Your Title Goes Here
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Below are a few trusted suggestions from the Courtyard’s guest service staff that will help you explore the Windy City like a local.
RESTAURANTS
American
the dearborn
This Loop stand-out is known for its classic American fare and gracious hospitality
smyth
This West Loop spot is the recipient of two Michelin stars
the dawson
A gathering place in the River West neighborhood celebrating the craft of food, drinks and hospitality
girl and the goat
Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard’s popular West Loop spot known for small plates
portillo's
Providing locals and visitors alike quick serve burgers, hot-dogs, ribs and pasta for over 50 years
the publican
Simple yet elevated farmhouse fare in a communal setting reminiscent of a European beer hall
Asian
tao
This 7000 square-foot restaurant and nightclub is set in a 100+ year-old gothic building
sunda
A trendy spot for creative Asian fusion fare, sushi and specialty cocktails in a chic modern space
nobu
Set in the West Loop’s Nobu Hotel, this spot brings the heavy hitters
chi cafe
Looking for a late-nite munchie fix? This Chinatown spot has you covered
momotaro
Fine Japanese cuisine combined with traditional techniques in a contemporary setting
BBQ
bub city
A destination for BBQ, whiskey and live country music, this little slice of the South really shines
green street smoked meats
A West Loop favorite serving award-winning Texas-style BBQ
carson's
Long-standing steakhouse serving slow-smoked American barbecue like its signature babyback ribs
Breakfast/Brunch
uncle mikes place
A cozy no-frills place that is home to the famous Filipino breakfast
lou mitchells
This iconic Loop diner has been serving hearty breakfasts & lunches since 1923
ann sather
The city’s best cinnamon rolls, even though the place is owned by an Alderman
beatrix
A low-key gathering spot offering delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes
tweet
This welcoming Uptown spot will nourish your body and soul
little goat diner
Head to Randolph St. for chef Stephanie Izard’s nostalgic take on a modern diner serving elevated comfort food classics
Burgers
au cheval
Considered the gold-standard of Chicago burgers, this place has the lines to prove it
butcher and the burger
With a complete butcher shop in-house, you know the burgers will be out of this world
M burger
Fresh-ground, all-natural, black angus griddle cooked burgers, fries and thick milkshakes
shake shack
Smashed burgers, crinkle-cut fries and decadent shakes, this place hits the spot
Coffee/Donuts
firecakes
This locally owned spot specializes in small-batch artisanal donuts
goddess and the baker
A welcoming spot with inspired food selections from around the globe
donut vault
Get to this intimate bakery first thing in the morning because they sell out of their delectable treats fast
Family
ed debevic's
This legendary 50’s style diner has returned with the same snarky waiters and delicious burgers, shakes and fries
elephant and castle
This English influenced casual pub is the perfect place to bring the whole family
state and lake tavern
The Wit Hotel’s take on elevated American comfort food in a cool urban setting
French
le bouchon
This Bucktown bistro with a quaint decor and classic French cuisine will transport you to Paris
tureaux Tavern
A trusted Loop sport for French cuisine
les nomades
High-end French cuisine & a highly regarded wine list in a flower-filled brownstone
Greek
Athena
This Greektown favorite features delicious classics and great city views from the patio
Italian
nico osteria
Head to the Thompson Hotel for chic and trendy Italian specialties
rpm italian
Modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring contemporary dishes meant to be shared
victory tap
Be sure to order Proprietor/Chef Joe Farina’s famous, award-winning “Mama’s Meatballs”
quartino
This bustling restaurant and wine bar is noted for its distinctive small-plates and accessible wines
Gioia Ristorante e pastificio
This relative newcomer to Chicago’s Restaurant Row has been attracting trendy foodies from day one
Mexican/Taco’s
dos urban cantina
This family-owned taqueria features a unique take on modern Mexican cuisine
frontera grill
Features popular Mexican dishes inspired by the eclectic flavors of Mexico’s authentic small markets
xoco
A quick-service cafe from Rick Bayless proffers contemporary expressions of Mexican street food
topolobampo
Award-winning Mexican fine dining from celebrated chef Rick Bayless going on 30+ years
Pizza
