There is something I find relaxing about walking below the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago. The Riverwalk provides a different view of the city. The sidewalk that makes up the Chicago Riverwalk is located along the south side of the Chicago River and about 2 storeys below street level.
You can reach the Riverwalk from several different entry points from Wacker Drive, as of May 13th, 2019 the Riverwalk is open as far west as Lake St and Wacker Dr. You will walk down stairs into a part of the city that is all about recreation. You can stroll the Riverwalk that's just over a mile long, leisurely stopping to take pictures of the bridges you will pass under or stopping at one of the bars along the way for a drink or a snack. During the winter months, a lot of the vendors are closed but O'Brien's is always a good bet for a drink and some free popcorn.
All year around, as you stroll you can take in public works of art or buy a ticket to an architectural tour.
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
by
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.
by
Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
by
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.
by
Their bread that has the perfect ratio of chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 1979 multigrain sourdough is some of the best bread I've had!
by
They are arguably most known for their "Kurdish breakfast" an elaborate spread of cheese, jams, fried cheese, olives, fries, cucumbers, tomatoes and bread.
by
The tent is run by Adan, who mans the booth entirely alone. His ingredients are kept fresh in coolers which are grilled on the spot in front of customers.
by
There are many pastry options like croissants, an assortment of macaron flavors, fruit danishes, quiches... My favorites are the fruit-stuffed beignets!
by
While most croissants are buttery and flakey, the ones at Hendrickx are denser and chewier. In my opinion, this makes them even better.
by
BULSHO serves a traditional Somalian breakfast that is comprised of seasoned meat or veggie stew served with anjero - a fermented flatbread.
by
Start with a freshly steeped cup of sweet mint tea, a staple of any Senegalese meal. Then order fataya, triangular fried pastries with a savory filling.
by
I absolutely adore coming to Chiu Quon Bakery right when it opens and devouring their sweet and savory buns and steamed dumplings. Delicious!
by
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips