Five Favorites in Downtown Chicago

When one cannot travel, it’s nice to think back on the good times of when we could see new places and be in crowded venues.

This particular trip was a quick November weekend with friends. A few more stories could be told about this weekend, but isn’t that always the case? This brief blog post retraces a few delicious steps and reminds me that I was having so much fun that I forgot to take as many photos as I usually do. C’est la vie, I guess it’s okay to be in the moment more than document it all. Enjoy!

Thinking about Chicago today, so I'm sharing my downtown favorites. I can't wait to go back, I need to see all of the museums. #ChicagoIL #MagMile #MilleniumPark

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links; I may earn a tiny commission from purchases.

Be advised that this post was written during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many restaurants and small businesses were unsure of their futures. The following businesses may not survive, but I’m optimistic! If a permanent closure has happened and I haven’t noted it please comment below with an evidentiary link – thank you.


The Kitchen (316 N Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60654)
facebook.com/TheKitchenChicago
Check your coat and get ready to spend a few dollars. The wines are delicious, you’re going to lick your plate clean, and even the after-dinner coffee is amazing. Go now.

Thinking about Chicago today, so I'm sharing my downtown favorites. Brunch at Yolk. #ChicagoIL #Yolk #brunch

Yolk. (747 N. Wells, Chicago, Illinois 60654)
facebook.com/Yolk-880327578989454/
Amazing breakfast! Reservations will definitely speed things up, but if you show up on a weekend at 10am, be ready for at least a 40 minute wait. Stick around – it’s worth it! I’m a sucker for french toast…especially when I can pair the toast with sausage, bacon, eggs, AND, strawberry orange juice. So good. Yum.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop (830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60611)
facebook.com/pages/Ghirardelli-Chocolate/154229431260047
Same ol’ Ghirardelli if you’ve wandered into their square near San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s the place to go for delicious treats, and this location in Chicago is at the north end of the Mag Mile in the Historic Water Tower – this may already be closed. Sad. If you’re near a Ghirardelli (there are many in the USA) pop in for a hot chocolate, they’re classic for a reason!

Thinking about Chicago today, so I'm sharing my downtown favorites. Brunch at I|O Godfrey. #ChicagoIL #MagMile #GodfreyHotel

I|O Godfrey (Fourth floor – 127 W Huron, Chicago, Illinois 60654)
facebook.com/iogodfrey/
I|O is the fourth floor restaurant and lounge in the Godfrey Hotel. Nice brunch spot, variety of table sizes so it’s as easy to seat 15 as four. Definitely reserve your table on Open Table at least a day ahead. The window-pane roof lets you enjoy the skyline without getting wet – and they make a decent pitcher drinks like bloody Marys and piña coladas.

MillenniumPark (201 E Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60602)
facebook.com/MillenniumParkChicago/
You have to get a selfie with the Bean if you’re in the area! Everyone does it, and being a tourist is fun. Lots of sculptures around the park, so take your time and have a nice stroll if you’re able. If you walk over from the Mag Mile expect many spangers, so carry singles if you’re feeling generous.

☞ Related: Five Favorite Gardens

 Need more food photos? Check out Food Photos from Tokyo Japan

Thinking about Chicago today, so I'm sharing my downtown favorites. I can't wait to go back, I need to see all of the museums. #ChicagoIL #MagMile #MilleniumPark  Thinking about Chicago today, so I'm sharing my downtown favorites. I can't wait to go back, I need to see all of the museums. #ChicagoIL #MagMile #MilleniumPark



Author: Tracey

Tracey has a bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She loves editing, riding bikes, and cooking for her family.

Join the conversation

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s