lou malnati's
Using the freshest ingredients possible is what makes their pies truly memorable
spacca napoli
A favorite with locals who cherish thin-crust Neopolitan pies
pat's pizza
A Chicago icon know for their thin-crust tavern-style pizzas
victory tap
This South Loop standout hits it out of the park with their handmade pizzas and pastas
pequod's
One of the original deep-dish landmarks known for its caramelized crusts
Seafood
porto
A fashionable spot with a nod to the fishing villages of Portugal and Spain
gt fish
This oyster bar and seafood-centric eatery really hits the mark with foodies
joe's seafood
Classic seafood & steak fare, including signature stone crab claws
shaw's crab house
Part fine dining, part lively oyster bar, this long-standing spot is a sure hit on both fronts
Steakhouse
bavette's
Embracing French flair without the formality while indulging in timeless steakhouse fare
gibson's
Chicago’s classic Steakhouse that comes with a generous side of people-watching
rpm steak
An updated and trendy take on a steakhouse with cuts sourced from butchers around the world
steak 48
Serving the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting
Sushi
niu japanese fusion Lounge
Sushi, noodles & other Asian dishes served in a minimalist yet luxurious setting
sushi san
Expert sushi and binchotan meats with a side of old-school hip-hop and ice-cold beer
momotaro
Fine Japanese cuisine and sushi combined with traditional techniques in a contemporary setting
mako
Specializing in seasonal sushi presentations in a sleek setting
union sushi
Head to the River North Gallery District for a creative take on Japanese dining
Vegetarian
eataly
A massive food emporium with anything and everything from the old country
althea
A stylish spot inside Saks Fifth Avenue serving healthy chef-driven vegan fare
volare
Traditional, homestyle Italian cooking in a bustling dining room with an old-world feel
BARS/NIGHTLIFE
Sports Bars
mother hubbard's
A gathering place for locals and tourists alike for sporting events for over 20 years
cubby bear
One of Wrigley’s most beloved watering holes and a perfect place to pre-game before a Cubs game
theory
This lively spot elevates the sports bar on every level
Cocktail Lounge
three dots and a dash
A Speakeasy tiki bar with 200+ rums & luau bites in a retro Polynesian-island setting
untitled supper club
A glamorous subterranean speakeasy and restaurant with a focus on whiskey
tortoise supper club
A modern American supper club with live jazz on the weekends
celeste
Swanky hangout with a downstairs bar plus a lounge and art deco American supper-club upstairs
Brewpub/Beer Centric
o'callahan's
A cozy, old-school neighborhood Irish bar and tavern in the heart of the River North Entertainment District
elephant and castle
This English influenced pub is the perfect place to watch a match with mates while drinking a few pints
the berghoff - adams street brewery
With roots dating back over 120 years and its sister company holding liquor license #1, you know the beer is top-notch
state and lake tavern
The Wit Hotel’s take on an elevated American tavern in a cool urban setting
Dance Club
the underground
People watching and late-nite dancing to club tunes take center stage here
prysm
A lively and fun crowd can be found at this club located in the Clybourn corridor
smart bar
A lively and hip Lakeview nightclub that showcases new and exciting dance music and cutting edge DJ’s from around the world
roof on the wit
For one of the best and trendiest drinking and dining spots, head upstairs to the place that pioneered Chicago’s rooftop experience
Live Music
andy's jazz
A favorite with locals and visitors alike, this lively spot has been showcasing top jazz acts for decades
tao
This 7000 square-foot nightclub and restaurant is set in a 100+ year-old gothic building
green mill
This legendary Uptown spot features live jazz from local and national artists
buddy guy's legends
Live blues and Cajun grub in the South Loop, and who knows maybe Buddy will stop by for a set
kingston mines
Head to Lincoln Park for the city’s oldest and largest continuously running blues club with two stages
LGBTQ+
sidetrack
One of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ pioneering clubs and a great time for all
hydrate
This is the spot for dancing, music and the best late-nite party in the city
tunnel
This nightclub was inspired by London’s infamous urban tunnels
Rooftop
roof on the wit
For one of the best and trendiest drinking and dining spots, head upstairs to the place that pioneered Chicago’s rooftop experience
