Art Effect Ltd
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

934 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Julia W. writes: Sweet Jesus, this store will be the death of my pocketbook.

I LOVE Art Effect.  It's a really wonderful spot to visit when you need a gift.  I would say it's more of a girly shop, but I'm not particularly fond of gender socialization, so screw it.  I…

Field Museum
Neighborhood: Near Southside

1400 S Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60605

Jenny R. writes: Uh, I am not a tourist. I live in the city of Chicago, and yes, I am reviewing the Field Museum. What else are you supposed to do when you have cabin fever on a witch's tit cold weekend day??

First...check out the exhibits online before going.…

Ulta Cosmetics & Salon
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3015 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Kristin C. writes: Ulta is kind of like the training bra of makeup stores - you've finally left Walgreens, but you're not quite ready to go hit up Nordstrom's Clinique counter.  Unlike a training bra, you are allowed to come back even after you graduate to those DDs!…

Saint Anna Bakery & Cafe
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2158 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60616

Elizabeth K. writes: Good bakery, but I like St. Anna for the cheap, substantial FOOD food. Every dish tastes very fresh. Every time I went to St. Anna it was PACKED, and this was before the smoking ban (making it a pretty miserable place to be). I'd imagine that, since…

Sun Wah Bar-B-Que
Neighborhood: Uptown

1134 W Argyle Street
Chicago, IL 60640

PJ K. writes: This is a total hole in the wall joint -- definitely not a date place  (though there's a special place in my heart for women that like this sort of restaurant). Probably not somewhere you want to celebrate a special occasion. And definitely,…

The Neo-Futurists
Neighborhood: Ravenswood

5153 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60640

Colleen C. writes: Most definitely an authentic Chicago must...the perfect mix of improv, comedy, quirky venue...and in a great 'hood to boot. (Andersonville).

TMLMTBGB is perfect for entertaining out-of-towners without breaking the bank drinking all night. Make a pit…

Top Notch Beef Burgers Inc
Neighborhood: Beverly

2116 W 95th St
Chicago, IL 60643

Erin B. writes: I miss working/living in this area so much.  Especially when I used to make a lunch date with a friend every Thursday!  When you walk in here, it feels like you're in your grandma's kitchen.  The burgers and fries are WAYY awesome!  You can tell…

Hillary's Urban Eatery
Neighborhood: Noble Square

1500 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Nancy K. writes: They are opening in a couple of months down the block : )

Hotel Monaco
Neighborhood: The Loop

225 N Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60601

MiRIAM w. writes: You might say I have a soft spot for Kimpton Hotels, and for Hotel Monaco in particular, seeing as how my favorite Washingtonian popped a very important question to me at the Hotel Monaco in San Francisco shortly before I moved to DC.

The Hotel Monaco…

Tokyo Marina Japanese Cuisine

5058 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

John B. writes: Tokyo Marina was never high on my list of places to try. Which is absurd, because it's crawling distance from my apartment. But I'm not a big sushi fan, so I figured, what's the point? But as the urging of some Yelpers -- most noticeably Alice S, who…

O'Donovan's Pub and Restaurant
Neighborhood: North Center

2100 West Irving Park
Chicago, IL 60686

Rob L. writes: I've been here a bunch of times, yet rarely since I lived nary a block away. Well, I came back for the 1st yelp beer garden and the memories came flooding back... well at least the alcohol induced fuzzy memories.

The beer garden is tip top, large and…

Whole Foods Market
Neighborhood: Near North Side, DePaul

1000 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Katie H. writes: I don't actually know what a yak smells like... however I imagine yaks smell exactly like Whole Foods.

Now I'm well aware that this branch was forced to temporarily close due to rodent infestation http://www.chicagotrib...
but even the non-poopy Whole…

Hilton Chicago
Neighborhood: South Loop

722 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

Caroline A. writes: I didn't stay here, but the Lyric's opera ball was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago.

