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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Check out our latest hidden gems in Chicago

Our latest Spots in Chicago

Rice'N Bread

Cozy Korean restaurant

Rice'N Bread in Chicago is a special spot for dinner or even pre-gaming a baseball game, a Korean restaurant that always makes my day. Try the bibimbap!

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 13, 2025

Vegan Plate

Hearty Thai food

I'm not vegan but I do think that "Vegan Plate" in Lincoln Park is one of the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants in Chicago. Try the curry combo plate!

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Restaurants

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 13, 2025

Argyle Street

Chicago's only shared street

"Argyle Street" is Chicago's first shared street. The concept allows cafes to extend outside their doors and provide spaces for the summer night market...

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Art & culture
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Restaurants
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Shopping

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Claire

Conway

Nov 13, 2025

KOVAL Distillery

Craft distillery

KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 12, 2025

Four Moon Tavern

Dive bar with panache

Four Moon Tavern in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 12, 2025

FLW Home & Studio

Architecture of the ages

Step into Frank Lloyd Wright’s first project in Oak Park — an inspiring tour through the birthplace of the Prairie Style, just off Chicago’s Green Line.

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Art & culture

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 11, 2025

Wormhole

Time-traveling coffee shop

Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...

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Coffee & tea

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Will's Northwoods Inn

Wisconsin in Chicago

Will’s Northwoods Inn brings Wisconsin charm to Chicago with Packers pride, fried appetizers, quirky decor, and a moose-topped patio near Wrigley Field.

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Side Street Saloon

Dive bar with pizza

Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.

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Bars

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Christkindlmarket Chicago

German Christmas market

I've been going to the Christkindlmarket Chicago for as long as I can remember. I definitely recommend visiting on a weekday!

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Art & culture

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Sophie

Amado

Nov 10, 2025

Tesfa Ethiopian

East African comfort food

The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.

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Restaurants

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Lydia

Schultz

Nov 8, 2025

Mella Cafe

Local spot for Eritrean food

I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!

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Restaurants

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Lydia

Schultz

Nov 8, 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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Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
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