joy district
A multi-level nightclub and restaurant featuring new American cuisine, creative cocktails and a lively hip scene
cerise
Set atop the Virgin hotel, this trendy place offers glorious views and creative cocktails
london house
Three chic levels of drinking & dining with indoor/outdoor seating & spectacular sweeping views
terrace on 16
Love him or hate him, the swanky spot features some of the best views and drinks in the city
nobu
Set in the West Loop’s Nobu Hotel, this spot brings the heavy hitters
Wine Bar
city winery
Restaurant Row is where you will find this restaurant and live music venue that also produces its own wine
the press room
An intimate subterranean spot in the West Loop that is a favorite with the locals
SIGHTS/
ATTRACTIONS
Museums
Field Museum
Situated on the Museum Campus this natural history institution is also home to a T-Rex named Sue
Shedd Aquarium
Situated on the Museum Campus and home to thousands of species of beautiful fish and marine life
art institute
Founded in 1879, this Chicago treasure is one of the nation’s oldest and largest art museums
chicago children's museum
Family fun and education is priority #1 at this Navy Pier institution
museum of contemporary art
Championing the new and unexpected in contemporary art and culture
Attractions/
Points of Interest
maggie daley park
Named in honor of Mayor Daley’s wife, this dynamic park, adjacent to Millennium Park, a must-do for families
millennium park
Chicago’s motto, urbs in horto “city in a garden” is personified at this lakefront crown jewel
willis tower - skydeck chicago
Featuring spectacular views spanning up to four states and The Ledge for those who dare
Boat Tours
shoreline sightseeing
Head out for informative Lake Michigan and architecture river tours departing daily from Michigan Ave. and Navy Pier
chicago line
Informative architectural tours plus free Starbucks coffee
Specialty Tours
big bus
A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour showcasing the best of Chicago and its attractions
SHOPPING
Malls/Dept. Stores
water tower place
An iconic Mag-Mile shopping destination with over 100 specialty stores including American Girl
the shops at north bridge
Home to famous national brands like Nordstrom and Hugo Boss as well as several leading restaurants
fashion outlets
It’s worth the trip considering customers can browse shops like Gucci, Prada and Tory Burch
Women’s Clothing
nordstrom rack
Incredible deals on top luxury brands from the nation’s leading retailer
marshalls
Bringing top womenswear labels and brands to you at prices that will leave you smiling
macy's
Specializing in brand-name clothing, accessories, home furnishings & housewares
akira
Fashion-forward clothing, shoes and accessories located in the Loop’s Block 37 Mall
zara
Fashion-forward designs that will not break the bank
Men’s Clothing
nordstrom rack
Incredible deals on top luxury brands from the nation’s leading retailer
marshalls
Bringing top menswear labels and brands to you at prices that will leave you smiling
macy's
Specializing in brand-name clothing, accessories, home furnishings & housewares
Shoes
DSW
An iconic Mag-Mile shopping destination with over 100 specialty stores including American Girl
ecco shoes
This Water Tower spot is the ideal place for footwear for adventurous travelers looking for comfort
macy's
Specializing in brand-name clothing, accessories, home furnishings & housewares
Jewelry/Watches
tiffany
Nothing says luxury like the little blue box
cartier
Classic contemporary jewelry with a Parisian flair
new york jewelers
This family-owned jeweler, set in the heart of the Jewelry District features luxurious pieces at great prices
david yurman
The designer’s Flagship store is situated directly on the Magnificent Mile
Souveniers
bye bye chicago
This Michigan Avenue spot carries hundreds of Chicago centric items
walgreens
Looking for a piece of Chicago along with filling your prescription – this is the place
SERVICES
Hair & Nail Salon
tivvy nail and spa
This River North salon pampers guests who want a little self-care
digits nails
A Northside salon where guest satisfaction is priority #1
spoil me hair salon
This women-owned salon promotes the latest styles and trends
volar hair salon
Head to Chinatown for a luxurious services
Massage/Spa
spa at the peninsula
Revitalize your mind, body and spirit at this full service spa
spa at the four seasons
A magnificent massage and complete relaxation are in-store directly on the Mag-Mile
spa at the wit
Escape to the ultimate retreat for a day of luxurious pampering