Chicago Blog & Travel Guide

Things to Do

Top 5 Cocktail Bars in Chicago

Sure, drinking a few good beers is fun, but hit up one of these special spots for a masterfully made cocktail….

the violet hour.

the violet hour

You deserve a fancy cocktail.  At the Violet Hour, a specially designed mixed drink is waiting for you, their menu consisting of just about 40 drinks,  is designed to “wow” even the most pretentious cocktail connoisseur.  Specialty ingredients like green chartreuse, rose water, creme de cocoa really make the drinks. Try and drop by earlier as the place does fill up.  Dress formally and expect to pay around $12 per drink. 1520 N. Damen ave.

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Booze & View in Chicago

In the mood for a few cocktails along with a film or two? Check out these places that allow alcohol with a side of visual stimulation…

Brew & View Vic Theater

Just a short trip from our hostel, The Vic Theater’s Brew and View offers cheap admissions, $3 beers Monday-Wednesday, and a quick survey you can fill out to get buy one/get one free admission.  They do not allow outside food or drink, but they have a menu that includes: hot dogs, pizza, beer, and well drinks.  Catch a flick here at 3145 N Sheffield ave around the corner from the Belmont Red & Brown Line.

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NYE Party 2013 at Chicago Getaway Hostel

Get out your party shoes & bring in the New Year with us as we kick off our 2nd annual NYE Bash, Dec. 31st 9pm-1am

Meet. Dance. Celebrate.

 

 Details:

***DJ, Food, Drinks, Balloon Drop, Lights & Music.

*$10 for Food & Beer.

*$3 per Mixed Drink.

 

Celebrate with us!

 

cheers!

**Book online or call us at 773.929.5380 anytime with any questions!**

Chicago Independent Art.

Need an original holiday gift idea?  Curious about local urban art?  Check some of these local artist run shops…

Paperish Mess

Sometimes messy is good.  Paperish Mess displays a medley of locally crafted items from colorful prints to flashy flasks, original Chicago memoribilia to hand crafted candles.  Located at 1955 W Chicago Ave in the heart of serene Ukranian Village this shop epitomizes local art with a dinstinctively creative flare.  Drop in and say hi to the owners Lisa & Sean and their adorable shop cat, Mishka.

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Student Stays at Chicago Getaway

AffordabilityComfortLocationFriendship.  Some of the essential things you need in a second home.  We provide all of the necessary amenities for your Chicago stay while you further your education: free wifi/computer terminals, easy transportation, fun events, free breakfast, fellow students, a beautiful environment, all in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods.

 Discounted rates:  As a student studying in Chicago, you qualify for rates as low as $30-$79 per night depending on your desired accommodation.  In addition,  any eligible student who stays 30+ nights receives a tax break and is only taxed 4.5% as opposed to 16.4%.  Fill out an extended stay request form and choose a private room that’s right for you.

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5 spots to drink coffee in Chicago.

Whether you want a chill place to sit & sip delicious coffee, or bring back a great travel gift, here are some of the best cafes the Windy City has to offer….

Intelligentsia.

Now a nationally recognizeable force, Intelligentsia may be the best coffee served stateside.  Whether it’s their distinct flavorful House Blend, or the memorable richness of the El Diablo Dark Roast, every cup is brewed to order & everyone should try one.  3123 N. Broadway AveEnjoy a hot cup in their spacious cafe &  buy a bag of their fresh beans to bring back home.

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Great Sushi in Chicago

The capital of the Midwest packs a punch when it comes to sushi, enjoy the colors as we recommend some of our favorite places for maki, sashimi, & beautiful rolls…

Kabuki Sushi

Let’s begin with a tasty local option in Kabuki Japanese Restaurant.  A 5 minute walk from the hostel (2473 N. Clark St.) this place serves imaginative maki that leaves your taste buds begging for more.  In addition, their tempura (seafood and/or vegetables in a fried batter) proves to be a warm delight on a chilly autumn evening.  Enjoy with some of their signature sake (traditional Japanese warm wine made from rice). Average maki: $8.

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Award Winning Chicago Hostel

Explore Chicago and use our hostel as your comfortable base of travel.  Here are some reasons why you should stay with us:

*Location*

Location (Lincoln Park)

With an admirable Walk Score of 97, our neighborhood is one of the most accessible and pedestrian friendly districts around.  Whether you are in the market for nightlife, restaurants, the lakefront path, or even a free zoo, Lincoln Park will surely enhance your Chicago visit.  “Wonderful hostel! Lincoln Park area is great and quiet, pub crawl was so much fun on Thursday nights. Must stay hostel in Chicago, good environment to meet people or chill if you want. Stay here!!”  Anonymous review.

*Atmosphere*

We pride ourselves on being a boutique-like hostel with a very relaxing yet social vibe.  Our premises include free internet/wifi, common areas: including a tv lounge, piano room, cafeteria, and sun room, a fully renovated kitchen guests may use as well as a vending area.  Get the best travel tips at our front desk that’s operated 24/7, or relax with friends in the dining room.  Check out some reviews here.  We are also taking student applications for extended stay guests all while keeping up the atmosphere of a true traveler’s hostel.

*Events*

Free Blues Bar Mondays

Part of exploring Chicago is doing things together.  Chicago Getaway Hostel has weekly & monthly events, and we are pleased to host activities such as: pub crawls, free dinners, holiday parties, free blues bar outings, bike rides/ rentals and more.  Make your reservation today, and see for yourself why we were voted #4 Extra Large Hostel Worldwide on Hostelworld in 2012.

*Staff*

Front Desk.

We live, work, and play in Chicago, so we know this city very well.  Our greatest attribute is our desire to share this knowledge with you as you familiarize yourself with the greatest city in the USA.  Our entire staff takes great pride in what we do, and you are our first priority.

Smaller Museums in Chicago

Learn.  Discover.  Explore.  Chicago has numerous museums encompassing art, science, history and more.  We offer the discounted CityPass for the larger museums & towers here by following this link.   If you are interested in some of the smaller museums, here are our recommendations:

Mexican Art Museum in Pilsen

The National Mexican Art Museum displays the signature style of a very popular culture in Chicago.  Mexican art is known for its distinct aesthetic affect on sculptures, paintings, and murals.  This uniqueness is on full display at Pilsen’s museum, check it out at 1852 West 19th Street.  In addition, there are some incredible family run taquerias in Pilsen, try the excellent La Casa Del Pueblo when you’re done exploring art.

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Halloween in Chicago

We are on track to provide you with the makings of a great Halloween in Chicago:

Haunted Tours.

Urban legend, supernatural myth comes alive in this popular tour constructed by author Ursula Bielski over at Chicago Hauntings.  This bus has evening tours that explore all the most actively “haunted” Chicago locations.  October tickets are $33, cameras are encouraged, and reservations are a must.

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