This is an older building with beautiful architecture.  Ornate accents, grand staircases and beautiful details, the theme is Victorian classic.  The…

Annette's Homemade Italian Ice
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park, DePaul

2009 N. Bissell Street
Chicago, IL 60614

Amy F. writes: Yum yum yum! The coconut and passion fruit italian ice combo is my favorite.  The caramel cup ice cream is delish.  I could list the entire menu, but go for yourself on a summer day and see what you like.

A Tavola
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

2148 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Dane K. writes: Lovely lovely lovely place.  A Tavola is tucked away in a discreet house along Chicago avenue; everyone keeps saying it's like walking into someone's house, and I'd totally agree.  

I can't think of any other Italian restaurant in Chicago that is like…

Opart Thai House Restaurant
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4658 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Erik M. writes: once upon a weekend afternoon, i helped a friend move from a second floor apartment to the third floor of another building. without having had breakfast. ever seen the woody woodpecker show? like when woody'd turn into a drumstick in buzz buzzard's…

Village Inn

8050 Lincoln Ave
Skokie, IL 60077

Elvira V. writes: If you like your pizza with a delicate, crispy crust, then the Village Inn is the place. I freaking love their pizza! As far as thin crust is concerned Village Inn has the best. My hubby & I go there also for the NTN (interactive bar trivia game). It…

Milk & Honey Cafe

1920 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Brett D. writes: Wow. Look at all you little yelpers enamored with Milk & Honey. Pray tell, what am I missing??????

I went there on Saturday morning and was greeted by a huge clusterfu*k line. I expect lines anywhere in Chicago around brunch hours, those are just the…

Sushi Loop
Neighborhood: Near West Side, Greektown

810 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60607

Taku S. writes: Don't let the name, location, and sign outside fool you- this is an excellent place.  I consider it a workhorse sushi restaurant- not a place to be seen like some other sushi places but where you can get really good sushi at a reasonable price.

We go…

Green Eye Lounge
Neighborhood: Bucktown

2403 W Homer St
Chicago, IL 60647

Gina S. writes: I have always had a great time here. I avoid this 'kind' of place on the weekends, so I never have a problem with finding a seat. There is a twenty-five dollar minimum on credit cards, but I always get so comfy there that making it to $25 is a…

Natasha Style & Cut

2759 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60659

bubble t. writes: quick, (relatively) painless, and cheap. don't go in there looking for a spa-like environment or for pampering. you pay for what you get - and what you get is smooth, hair-free loveliness with the quickness!

i haven't gotten threaded here before,…

Le Bouchon
Neighborhood: Bucktown

1958 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

J. C. G. writes: Read others' reviews if you need to know about the Tuesday special, which is tremendous.  

I've been here a couple of times on Tuesdays, and found myself seated at the bar for dinner in both instances.  The upside to eating at the bar is that there…

Marche
Neighborhood: Near West Side

833 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60661

Ronnie R. writes: I missed going here with the Yelp Gang last time, so when Molly pulled a few us together I was more than ready to go. Four was the number with one more in the wings and it was a good number.

I had a glass of "Bowjelee" before dinner at the bar which…

Tirra Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

375 W Erie St
Chicago, IL 60610

Kim P. writes: I've been going here since I moved to Chicago 3 years ago. Unfortunately, I'm a broke college student, so I can only get my highlights done a few times a year. I always leave with a great cut or highlights. Laura is great, so is the owner if you're…

Beans & Bagels
Neighborhood: North Center, Lakeview, Ravenswood

1812 W. Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613

Katarina X. writes: The peanut butter and banana bagel sandwich may sound a bit too fat-Elvis, but it is yummy, best on a hot, toasted bagel yummm..... the coffee can't be beat. Iced coffee in the summer, hot coffee to keep the feeling in your fingers while waiting for…

Imax Theatre At Navy Pier
Neighborhood: Near North Side

600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Dane K. writes: The IMAX at Navy Pier is rockin'...  In recent years IMAX has made a push to release new big money films to IMAX simultaneously with the regular box office.... you can now see some of the best action movies right away on IMAX.

