Restaurants
Places to Eat in Lincoln Park
Welcome to our neighborhood. It is one of the best neighborhoods to indulge in delicious Chicago cuisine. Here are a few of our personal recommendations….
DEL SEOUL.
This new place was recently discovered by our general manager, Mat. Now we all love Del Seoul’s Korean/Mexican flare, they offer mouth watering tacos and sandwiches, along with Korean staples like kimchi and miso soup. Modeled after a Korean Street BBQ, you can’t go wrong with their excellent menu options (located on Clark St. between Deming & Wrightwood).
Best Chicago Burgers
You’ve heard about Chicago’s famous pizza, but what about our award winning hamburgers? Check these places out for the best beef in a bun…
Kuma's Corner
If you haven’t heard of it, Kuma’s Corner is probably the most famous burger joint in Chicago. Naming their infamous burgers based on heavy metal bands like the Pantera and Plague Bringer, may not be that appetizing, but we assure you that these monstrous burgers are extremely tasty. Beware of giant lines especially on weekends.
Christmas- Chicago Getaway Style!
Christmas Day Recommendations- hostel/style
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Christmas Day- December 25, 2010 Read more
Chicago Restaurant – Winter Reccomendations- hostel style!
Mat Meadows (General Manager):
* Mat picks Wilde. This is an Irish bar/restaurant located in Chicago’s must-visit Lakeview neighborhood. He recommends their signature Mac-n-Cheese( don’t forget the meatloaf too!), a very popular dish on their menu. This place has a cool literary theme that even boasts a library and a fireplace you can dine next to, check this place out north on Broadway Ave.
Wilde Restaurant
Celebrating Winter in Chicago
Coming to our beloved city in the winter season? Don’t mind some cold temps, there is a beautiful side of Chicago to explore this season:
Hungry and Bored on Thanksgiving? Check this out!
We know that being away from family and friends on holidays can be somewhat depressing (or amazing!). We gotcha covered- hang on for a fun ride!
Food:
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Horizon Cafe- They’re open from 8a-7p. Four course dinner & breakfast specials! Easy to get to: Walk to Clark Street and take the #36 bus north bound. Get off at Grace and Horizon Cafe is just a few buildings north.
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Deleece- Open for Thanksgiving from 3Pm To 8Pm. They will be offering a limited version of their regular menu in addition to a four-course prix fix Thanksgiving feast for $35. Easy to get to: Take the #22 Clark bus north from Arlington and Clark. Exit at Irving Park and walk one block west to Southport.
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Kit Kat Lounge- 1/2 price dinner and drinks with a canned good donation! Open from 53op-2am. Easy to get to: Walk to Fullerton and Halsted and take the #8 Bus North to Broadway. Exit @ Waveland and the Kit Kat Lounge is just to your left on the corner. Read more
Great Chicago Neighborhoods
We are a city of neighborhoods, and this makes our town a diverse and beautiful playground for travel. Here are just a few excellent locals to experience…
Lakeview, home of The Chicago Cubs, about a dozen vintage clothing shops, record stores, restaurants, an independent film theater, a myriad of bars, and the list goes on and on. This neighborhood is within walking distance to the hostel (just make a left on Clark St.). We recommend exploring this one.
Fun & Unique Places to Eat in Chicago
If you are traveling to Chicago any time soon, you will realize how truly diverse our city proves to be. What better way to celebrate these different cultures than with an ethnic dinner? Here are just a few suggestions for a hungry traveler in the market for something new…
San Soo Gab San is a Korean BBQ that is a great place to experience with friends. There is a table-top grill on the center of the table where you grill your own meat, there is something very rewarding about cooking the seasoned steak, chicken, and pork and then dishing it out to your friends. Included with the order is about 3 dozen little garnish plates to try with your food.
We Love Chicago’s Food Scene.
I’m hungry. Are you hungry? Let’s eat…
Kuma's Corner
Kuma’s Corner is a biker-type bar that serves up delicious burgers on pretzel buns, they’ve even been on the Food Network. These burgers are named after heavy metal bands and that’s what dominates the speakers in this joint. They also tend to place a fried egg on top your massive slab of beef, prepare yourself for a truly decadent feast…
Hot Doug's
Hot Doug’s is one of the most talked about restaurants in Chicago (you could see by the epic-sized line above). However, this place is not over-hyped and boasts the finest quality encased meats. The hot dogs are nothing short of delicious and their fries are made with duck fat (mmmm). The experience makes up for the obscure location, as well as the long lines. GO ON A WEEKDAY.
Earwax Cafe
Vegans rejoice! We found you the perfect eatery. Earwax Cafe is in the always fun neighborhood of Wicker Park and boasts a savory menu of vegetarian-friendly dishes. Try the black bean burger, tuscan seitan sandwich, and the chocolate peanut butter shake.
Sultan's Market
I cannot praise this fast Middle Eastern place enough. The Sultan’s Market claims braggin rights for best falafel and shwarma in the city. Do not expect anything formal as the place is considerably small and perfect for absolutely awesome fast food. The best part is this place is a stone’s throw from our hostel.
Off the Radar: Alternative Things to do in Chicago
Have a cup at the Pick Me Up
Pick Me Up Cafe
This is a local favorite. They’re open 24 hours on weekends and boast excellent coffee with free refills and amazing cheese fries. However, as the owner would love to defend, they do not want to be strictly categorized as a “coffee-house.” In fact, this place mostly resembles a creatively decorated diner that serves up favorites like: Vegan French Toast, Kalhua Pancakes, The Garlicious Breast Sandwich, and of course their signature Cheez Fries.
Catch a Flick at The Music Box
The Music Box Theater
This movie venue is a real northside relic that proudly projects indie films, foreign hits, and old favorites. They have a cool special event section that annually includes The Music Box Massacre, a 24 hour horror film extravaganza. They also have midnight movies for us nocturnal creatures. The venue itself is worth the trip.
Watch a Show at IO
IO Chicago Improv
You probably have heard of Second City, but Improv Olympic in Wriggleyville has comedic bragging rights as well. Tickets are priced from $5-15 bucks and you will get your fill in laughs. Inside tip: guys from the Sonic commercials do a Wednesday evening show for $5 dollars and really bring on the hilarity for the cheapest cover.
Have a Drink at Delilah’s
Delilah's
There’s nothing wrong with sports bars, and Lincoln Park hosts quite the array of them. However, there is an abnormal gem often overlooked by the norm. Delilah’s dark decor sticks out at once as defused wires and cables stick out from walls and strange and interesting art looms plentiful. The menu offers around 90 different beers and 120 different whiskeys. The specials include $1 dollar beers on Mondays, $2 dollar whiskey shots on Tuesday and other great specials throughout the week.
