Restaurants In Chicago

Chicago’s many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year-round — but they’re particularly stunning in the fall. That’s when you can see stunning red, orange, and gold foliage that turns the city into a picture-perfect autumn scene. Whether you’re strolling a lakefront park or a charming neighborhood, you’ll find fall colors in every corner of the city.

Here are some of the best spots to see fall colors in and near Chicago:

Lincoln Park

Nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic Lincoln Park is a local go-to for fall foliage. Stroll along the Nature Boardwalk at the south of Lincoln Park Zoo, an urban oasis framed with skyline views. Or walk through the manicured gardens outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory before heading to the secluded Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. And the North Pond area, near Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, stays lush all autumn long.

Millennium Park and Lurie Garden

See fall splendor right in the heart of downtown. Chicago’s Millennium Park is bursting with color each fall, from the leaves changing color near Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) to the hidden Lurie Garden teeming with native plant life.

Just south of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is framed by two charming courtyards. The North Garden and the South Garden, located along Michigan Avenue, both feature sculptures, fountains, solitude, and breathtaking fall colors.

Jackson Park

One of Chicago’s most historic parks is also one of its most scenic. Nestled on the lakefront edge of the bustling Hyde Park neighborhood, Jackson Park is best known as the site of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Fall is the perfect time to explore the park’s Garden of the Phoenix, an authentic Japanese garden set on a tranquil lagoon.

The Lakefront Trail

Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, which runs 18 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, is a scenic stretch that connects some of the city’s most popular green spaces. In autumn, it’s a great way to see much of Chicago’s best foliage. Walk or bike to explore different neighborhoods and see the changing leaves.

Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park in fall

Located in the vibrant Humboldt Park neighborhood, this sprawling park contains scenic lagoons connected by a prairie river, a manicured garden, ball fields, soccer fields, and a stunning boat house. Meander the winding paths or bring a blanket and have a picnic in the grass.

Columbus Park

This historic park in the Austin neighborhood, one of the nation’s only green spaces to be designated a National Historic Landmark, is a magical place in the fall. The foliage around the lagoon and waterfall in Columbus Park turns a vibrant array of colors, especially picturesque with the landmark Columbus Refectory in the background.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is known for its striking greenhouse (dubbed “landscape art under glass”), but the surrounding grounds are just as gorgeous. The 10 acres of outdoor gardens include beautiful themed areas, including the City Garden, Artist’s Garden, Sensory Garden, and more.

Washington Park

This historic park, home to the Dusable Black History Museum and Education Center, is filled with golden hues and vibrant leaves each autumn. Take a walk around the lagoon, admire the Harvest Garden, and snap a photo of the renowned Fountain of Time sculpture by Lorado Taft. The park connects directly to the Midway Plaisance, a scenic route to take between Washington Park and nearby Jackson Park.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photo courtesy Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is gorgeous in every season — but fall is one of the most popular times to visit. That’s when you can see Chicago Botanic’s 27 gardens, four natural areas, nine islands, and six miles of lake shoreline bursting with autumn splendor. Plus, a fun roster of fall events (like the popular Night of 1,000 Pumpkins) are all the more reason to take the trip out to suburban Glencoe.

Morton Arboretum

Photo courtesy Morton Arboretum
Photo courtesy Morton Arboretum

Can’t get enough of all those autumn leaves? Get your fall fix at Morton Arboretum, a sprawling living museum that’s home to more than 4,000 different types of trees. The Arboretum also offer tons of cool fall events, like the Scarecrow Trail, Cider and Ale Festival, and the Glass Pumpkin Patch.

The 606

An unexpected spot for some excellent leaf-peeping, The 606 is the perfect way to enjoy Chicago’s fall foliage. Not only is the trail itself beautifully landscaped, but the elevated path also offers the perfect vantage point to admire neighborhood parks and boulevards from above.

North Park Village Nature Center

Explore both woodland, wetland, prairie, and more at the North Park Village Nature Center. This sprawling natural oasis in the heart of the North Park neighborhood is an under-the-radar gem, especially around autumn.

