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
"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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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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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.
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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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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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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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Architecture lovers - if you are in Chicago, make sure to grab a ticket and get ready to explore "Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio"...
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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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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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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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