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 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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