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Chicago is home to an epic craft beer scene, featuring everything from experimental microbreweries to some of the biggest names in brewing. And now you can explore the city’s amazing breweries one pint at a time with the Chicago Brew Pass.

The new, limited-time pass lets you earn points by visiting participating breweries all around the city. It’s quick and easy to check in with your phone, no downloads or apps required. The more breweries you visit, the more points you accumulate. 

Points can be redeemed for exclusive prizes, including a branded beer can glass, a hat, and a sling bag. After 15 unique brewery visits, participants will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes for the ultimate Chicago weekend getaway, including a hotel room for two, theatre tickets, a dining gift card, and an attractions pass.

Check out the participating breweries and taprooms:

Casa Humilde Cerveceria
Cultivate by Forbidden Root
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
Twisted Hippo
Begyle Brewing
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company
Dovetail Brewery
DryHop Brewers
ERIS Brewery and Cider House
Goose Island Taproom
Haymarket Pub & Brewery
Hopewell Brewing Company
Illuminated Brew Works
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
Metropolitan Brewing
Midwest Coast Brewing Company
Old Irving Brewing Co.
Pilot Project Brewing
Revolution Brewing Brewpub
Spiteful Brewing Tap Room

Ready to start exploring Chicago’s brewery scene for yourself? Act fast — the Chicago Brew Pass closes on Jan. 31, 2024. Grab your Chicago Brew Pass today and start collecting points!

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Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean”, has been an iconic Chicago landmark since it was first unveiled in 2006. And after 17 years in the heart of Millennium Park, it’s time for The Bean’s home to get some needed upgrades.

Beginning August 2023, the plaza where The Bean is located will be undergoing renovations in order to enhance the visitor experience and improve the area’s accessibility.

During this time, public access and views of the sculpture will be limited; construction is expected to last through spring 2024. And while we’ll all miss The Bean during this temporary hiatus, there’s still so much to explore in and around Millennium Park and Chicago’s Loop.

Things to do in Millennium Park

Abel Arciniega :: @tequilagraphics

Chicago’s lakefront Millennium Park is one of the city’s most popular and beloved public spaces. The 24-acre park, located in the heart of the downtown Loop, is home to an array of public artworks, green spaces, gardens, dining, events, and more. Here’s what to check out while you’re there.

In the summer, Crown Fountain is the place to be. The twin sculptures display faces of real Chicagoans on soaring video displays, and double as a family-friendly splash zone in the warmer months.

The Pritzker Pavilion is a bucket-list venue that hosts some of the city’s most-attended events. The show-stopping steel bandshell, designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, is a sight to behold no matter the occasion. Grab a seat on the Great Lawn and enjoy free events like the Millennium Park Film Series, Millennium Park Music Series, and the Chicago Jazz Festival.

For a moment of zen, stop by the Lurie Garden. This botanical masterpiece displays a variety of native plants and flowers, all the more stunning with the city skyline as the backdrop.

Also in Millennium Park, the Boeing Galleries display rotating exhibits from modern and contemporary artists. Currently on display, don’t miss the candy-colored hand-blown glass works by Christine Tarkowski or the striking pavilion-like structure by Edra Soto.

Nearby, Maggie Daley Park is just a short walk over the winding BP Bridge. The whimsical playscape is perfect to let the kids run, jump, climb, and play.

Explore more in our guide to Millennium Park.

Public art around the Loop

Chicago’s Loop neighborhood may be the city’s bustling urban center, but it’s also packed with ground-breaking artwork, famous sculptures, and soaring murals. Here are just a few must-see pieces around the Loop.

Known as The Picasso, this soaring sculpture was gifted to the city by iconic artist Pablo Picasso. One of the city’s most well-known works, it’s located in Daley Plaza where it presides over year-round events.

The Four Seasons by Marc Chagall is a colorful mural composed of thousands of individual tiles that was originally assembled by the artist in France. The work displays six scenes of Chicago, including the city’s skyline.

You might recognize Flamingo by Alexander Calder from the classic Chicago movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The 53-foot tall, bright red sculpture is impossible to miss from its spot in Federal Plaza.

