Search This Blog

Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago. Show all posts

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free Chicago Museum Days


Free Museum days for Illinois residents to Chicago museums is a great perk.  Chicago has some world renown museums and visiting the museums on free days is helpful on the wallet.  

The free museum dates have been announced by most museums and here is the list for Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and others.



Adler Planetarium


Adler Planetarium has free museum days for Illinois residents:

  • Every Wednesday evening from 4 – 10 p.m.

All tickets must be reserved online and in advance.




Art Institute of Chicago


Offers free admission days for Illinois residents during particular days of the year.

Free museum days in 2024 for Illinois residents at the Art Institute of Chicago are:
  • Thursday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free admission tickets for Illinois residents must be reserved online in advance.

Note:  The Art Institute is always free for Chicago teens under the age of 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators.




Chicago History Museum


Free admission on select holidays and dates throughout the year are available to Illinois residents.

The announced dates for Illinois residents to receive free admission are on the following days in 2024 - 25:
  • Dec. 18
  • Jan. 20 – 24, 28 – 31, 2025
  • Feb. 4 – 7, 11 – 14, 17, 18 – 21, 25 – 28, 2025
Note:  Always free for active duty military and veterans, active duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12.




Field Museum


Offers free basic admission, plus discounted passes to explore a ticketed exhibition or enjoy a 3D movie, for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Free museum days at the Field Museum in 2024:
  • Every Wednesday all year long
Tickets for free days are only available onsite.  Free tickets include all general admission exhibitions, such as Evolving Planet, The Ancient Americas, and Inside Ancient Egypt.



Museum of Science and Industry


Offers free admission for Illinois residents on select dates throughout the year.

Here are the free admission days announced for the Museum of Science and Industry for 2024:

  • None remaining in 2024

Note:  The Museum is always free for United States military active-duty personnel and veterans, Illinois POWs, Chicago firefighters, Chicago police officers and Illinois teachers (Pre-K through 12th grade).




Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum


Offering suggested donation admission where Illinois Residents can enjoy free admission during these Suggested Donation Days,:

  • Every Thursday the museum is open for Illinois residents. Visitors can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days or support the museum with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission.

Note:  Always free for active-duty service members with ID and their families, Illinois teachers, and children under three.





Shedd Aquarium


Illinois residents receive free access to all permanent exhibits, including special exhibits Underwater Beauty and seasonal Stingray Touch, on select dates throughout the year.

Upcoming free evenings (5 p.m. – 9 p.m.) for Illinois residents at the Shedd Aquarium in 2024:
  • Dec. 3, 10, 17

Note:  Advance reservations are required; no tickets will be available onsite.  All adults must provide proof of residency in-person when redeeming tickets at the discounted rate.



Saturday, January 7, 2023

What are the Best Chicago Brunch Places?

What are the Best Chicago Brunch Places?

Chicago is known for its world famous food scene and past posts have provided insight on some Chicago Best Restaurants and best taco places in the area.  Now we take a look at some of the best brunch places in Chicago.      

We take a look at eight (8) frequently recommended brunch places among Facebook users in the Chicago area.  



Lou Mitchell's


About:  Iconic diner serving hearty breakfasts & lunches since 1923.  Located near the Sears (Willis) Tower on Jackson Boulevard.

Brunch Menu Includes:  Fluffy Jumbo Omelettes, Pancakes and Waffles, Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Country Style Sausage Gravy, Coffee Cake, Doughnuts, Marinated Skirt Steak, Baked Meat Loaf, Burgers, Chicken, etc.

Address:  565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Phone:  (312) 939-3111

Google Stars:  4.6

Price Range:  $$




Cindy’s Rooftop

About:  This restaurant offers one of the best rooftop dining and brunch experiences Chicago has to offer.  Frequently recommended by folks on Facebook.  Cindy’s is atop the Chicago Athletic Association north of the Art Institute and across the street from Millennium Park.

