Discover our locals' 116 hidden gems in Chicago

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City Guide made by Locals from Chicago.

Let's hit it! Discover Chicago’s local favorites with Spotted by Locals! From jazz clubs tucked away in the Loop to the best deep-dish pizza outside the tourist zones, our Spotters reveal the city’s true character.

Our Spotters from Chicago:

Our Chicago Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Chicago like a local.

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✓ Discover Chicago through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Chicago

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Chicago

Our latest Spots in Chicago

Superdawg Drive-in

Classic Chicago hot dog spot

Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 1, 2025

Denden Restaurant

Affordable Eritrean

The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.

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Restaurants

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Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

OMI Cafe

Japanese Dessert Café

OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Sweet Rabbit Bakery

Loaf Perfection

Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

The Momo World

Nepalese Dumplings

Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.

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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Publican Quality Bread

Bread at its Finest

Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

Chicago Kurdish

They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Taco Loco of Pilsen

Juicy Street Tacos

The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.

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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

La Fournette

French Family Bakery

There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Hendrickx Belgian Bread

Expert Croissants

While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.

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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

BULSHO Restaurant

Spicy Somalian Food

BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Gorée Cuisine

Senegalese Comfort Food

Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.

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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Oct 31, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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Going to Chicago?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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