Located just across the street from Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center is home to various free public exhibits and events (like the Chicago Architecture Biennial), plus stunning architectural details like the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome.

The Wabash Arts Corridor in the nearby South Loop is a living urban canvas, home to dozens of large-scale murals that transform the area’s streets and alleys into a colorful outdoor museum.

Located on the Chicago River, Art on theMART is the world’s largest digital art platform. The mesmerizing display lights up the riverfront facade of theMART every evening throughout the season.

Check out our full guide to public art in and around Chicago’s Loop for more. Or if you want to explore outside the Loop, you can use this guide to street art and murals in Chicago’s neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for even more art, the Art Institute of Chicago is located on the Millennium Park campus and is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country.

The Bean construction FAQs

When will construction around The Bean begin?
Construction to The Bean’s plaza is set to begin around Aug. 15, 2023.

What is the construction around The Bean?
The construction is part of necessary maintenance by the city of Chicago to enhance the visitor experience and increase accessibility to the area around The Bean. This includes replacing pavers and making other repairs and upgrades to the plaza area.

Don’t worry, The Bean won’t be going anywhere and will remain unchanged when construction is complete.

When will the construction around The Bean be completed?
Construction around The Bean is currently scheduled to be completed in spring 2024.

Can you still see The Bean during construction?
During construction, there will be no public access to the area surrounding The Bean. Views of The Bean will be limited or partially obstructed throughout the construction period.

How can I see The Bean during construction?
You might be able to catch a glimpse of The Bean during construction from Cindy’s, just across the street from Millennium Park. The rooftop bar inside the Chicago Athletic Association features an open-air terrace with stunning views of Millennium Park from above.

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August is National Black Business Month, the perfect time to put a spotlight on Chicago’s wealth of Black-owned businesses. Chicago’s Black entrepreneurs are an integral part of the city’s fabric, spearheading everything from beloved restaurants to trendy boutiques to award-winning cultural institutions and beyond.

Here are just a few of Chicago’s Black-owned businesses that are worth a visit in August and all year round.

Black-owned restaurants

Soul Veg City in Greater Grand Crossing

Black-owned restaurants across Chicago are making a dynamic contribution to the food scene, with a huge selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants showcasing a variety of global cuisines.

Taste 222: This intimate spot near the Chicago River serves swanky vibes and an innovative menu.

AndySunflower Café: This cheerful cafe in Beverly has been brewing coffee and tea with love for more than a decade.

TeaPotBrew Bakery: A staple in the South Loop, this cafe offers a rotating selection of freshly made baked goods each day.

Bronzeville Winery: This buzzy restaurant in the Bronzeville neighborhood is both an art hub and a trendy eatery.

Slab BBQ: Located in South Shore, Slab is a family-owned spot that has a cult following for its premium barbecue.

Mima’s Taste of Cuba: This colorful restaurant brings the traditional dishes of Cuba and a welcoming vibe to Irving Park.

Bronzeville Winery, photo by Daniel Kelleghan

County BBQ: Enjoy house-smoked meats and craft beer on the patio at this casual joint in Little Italy. 

Sinha Elegant Cuisine: In the West Loop neighborhood, Sinha specializes in authentic, homemade Brazilian dishes. 

The SoulFood Lounge: Head to North Lawndale to taste comforting soul food dishes from all over the world. 

Soul Veg City: Even carnivores will love this vegan restaurant and food bar that’s been a Greater Grand Crossing staple for more than 40 years. 

Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar: This family-owned spot in the South Loop serves up Chicago-style pan pizza and classic pub grub.

Bonus! Get a taste of these Chicago-based Black-owned food businesses.

Tubby’s Taste Vegan Cookies: vegan cookies inspired by Jamaican flavors
Kikwetu Coffee: ethically-sourced Kenyan coffee and treats
Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream: hand-made small batch ice cream
Love Cork Screw: a woman-owned wine brand

Arts, entertainment, and more

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The creative spirit of Chicago’s Black community is showcased in galleries, theatres, arts venues, and cultural experiences throughout the city.

