10 Reasons to visit chicago now

Sure, many places tout they are the best, but the city of Chicago can legitimately back up that claim. That’s because it was voted the “#1 Best Big City in the U.S.” in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards survey. What makes this Midwestern city stand out? Take your pick. Five-star restaurants run by some of the best chefs and restaurateurs in the world. Cutting-edge art installations. Dramatic architecture and design. You name it; there is so much to see and do in Chicago that you will definitely need more than just one visit to scratch the surface of the vitality and palpable cultural enthusiasm that runs through this beautiful city. Here, we asked John Philp Thompson III, a photographer and popular menswear and travel blogger, for his insider advice on the 10 things you simply must experience in Chicago. Photos by John Philp Thompson III

The Allis
Named after the family that commissioned the building in 1907, today The Allis is a unique social meeting place where you can work, eat, and hang out. This restaurant and cocktail bar features not only amazing views of Green Street but an expansive art collection. “I highly recommend the daily afternoon tea service,” says Thompson. Try the Sparkling Afternoon Tea, which is a mix of delightful finger sandwiches, scones, fancy cakes, a variety of specialty teas, and the showstopper: a glass of rosé prosecco.!

b.jpg
Bang Bang Pie
Continuing in the vein of delicious treats, try this humble little pie shop in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. The pies are made from scratch daily and change with the season. “However, the Key Lime pie is always on the menu,” says Thompson. “It’s one of the best you will ever come across.” And if pie is not your thing, try one of the bakery’s homemade biscuits—it is a heavenly taste of the South.

Cloud Gate
Designed by British artist Anish Kapoor, this stainless-steel, 168-piece art installation is one of the world’s largest—and most striking. Its dynamic interactivity is just one reason visitors from all over are drawn to the sculpture, which is located in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park. “The Bean”—the unofficial name given to it by those who are awed by its shape and funhouse-like reflective properties—allows visitors a great photo-op, showing different perspectives of the cityscape and clouds above. Thompson recommends viewing it at sunrise when the park is still and serene.

The Art Institute of Chicago
A short walk from Cloud Gate is another of Chicago’s great cultural finds. The Art Institute of Chicago is a revered institution known for its diverse collections of important art. “I love that all in one visit you can see the sculptures and drawings of Rodin and avant-garde paintings of Brazilian artist Tarsila do Amaral,” says Thompson. It’s this varied collection of art curated from across the globe that has made this a valued museum since 1879.

Avec
There’s a reason that Avec has managed to stay a Chicago hotspot for more than 15 years. Its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and vast selection of boutique European wines-by-the-glass keep people coming back again and again. “Personally, it is the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates that lure me back time after time,” says Thompson. The restaurant is known for its shared plates of which Thompson recommends the wood-oven paella. Every bite is better than the next.

Duck Duck Goat
Known for her stint on Top Chef, renowned chef Stephanie Izard’s latest restaurant combines two of her staples: Asian cuisine and goats. Yes, goats. The are the focus of this extraordinary dim sum eatery in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. “The goat and duck skin spring roll as well as the xiaolongbao (shrimp and goat dumplings) are a must,” says Thompson. Another bonus: Duck Duck Goat’s take-out window is open 7 days a week until 10pm.

Publican Quality Meats
A butcher shop, café, bakery, and gourmet market—all rolled in one—Publican Quality Meats is aptly located in Chicago’s meatpacking district. It is the vision of restaurateurs Donnie Madia, Terry Alexander, and Eduard Seitan as well as executive chef Paul Kahan, who successfully bring a seasonal menu together with chef-curated retail offerings, including artisanal olive oils, preserved tomatoes, spice blends, small production cheeses, seasonal produce, craft beer, and old-world wines. The bakery arm of Publican Quality Meats is known for its naturally leavened whole grain breads that take approximately 30 hours to rise—a treat worth seeking out when you are in Chicago, says Thompson.

Salone Nico
Salone Nico is the culinary center of Thompson Chicago, a high-end hotel located in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Here, you will find a laidback European vibe fostered by traditions such as mid-afternoon aperitifs. Thompson’s favorites are the low-proof cocktails, which are in good company with the approachable Italian wine list comprised of small producers and older vintages. If you’re planning on having dinner here, make sure you come a little early to sit at the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail.

The Robey
Another hotel that you must see in Chicago is located in the Wicker Park area. Situated at the Six Corners intersection, The Robey occupies one of the only skyscrapers for miles with unobstructed views of the magnificent skyline. Originally built in 1929, this Art Deco building has been transformed into one of the chicest stays in all of the city. “Don’t miss out on the rooftop bar Up & Up,” says Thompson. “The craft cocktails and views of the west side are the best.”

360 Chicago Observation Deck
Another ideal way to see the beautiful scope of the city is the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. Soaring 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, it is located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building. Pump up your adrenaline by stepping out on Tilt, a breathtaking viewing platform that offers a downward panorama of the city. When you are done taking in the views, Thompson says to head next door to one of the best cocktail bars in the city: DrumBar.