The Chicago Athletic Association (CAA) is an elite, hidden, multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. Located directly across from Millennium Park, the CAA is primarily an established hotel for tourists to take refuge in from a busy Michigan Avenue. Additionally, there are multiple bar and restaurant options to choose from inside, including rooftop bar Cindy's and a Shake Shack; however, I think the gem of this hotel is their Drawing Room.
This grand room is designed entirely out of wood with large working fireplaces and plush chairs and couches for hotel guests and tourists to sit upon. The vibe of the space is akin to a library in the Harry Potter book series or an Ivy League university study lounge. There are plenty of tea, coffee, libation, and light snack choices on their menu. For those looking for more activity, right across the Drawing Room is a Game Room, complete with a pool table, bocce ball, and shuffleboard.
You'll often see a group of employees in this spot during an after-work happy hour outing. There are plenty of ways to explore this hotel's public spaces and it's a spot to bookmark and rest in after strolling through Millennium Park or the Art Institute.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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To conclude your meal I recommend Kanom tuay - Thai coconut milk custard that is surprisingly warm and absolutely incredible.
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Tostini’s specialities are “tostini” sandwiches with different filling options such as veggie, chicken or köfte meatballs wrapped in pita bread.
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Their chocolate croissant is flakey while still being chewy and buttery without being heavy. Verzenay also has a selection of macarons, quiches and more.
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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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We ordered a hotpot of spicy broth, thick glass noodles, sesame balls, sweet glutenous rice balls, dumplings and I was very satisfied with the experience!
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The park was once an abandoned rail yard named after Ping Tom, a civic leader who advocated for a park in Chinatown before he died in 1995.
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Just a short bus ride or walk from West of Chinatown, you'll find a range of Asian groceries within a 80,000-foot, three-story interior of 88 Marketplace.
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Orozco began making quesabirria tacos using his aunt’s recipe from Mexico and is now serving them to the Chicago community with enormous success.
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Chicago's Pilsen community is known for its plethora of Mexican eateries. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in freshly made churros at Don Churro.
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I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
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"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
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