Brunch Menu includes

  • Drinks:  DIY Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Coffee, Tea, Espresso
  • Food:  Oysters On The Half Shell, Smoked Salmon, and Buttermilk Pancakes.  

Address:  12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Phone:  (312) 792-3502

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$$




Honeybear café

About:  Local, family-owned restaurant in the Rogers Park neighborhood offering a full service menu of breakfast and lunch items.  Frequently mentioned on Facebook as a great Chicago Brunch spot.  

Breakfast Menu includes:   Biscuits and Gravy, Huevos Rancheros, Skillets, Vegan Tofu Scrambler, Omelets, Crepes, French Toast, and lots more 

Address:  7036 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626

Phone:  (773) 754-7450

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$



Beatrix

About:  Neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Oak Brook and Loop neighborhoods.  Brunch Served Saturday & Sunday until 3:00pm

Brunch Menu includes:   

  • Drinks:  Mimosas, Bloody Mary, Martinis, Margarita, Fresh squeezed juices
  • Food:  Prime Steak & Eggs, French Toast, Pancakes, and more . . .

Locations:  

Google Stars:  4.5

Price Range:  $$



Frances' Brunchery

About:  Landmark in Lincoln Park for over eighty (80) years – serving diners breakfast, lunch, and brunch (before it was even a thing).  Serving daily 9 AM – 3 PM.

Breakfast Menu includes:   French Toast, Omelets, Pancakes, Waffles, Homemade Sausage patties, Skillets, and more.

Address:  2552 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Phone:  (773) 248-4580

Google Stars:  4.4

Price Range:  $$




Beatnik On The River 

About:   Mediterranean restaurant with a funky-ornate setting with riverfront seats offers a favorite Weekend Brunch experience. Hear world beats by DJs in a riverfront terrace (heated and enclosed with clear panels during cooler months), and sip on tropical drinks while enjoying brunch.

Brunch Menu includes:   Tomato & Avocado Toast, Cubano Breakfast Sandwich, Vegan Chilaquiles, bakery items, and more

Address:  180 N Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Phone:  (312) 526-3345

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$$




Wake ‘n Bacon

About:  Trendy destination with extensive, locally sourced international brunch menu.  A unique brunch with American, Asian, and Latin flavors paired with fun cocktails.   Note:  Reservations Are Required For a Table

Breakfast Menu includes:   

  • Drinks:  Coffee, Tea, Specialty Drinks, Cocktails, Beer
  • Food:  Spiced Maple Chicken 'n Waffles, Berry Bliss Crepes, French Toast, Pancakes, Eggs, and a variety of other unique dishes

Address:  420 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone:  (773) 880-5100

Google Stars:  4.2

Price Range:  $$




Yolk

About:  Café chain serving creative breakfast dishes & sandwiches in a cheery, contemporary atmosphere.

Breakfast Menu includes:   Eggs Benedict, Combos, Avocado Toast, Skillets, Omelets, pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more 

Address:  Multiple locations throughout Chicago and Illinois – see website for addresses

Google Stars:  4.1 – 4.4 **Depending on the location

Price Range:  $$



Final Thought

Chicago is home to a wide variety of great food and these venues offer a flavorful and unique experience.   So if you are in Chicago and are looking for great brunch or breakfast places try one of these Facebook user favorites.  Leave a comment on any additional brunch places you recommend and we will research it.   Enjoy!! 


Thursday, November 3, 2022

Christmas in Chicago

Christmas in Chicago:  2022 Guide

The Christmas Holiday season in Chicago is magical with great excitement and seasonal celebrations.  Christmas in Chicago is truly special as the city comes to life.  The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park are decorated and vibrant during this magical time of year with folks ice skating in Millennium Park or viewing the majestic Chicago Christmas Tree.

