“Spotted by Locals” might as well be the nickname of the this colorful art shop/gallery–Sacred Art is 100% LOCAL. They sell original artwork created by Chicago and Midwest-based artists, ranging from paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, to one-of-a-kind screen-printed t-shirts, blown-glass, and miniature wind-up dioramas of pea-sized pirate ships (truly magical). I love Sacred Art, not only because they promote the work of local artists, but because the owners are almost always there, along with their irresistible door-dog Louie, engaging with folks about the stories behind the work that they sell. I have lived in Chicago over ten years, and every time I leave this space, I feel a little bit more “in-the-know” and connected to the city when I leave.
Moreover, Sacred Art’s location is a major bonus. It’s situated on Lincoln Avenue, the “main drag” through Lincoln Square, Chicago’s old German neighborhood. The stretch is sprinkled with local shops and restaurants like Mertz Apothecary, Gene’s Sausage Shop, Huettenbar, Timeless Toys, the Book Cellar, and the Grind Cafe, plus arts and entertainment hubs like One River School of Art, Old Town School of Folk, and my personal favorite directly across the street from Sacred Art–the Davis Theater, one of the few old-school, boutique movie theater in the city! I love feeding my right-brain with local art followed by cinema with a glass of wine Yep, there’s a bar connected to the theater and, yes, you can take your drinks to your seats!
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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"Four Moon Tavern" in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!
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"Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!
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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...
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Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
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KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
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Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...
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"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
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"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
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"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
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"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
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116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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