Feb 14, 2025

Chicago Athletic Association Chicago

Library bar

"The "Chicago Athletic Association" (CAA) is an elite, hidden, and multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. The gem of this hotel is the drawing room..."

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.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

12 S Michigan

Cocktails:

USD

10

3129403552

Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago

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...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Claire

Conway

Mar 14, 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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 2025

De Luna Taco Grill

Spicy Truck Tacos

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 2025

Nhà Hàng Vietnam

Traditional Vietnamese

Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 2025

Irazu

Chicago's Only Costa Rican

Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 2025

Bolivar & Lincoln

Venezuelan Haven

My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 9, 2025

Superdawg Drive-in

Classic Chicago hot dog spot

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sophie

Amado

Mar 2, 2025

FLW Home & Studio

Architecture of the ages

Architecture lovers - if you are in Chicago, make sure to grab a ticket and get ready to explore "Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio"...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Sophie

Amado

Mar 2, 2025

Denden Restaurant

Affordable Eritrean

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.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 1, 2025

OMI Cafe

Japanese Dessert Café

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 1, 2025

Sweet Rabbit Bakery

Loaf Perfection

Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Lydia

Schultz

Mar 1, 2025

Heading to Chicago?

114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Chicago this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

114 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Chicago

Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
71
Filters