Chicago celebrates Christmas like no other with special exhibits, pub crawls, dazzling Holiday light displays, live theatre productions, magical holiday transportation, and many shops and Christmas markets during the Christmas Holiday season in Chicago.  Christmas in Chicago is so magical that we have put this ultimate Christmas Guide to Christmas in Chicago for your convenience.

Included is a special Christmas Gift - see video of Christmas in Chicago below.

Updated:  December 8, 2022


Table Of Contents

** Additional Chicago area events are found on the Festivals and Events page. **


Christmas in Chicago Video




Merry Christmas!!

Looking for Christmas gifts?

  • We offer a selection of Merchandise, Journals, and "Create Your Own Recipe" books on the Available Products and  Available Books page
  • Order by December 15, 2022 for delivery before Christmas

Dazzling Holiday Lights

ZooLights at Lincoln Park zoo - The Lincoln Park zoo is decked out and lit up by more than 2.5 million colorful lights.  Includes moving displays set to music, wonderful ice sculptures, and much more.  Lincoln Park zoo also usually offers special events like an adult night out and pop-up bar.


Brookfield Zoo hosts a Holiday Magic Display - Christmas in Chicago means Brookfield Zoo is decked out with Christmas decorations and more than 1 million twinkling LED lights.  It includes a 600 foot long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored lights synchronized to music.

  • Dates:  Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022 (Select Dates)
  • Tickets must be purchased in advance:  $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children aged between 3 and 11.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo - Holiday Magic


Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape - This illuminated and immersive experience has visitors explore the botanic garden after dark.  The glow of twinkling lights is mesmerizing with different installations around every corner of the walking path.  

  • Dates:   November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape
Chicago Botanic Lightscape



Illumination:  Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle -  This is a dazzling illuminated outdoor experience set to music.  The mile long path winds through the arboretum and offers magical and captivating lighting displays.  Along the trek cozy up by the fires, grab some hot chocolate, or make some s’mores.

  • Dates:  November 19, 2022 - January 7, 2023


Shine Light Show - Schaumburg, Illinois - Schaumburg’s Largest Drive-Thru World Of Lights At Wintrust Field – Home Of the Schaumburg Boomers is back for Christmas in Chicago for a 2nd year.

  • Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023


Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont - Includes five illuminated villages with millions of sparkling lights, custom 3D holiday features, ice tube slide, holiday train adventure, mouth-watering food and drink and more.

  • Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023


See the Chicago Christmas Tree - The massive tree lights up the heart of iconic Millennium Park.  It is adorned in twinkling lights and makes the perfect holiday photo opp. The tree shines brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

  • Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Chicago Christmas Tree
Chicago Christmas Tree


Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade -  A thrilling holiday celebration: A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants.

  • Date:  November 19, 2022


Magical Christmas Drive Thru at Santa's Village Dundee - Enjoy over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music, dazzling displays,  and Santa himself.  At the end of the route you are able to park and enjoy the new 300 foot tube slide and entertainment.

  • Dates:  November 25 - December 30, 2022 (Select Dates)




Free Holiday Walking Tour

Chicago Holiday Tour - The tour takes you through parts of downtown Chicago and get to visit some of Chicago's favorite holiday spots, visit the traditional Chicago Christmas tree, scope out good places for ice skating, and discover places to grab an indulgent dessert.  This free tour walking tour is guided by Free Tours by Foot, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.  Reservations are required ahead of time at Chicago Holiday Tour.

  • Dates:  November 20, 26-27 and December 2 - 4, 9 - 11, 16 - 18
  • Duration:  Approx. 1.5 hours. Total walking a bit over one mile (1.6km)
  • Start Location:  The Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 by the cow statue



Winter Wonderlands

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier - A massive indoor holiday experience includes an authentic beer garden, a gift market, activities for kids, and a light garden made of large-scale sculptures. Also the indoor Alpine ice rink means skating thrills without any of the chills.

  • Dates:  November 25, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Winterland at Gallagher Way – This includes family-friendly activities, new interactive experiences, along with returning favorites, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the Gallagher Ice Rink, with the rink now located inside the iconic ballpark.  

