Discover our locals' 114 hidden gems in Chicago

Let's hit it! Discover Chicago’s local favorites with Spotted by Locals! From jazz clubs tucked away in the Loop to the best deep-dish pizza outside the tourist zones, our Spotters reveal the city’s true character.

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Things to do in Chicago

Sweet Cafe

Dim sum heaven

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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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Oliang

Incredible Thai food

To conclude your meal I recommend Kanom tuay - Thai coconut milk custard that is surprisingly warm and absolutely incredible.

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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Tostini

Turkish Cafe that feels like home

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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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Verzenay Chicago

Fabulous French Bakery

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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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Strapoli Pizzeria

Venezuela meets Neapolitan

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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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Royal Highness Zhu

ChengDu Street Food

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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Restaurants

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Ping Tom Park

A Peaceful Getaway

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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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

88 Marketplace

A Chicago Asian supermarket

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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Restaurants
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

QuesaBirria Jalisco Tacos

Juicy Birria Heaven

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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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Don Churro

Churros at a local bakery in Pilsen

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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Snacks

by

Lydia

Schultz

Apr 29, 2025

Bungalow

Natural wine meets fresh bread

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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Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Apr 16, 2025

Pasta Bowl

Pasta to die for

"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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Restaurants

by

Sophie

Amado

Apr 16, 2025

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114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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