My most favorite city in the US you guys! Have you been? Fun fact: my husband is from Chicago, but I didn't have my first visit until early 2020. I was hooked that very first trip, and we've been back two times since. I am so excited about sharing our recent summertime experience in the city here with you! I'll dive in to places we've stayed, our favorite dining spots, views, and of course, shopping + outfits. Let's goooo!
WHERE TO STAY
On the 3 trips I have been, we stayed at W Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and Viceroy Chicago. I genuinely loved all three! I think if I had to pick a fave, it would be the Viceroy for location and stunning floor to ceiling window views in some of the rooms. It's super easy walking distance from the best shopping + tons of dining options. We also spent some time at their rooftop pool, what a great view there too of course! Now that said, I did love the gorgeous lake views at W Chicago, and The Ritz-Carlton was just a dreamy hotel overall. You truly can't go wrong with booking any of these!
DINING
1. Maple & Ash (my favorite restaurant I've EVER been to!) - Y'all. Where do I even begin on describing this amazingness?! Let's go with THE MOST EPIC SUNDAY BRUNCH. We do this on every trip, it's just that EPIC. We recently got to introduce & experience it with friends which was even more fun! For the food, you order a main item from the menu then they bring a bunch of included, endless sharables for the whole table. And the full bottle mimosa service is the BEST I've seen!
We have also dined on their patio for lunch, and their oysters, sushi, and cocktails were amazing too!
2. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. - home of the PIZZA POT PIE. Hands down the best pizza experience of your life. And you must get the Mediterranean Bread to start. YUM.
TIPS: it is a small spot and tables fill up quick at opening time. Get there at 4pm or a little before so you're not on that 2 hour wait. It is also cash only, and a very affordable dining option in the city.
3. The Signature Room on the 95th - dinner with a VIEW. Really great steaks & seafood, plus a cocktail lounge perfect for grabbing a nightcap while seeing some stunning views of the city.
4. Terrace 16 - Another amazing option for some of the best city views! Loved it so much during our summer stay that we went twice in 24 hours! Once for dinner (loved the cheese+charcuterie board and dirty martinis), then back again for an afternoon cocktail to experience it in the daytime. This spot is located in the Trump Hotel.
5. Wildberry Cafe - a delicious & unique breakfast menu! This place seems to always be on a wait so you know it's legit. Side note: no cocktails served in this joint.
6. Barrio - Mexican with a modern twist. We accidentally found this gem while hungry and realizing our original restaurant pick wasn't open yet. We LOVED it! Food & drinks did not disappoint, cool decor, live DJ (we were there on a Saturday around noon), and the place had a really awesome vibe! We will definitely be back. You gotta get the Queso Fundido to start!
SUMMER FUN
Wanna know the best way to tour the city? Rent your own private pontoon from Chicago Boat Rentals! Seriously can't recommend this experience enough. We had a BLAST floating down the Chicago River with friends, and the views were breathtaking. When you book your boat, tell them I sent ya!
SHOPPING
All the best shopping IMO is on Michigan Ave. A great mix of shops & boutiques, lots of people watching & sightseeing, places to grab a drink, and you can find the entrance to Water Tower Place (indoor shopping mall) here too. It's fun to even window shop this strip!
MY OUTFITS
(with links below to shop)
Vacation Style | Chicago
My most favorite city in the US you guys! Have you been? Fun fact: my husband is from Chicago, but I didn't have my first visit until early 2020. I was hooked that very first trip, and we've been back two times since. I am so excited about sharing our recent summertime experience in the city here with you! I'll dive in to places we've stayed, our favorite dining spots, views, and of course, shopping + outfits. Let's goooo!
WHERE TO STAY
On the 3 trips I have been, we stayed at W Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and Viceroy Chicago. I genuinely loved all three! I think if I had to pick a fave, it would be the Viceroy for location and stunning floor to ceiling window views in some of the rooms. It's super easy walking distance from the best shopping + tons of dining options. We also spent some time at their rooftop pool, what a great view there too of course! Now that said, I did love the gorgeous lake views at W Chicago, and The Ritz-Carlton was just a dreamy hotel overall. You truly can't go wrong with booking any of these!
DINING
1. Maple & Ash (my favorite restaurant I've EVER been to!) - Y'all. Where do I even begin on describing this amazingness?! Let's go with THE MOST EPIC SUNDAY BRUNCH. We do this on every trip, it's just that EPIC. We recently got to introduce & experience it with friends which was even more fun! For the food, you order a main item from the menu then they bring a bunch of included, endless sharables for the whole table. And the full bottle mimosa service is the BEST I've seen!
We have also dined on their patio for lunch, and their oysters, sushi, and cocktails were amazing too!
2. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. - home of the PIZZA POT PIE. Hands down the best pizza experience of your life. And you must get the Mediterranean Bread to start. YUM.
TIPS: it is a small spot and tables fill up quick at opening time. Get there at 4pm or a little before so you're not on that 2 hour wait. It is also cash only, and a very affordable dining option in the city.
3. The Signature Room on the 95th - dinner with a VIEW. Really great steaks & seafood, plus a cocktail lounge perfect for grabbing a nightcap while seeing some stunning views of the city.
4. Terrace 16 - Another amazing option for some of the best city views! Loved it so much during our summer stay that we went twice in 24 hours! Once for dinner (loved the cheese+charcuterie board and dirty martinis), then back again for an afternoon cocktail to experience it in the daytime. This spot is located in the Trump Hotel.
5. Wildberry Cafe - a delicious & unique breakfast menu! This place seems to always be on a wait so you know it's legit. Side note: no cocktails served in this joint.
6. Barrio - Mexican with a modern twist. We accidentally found this gem while hungry and realizing our original restaurant pick wasn't open yet. We LOVED it! Food & drinks did not disappoint, cool decor, live DJ (we were there on a Saturday around noon), and the place had a really awesome vibe! We will definitely be back. You gotta get the Queso Fundido to start!
SUMMER FUN
Wanna know the best way to tour the city? Rent your own private pontoon from Chicago Boat Rentals! Seriously can't recommend this experience enough. We had a BLAST floating down the Chicago River with friends, and the views were breathtaking. When you book your boat, tell them I sent ya!
SHOPPING
All the best shopping IMO is on Michigan Ave. A great mix of shops & boutiques, lots of people watching & sightseeing, places to grab a drink, and you can find the entrance to Water Tower Place (indoor shopping mall) here too. It's fun to even window shop this strip!
MY OUTFITS
(with links below to shop)
