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. 🫶 

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.

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.