  • Dates:  Friday, November 18, 2022, through Sunday, January 8, 2023



Magical Holiday Transportation

CTA Holiday Train – This is a beloved Chicago tradition.  A CTA holiday train makes its way through the city usually in December.   The six-car train is decorated with holiday scenes and thousands of sparkling lights. Hop on board to meet the elves handing out candy. Don’t forget to wave to Santa, whose sled replaces the head car. 

  • Dates:  November 25th through December 19th select dates and CTA Lines


CTA Holiday Bus – The CTA Holiday bus will traverse the city streets. 

  • Dates:  November 29th through December 23rd select dates and routes


Metra Holiday Train - New in 2022 - Experience holiday magic on the Metra Electric Line 3 Saturdays in December.  The special holiday train with Santa and Mrs. Claus brings you to the North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station.

  • Dates:  December 3, 10 and 17 ** tickets go on sale November 21st


Polar Express Train Ride from Union Station – Sorry not available in 2022.  Expect back in Christmas 2023




Christmas Restaurant Traditions

Walnut Room - inside Macy’s on State Street.  The historic restaurant is an essential holiday destination. The Walnut Room is adorned with elegant décor and sparkling chandeliers, with the towering Great Tree in the center of it all.

  • Dates:  Begins November 5, 2022 – Reservations all full, sorry

Christmas Tree at Walnut Room
Macy's Walnut Room




Holiday Pub Crawls


SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL & COCKTAIL CRAWL - Sample different holiday-themed cocktails at this event

  • Date:  December 2, 2022 

TBOX: Twelve Bars of Christmas – Chicago’s most popular bar crawl returns to Wrigleyville.  

  • Date:  Saturday December 10, 2022

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl – Put on your ugliest Christmas attire and join this bar crawl. 

  • Date:  Saturday December 17, 2022  




Magical Christmas Shopping and Markets

Chicago is a great place for Holiday shopping as it offers many shopping districts and options.  


Merry Christmas
Christmas in Chicago


Here is a run down of some of the shopping options:

  • The Magnificent Mile – this is one of the world’s most iconic retail destinations including Water Tower Place.  Many famous department stores and favorite chains exist along the Magnificent Mile, as well, as tons of twinkling lights to dazzle shoppers throughout the Christmas season
  • State Street – just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile is another wonderful shopping option where the iconic Macy’s on State Street is located.  Macy’s offers their annual Holiday Windows and the Great Tree inside the historic Walnut Room.
  • Christkindlmarket - Authentic German Christmas market  This is a free-admission event featuring local vendors.  On sale are traditional German crafts and treats, hot mulled wine, hand-knit gloves, beautiful glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, and other special holiday items and treats.
    • Available at 3 locations: 

      1. Aurora:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
      2. Chicago:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
      3. Wrigleyville:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, 2022


  • Woodfield Mall – Schaumburg, IL  - One of the most iconic retail destinations in the suburbs of Chicago is Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL.  Lots of good department stores and favorite chains are available at Woodfield mall for your Holiday shopping needs.  
    • Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173

  • Randolph Street Market - Find the unusual and stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, art, hostess gifts and more from 125 vendors! Enjoy the market bar for a bloody mary, beer, wine or champagne and local eateries while browsing vendors on three floors in the Plumbers Hall building!

  • Other Chicago Holiday markets:



Museum Holiday Magic

A few Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun as well:

Museum of Science and Industry - hosts the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. In Holiday of Lights, the museum honors the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.

  • Dates:  Nov. 16, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023


Art Institute of Chicago - The museum’s beloved lions will welcome you wearing holiday wreaths, while inside, a world of treasures await — the soaring new Tiffany Window, the ever-popular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche, a thought-provoking and expansive exhibition by Barbara Kruger, and visitor favorites from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and Warhol.

