Chicago really has it all! Famous landmarks, events, great food, and exhibits
will fill every minute of your day exploring this city. As long-time
Chicagoans,we bring to you our insider guide to the city for the
best restaurants, art venues/museums, and things to do
on the South Side, West Side, and suburban areas.

 

 

On the south side of the city you will find Auburn Gresham, Chatham, South Shore and more! These locations hold a variety of community parks and delicious restaurants. Check them out:

 

The perfect spot for live music, delicious food options and the perfect afternoon coffee/tea. Afro Joe's is a true neighborhood gem, and stopping by for their Soul Saturday Sessions, is a must.

Nashville hot chicken, right in the heart of Chicago, where can you go wrong? With varying degrees of spice (varying from mild to call-ya'-mama!) and sides like cheat day fries, Hot Chi deserves to be your new go to. Don't forget the peanut butter pie ice cream!

Majani is a fast casual joint serving up plant-based southern cuisine. Chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel have a goal of creating community through food, and bringing fresh dining options to the well deserving community they take pride in.

This park in the heart of the city offers a lagoon, waterfall, and benches to take in the wonderful oasis. Take the family here for a day in the park and enjoy a nice picnic.

This is a great spot if you’re looking for a family outing or somewhere to take your kids and their friends. They provide a great location for organizations and schools to hold events or parties.

At this branch you will find artwork funded by the Percent for Art Ordinance. There are many workshops held here including story time!

Equally inriching as it is interesting, each exhibit emphasizes an educational message. Hands-on play experience helps children gain knowledge of what they learned instead of thinking it as play time.

This Chicago landmark presents a magnificent country club feel, has a formal dining room, theater, nature sanctuary and butterfly garden, nine-hole golf course, beach and a wonderful scenery for a picnic.

Hyde Park Art Center is a hub for contemporary art in Chicago, with a mission of empowering the creative voices of all ages and skill levels. HPAC offers both free and paid creative courses for all ages and skills level, ranging from photography, to equity and action, to print making and sculpture.

 

The west side of Chicago is home to many cultural and ideological communities like Austin, Garfield Park, and Lawndale. Within the communities that make up the west side you will find a selection of restaurants, attractions, and family friendly activities!

West Sidewest side restaurants

Located in the heart of Oak Park, Citrine offers Mediterranean influenced cuisine with American flair, including braised and brined meats and vegetables cooked in clay pots in a brick oven. Citrine delivers a variety of unique dishes with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Inspiration Kitchens is a social enterprise restaurant located in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, with proceeds going to support our job training program for individuals ready for a new start in life. Great cuisine with a great cause

Bridge Café unites the community by providing a tasty menu and comfortable space for friendships to begin and deepen, while supporting local young people chasing their dreams. The cafe seeks to be a place to build connections in the East Garfield Park neighborhood with an enjoyable environment for all.

This organization wants to change lives through the power of nature. This non-profit organization provides educational programs and events.
Located in the Cragin neighborhood. They are dedicated to creating cultural and meaningful theatrical performances that address social issues in the community
Located on the West Side is one of Chicago’s historic attractions, the Hull House. The Hull House was a settlement house in 1889 founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. It now remains open as a museum.

Pilsen is a neighborhood where art comes to life around every corner. Here bold murals have blossomed in the most unexpected places — on the fronts of homes, along railway overpasses, and wrapped around train platforms. The 16th Street railroad embankment in the neighborhood has become a canvas to experience some of Chicago’s and the world’s celebrated street artists.

The House Theatre of Chicago and its community of artists, audience, supporters, and staff strives to build an equitable, diverse, anti-racist, accessible, transparent and inclusive institution through shared experiences of joy, hardship and imagination. Come out and catch a show, all are welcome!

Black Moon is an artists collective on the West Side of Chicago. Black moon prides themselves on showcasing art, live music, street festivals, and culture centered events at their gallery space.

 

 If you’re looking to get away from the city’s fast-paced lifestyle, the south and west suburbs of Chicago offers some real gems!

Serenity's Place Cafe & Bakery Inc is a multicultural food venue with a licensed chef and basset certified bartender for any occasion. Weddings, birthdays, holidays, etc. We now have a Cafe & Bakery where you can stop by and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee and fresh baked goods and more.

Located in Dolton, Olivia’s Family Restaurant is a casual american-mexican restaurant that serves breakfast, steaks, seafood, tacos, burritos & much more

Salmon croquettes, fajitas, burgers...Egg Shack in Calumet Park has it all! Their menu is filled with a delicious variety of food for everyone, and their friendly staff is always welcoming and ready to serve!

Brookfield Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1934! It houses around 450 species of animals and is open every day! It is a short distance from Broadview, IL and is a must visit for all ages!

Brookfield Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1934! It houses around 450 species of animals and is open every day! It is a short distance from Broadview, IL and is a must visit for all ages!

Located in River Forest, not to far from Maywood, IL! This museum features walking trails, wildflower gardens and information about local wildlife!