According to their website, Luft Balloons aims "to be bold in color, innovators in design, and drivers of social change...with balloons." This is an apt description for this local business. If you are in Chicago and lucky enough, you may notice these biodegradable balloon designs at businesses or in front of homes; they are simply a work of art and have been decorating the city since 2017. However, not only are these balloons fun to look at, but they also work towards activism: Luf Balloons is a female-operated and owned business that makes balloons specifically for marches and movements that support humanitarian rights.
Luft Balloons is also known for their "balloon bombing". They receive nominations from the public about exceptional local businesses and then may show up at those businesses, unannounced, with a fabulous balloon sculpture that adds dimension to the space.
If you see some balloon art around town, it's likely the doing of Luft Balloons. They also do individual sales and can decorate your birthday parties or other social occasions. I think they are a special attraction to the city and something that adds a little creativity to the eye. Plus, they are very fun to pose in front of!
Find your way with 116 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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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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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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