Art Institute Wreathed Lion
Art Institute Lion


Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum - Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family and visit with Santa Claus on the train.  Treats and hot chocolate will be served.

  • Dates:  November 25 - Dec. 18, 2022 (Select Dates)



Theatre – Holiday productions

The magic of Christmas is foretold in Chicago’s live theatre holiday productions.  Check out one of these performances:





Chicago Theatre
Chicago Theatre



    • Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 
      • Dates:  November 25 – December 30, 2022

  • Ruth Page’s ‘The Nutcracker’ College of Lake County
    • Date:  Two (2) shows December 17, 2022
    • At James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
    • Address:  19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL
    • Phone:  (847) 543-2300




Ice Skating

Chicago offers several places to put on the ice skates and skate indoors or outdoors

Millennium Park Ice skating rink - Admission to the ice rink is free but online tickets will be required

  • Dates:  November 18, 2022 - March 5, 2023 (weather permitting)


Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon — online reservation is needed

  • Dates:  Nov. 18, 2022 - Mar. 5, 2023 (weather permitting)

Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park - Ice Skating Ribbon


Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park -  1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago, IL 60637


Gallagher Way rink in Wrigleyville - 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613


Navy Pier indoor Alpine ice rink - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611


For a list of additional Ice skating locations in the Chicago area view Chicago Ice Skating.


For other places to see in Chicago visit the Travel page.



Saturday, October 29, 2022

Chicago - The Movie Town

Chicago - A City destined to be in the Movies

Chicago is a pretty famous movie city especially with its great architecture and sky line.  The film industry and Hollywood has a long history of filming movies in Chicago as the back drop for blockbuster movies and television shows throughout the years.  Thanks to the Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, big time movie productions are attracted to the city and its sites for filming movies.  

The Chicago Film Office has had great success in attracting feature film production, television series, and other film productions including commercials and documentaries to film in the city of Chicago.  More than 1,100 television productions and feature films have been filmed in Chicago since 1980.  Movie titles include The Untouchables, The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Home Alone and many more.  

Several recent television programs are either partially or entirely filmed in Chicago including Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.

The Chicago Film Office reports the first film shot in Chicago is The Tramp and the Dog in 1896 and thousands of movies have been filmed in Chicago ever since.  

We developed this guide of film locations for Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Med TV shows and 5 of the best movies filmed in Chicago (The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, The Untouchables and Blue Brothers).


Chicago PD Film Locations

The Pilsen neighborhood around 18th Street is often used in the filming of Chicago PD.  Restaurants and Pubs used in the filming of Chicago PD include:

  • Boni Vino Pizza: 111 W. Van Buren St.
  • Lou Mitchell’s: 565 W. Jackson Blvd.
  • Original Ferrara Bakery: 2210 W. Taylor St.
  • Bridgeport Restaurant: 3500 S. Halsted St.
  • White Palace Grill:  1159 S. Canal St. 
  • Lottie’s Pub: 1924 W. Cortland St.
  • Maria’s Packaged Goods And Community Bar: 960 W. 31st St.
  • The Village Inn: 4035 S. Wallace St.


District 21 Police Station:  The UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St. is used as Chicago PD’s District 21.  This is a real working police station so don’t be surprised if you can’t get a tour inside.


Chicago Fire Film Locations

Firehouse 51:  All of the exterior shots of the Chicago Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire are shot on location at the working Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 firehouse located at:   1360 S. Blue Island Avenue.   A must see for fans of the television show and it is quite possible you will catch the stars of the show in action

Chicago Fire Academy:  Located at 558 W. De Koven Street.  This modern building makes many appearances in the television show.  And is nearby the location of where the Great Chicago Fire began in 1871.

Molly’s Pub:  Scenes for Molly’s pub were originally shot inside Lottie’s Pub at 1924 W. Cortland St.  Going into Lottie’s Pub feels like walking on set and the pub has the Chicago Fire burger on the menu.


