Things to Do
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago
Chicago knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We want you to celebrate with us. Check out this link for parade schedules, river dyeing festivities, and more: http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/chicago/
Chicago River
Dyeing the Chicago River 10:45am: Saturday March 13th
This is scheduled for 10:45, Saturday March 13th and can be best viewed from the upper level bridges at Michigan Ave or Columbus Drive. The parade begins at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 13th. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus. The parade units will proceed north on Columbus Drive and the viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.
Guiness with Four-Leaf Clover
If you are interested in a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, check out these options:http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/roundup/st-pats-pub-crawls/1798887/content. Also, The Galway Arms, an irish pub which is a brief stroll from our hostel, serves up some great corned beef and cabbage…
Corned Beef & Cabbage
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.
Stimulate Your Fashion: Check out Chicago’s Hippest Shops
We will let you in on a few tips when it comes to shopping hip. Conveniently, these spots are located on the northside of our beautiful city, and most are close to our hostel. Bring a few bucks and you’ll be looking as chic as a Wicker Park hipster…
Strange Cargo in Wrigleyville
This place is cool. It sells an average of 1500 t-shirts a week. They have a myriad of designs for customizable tees, with categories such as: bands, authors, sports, vintage, sex, and even poop. They also have the largest selection of Converse All-Stars in the city. Check out Strange Cargo and how to get there from our hostel.
Another spot you guys & gals have to check out is the Belmont Army, and its within walking distance from our hostel. They’ve got 4 floors of neat stuff ranging from vintage apparel to cool & colorful shoes. This place has potential to be pricey, but they always some good sales that make them worth checking out.
Belmont Army
I was just let in on a semi-hidden gem. I think you should check this place out too, Clothes Optional really delivers when it comes to price and selection. Did you ever wonder who was raiding thrift stores for all the coolest stuff before you got there? This place has got all the hand-picked fashion from the 50’s to the 80’s. This place is also within walking distance from our hostel.
Clothes Optional
On the subject of thrift stores, you may as well check out Ragstock as well. Its real close to the Belmont Army and there’s a bunch of cool places to eat, shop, and drink in the Belmont & Clark area. They’ve got a ton of cool retro accessories and vintage clothing. Personally, I find all my atrocious sweaters there…
Ugly sweater from Ragstock
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 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.
Spring Break in Chicago
Whether your break falls in early or late March, there’s a trillion and ten things to do in Chicago. Instead of listing a trillion ideas for your Chicago excursion, here are a few worthwhile stops we think you should make…
Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day
If your vacation coincides with St. Patrick’s Day on March 14th, we advise you to check out the Chicago River being dyed a vibrant green that day. This occasion is followed by the annual parade that rolls through the downtown area and consists of heavy amounts of floats, shamrocks, acrobats, and drunken hecklers of all shapes & sizes. Admission is free. Read more
Meet the Staff & Our Favorite Chicago Spots
We love Chicago. You want to see Chicago. Let’s meet and maybe our interests will give you some hip ideas on seeing our beautiful town. Also, this may give you some tips on experiencing cool stuff not usually found on the average tourist brochure. Oh, and please don’t be intimidated by our good looks…
Charlie Lopez
Q: What is your favorite Chicago venue for music?
A: The Beat Kitchen (Food, Booze, & Music!)
Q: What is your favorite bar/tavern/pub?
A: Goldies (Cheap booze!)
Q: What is your favorite pizza place?
A: Bacci’s Pizza (jumbo slices for cheap in Wrigleyville).
Q: What is your favorite Chicago band?
Q: What is your favorite place to eat in Lincoln Park?
A: Five Guys ( a lil’ pricey for burgers but really good).
Q: What is one of your favorite Chicago pastimes/things to do in the city?
A: Frolicking through Navy Pier.
Q: What is your favorite place to shop?
A: Something Old/Something New
Gangsters, Ghosts, and Boats: Take a Chicago Tour Today
You probably already know of Chicago’s rich legacy of gangsters. However, if you’re interested in knowing more on the extensive subject of infamous criminals, hop on the tour bus and take a trip with Untouchable Tours! You will gain knowledge of the 1920s and 30s Prohibition Era while visiting a vast array of landmarks including: the Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, as well as the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Read more
Finding Fun Photo Locations in Chicago
You may know that Chicago is seeped in history, but you may not have known how photogenic Chicago proves to be. We encourage you to bring your camera and capture the aesthetic beauty of our city. Here are just a few landmarks that will make great shots:
Take a quick pic with this giant sculpture at Daley Plaza.
Chicago Theatre All Around Us
The Chicago Theatre Movement took off in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and has continued to grow ever since. Today, the New York Times names Chicago as a city ”with a theatre scene as vibrant as New York’s.” The adjacent Old Town neighborhood is home to many independent theatre companies who put on award winning drama and comedy productions. Some of your favorite comedians got their start just down the street at Second City, and our neighborhood is home to some of the oldest theatre companies in America. From improv to political commentary, there is something for everyone on any of the stages in this diverse neighborhood.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
(312) 335-1650
1650 N. Halsted
Steppenwolf Theatre Company began in Chicago in 1976 with only nine actors. Today it is the longest running and most successful theatre company in the country, with forty nine artists including actors, directors, playwrites, and film makers.
Now through November 8, 2009 catch Fake, written and directed by Steppenwolf members Eric Simonson and Kate Arrington. This drama is set in 1914, and explores sentiments about truth, faith, science, and evolution. This production runs Tuesday through Sunday and tickets can be purchased for $40 by visiting their website or contacting the box office at 312-335-1650. Steppenwolf theatre is a short walk from the Chicago Getaway Hostel at 1650 N Halsted. Read more
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Our Doorstep
If you’re in search of famous Chicago deep dish pizza, a brief walk from the hostel will take you there. Two of our city’s favorite pizzerias, Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s offer the delicious classic for a reasonable price. You can feed three to four people for about $20 and Lou Malnati’s offers individual pies that start at $5.50.
