We don’t normally talk about this.
But first, the back story. I recently read an article and it has been on my mind for weeks. On Cedar & Rush, I love sharing the city’s trendiest restaurants, newest clothes and hottest events. You love it (according to my stats), I love it, we all love it.
But what about the regular stuff? You know. The everyday stuff?
That same sweater, shirt and pants you wear EVERY SINGLE WEEK. Or that “go to” local watering hole around the corner. These aren’t particularly exciting. No one would stop and say, “I love that outfit!” Or, “I cannot wait to tell everyone about this place!”. These repeats just make us feel good, we’re comfortable and we always go back for more. So unlike the author in the article, I thought I would spill the beans on my Chicago regulars!
Now, before I list these out, I have to warn you – I had difficulty articulating why I love these places so much. It’s more of a feeling and experience. Side note, did you know they say this is how you know you love someone? You can’t explain why. You just do! So here it goes…
My 5 Most Frequented Spots in Chicago
Osteria Via Stato (the pizza bar): The ambiance is not the best and it’s attached to a hotel. But the food! Hands down Sean and I’s favorite pizza and chopped salad in Chicago. Yes, I did say pizza. We ordered take out from here on our anniversary this year (it fell on a Monday). Service is always spot on. Quartinos, the popular Italian restaurant right next door, always gets the limelight, however Osteria takes the cake in my book.
Lux Bar: It’s just great. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. Get’s us every time. P.S. Truffle fries.
L’Appetito: A tiny Italian deli and grocer, only open during the day. You’ll find a line out the door every weekday at noon. Their subs are to die for and I somehow find myself ordering a homemade cookie from their bakery at checkout. Whoopsie daisy!
Starbucks: I wish I was cool and had a secret little coffee shop I frequent, but it’s right next door and I love my cappuccinos.
Butterfly: Cheap as hell and I can’t get enough of their sushi. My husband loves their chicken stir fry and spring rolls. We used to go here all the time when we started dating (BYOB!) but now we take full advantage of their takeout. Hello Sunday nights on the couch! Game of Thrones + Butterfly = BEST NIGHT EVER.
Isn’t it funny how we never talk about these? Kind of like my J.Crew Minnie pants, Madewell oversized button down and Equipment cashmere sweater (which is 40% off btw!). They don’t stand out but they are in out of my closet like a hotel guest. Busy!
So I am DYING to know – where are your “go to” spots in Chicago? Or regular wardrobe staples? I would love to hear and check them out!
Shop The Post: Madewell oversized button down || J.Crew minnie pants || Equipment Cecile sweater in camel (40% off!) || J.Crew pumps (old – AKA my wedding shoes! – but similar here) || TOMS tortoise sunglasses || Earrings from Classic Remix || Michael Kors Trench (old but similar here) || J.Crew striped clutch (old but some fun options here) || Dogeared bow necklace || Dogeared three wishes necklace
P.S. ShopBop is having a 70% off sale!
A huge thanks to Arin for taking these photos 🙂
I loved L’Appetito when I worked in the Loop!!! So many things come to mind when I think of my old go-to places from when I lived in the city… but my top three are The Athenian Room, Bobtail Ice Cream Shop and Crisp Korean Fried Chicken!
Our go-to place is Jak’s Tap in the West Loop at Jackson & Peoria. Better than average bar food, great beer list, and you can always get a table. Their jalapeno mac & cheese is super tasty!
I will definitely have to check out osteria via stato because I love a good margherita pizza!
My go to places to eat are Hub 51 for brunch/dinner you name it, Pump Room or Berkshire Room for cocktails, and Jellyfish in the Gold Coast for sushi 🙂
Lux Bar has been on my go-to list for forever — after such a sparkling review now I need to check it out! Love your closet staples too Nicole, nothing beats a smattering of stripes with a cozy cashmere sweater. Clean ‘n classic but still full of fun personality — just like you!
As for go-to places, for brunch there’s a little-known french bistro in Old Town called Bistrot Margot that has the best quiches and soups! For coffee it’s another french spot in Old Town: La Fournette (run by a former world pastry chef champion)!
Sed Bona
Great post! Thank you for sharing 🙂
My go to places are La Colombe on Randolph Street for a great coffee. They use hemp milk as an alternative to soy and almond milk.
The Allis for a truly delicious and sizeable portion of Avocado on a toast and a coffee (which for $13 in total is a steal). I find the ambiance and art really inspiring, it’s a great little place to work if you need a change of scenery.
Old Town Social for Charcuterie and Martinis. (Tip: Tuesday nights are industry nights and everything, is 50% off after 9pm).
RM Champagne Bar is our go to for date night. Tuesday nights they serve Oysters for a $1 each. I can’t wait for the patio to reopen.
Finally, The Red Lion on Lincoln Avenue for when I’m feeling homesick. I like the familiar feeling it gives me and the beautiful fire place is just the cosiest.
BUTTERFLYYYYYY. I want to scream about it from mountaintops. Feel like going out? BYOB Butterfly. Feel like staying home? Butterfly takeout. I love it so much, my heart might actually burst.
you look gorgeous, and butterfly is one of my favorites! Have you tried Nori? if not, we are totes having a date next week!
I’m guilty of wearing my American Eagle jeggings waaay more than I should 😉 Great post!
xo Emily
http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com
Ohhhhh im looking for a new sushi place to try- I’ll have to try out Butterfly! There is a thai place around the corner from my apartment that I am at often so much they know my order…ooops! Hahah 🙂
Meredith
http://chicagobymeredith.com/