Discover our locals' 116 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.
City guides by those who know Chicago best!
Travel Guides by these Chicago Locals!
Know your way in Chicago like a local!
Spotted by Locals
✓ Discover Chicago through the eyes of a local!
✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks
✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Chicago
Check out our latest hidden gems in Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
aliveOne
Cozy music bar
aliveOne in Lincoln Park offers rock vibes, local music, a cozy atmosphere, pool, comfy couches, and the perfect spot to unwind or dance the night away.
by
Sophie
Amado
Side Street Saloon
Dive bar with pizza
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.
by
Sophie
Amado
KOVAL Distillery
Craft distillery
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
by
Sophie
Amado
Wormhole
Time-traveling coffee shop
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...
by
Sophie
Amado
Dearborn Denim
Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans
"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!
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Magic Lounge
Serious magic... & cocktails
"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!
by
Erin
Stevens
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"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...
by
Erin
Stevens
Lickity Split
Perfect treats!
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
Claire
Conway
Hopleaf
Beer enthusiast's delight
"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"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...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cornelia Arts Building
Local artist studios
"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...
by
Erin
Stevens
Sacred Art
Local art lover's paradise
"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...
by
Erin
Stevens
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What to do in Chicago?
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
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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
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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