The biggest drawback of…

Bella Notte Restaurant
Neighborhood: Near West Side, Noble Square

1374 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Peter H. writes: bella notte is amazing. order the baked cavatelli, full order. enjoy the leftovers...end of story.

La Pasadita Restaurant
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

1141 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Colleen C. writes: A guy took me on a date here once. Yes, a real date...and we weren't in college.

For those of you familiar with the ambiance, let me just say...it was the best part of the date. The tacos helped dull the urge to bolt out onto Ashland Avenue and be…

Alliance Bakery & Cafe
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1736 W Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622

Amy H. writes: Yesterday I had a little devil and a little angel pop up on my shoulders and the three of us had a little conversation that went something like this...

Devil Amy:  You look like crap, Amy.

Angel Amy:  Don't listen to her, dear.  You do look like you…

Caffe Gelato
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

2034 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

Katie H. writes: Ahhhh fuggggghhhh...

I was driving home from one of my most unhealthy lunches to date (Billy Goat Dbl. Cheezborger Special) and I noticed that Caffe Gelato was reopened for the year.

My tires actually squealed when I whipped my Corolls-Royce into their…

Reckless Records
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3161 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

Katarina X. writes: Want to know what kills me?
When people say they don't like the indie stores because the employees are mean. Mean?
Don't you know that part of the shopping thrill is interaction? Winking at the fella behind the counter and watching him fall all over…

Eli's Cheesecake World
Neighborhood: Dunning

6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive
Chicago, IL 60686

Izzy N. writes: Mecca? is that.... is that you?!!?!?

May I present my favorite product from Eli's: Cheesecake on a stick, (called, Dippers) dipped in chocolate. Ay Papi!

This has to rival my other favorite: The Cheesecake Factory.. and secretly, the cheesecake served…

Torta's USA
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3057 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Rob L. writes: So I just met a friend for lunch here. I can't tell you how many times I have driven by here. Countless times I tell ya! I would think to myself... I need to try this place. It looks really good. So it didn't take much convincing with my friend to…

Huettenbar
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood

4721 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Dave S. writes: I really liked the feel of this place. It is a little Bavarianesque type place that transports you to the other side of the planet to little German town somewhere.

The place is somewhat dark with low lighting and dark wood everywhere. his appealed to…

Riques Regional Mexican Food
Neighborhood: Uptown

5004 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60640

Katie H. writes: Fantastic mexican food!
My fiance and I went here Saturday night - we had made a reservation but it took us longer to get there than we thought it would so we were about 15 minutes late and so we had to wait 10 minutes for a table. No worries - we…

Barneys Co-Op
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2209 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Rob L. writes: I am mainly giving this place 4 stars based on previous experiences and some of the bargains I have gotten from there. I have gotten some great buys, a zip up cardigan for $150 off, ray bans, shirts, good designer and designer quality merchandise for…

Cereality Cereal Bar & Cafe
Neighborhood: The Loop

100 S Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60610

Brad P. writes: This place is super cool and a fun way to kick start your day (or turbo charge your afternoon).  Lots of retro cereals to choose from, and makes you feel like a kid again.  Speaking of kids, I wish I had my boys with me, as they would have flipped…

The Anti-Cruelty Society
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

510 N La Salle Dr
Chicago, IL 60610

Karen T. writes: I'm really scared. I just got a cat. I'm more scared for the cat than for me.... I'm more of a dog person, but I like cats alright and I don't have enough time for dogs. So the BF and I met up at ACS yesterday to check out the kitties. Lo and behold,…

Ravinia Festival

301 Ravinia Park Rd
Highland Park, IL 60035

Andrea R. writes: Regretfully I never made it out to Ravinia last summer, but got my fill the other night at the Sheryl Crow concert.  Like I mentioned in my '06 review...there's not many things I'll leave the city for, but Ravinia is one of them.

Here's a few tips to…

De Pasada
Neighborhood: University Village

1517 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60610

Rob L. writes: Maybe I have some fond memories of this place since I worked down the street and would often have it before work, but I really do like this place. The steak and chicken taco's are always moist and tasty, the salsa is great, the chips fresh, and…