Crown Theater

7000 Carpenter Rd
Skokie, IL 60077

Mike O. writes: When this place first opened around 2001, it was a sparkling gem of a theatre - the first of its kind in the near north/northwest burbs. At the time, nobody else had 18 movie theatres with digital audio and/or video, sparkling sound quality and…

The Savvy Traveller
Neighborhood: The Loop

310 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60604

Julia B. writes: This book store has any and everything you might need to know about traveling, what to take, where to go. The book selection on attractions around the world is very extensive! I could spend hours in this store just exploring traveling options around…

Sweat Shop
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3215 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Justin B. writes: With GIANT apologies to the Beatles ...

Yesterday
All my muscles seemed so far away
Now after hours on the treadmill they are here to stay
Oh, now I believe
In exercise and play.

Suddenly
I'm not half the man I used to be
There's much less fat hanging off…

Bar Louie Taylor
Neighborhood: University Village

1321 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

Rachel W. writes: I go to Bar Louie every Tuesday night to enjoy a dollar burger, which actually ends up being $2.50 after I add my fixins.  Still, you can't go wrong with a 1/2 lb. Angus cheeseburger...unless you're a vegetarian.

You have to buy a drink to get the…

Neybours
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3651 N Southport
Chicago, IL 60610

Kirsten F. writes: so, i'm new to chicago and i am ambivalent about the cover-charge-for-open-bar thing that seems to popular here.  in general, i think it's a really really rilly bad idea.  

1) i enter the bar and fork over $30.  i think to myself: "there is no way…

The Lucky Platter

514 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202

Keiko S. writes: So this is what's called "Evanstonian" cuisine, and I think I kinda like it for its peculiarity. As already pointed out by my fellow yelpers, it's an interesting place - in terms of both decor (don't forget to check the ceiling when you're there) and…

The Merchandise Mart
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
Chicago, IL 60654

Kathy R. writes: I formerly worked at a company that used to have their offices here. I loved it here b/c you never really had to leave the building.

They have a lot of dining options (food court - incl. Lai Lai's and Arby's), Au Bon Pain and, now, Potbelly's.  The…

Chicago Board of Trade
Neighborhood: The Loop

141 W Jackson Blvd Lbby 1
Chicago, IL 60604

Frankie J. writes: Downtown fish sandwich lovers - the Legend of Broker's Inn

Years ago, before the new 10,000 CBOT floor was open, and the CBOT was only one building, there used to be a restaurant in the building just to the east.  It was called Broker's Inn.  

THE FISH…

Chicago Costume
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

1120 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

elizabeth n. writes: This place has tons of costumes and is a great place to go if you need ideas on what to be for Halloween or just to get some accessories to perfect your costume, like devil horns, or elvis glasses or pretty much anything you'd need.  The people who…

The Wild Goose Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: North Center

4265 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Colleen C. writes: Edit: I'm bumping the Wild Goose to 5 stars. They helped me throw a party for a friend of mine, and across the board...it was AMAZING. Our server, the manager, the owner (helped set it up), the drinks, the service, the location, the…

The Local Option
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

1102 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Kristin C. writes: When I first walked in here I thought for sure the menu would consist of dreary, unimpressive bar fare.  Not so fast!  When I got my menu I noticed a vast selection of simple to jazzed up Creole dishes.  Interesting.   I don't know if it was the…

Riverview Tavern
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

1958 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60657

Heather K. writes: Okay, I flat out loved this place. Sipped on some delicious screwdrivers for only $4.50 each, and let me share an important detail...they were made with Tropicana OJ. I thoroughly appreciate name-brand juice being used in my cocktails.

Friendly…

Hostelling International Chicago
Neighborhood: South Loop

24 E Congress Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60605

Nia W. writes: The Chicago Hostelling International hostel was my crashpad during the first few weeks I was in Chicago searching for an apartment, and it was a wonderfully inexpensive, convenient alternative to standard or even budget hotels.