Chicago Med Film Locations

Graceland Cemetery4001 N. Clark St.  The Chicago Med characters found themselves in Graceland Cemetery for a graveside ceremony.  This cemetery is the final resting place for many famous historical people - public figures, architects, famous inventors, and baseball and boxing greats so it is worth the trip to see.

Gaffney Medical Center:  The hospital that stands in for the Gaffney Medical Center in the show is located at 1653 W. Congress Parkway and is part of the Rush University Medical Center. This is the home base for the show.  


The Dark Knight (2008) Movie Locations  

Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger as the Joker, Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes was filmed partly in Chicago.  These are the main film locations.

Wayne Enterprise and Bruce Wayne film locations:

  • Wayne Enterprise Headquarters:  Richard J Daley Center, Daley Plaza, Washington Street
  • Wayne Enterprise Boardroom:  IBM Building, 330 North Wabash Avenue
  • Wayne Enterprises Applied Science Division:  West Building, McCormick Place, 2301 South Indiana Avenue 
  • Bruce Wayne's penthouse:  Wyndham Grand, 71 East Wacker Drive 


Harvey Dent Scenes:

  • Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes at the opera:  Chicago Theatre, 175 North State Street 
  • Harvey Dent fundraiser:  Illinois Center Buildings, 111 East Wacker Drive
  • Dent turns up as bartender:  Twin Anchors, 1665 North Sedgwick Street, Old Town 


Gotham General Hospital and Evacuation of Gotham City

  • Location of Gotham General Hospital:  401 North Cicero Avenue 
  • Evacuation of Gotham City: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue 


Other Movie Scenes:

  • Opening Robbery film location:  Chicago Post Office, 404 West Harrison Street 
  • Scarecrow Arrested:  Parking Garage, 200 West Randolph Street

  • Maroni arrested:  The Berghoff, 17 West Adams Street 
  • Dark Knight looks down on the city:  Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive
  • Emergence of the Batpod:  Millennium Park Metra Station 
  • Truck flipped over:  South La Salle Street 
  • Lamborghini chase:  Lake Street, between Upper Wacker Drive and State Street
  • Final face-off with Joker:  Trump Tower, 401 North Wabash Avenue 


Home Alone (1990) Movie Locations:

Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was filmed in Winnetka a north suburb of Chicago.  Here are the main film locations for the movie.

  • McCallister Home:  671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
  • Mitch Murphy's home:  656 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
  • Exterior church scene:  Trinity United Methodist Church - 1024 W. Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, USA
  • Railroad track bridge scene:  Hubbard Woods Metra Station - 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
  • Interior church scene:  Grace Episcopal Church - 924 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, USA
  • Airport Scene:  O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Pharmacy scene:  Panera Bread Company--formerly Hubbard Woods Pharmacy - 940 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Illinois, USA


The Untouchables (1987) Movie Locations

  • Ballroom where Capone kills guy with baseball bat:  Blackstone Hotel - 636 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Front entrance and main lobby used as Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Roosevelt University - 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Chase between Ness and Nitt:  Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington Street, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

  • Interior of Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Chicago Theatre - 175 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Ness's house:  2030 W 22nd Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Chicago Board of Trade:  141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
  • Ness meets Malone:  Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago, IL
  • Ness meets Malone:  Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica National Shrine - 3121 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Police headquarters:  209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Malone's house:  4600 S Calumet Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • USPS office:  208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Union Station: Canal St. & Jackson Blvd., Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Street scenes:  South LaSalle St
  • The raid:  917 W 19th Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Location of the Untouchables’ office:  Rookery Building - 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604


Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Movie Locations

  • Cameron's house and Ferrari garage:  370 Beach Street, Highland Park, Illinois, USA
  • Katie Bueller's real estate office:  583 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
  • Running home scenes:  Butternut Lane, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
  • Chez Quis Restaurant exteriors:  22 West Schiller Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Baseball game:  Wrigley Field - 1060 West Addison Street, Lake View, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Scene in cab next to dad:  300 block S. Financial Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Ferrari jump scene:  1549 S Clark St. Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • School exteriors: Glenbrook North High School - 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
  • Woods Theater is seen in background in shots during the parade sequence:  54 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA


Blue Brothers (1980) Movie Locations

  • Elwood’s apartment:  Unfortunately, Elwood’s apartment didn’t stand the test of time. It is a small park, today, that sits in front of 327 S. Plymouth Court.
  • Soul Food Café:  807 W. Maxwell St.
  • Police car pileup:  Lake St. and LaSalle St., Lower Wacker – around 190 N. LaSalle Street
  • Chez Paul Restaurant:  660 N. Rush St
  • James Brown church scene:  Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago - 9114 S. Burley Ave.
  • The nazis take a swim:  Bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago - 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
  • The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall  at 121 N. LaSalle St.


Other Notable movies filmed in Chicago:

  • Risky Business (1982)
  • Sixteen Candles (1983)
  • The Color of Money (1986)
  • A League of Their Own (1991)
  • The Fugitive (1993)
  • High Fidelity (2000)
  • Public Enemies (2008)
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street (2009)


Final Thoughts

Chicago is a great city for movie production.  The Chicago Film Office website has a complete list of movies filmed at least in part in Chicago.  The Chicago Film Office website is available here.  Plan in some of these locations on your next trip to Chicago.    

 

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Taco Chicago - Best Taco places in Chicago

Chicago Best Tacos

On September 8, 2022, Secret Chicago published an article titled “The 20 Best Places To Get Tacos In Chicago” and it includes a list of the “best of the bunch” taco joints.

The culmination of Chicago's world famous food scene and a large Mexican population blesses Chicago with some fantastically great taquerias.  

Let's take a look at the top twelve (12) in the list which comprise the most reliable, affordable, and unique locations for the best tacos around Chicago.  The list includes small corner venues to upscale locations.

In looking at the Chicago neighborhoods where these taco places are located - Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower West Side, and Midway Airport area are all fortunate to have 3 of the top 12 taco places each.

Top 12 taco places by Neighborhood:


Taco, Taco, Taco - Top 12 Taco places in Chicago


1.)  Antique Taco


Antique Taco - Chicago Best Taco


  • AboutFarmers market style tacos & margaritas, made from scratch with the best local and seasonal ingredients served up counter service  style
  • Top menu pick:  Garlic Shrimp Taco
  • Two (2) Locations:
    • Wicker Park Neighborhood
      • Address:  1360 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
      • Phone:  773.687.8697
    • Bridgeport Neighborhood
      • Address:  1000 W 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
      • Phone:  773.823.9410


2.)  Taqueria El Asadero

  • AboutTacos, burritos & homemade chips with salsa draw crowds to this no-frills, cash-only Mexican staple.  Serves only choice beef, the best guacamole, and uses locally grown ingredients
  • Top menu pick: Carne Asada Taco (Grilled skirt steak)
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Square
    • Address:  2213 W Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
    • Phone:  (773) 583-5563


3.)  Carnitas Uruapan


Carnitas Uruapan - Best Taco Chicago


  • AboutLegendary destination for those whose palates crave authentic carnitas from Michoacan, Mexico.  
  • Top menu pick:  Tacos De Carnitas
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Gage Park (near Midway Airport)
    • Address:  2813 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
    • Phone:  (773) 424-7617


4.) Rojo Gusano

  • AboutCreative tacos & other modern Mexican eats served with mezcal in relaxed, beach-inspired surroundings
  • Top menu pick:  Mixed Mushroom Taco (Taco de Hongos)
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Lakeview
    • Address:  4217 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL  60613
    • Phone:  773-360-1628


