Topolobampo — the sleek sister of Frontera Grill, both owned by renowned chef Rick Bayless – is frequently identified as the Obamas' favorite spot for elegant regional Mexican cuisine on a special evening out.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, they also like R.J. Grunts in Lincoln Park for a more casual bite. Michelle Obama favors the inventive American cuisine at Sepia, a West Loop eatery built from an 1890 print shop, and Barack Obama pegs MacArthur's — which serves fine soul food in a family atmosphere — as one of his top Chicago picks.
An Obama family favorite for years is 57th Street Books in Hyde Park."The variety of titles, the programs for kids and the neighborhood feel make it a wonderful place to take a walk to and browse around," Michelle Obama says in the Chicago Sun-Times.
The soon-to-be First Lady is frequently seen wearing designs by Chicago's Maria Pinto. She became a client of the award-winning designer whose "design signatures are the sensual fit of her clothing, and her seasonal selection of luxurious European fabrics" in 2004. Lucky Chicagoans can find her amazing accessories and ready-to-wear collections in her first retail store — the new Maria Pinto Boutique in the West Loop.
Chicago's spectacular lakefront is another longtime favorite for the new first family. "Back when they could blend into a crowd, the Obamas would take their girls to enjoy the lake breeze at Promontory Point," says the Chicago Sun-Times. And the Chicago Tribune says that one of Obama's haunts is the outdoor basketball courts at Hayes Drive and South Lake Shore Drive where Barack likes to shoot hoops — often with his brother-in-law Craig Robinson, who is head basketball coach at Oregon State University.
Because this Southsider has declared himself a Chicago White Sox fan, you might catch sight of the President-elect some game day at U.S. Cellular Field.
Presidential Chicago shines the spotlight on the city's favorite son and Obama's neighborhood treasures. Stay at the legendary InterContinental Chicago hotel on the Magnificent Mile where you'll enjoy unrivalled accommodations in an historic structure whose 1920s splendor has been faithfully and beautifully preserved.
Then you'll take a Gray Line Tour to discover the neighborhood where Obama's roots run deep — an area rich in architecture, museums and academia including the Museum of Science and Industry, Soldier Field, Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, University of Chicago, and more.
Looking for more ways to experience Presidential Chicago? Download a PDF of an exciting 3-day itinerary.