Unabridged Books in Chicago is a place that allows me to feel calm and inspired at the same time. It is a beautiful store where I cannot help but get lost in its endless bookshelves.
This bookstore encourages questioning the status quo and challenging your beliefs, and it does so in a way that is approachable and welcoming. This is a place that does not judge. I am a lover of non-fiction so I am pleased that when I walk through the door the first sections is "new non-fiction".
When I wonder a bit into the store and make a left, I find the sale section. This section is heaven to me every visit, I can count on picking up an Erik Larson title I have yet to read or a Studs Terkel find I want for under $10.
I then make my way to the Chicago, cooking, and memoir sections. Everywhere I look there are handwritten staff recommendations guiding me to what I am searching for and what I had no idea I needed. At this point, I will have typically already been in the store for an hour, and I make my way downstairs to the travel section.
The section encompasses the entire basement floor. It allows me to compare different styles of travel books and discover different approaches to travel. Unabridged is located in a neighborhood that has many restaurants, bars and shops so please make this a destination, I do not think you will be disappointed.
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There are many unique food options to try on their menu like Bylamyk porridge with raspberry jam, Baursak (fried dough bites) or Truffle Mushroom Soup.
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" Old Town Ale House" is one of my favorite spots to enmesh myself in the history, art, and unique company found in Chicago.
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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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"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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"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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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 Hà ng 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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