5.)  L’ Patron


L'Patron Tacos


  • About:  Laid-back Mexican restaurant featuring tacos & other street food in an industrial setting with a patio.  Always Fresh, Amazing, & Made to Order.
  • Top menu pick:  Carne Asada Taco
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Logan Square
    • Address:  3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
    • Phone:  (773) 799-8066


6.) Del Seoul


  • About: No-frills counter-service eatery with Asian fusion eats like Korean BBQ tacos & banh mi sandwiches. Keeping things fresh and unique.  Del Seoul believes in popular, not trendy and customer-focused and food-focused is the only way to go.  
  • Top menu pick:  Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Park
    • Address:  2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 
    • Phone:  (773) 248-4227


7.)  BIG & Little’s


BIG & Little’s - Chicago Best Taco


  • AboutCasual counter-serve eatery featuring seafood & meat tacos, along with po’ boys, burgers & fries.
  • Top menu pick:  The BIG & LITTLE’S Taco
  • Three (3) Locations:
    • Lakeview Neighborhood
      • Address: 1034 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
      • Phone: (773) 857-6677
    • Wicker Park Neighborhood
      • Address: 1310 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
      • Phone: (773) 698-7777
    • Midway Airport Location
      • Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave Concourse B, Gate 15, Chicago, IL 60638


8.)  Big Star


  • AboutMexican street food, plus margaritas, bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, lively scene at this funky hangout
  • Top menu pick:  Papas Con Rajas Taco
  • Two (2)  Locations:
    • Wicker Park Neighborhood
      • Address:  1531 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
      • Phone:  773-235-4039
    • Lakeview Neighborhood (Wrigleyville area)
      • Address:  3640 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL  60613
      • Phone:  773-857-7120


9.)  5 Rabanitos

  • AboutMexican cuisine by Chef Alfonso Sotelo.  One block from the National Museum of Mexican Art, and one block from the 18th Street station on the CTA Pink Line.  Mexican classics served in a simple, brightly colored setting.
  • Top menu pick:  Grilled Chicken Adobo Taco
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
    • Address: 1758 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL  60608
    • Phone: (312) 285-2710


10.)  Carnitas Don Pedro

  • About:  Traditional Mexican cuisine served in bustling, bare-bones quarters.  Prides itself on providing delicious food, great service and a sense of family to each and every customer.
  • Top menu pick:  Taco De Carnitas
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
    • Address:  1113 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
    • Phone:  (312) 829-4757


11.)  Rubi’s Tacos 

  • AboutAuthentic Mexican food at this no frills taco joint.
  • Top menu pick:  El Taco Azteca (Al Pastor con huevo)
  • Two (2) Locations:
    • Near West Side at the New Maxwell Street Market 
      • Address:  800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607
    • Lower West Side Neighborhood
      • Address:  1316 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
      • Phone:  (773) 318-9526


12.)  Birrieria Zaragoza 



Birrieria Zaragoza


  • AboutThis Mexican institution specializes in a single item—birria—tender stewed goat accompanied by diced onions, cilantro, and house-made salsa.
  • Top menu pick:  Birria Taco
  • Chicago Neighborhood:  Archer Heights (Near Midway Airport)
    • Address:  4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL  60632
    • Phone:  (773) 523-3700

Final Thought

Chicago is home to great Mexican food.  These twelve (12) taco places are some of the best venues for flavorful and affordable taco-fare.   So if you are in the Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower west side, or Midway Airport area you have plenty of the best taco places to choose from.  Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, and even Bridgeport have at least one of the best taco places in Chicago.  Enjoy!! 


Check out Chicago Best Restaurants for other great Chicago restaurants.



Subscribe to Feed

Popular Posts

About Me

My photo
I am James Bamberger, an experienced long term investor, MBA, PMP, and Certified Scrum Master who enjoys traveling, the outdoors, family, and spending time with my four kids. You will find Information on leadership, journaling, investing, travel, and the outdoors here. Post a comment if you don't find the information you are looking for. We (my oldest daughter and I) are adding new material often.

Bocaiw Directory