Chicago Like a Local blog

Unique perspectives on the city from the people who live here.

Latest blog posts

A food tour of Chicago’s Albany Park: 7 places to try

One of my favorite things about living in Chicago is our abundance of riches, culinarily speaking. I’ve been here nearly a decade, and yet, I’m…

Published on March 7, 2019 by Margaret Poe

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at these Chicago bars & restaurants

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a celebration like no other. And the local bars and restaurant are getting in the Irish spirit with specials…

Published on March 4, 2019 by Dan Morgridge

Romance blooms at Chicago’s lovebird-led restaurants

There’s no better was to celebrate Valentine’s Day than an intimate dinner for two. And there’s really nothing more fitting than booking a favorite Chicago restaurant…

Published on January 17, 2019 by Amber Gibson

8 Chicago restaurant openings to watch in 2019

Chicago flies its foodie flag proudly. Michelin-starred restaurants, food festivals and the James Beard Foundation Awards are as much a part of the city’s landscape…

Published on December 27, 2018 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Chicago pizza: 13 must-try local spots

Mark your calendars: National Pizza Week is Jan. 13 – 19, 2019. Whether it’s a real holiday or not, it’s the perfect excuse to chow down…

Published on December 26, 2018 by Kelsey O'Connor

14 neighborhood bars where you can drink like a local

There are neighborhood bars in every corner of the Chicago, from basement dives to old-school taverns. The one thing they all have in common? They’re…

Published on October 29, 2018 by Kelsey O'Connor

Dining, Festivals, Special events

Come “Rock the Fork” at two of Chicago Gourmet’s new events

Food and music – they’re a fabulous pair, and “two of Chicago’s most beloved cultural institutions,” says Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois…

Published on September 10, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining

Here’s why you should absolutely visit Chicago

Welcome to the major U.S. city that feels like home. How can that be, you may ask. Well, home isn’t just a place; it’s a…

Published on August 13, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining, Music

24 hours in Pilsen

Exploring Pilsen is a truly intoxicating experience, even by Chicago standards. Rich in Latino culture, it’s a neighborhood brimming with music, art, culinary tradition and nightlife…

Published on August 6, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining, Hotels

8 outside-the-box Chicago experiences

Exhibitions not your thing? Only go to the ballpark to grab a hotdog? Can’t sit still long enough to take in a show? If you…

Published on August 2, 2018 by Judy Giannetto

Architecture & history, Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining, Free & cheap

Discover Chicago stories powered by Vamonde

The one thing that strikes me about living in Chicago is that, no matter how long one lives here, there are always plenty of new…

Published on July 30, 2018 by Choose Chicago

4 cozy neighborhood coffee shops in Chicago

The best coffee shops do more than pour a good cup of joe. Like the Parisian cafes of centuries ago, which served as a social…

Published on June 28, 2018 by Megy Karydes

Celebrity watch at these Chicago hot spots

We're not the only ones who think Chicago is awesome sauce. Everyone from Gwen Stefani to Ashton

Published on June 18, 2018 by Choose Chicago

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining, Hotels, Tours & attractions

Chicago’s award-winning culture proves it’s the city at the top

Home to world-renowned architecture, restaurants, parks, museums and theater, nestled into 77 unique neighborhoods, Chicago just keeps besting itself.

Published on June 11, 2018 by Choose Chicago

Foodie expert @TasteofKoko shares her 13 favorite Chicago restaurants

Chicago has really, really good food so if you’re a foodie like me, you’re going to love Chicago.

Published on May 24, 2018 by Jane Ko

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining

7 unique Chicago picnic spots

Summer in Chicago calls for as much outdoor time as possible, and picnics under the shade of a tree or beneath the starry sky are…

Published on May 21, 2018 by Amy Bizzarri

Culinary aesthetic movement: 6 beautiful Chicago restaurants

Dining out in Chicago isn't only about deliciousness.It's also about style, ambience and creativity. These six "beauty spots" prove our point, from industrial chic and bohemian glam to Hollywood opulence and contemporary sumptuousness.

Published on May 7, 2018 by Lisa Lubin

Dining

Meet 6 star Chicago-born chefs

These six homegrown Chicago chefs create incredible cuisine we just can’t get enough of.While the amazing food they create varies widely, their love for their hometown doesn’t. Sweet home Chicago, indeed.

Published on May 3, 2018 by Lisa Shames

Dining, Special events

2018 James Beard Awards: Chicago welcomes America’s top chefs

For nearly three decades the James Beard Foundation has celebrated chefs and culinary professionals throughout the restaurant and food industry. It has also advanced “delicious, diverse, and…

Published on April 12, 2018 by Timothy Inklebarger

Arts, culture & entertainment, Dining

World in a city: Chicago’s culturally diverse neighborhoods

In a nation of immigrants, few cities reflect our nation's rich melting pot better than Chicago. From Chinatown to Pilsen, and Greektown to Little Italy, immigrants from countries around the world settled into these culturally familiar enclaves back in the 19th and 20th centuries. They remain just as vibrant today, with bustling cafes, restaurants, museums, public art and more.

Published on March 15, 2018 by Amy Bizzarri