Chicago Like a Local blog

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

Latest Posts

Dining

Chicago’s dog-friendly bars and restaurants

Traveling with your pup means scouting out the best dog-friendly bars and restaurants wherever you go. And in Chicago, there’s no shortage of spots to…

Blog, Nightlife

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club

Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, The Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club opened its doors in 2000 and quickly became a popular addition to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ entertainment and dining…

Architecture & history

Explore Chicago’s historic Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods

For me, it’s like taking a trip down memory lane. I was born and raised in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, went to high…

Blog

Freehand Chicago hotel: laid back style on a budget

Freehand Chicago is located in the heart of River North, where you can find some of Chicago’s best restaurants, shops, and bustling nightlife. The funky…

Arts, culture & entertainment, Family

Beat the clock: The best escape rooms in Chicago

The idea of being locked in a room for 60 minutes may not scream “fun!” for everyone. However, escape rooms are gaining popularity across the…

LGBTQ+, Tours & attractions

What to eat, drink, and do in Northalsted (aka Boystown)

Northalsted (also known as Boystown) is known around the world as the oldest official recognized gay neighborhood in the country.

Arts, culture & entertainment, Free & cheap

10 things you shouldn’t miss at Chicago’s Millennium Park Campus

The Millennium Park Campus is the heart of Chicago. Locals and visitors alike gather here to picnic in the grass, cool off in the fountain,…

Tours & attractions

3 Chicago pop-up museums to check out

The pop-up phenomenon has been taking Chicago by storm. These limited-edition experiences span almost every industry, from retail to restaurants to full-on museums. And the…

Festivals

Behind the smoke: Meet the Windy City Smokeout pitmasters

Chicago is known for our food scene, and that extends to our festivals. The annual Windy City Smokeout (July 12 –14) brings some of the world’s…

Sports & recreation

Chicago sporting events this summer: 5 not to miss

Chicago is America’s best sports city, and this summer is the perfect time to experience it for yourself. The season is packed with world-class sports…

Arts, culture & entertainment

How to spend a night out in Old Town, Chicago

There’s a lot to love about the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago. This charming pocket of Chicago feels like a different city in itself with…

Free & cheap

Enjoy free theatre events in Chicago all summer long

It’s the Year of Chicago Theatre, and this summer is packed with plenty of ways to join the celebration. There’s outdoor movie screenings, theatre performances…