Buddy Guy’s Legends: One of the city’s premier blues clubs, Buddy Guy’s is owned by the legendary musician himself. 

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Immerse yourself in Black history, culture, and art at this Washington Park museum.

Gallery Guichard: Explore art from the African diaspora in this acclaimed Bronzeville gallery.

Gallery Guichard; photo by
Abel Arciniega @tequilagraphics

Chicago Mahogany Tours: Delve into the fascinating, lesser known stories of Chicago’s historically Black neighborhoods. 

Black Ensemble Theater: In Uptown, the renowned Black Ensemble Theater showcases diverse stories through musical theatre.

Eta Creative Arts: This cultural treasure brings the African American aesthetic to life on stage, while also supporting Black artists. 

Red Clay Dance Company: An Afro-Contemporary dance group, the Red Clay Dance Company is a dynamic ensemble that performs throughout the city. 

Black-owned shops

There are plenty of Black-owned shops, boutiques, wellness spaces, and more to seek out and support in Chicago.

Boxville in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood; photo by Eric Allix Rogers

Essential Elements: Shop a carefully curated selection of women’s clothing and accessories in this Avalon Park boutique. 

The Silver Room: A neighborhood hub and eclectic boutique, The Silver Room houses jewelry, fashion, art, and more 

BLACKLION: In the historic Motor Row district, BLACKLION offers decor and furniture for all styles and budgets.

Far South CDC Marketplace: Browse wares from a variety of Black-owned small businesses at this community marketplace in West Pullman.

Boxville: In Bronzeville, this open-air marketplace offers local entrepreneurs spaces for building their businesses and also features live music, events, and more.

 

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The always-bustling, artsy-at-heart Wicker Park neighborhood is where you’ll find vintage stores, record shops, and underground music venues nestled next to award-winning eateries, cool coffee houses, and popular fashion outposts. 

Along with neighboring Bucktown, both areas are beloved by residents and visitors — simultaneously classic and trendy, while remaining welcoming and walkable. You could spend all day exploring and discovering neighborhood haunts and hidden gems, but I’ll give you a rundown on just a few of my favorite places. 

Where to eat and drink in Wicker Park

Restaurants

Wondering where you should stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between? Don’t worry, Wicker Park has a wealth of different all-day options for every palette. 

For some of the best breakfasts in the neighborhood, try Dove’s Luncheonette — a modern diner with an unexpected menu of Southern-inspired Mexican cuisine. And Savannah Luncheonette is another great breakfast option located in Bucktown. Here you can find Southern classics like hot chicken or biscuits and gravy along with a bottomless brunch cocktail special. 

Speaking of Southern food, Ina Mae Tavern is not to be skipped if you’re a fan of creole cuisine like gumbo, po’ boys, and etouffee. 

 

Check out Tortello for delicious, handcrafted pasta in a casual counter-service setting. If you’re looking for vegan and vegetarian options or just want to enjoy some great veggie-forward fare, try Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen.

Other great dinner options include pan-Latin restaurant Amaru, with a colorful menu and decor to match. Or head to Mama Delia, where you can split Spanish tapas with a group of friends. 

Etta, also great for groups, has wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and farm-fresh salads that make the perfect shareable plates. Jack’s Bistro is another nice option for casual dining. Enjoy craft cocktails and charcuterie by the bar or enjoy French-inspired fare on their breezy patio.

Bars and nightlife

Rich with options ranging from dive bars to craft cocktail lounges and everything in between, Wicker Park is one of the city’s best neighborhoods for bar hopping. 

If you’re looking for a cocktail experience you can brag about, check out the award-winning bar program at The Violet Hour or the colorful, imaginative cocktails over at Machine: Engineered Dining and Drink. 

For drinks with a magical touch, head over to The Cauldron for a potion-making class where you’ll craft a few enchanted concoctions in a scene straight out of your favorite world of wizarding. 

Try Emporium Wicker Park for a wide selection of arcade games or Big Mini Putt Club to attempt a hole-in-one on any of their creative courses. Estelle’s is another neighborhood staple that’s been serving cocktails until late at night since 1999, it’s the quintessential cocktail lounge for a nightcap. 