It's right in the…

Bonjour Cafe Bakery
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

1550 E 55th St
Chicago, IL 60615

Liz L. writes: if like dorothy in wizard of oz, you want to click your heels together and be in paris, this no frills cafe probably won't transport you. on the other hand, their morning bun, doused in butter and cinnamon sugar and a flaky fluffy dough, will take…

Advocate Health Center-Six Corners
Neighborhood: Portage Park

3933 N Cicero Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

Urszula H. writes: I have been going to this medical center for years.  It moved about a year ago to this new location.  My favorite doctor is Dr. Joanna Sala.  She is very compassoinate and thoughful.  Always explains the medication she gives you and about your…

Pines Tap the

7349 Calumet Ave
Hammond, IN 46324

Marisa R. writes: Pines Tap is your typical union-worker hangout bar. You'll see the same old guys every single day, fresh off the clock from the steel mills, sitting at the bar and sipping an MGD or an Old Style.

Doesn't sound too promising, does it? Well, there is…

Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4717 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Nathan K. writes: I have only been going here for about 9 months, but it's been a great experience.  

On class time:
I absolutely love the Tuesday and Thursday morning classes and instructors.  The other instructors are great too, but these Tu/Thur guys are friendly and…

Yorktown Shopping Center

203 Yorktown Shoppng Ctr
Lombard, IL 60148

Merrill M. writes: Yorktown is a pretty good mall for the area. There are some standard shopping selections (Steve & Barry's, Aeropostale, Gap, etc.) and they also have a Lucky Strike Lanes at one end. Forever 21 is moving in this summer.  There's also a department…

Swedish Covenant Hospital
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

5145 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Caroline A. writes: I'm truly grateful to the staff at Swedish Covenant Hospital. We had an emergency earlier this week, and the staff was warm, accommodating and compassionate.

Located in Korea-town, the staff at the hospital is absolutely wonderful.  There are many…

Paterno's Pizza
Neighborhood: Jefferson Park

5303 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630

Michelle H. writes: Some really good food.  The sub sandwiches are fabulous, and they have a great selection anything from American to Italian ( I suggest the salami and provolone.)  The pasta entrees are great as well, all the sauces are homemade, and the spaghetti…

Goose Island Wrigleyville
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3535 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Heather K. writes: Everyone knows that the beer and burgers here are fantastic. But I'd like to take a moment to give a shout out to one of the more under-appreciated items on the Goose Island menu: the Breakfast Skillet! It comes with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and then…

The Three Penny
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2424 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Kate H. writes: The Three Penny is a great movie theater. Comfy seats, yummy popcorn and they play good movies... I mean, sometimes they play bad ones, but It's not their fault Hollywood takes a nap sometimes... and for those times, they serve booze!
Another great…

La Cocina
Neighborhood: The Loop

45 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60606

Kyle R. writes: Gil introduced me to La Cocina in the summer of 2005.  I had my first chicken and pork gorditia and to this day, it is one of my favourite foods.  Now listen I have a thing for the cashier on the left side of the line so keep your eyes to yourself.…

The Book Table

1045 Lake St
Oak Park, IL 60301

Ellen M. writes: New AND used books.  The new books are deeply discounted, once again making shopping at the Big Bs unnecessary.

Small but pretty complete.  Fiction, children's, social activism, research, finances, computers, and the people are cool and friendly.…

Jimmy John's
Neighborhood: The Loop

6 E Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Evann G. writes: Okay, I am a deli SNOB... I usually don't like franchised places like Subway, Quizno's, etc. for my sandwich needs (and I have a lot of sandwich needs... mmmm, sandwiches...) but I LOVE this place. I can't remember the last time I've had a better ham…

Shalom Deli
Neighborhood: The Loop

7 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60606

Ellie B. writes: Could they be any nicer???

Again, this a place that I opt to frequent in the a.m.'s for breakfast when I get off the train.  The bagels are delicious, all the ingredients are fresh and the service is quick and incredibly courteous.  

