Great Indoors

1321 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Peter F. writes: If you need help and to get ideas for remodling this is the ultimate place. The employees are very adept at knowing what "style" is in the home and are very helpful. Bring money, lotsa money.

Mike Ditka's Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near North Side

100 E Chestnut St
Chicago, IL 60611

Amador A. writes: Had dinner here last night with a friend.  We were walking around the Magnificent Mile and decided to stop in for dinner.

We were promptly seated at a booth.  And as I was overlooking the menu, I heard a large booming voice right behind me.

... I knew…

Spy Source

1522 Miner St
Des Plaines, IL 60016

MARYLOU G. writes: Here's a store you won't run into on every corner. Of course, there may be other locations under a stealth blanket, but if I told you, I'd have to kill you! Seriously, if you need protection, surveillance, a private investigation, or anything of that…

John's Place
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

1202 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Rob L. writes: I've been here a couple of times, once with a friend for lunch, another time for a co workers birthday dinner. Both were good, but I will talk about the dinner. It first started out as a group of 15 that soon exploded to 30. A lot of people, a lot of…

Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng Co of Chicago Ltd
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2247 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Jenny z. writes: Thanks a bunch, all you silly drinkers of Tazo and other bastardized, trendy, hybrid, teas.  Due to your need for ridonkulous new teas, my favorite tea in the world, Lapsang Souchong, has fallen completely out of favor with even discriminating…

Virtu
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2034 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Gracie B. writes: I think I've been in about 15 different gift boutiques over the last few weeks, so I think that makes me an expert on them.

This is one of the best I've seen.  

There's a wide variety of items, but everything make sense - housewares, jewelry,…

Dr. Wax
Neighborhood: Edgewater

1121 W Berwyn Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Jason L. writes: It was easy to find a used DVD or CD to take home when I needed a fresh movie or music fix.  And of course at half the price of buying new.  But they got ousted from their location a few months ago and are now next door under the Berwyn El stop in a…

Portillos Hot Dogs Inc.

9400 Skokie Boulevard
Skokie, IL 60076

Giselle S. writes: On occasion, I will allow fast food to touch the lips of my little darling.
I was pressed for time and had to drop the kid off at school by 1pm.  The time was 12:30pm.  I trekked into the city all morning to do some errands and dragged the kid with…

Sonotheque
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1444 West Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60612

Caroline A. writes: I've said this many times. I am not a club person.

But I had such a good time here last night.The DJ was fantastic... I have no idea who it was, but there were a bunch of people there to see him. This is a completely non-flashy place where people come…

Windy City Produce
Neighborhood: Avondale

3340 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60641

Timothy M. writes: I've been shopping here a lot lately, eating a lot more fresh vegetables.  The biggest plus about this store is that you can get a TON of fresh, delicious, healthy food for dirt cheap.  You can pretty much load up with half the store for under $40.…

Hi Ricky Noodle Shop
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1852 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Kelli M. writes: Now called "Zen Noodles" but has the exact same food.  Great chicken satay, great filipino lumpia, great smoothies.  I used to live in the area, which has several noodle shops, and I ate here at least twice a week.  Definitely the best around for…

Ann Sathers
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1448 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Kate K. writes: Being Swedish, it's hard to find a Swedish pancake that compares to my grandma's killer recipe, but Ann Sather's has some mean ones.  Make sure you get lingonberries with them or it just isn't authentic.  Also, get a cinnamon roll to go to eat for a…

The Hershey Company
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Streeterville

822 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60686

Nancy K. writes: Fun tourist trap that is everything Hershey and not inexpensive.

Gilmart
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

5050 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60632

Dan E. writes: I was driving on Archer and wanted to get my carryout fix of Polish food so I stopped at Bobaks - my luck they closed the restaurant for remodeling for a few weeks (starting today) so I drove down the street to this place. Its a Polish supermarket.…

Sal & Carvao Churrascaria
Neighborhood: Near North Side

739 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

Christina S. writes: I am not a big fan of Brazilian Churrascarias.  So, I really don't know how I ended up at this restaurant on a Saturday night, but I was definitely hungry by the time I arrived at Sal and Carvao at 8pm.  Let me put this in perspective.....I had…

New Saigon
Neighborhood: Uptown

5000 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640

Jen l. writes: I looove coming here for bun...with the eggrolls!  #702.  It's broiled marinated steak with an eggrolls, steamed noodles, fish sauce, etc.  And I like to add an extra eggroll.  :)  Seriously, my favorite place for this in Chicago so far.  The owner…

Jury's
Neighborhood: North Center

4337 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618

Paige W. writes: Friend: "So, where's this guy taking you?"
Me: "Oh, this place called Jury's. He grew up in Chicago and say it's a total hole in the wall."
Friend: "Huh. And...is that enough to impress you on a first date?"
Me: "I mean, no. But he says the burgers are…

Ann Sather
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5207 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

David R. writes: Always have a great time here. :)  Great service and we love the cinnamon rolls  here, fresh and yummy!   It's our favorite restaurant in Ad' ville :)

Loyola University Chicago
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

6525 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60626

Colleen C. writes: Ok, I've rethought my immediate post-graduate angst...

My education at Loyola University Chicago has not held me back from anything. Certainly not Ivy League...and obviously overshadowed by Northwestern...but above adequate.

The improvements…

Don's Dock Seafood Market

1220 E Northwest Hwy
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Patrick W. writes: Hands down, my favorite joint for seafood outside the state of Louisiana. This is a small seafood market with the bonus of counter service of fresh homecooked seafood. My favorite is the pound of small shrimp, which I slather in hot sauce. They use…

Pop's Italian Beef
Neighborhood: Mount Greenwood

10337 S Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60655

James B. writes: Holy Crap I love the beef here!

