I am a public transportation enthusiast. I long ago chose not to have a car in Chicago. Before Block 37 was built that meant from time to time I longed for the days I could drive to a mall in the suburbs and wander in and out of stores hoping to find inspiration for a fun weekend outfit.
Chicago is not lacking in shopping options but in the winter months it can get annoying walking from store to store on Michigan Ave, taking off your coat, putting on your coat, and shaking off snow from your boots. So when Block 37 opened on top of both a blue-line and red-line EL train stop, I became able to pop into several of my favorite stores that include Akira, Zara and Sephora, all of which are in Block 37. I will then get right back on the red line that drops me 2 blocks from home.
Block 37 also has a dine-in movie theatre which although it's a bit more expensive I find myself enjoying, particularly on Monday evenings, when transporting myself into a different reality is most appealing.
When you walk into Block 37 from Randolph Street, there are three words above the entrance that sum up the space: Food. Fashion. Film.
"Ema" is now my favorite place to meet my friends in Chicago after work. The food here is light but satisfying. You must try the hummus & crispy potatoes.
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The first distinguishing feature of their Margherita pizzas is the tomato sauce — which tastes just like the blended tomatoes picked from a farm in Italy!
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"Timber Lanes" in Chicago is an old-school bowling alley. There are even no score-keeping computers; time to sharpen your math skills with a beer in hand!
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"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...
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"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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"Green Mill" in Chicago has cocktails, jazz and history. It's my neighborhood bar and I'm lucky I can spend time here reading a book or meeting friends...
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"Francesca's Bryn Mawr" is my neighborhood Italian restaurant in Chicago. I go there for all kinds of reasons & the people make me feel like an old friend.
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"Will's Northwoods Inn" is a Wisconsin-themed bar in Chicago. It's primarily a sports bar, but on non-game days, it becomes a cozy dive...
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"Kuma's Corner" in Chicago is known to fans as the 'king of burgers'. This infamous rock 'n roll pub also makes my favorite mac 'n cheese in the city...
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"The Fifty/50" in Chicago offers an array of comfort food classics with a special twist. I must say, this restaurant has the best wings in the city...
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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From sweet egg custard buns to savory BBQ pork buns — to classic plates of noodles and soups, Sweet Cafe has all of your Chinese food favorites.
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