Chi-Town, What's Going On?

 

 

So it’s your first trip to the Second City. You came for the Cats, of course, but off the record, you heard tempting whispers of a windy city filled with spectacular shopping, any type of cuisine you could ever crave (mac and cheese pizza, anyone?), residents passionate about every one of their sports teams (insert Cubs joke here), and of course, the birthplace of Mr. Ignition himself.  But where to start in America’s third largest city?

 

Y’all, I’m here to help. As Chicago’s self-appointed Lexington ambassador, allow me to walk you through the best of Chicago. It’ll be a whirlwind, but power through. You can sleep on the ride home.

 

EAT

-I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I started this post off with anything other than pizza. Friendships are made and broken when Chicagoans argue about the best deep dish pizza in the city, whether it be Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, or Pequod’s. Personally? Don’t exile me, Chicago, but I’m not a deep dish person, so I head to the funkier Homeslice in Lincoln Park for beer served in mason jars and perfectly medium-crusted pizzas on a heated patio. I go there so often the owner now knows me and high fives me when I walk in. It’s something I’m very proud of.

-For a classic Chicago steakhouse, go to Joe’s Chicago.  Joe’s is known for their seafood, stone crab, and phenomenal steak. The restaurant is a favorite of many Chicago sports stars, including Scottie Pippen and many of da Bears.

-Need a little fuel before you hit the road Wednesday morning? Bulk up at Yolk, a breakfast/lunch place with plates bigger than your head at a bargain price. If you’re a sucker for breakfast pastries, stop by Glazed and Infused and treat yo’self to a Maple Bacon Long John. Then head to the doctor for a preemptive artery clearing.

 

DRINK

–Blackfinn. This River North pub is offering an unbeatable deal for the Wildcat faithful: simply say you’re a UK fan and receive 10% off your entire tab, pre and post game on Tuesday. If you’re there on Monday night and after the game Tuesday, you might even run into Matt and Drew. Be nice, now.

–The Pony. A must for any UK fans in Chicago, The Pony is the official UK alum bar and home to the famous 16 inch “Clydesdale” grilled cheese sandwich. Ordering that sandwich has made me many a friend at halftime. The atmosphere is a cross between Two Keys and Drake’s, and one time my mom and I went there and she ordered us John Wall shots. Important things to take away from that last sentence: John Wall shots don’t only exist in Lexington, and my mom apparently knows what a John Wall shot is.

-Other pre game options? Check out Vincenzo’s, a pizza and sports bar about a mile from the United Center (they will also have shuttles running every 20 minutes starting at 5:15pm), or the Arrow on Ogden, a sports bar that’s a ten minute walk from the UC where the UK Chicago Alumni will be gathering for giveaways and an appearance from the UK Cheerleaders.

–Post game, there are tons of sports bars in Wrigleyville, the neighborhood surrounding (you guessed it) Wrigley Field up north. If the game has you too jazzed up to sleep and you feel like dancing to the best of the 80s while surrounded by cougars (looking at you, Nick Roush), head to The Hangge Uppe, Chicago’s premier late night bar in Gold Coast that stays open til five am.

 

DO

-If you happen to arrive Monday night, spend your evening practicing laughing UK’s opponents off the court by grabbing a ticket to The Second City in Old Town. Home to some of comedy’s all-time greats, including Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, and and Stephen Colbert, this comedy club is known for its sketch comedy and improv shows. Comedy shows are even funnier when you drink- go local with a Goose Island 312 or Green Line.

-Something people tend to forget about Chicago is that we’re a lakefront city. With over 25 miles of lakefront paths, Chicagoans are constantly biking, running, dog-walking, and rollerblading their way along the gorgeous Lake Michigan. Yes, I’ve seen the forecast. Yes, I know it will be cold and ten degrees colder at the actual lakefront. If you can’t bring yourself to go for a walk along the lake, at least find a bar with a view- I suggest the J Parker Rooftop Restaurant. 

-Quick hitters: Want touristy? Head to The Bean. Kid-friendly and warm? Navy Pier and its awesome children’s museum. Feeling artsy? Museum of Contemporary Art. Wanna meet a dinosaur? Natural History Museum. Got money to blow? Shop at the flagship stores on Michigan Avenue or the artsy boutiques at Armitage and Halstead. Sweet tooth? Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Beer muscles? Local Option. Feeling bougie? Wander the ivy-covered brownstones in Lincoln Park. Adventurous? Rent a Divvy bike.

 

I love my city. You should too.

 

I still exist. @KristenGeilKSR