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.

Spotted by Locals

✓ 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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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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Heading to Chicago?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Check out our latest hidden gems in Chicago

Our latest Spots in Chicago

La Creperie

Chicago's staple French restaurant

I've been going to La Creperie on Clark since I was a kid and it has never disappointed me — don’t miss the dreamy back patio and cozy French classics.

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 20, 2025

TARY Coffee House

Kazakh specialty cafe

There are many unique food options to try on their menu like Bylamyk porridge with raspberry jam, Baursak (fried dough bites) or Truffle Mushroom Soup.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Lydia

Schultz

Nov 19, 2025

Old Town Ale House

Famed dive with historic roots

" Old Town Ale House" is one of my favorite spots to enmesh myself in the history, art, and unique company found in Chicago.

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Bars

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Sydney

Epstein

Nov 19, 2025

Monk's Pub

Craft beer bar in the Loop

Monk’s Pub is a cozy, monastery-inspired bar in the Loop serving a wide variety of beers and hearty pub fare — an unexpected escape from the downtown rush.

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 18, 2025

Orso's

Italian bistro in Old Town

Orso’s in Old Town is a cozy, old-world Italian gem with house-made pasta, live piano, and a charming patio—perfect for date nights or celebrations.

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 18, 2025

Middlebrow

Natural wine meets fresh bread

I am always stunned by Middlebrow's appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

PIZZ'AMICI

Tavern-style pizza

Tavern-style pizza takes the crown at PIZZ'AMICI — thin, crispy crust, cozy vibes, and big local love since they moved from apartment to restaurant in 2024.

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

Vito + Nick's

Breaking Chicago pizza stereotypes

Vito & Nick's doesn't make typical Chicago pizza: it's the thin crust that reigns supreme here. I drive out of my way to get there, but it's worth it.

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

Reggies Chicago

Bar with music and shuttles

Reggies Chicago is a grunge bar, concert venue, and shuttle hub with great eats, Sox game packages, a beach bar and unique events like a pancake art show.

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

The 606

Quiet nature path

The 606 (aka the Bloomingdale Trail) in Chicago is a repurposed walking trail on a disused piece of L train track. In my opinion, it's a piece of art.

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Relaxing

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 17, 2025

Luft Balloons

Decorating Chicago with balloons

Luft Balloons in Chicago isn't just a balloon shop – it's a female-operated & owned business that makes balloon sculptures specifically for marches...

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Shopping

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 14, 2025

Little Madrid

A bit of Spain in Chicago

Little Madrid in Chicago feels so European, it's surprising — trust me, I've spent some time in Madrid myself. Great place for a date or coworker night.

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Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Nov 14, 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

Chicago app Home
Chicago app Map
Chicago app Home

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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Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
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