - Located on the fifth-floor terrace of our sister property, The Emily Hotel, this outdoor cinema experience features a weekly lineup of timeless favorites viewed on a state-of-the-art LED screen with wireless headphones.

Navy Pier - Navy Pier, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, is one of the city's most popular attractions. Originally completed in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, Navy Pier has evolved over the decades into a premier entertainment and cultural venue. Extending over 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, it offers stunning views of the city skyline and the lake.

SHOP

Wicker Park Chicago via Getty
Wicker Park / Bucktown
Shopping Old Town Chicago
Old Town

Wicker Park / Bucktown - The bustling “six corners” area (the intersection of Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues) is dotted with trendy boutiques and hip vintage shops. Shop everything from locally inspired gifts to trendy vinyl, vintage couture, unusual jewelry and endless cups of excellent coffee in this mish mash neighborhood that offers a bit of everything. The main shopping area is along Milwaukee and Damen Avenues. Neighborhood favorites includeMyopic Books, Una Mae’s and Eskell, all of which have enough to keep pretty much anyone preoccupied as they meander throughout searching for treasures to take home.

Lakeview - Lakeview encompasses a bunch of smaller areas — East Lakeview, the Southport Corridor, Wrigleyville, and Northalsted (also known as Boystown), Chicago’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Head to Southport Avenue for popular chains mixed in with trendy boutiques. And along bustling Belmont Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, Clark Street, Halsted Street, and Broadway Street, you can hunt for both vintage feels as well as the latest designer clothes. If you are hunting Chicago Cubs gear or souvenirs, you’ll find lots of stores and stalls all around Wrigley Field. Also for a unique way to remember the city, visit Waxman Candles with candles and fragrances inspired by Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Old Town - Old Town today has most of the unique qualities of its former self. Because of this, the neighborhood has been able to keep its charm and uniqueness while still embracing change and development. Here you will find both bohemian chic paired with timeless charm. Luxury high-rises set among brownstones and historic Victorians. Small businesses dominate here in addition to small grocers like Marianos, which make it easy to grab and go so you can prepare delicious home-cooked meals from the comfort of your suite at Level Old Town.

Lincoln Park - Come here for the charming streets lined with both Victorian row houses but also local boutiques. The area around Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street is home to some of the city’s most popular shops. Check out All She Wrote, a charming stationary shop with thoughtful gifts, and also make a stop at Laudi Vidni (“individual” spelled backwards) for custom leather bags and accessories that are handcrafted and then shipped directly to you.

Gold Coast - The Gold Coast neighborhood in Chicago is one of the city’s most affluent and vibrant areas, known for its upscale shopping, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Located just north of downtown, it’s bounded roughly by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street.