What to do in Wicker Park

Adam Alexander Photography

Shopping

In Wicker Park and Bucktown, you’ll find 20+ year old vintage shops, popular brands, and small boutiques with unique offerings dotted throughout the neighborhood. The intersections of North, Damen, and Milwaukee Avenues (known as the Six Corners) is a great place to start. And Division Street just west of the Division Blue Line stop is another great area for shopping. 

If you’re looking for vintage clothing, dig through the racks at Vintage Underground, Kokorokoko, or Belmont Army. If you’re in the market for something shiny and new, check out the carefully curated selection of clothes and accessories at Gemini or the on-trend picks from Penelope’s.

If you’d rather shop for gifts and decor than a new wardrobe, Asrai Gardens is known for their handmade goods, fine jewelry, and magical oddities. Browse the pages of the various pieces of pre-loved literature at Myopic Books or sample some lo-fi tunes at Reckless Records.

For kids, take them to browse the shelves at The Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. for you guessed it, spy gear! It’s a great option for curious kids. 

Music venues

Wicker Park and Bucktown are home to some of the oldest and newest music venues in the city. Subterranean is famous for its multi-level set-up and iconic history as the city’s go-to spot for underground and undiscovered acts. 

At one of the city’s newest music venues, The Salt Shed, you’ll find an indoor/outdoor experience and a star-studded lineup at the renovated Morton Salt complex on the Chicago River.

And if you came to dance and party the night away, Concord Music Hall in nearby Bucktown is the place to be. 

Theatres

Chopin Theatre; photo by Cindy Fandl

Whether you’re looking to take in a musical, some improv, a standup set or something a bit more experimental. Wicker Park has a venue for you to experience some arts and culture on your visit to the neighborhood. 

For more than 100 years, The Chopin Theatre hosts music, film, and social events ranging from avant-garde to classic.

The Den Theatre is both a neighborhood and city-wide favorite that has remained a staple in Chicago’s entertainment and comedy scene for over a decade. 

Outdoors

Head over to the 2.7-mile stretch of repurposed rail line, The 606, for an elevated view of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The popular trail is perfect for biking, running, and walking — or exploring the many parks, public artworks, murals, bars, and restaurants along the way.

Wicker Park Fest, courtesy of Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce

Events

One of Chicago’s most anticipated summer events is the annual Wicker Park Fest, an outdoor street festival with a solid music lineup, local food, and lots of unique crafts and vendors.

In the area on a Sunday? Start your day at the seasonal Wicker Park Farmers Market — you’ll find fresh baked goodies, local artisan crafts, and local food stalls in addition to fresh produce. 

Nearby, the Bucktown Garden Walk showcases dozens of local gardens, plus a neighborhood block party, each summer.

Where to stay in Wicker Park

Cabana Club at The Robey

Hotels

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Wicker Park, The Robey is set right in the heart of the neighborhood, featuring beautiful rooms with luxury finishes. It also boasts some of Wicker Park’s most popular bars and restaurants. You don’t have to leave the building for experiences like city views and frozen drinks by a rooftop pool at Cabana Club or arcade games, billiards, and finger foods at the ’90s tiki-inspired bar, Clever Coyote. 

How to get to Wicker Park

CTA Blue Line

Public transit

Wicker Park is incredibly accessible via public transportation. Take the CTA Blue Line to any of the following stops:

The Division Blue Line sits in a bustling corner of Wicker Park, near the Chopin Theatre and tons of restaurants and bars along Division and Milwaukee Avenues.
Get off at the Damen Blue Line stop and you’ll find yourself right in the midst of all the action of the Six Corners — the vibrant intersection where North, Milwaukee, and Damen Avenues meet.

Wicker Park is a straight shot for travelers flying into the city from O’Hare Airport on the Blue Line.

If you’re flying in from Midway, take the Orange Line to Clark/Lake, where you can transfer to the Blue Line toward O’Hare.

There are also several CTA bus routes that travel through Wicker Park, including the 56 Milwaukee, 72 North, 50 Damen, and the 70 Division.

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