Apple Store

109 Old Orchard Shopping Center
Skokie, IL 60077

Caroline A. writes: Great store, but it takes forever to get the attention of a sales person.  
I bought my new macbook here a few weeks ago.  I thought the Old Orchard location would be less congested than Michigan Ave. Not quite.  

I went in at 3pm on a Friday…

Miller's Pub
Neighborhood: The Loop

134 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60603

Valeria R. writes: This place was probably quite glam...in 1972.  The decor is unapologetically corny and dated, and it's just perfect for what it is: a place to get a really good steak and baked potato and a salad made with iceberg lettuce.

Sunday afternoon I had…

Hecky's of Chicago
Neighborhood: Near North Side

1234 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60622

Matt W. writes: Sorry y'all, I had to remove the steakhouse categorization because if you've eaten at Hecky's you must know it's BBQ, not a steakhouse! But I digress...

If and when I die, hopefully several years down the road, all I want in Kingdom Come is a…

Dinotto
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Old Town

215 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60610

Jenny R. writes: The outdoor patio was very romantic and beautiful in the evening. We were seated closest to the sidewalk however the patio was segregated from the hustle and bustle by a wall of ivy and other aesthetically appealing foliage. It was a bit chilly so…

Diversey River Bowl
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2211 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

Ellen M. writes: I was neutral on the Chicago smoking ban.  Now that it's in place, I appreciate it, especially when I come to places like this.  You can breathe now.  I wouldn't care the air fresh and sweet, more like slightly stale with a hint of alcohol, but I'll…

Andy's Jazz Club
Neighborhood: Near North Side

11 E Hubbard St Ste 1
Chicago, IL 60611

Daniel W. writes: Went to Andy's last night and had a blast. The cover was $10.00 for an artist I did not know but I do support the arts and after hearing the quality of talent would have paid $20.00. This is strictly jazz and blues so not appropriate for everyone.…

Blue Fin Sushi Bar
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1952 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Justin V. writes: Every time I go to Bluefin (or Blue Fin, or whatever) my companion and I are the only people in the restaurant who do not work there.  This makes me fear for the future of the establishment as I usually go on one of their two (TWO!) half-off wine…

Friends of the Chicago Public Library
Neighborhood: The Loop

400 S State St
Chicago, IL 60605

sugarandspice b. writes: I work near this library and for lunch, I often come here to find a good read or just get away.  You can get almost anything here and best part....IT's FREE!!!!

Elk Grove Bowl and Billiards

53 Arlington Heights Rd
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Robert L. writes: The inside must have been remodeled in recent years. This place is quite large, they have automatic(computerized scoring);   very cool! I have wondered if my friends , family (or even myself) were actually keeping an accurate score by hand in the…

West Egg Cafe
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River East

620 N Fairbanks Ct
Chicago, IL 60611

Arnab M. writes: David S. and I completely missed North Michigan Avenue and ended up walking all the way to North Fairbanks Court instead and given that we were hungry as hell after a late night of gallivanting across Boystown, we saw West Egg Cafe and it seemed like…

Gallery 37 Retail Store
Neighborhood: The Loop

66 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601

Takelya W. writes: I have worked here over the years and couldn't come to love a place more. Gallery 37 has some of the greatest performers in Chicago perform in it's Storefront Theater (i, myself, have had the liberty to perform here as well). It's a bit snug but that…

Rice Box
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2940 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Edward H. writes: I don't get to go for kalbi and bul go gi as much as I'd like but I'm glad that Rice Box is around when I get a craving and need some in a pinch.  Prices are very reasonable and I'd dare say the food tastes good and is healthier than a trip to…

Steak N Shake Inc

2209 Oakton St
Evanston, IL 60202

carolynne r. writes: I made the mistake of coming here to satisfy a sugar craving.  Ordered the junior size coffee mocha shake.  

I have been shivering and tweaking like a damned junkie going through DT's ever since and its FOUR HOURS LATER.  It was THAT sweet, thick and…

Siam Cafe
Neighborhood: Uptown

4712 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60640

Aamer G. writes: After a long day at work I really don't feel like cooking and instead opt to eat out. Recently this has been happing more often than I'd like, so instead of doing the logical thing and  try to start cooking again I have decided to look for cheap…

Presence
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5216 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Alice S. writes: Wow man.  Can't believe Presence is still around.  I shopped at the original store further down on Clark St. about 30+ years ago.  4 Stars just for surviving, like me.

Groovy.

Caffe De Luca
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1721 N Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

Ellen M. writes: Like Rob L., I've had late breakfasts with Kathleen O. at Caffe De Luca, but they were more like 1 p.m.  Perhaps our schedules contribute to our respective physicalities.  I promise my next breakfast with KO will be no later than 7:30.  In the…

Chipotle

711 Church St
Evanston, IL 60201

Keiko S. writes: 3.5 stars for this decent fast-food restaurant where you actually get to eat a substantial amount of veggies. It works like Subway; you go down the aisle placing your order step-by-step.

First you place your order from the following choices: burrito,…

Kopi Travelers Cafe
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5317 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

Marion P. writes: I love this place. Any place that serves veggie nachos in a scandalously big, messy pile gets a super rating from me.
Great menu, and a lovely shop in the back (nice bags & jewelery). Very attentive and kind service.

Now, if I might suggest just one…