If I could eat a…

Moksha Yoga
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3334 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Kristi R. writes: All I have to say is that when you find a yoga instructor that you like, you stick with 'em and take classes wherever they are. I have not been to the other Moksha location, and I have only taken classes from one yoga instructor, but my experience…

Paper Trail
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5309 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Katarina X. writes: Bought a gorgeous silver stainless steel cigarette case (used as credit card wallet) here in 2003; Am still carrying it around due to hordes of compliments!!  Buy one. Take it out anywhere women are present. Observe "ooh" "ahhhs" and demands for a…

Redmoon Theater
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1463 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60622

James B. writes: Have seen two shows here, they've both been fantastic.  Red Moon's brand of theatre--otherworldly, physical/spectacle--is unlike anything else I've seen in Chicago or elsewhere for that matter.  They're creating some beautiful, unconventional stuff.…

57th St. Beach

57th St. and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637

gravy m. writes: This is just a great mellow beach to take a friend or date to hang out enjoy some sun, sand, and cool Lake Michigan waters. No party people, screaming brats, or yuppies, just good times.

Belmont Army
Neighborhood: Lakeview

855 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Jessica W. writes: I haven't heard any Ladytron in awhile, so I was glad to see this place opened back up.  You already know the drill of this Hipster Wal-Mart:  only one of the floors actually sells army/navy  gear.  The other three are definitely more--ahem--Don't…

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Neighborhood: Near North Side

1 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60610

Kristin C. writes: Without fail, the name of this place  ALWAYS makes me think of Spinal Tap's little ditty, Big Bottom:  

Big Bottom, Big Bottom
Talk about bum cakes, my girl's got 'em
Big bottom drive me out of my mind
How could I leave this behind?

I guess I would rather…

Prodigal Son Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2626 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Sarah B. writes: Oh dearly departed Prodigal Son!  Now home to some awful cookie cutter condo on Halsted, i'm sure.

Your grilled cheeses were divine, and who didn't love the "you bring it we'll fry it for a buck" Thursdays?  The beer menu you offered made us realize…

Old Warsaw Buffet Bar & Banquets

4750 N Harlem Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706

Kasia R. writes: I disagree w/ JOHN F. - I've never had a problem w/ them about clothing style... why would anyone give you trouble about having open toe shoes?    
It is not your normal buffet, so yes you do have to dress a little nicer than wearing something you…

Stocks & Blondes Bar & Grille
Neighborhood: The Loop

40 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60606

Christiana S. writes: James B. introduced me to this place, and I love it.  It's dirty and dark and cheap and the waitresses are sweet.  Hands down my favorite place to get drunk (and wash all that booze down with a bacon cheeseburger) during lunch time.

The only downside…

House of Sushi and Noodles
Neighborhood: Lakeview

1610 W. Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Katie H. writes: Read this as if it were a 3.5 review (damn you yelp... there's an 400 pound Maury Povich guest between Three and Four Stars. Far too vast. Tsk.)

On a very blustery Friday evening Mr. Man and I decided to brave the horrors of Ashland Ave. after work…

Choppers
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1659 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

molly c. writes: some times you wake up after being a huge lazy ass all weekend long and think to yourself...i need a m-f-ing burger.

so, my partner in crime dan and i walked up there today...i got a burger (single, no pickles) and a apple cinnamon milkshake. and dan…

Disgraceland
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3338 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Chiara F. writes: I've sold my clothes to them in the past and got some cash in return, and that's always great.  The store also has a lot of space and it's very organized for a thrift shop.

Someone walked in on me in the dressing room once, and it had to happen when…

Giordano's On Sheridan Rd
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

6836 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60626

Earl W. writes: Great stuffed pizza - among Chicago's best. I've heard the different Giordano's' vary in quality but this one is delicious, the tomato sauce in particular tastes especially fresh and the combination of cheeses is perfect. If you live in or near…

Natasha Travels

2759 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

a w. writes: This is a great little salon with really great prices. They do eyebrow threading for only $5 -- and in like five minutes!! Their service is quick and the staff is great. There's never a long wait and you can just walk-in. They also have some really…