Things to Do
Tips for Better Photographs While Traveling.
Chicago is a photogenic city. Here are some ideas for really capturing the aesthetics of a unique environment…
Signature Room (photo by guest)
1. Think: person, place, thing: This old definition of the use of a noun is a handy guide to a great vacation photo: the best travel photos will often be about all three of these. For example, let’s say you want to take a photo of the Cloud Gate at Millennium Park , and it’s a rainy day in Chicago. If you pull up your photo and snap the Tower in the gray light, you could get a decent photo. But if you put your friends in the photo (your favorite people) with the Tower glimpsed over their shoulders (the place of interest), visible just under the rim of an umbrella (a very specific thing that evokes the conditions), you have a great shot.
Chicago Breweries Revisited
Chicago Craft Beers.
As more & more microbreweries sprout up in Chicago, we are back to help you choose the best ones. They generally offer tours, samples, taste tests, and souvenirs; so take into consideration that you have many options, here’s to your best hop-infused choices….
Half Acre Brew Co.
Half Acre Brewing Company: Nestled in the Northcenter neighborhood, Half Acre offers tasty beer as well as a perfect microbrewery display. Take a tour on any Saturday at 11am for only $10 (cash only), included are samples, and a pint glass. Tours do sell out, so contact them in advance: 773) 248-4038 | hello@halfacrebeer.com, we recommend The Gossamer Golden Ale, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago Style Foods
Taste the famous cuisine of our city at any of these highly recommended joints…
Chicago Doghouse.
1. Hot Dog! There are some great options for encased meats and the famous Chicago Style Dog (yellow mustard, chopped white onion, neon green relish, tomato slices, kosher dill pickle spear, “sport peppers”, celery salt, on a sesame seed bun). We recommend our neighborhood Chicago Doghouse for their delicious gourmet take on hot dogs (also, get the frips, a cross between a french frie & a potato chip). Also, check out the famous Hot Doug’s which is notorious for long lines but most excellent hot dogs (they also serve duck fat fries on weekends). Avg. hot dog: $5.
Chicago’s Best Sandwich Shops
**CHICAGO IS BE TAKEN OVER BY SANDWICHES. DELICIOUS SANDWICHES.**
Jerry’s Sandwiches
1. Jerry’s Sandwiches: 1938 W Division St, go for the decadent sandwiches, stay for live music & a solid beer list. The toppings to choose from are almost intimidating: fried green tomatoes, blackened shrimp, English cucumber to name a few. They have everything from kobe burgers to seafood sandwiches, vegetarian options to delicious mini corn dogs.
2. Del Seoul: 2568 N. Clark St, You cannot go wrong with an express Korean BBQ. Just a few minutes walk from the hostel, this Lincoln Park hot spot excels in flavor & the welcoming flare of Korean street BBQ. Although their array of tacos are nothing short of amazing. Their BBQ Pork Sandwich is a hit everytime ( lots of marinated pork, sprouts, jalapenos on a tasty roll). Check this place out with an order of their KimChi fries!
Del Seoul BBQ Pork
Discounted Tickets
-Stop by are front desk anytime, and take advantage of our cheap ticket prices:
*Art Institute of Chicago.
See the Art Institute of Chicago with an all-inclusive pass for only $23. This gives you unlimited access to the museum, including the brand new Picasso and Chicago special exhibit, and the world renowned Modern Wing. Plus, an added bonus: You don’t have to wait in any ticket lines! Grab a pass and head to 111 S. Michigan Ave.
Picasso and Chicago.
St. Patrick’s Day Chicago
St. Patrick’s Day Chicago 2013.
On March 17th, all guests of the hostel are invited to meet in the lobby at 8am as we go see the river dyed green and enjoy a few beers. Then we head down to see the St. Paddy’s Day Parade and enjoy a few more drinks. Want to sleep in, take a nap or lose us in the crowd? That’s fine! Meet back in the lobby at 2.30pm for an afternoon of pub crawling as we drink our way through the lovely Irish pubs of Lincoln Park.
Cool Coffeehouses in Chicago
Looking for an original place to grab a cup of great coffee, and take in the Chicago atmosphere? Look no further than any of these quirky cafes….
The Wormhole.
Wicker Park’s strange cafe, The Wormhole is oddly accommodating. This review sums it up best: “my favorite coffee shop in the city ‘cuz: drinks are perfect – cookies are slammin, tables and lighting are perfect for my nerd sessions, lots of 80s paraphernalia – including a delorian (Back to the Future car) and nintendo, actually open later unlike most coffee shops in this city.” 1462 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago Architecture
Experience the unique urban setting Chicago offers its visitors. Architecture enthusiast or not, you will be enthralled by the city’s vast construct….
Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago
Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is a key component in discovering Chicago. Whether its visiting the masterfully constructed Robie House or the immense Rookery Building, you will see why Wright’s designs are deemed “cornerstones of modernism” within architecture. Tours range anywhere from free to $30 per person.
Chicago Pizza
The legendary blend of thick crust, melted cheese, and gourmet sauce on top is displayed as one of many reasons Chicago is famous…..we give you pizza recommendations….
Lou Malnati’s.
One of the top contenders for Chicago pizza happens to be our staff pick for #1, Lou Malnati’s does everything right when it comes to savory pies adding their signature buttery crust that keeps competitors at bay. Better yet, we have a neighborhood location that’s less than a 10 minute walk from our front door, 958 W. Wrightwood Ave. Price for 12″ one topping: $15.60.
Super Bowl Hostel Party 2013
Super Bowl XLVII, anyone??
Watch the BIG GAME at our third annual Super Bowl Party, come watch the thrills, meet some fellow travelers, and take part in another epic battle for the title…
When: February 3rd, 5:30pm.
Where: The Hostel (common areas: tv lounge/lobby).
What: BYOB, We supply the food & snacks for the game, just bring yourself and your favorite beverage.
Cheers!
