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Summer Friday Guide: Chicago

Grab a coffee: Cafe Jumping Bean in Pilsen is a neighborhood coffee shop that takes care of its community by providing a free gallery for artists and affordable prices for customers. Fun fact: They’ve been known to barter services in exchange for a coffee tab. 🫶 

Cafe Jumping Bean

For lunch: J.P. Graziano in West Loop is an Italian sandwich shop that’s been open since 1937…enough said. And KALA in Lincoln Park is a modern Greek BYOB spot if you’re looking for a light and delicious lunch.

A hidden gem: Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park is a great place to sit and read a book or journal on a break from your lil afternoon stroll.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

Happy Hour picks: How about three?

SUNNYGUN in West Loop is the backyard patio of MONEYGUN. Good music and chill vibes…two essentials of a Summer Friday.
Caffè Oliva in Streeterville is a beachfront restaurant on Ohio Street Beach that’s a perfect place to stop on a walk or bike ride on the Lakefront Trail!
Happy Camper in Old Town has amazing pizza and equally amazing ranch (very important). If you want a cocktail, get the Umbrella!

Rainy day activity: Open Books in West Loop is filled with an extensive collection of used and new books. Fun Fact: I found a $5 cocktail book called “Tarot & Tequila” the first time I visited. V on brand.

Sunny day activity: Take an architecture boat tour in Magnificent Mile! I’ve done this several times and my jaw is on the floor deck the entire time. And if you get thirsty, there’s a boat bar!

And for beach people, if you want to avoid the crowds at North Ave Beach, we recommend heading a bit more north on the Lakefront Trail towards Belmont. Post up on the grass with a blanket and jump in the lake to cool off. Extra points for no sand!

Something cultural: Love the Museum of Contemporary Art. With six current exhibitions on display, you’ll “ooh” and “ahh” your way through the entire museum.

What are we missing? Drop your Chicago recs in the comment section below! 👇

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