900 N Michigan Information
Neighborhood: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville

900 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

Rachael W. writes: When I want to shop in Chicago, this is where I start. I love this mall. When I was younger my family and I would visit on Christmas day and window show shop - litterally, because everything was closed - after high tea at the Drake Hotel. We're…

Washington Mutual
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village

3346 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Tony C. writes: Wamu. best bank EVER.

last Brick and Mortar bank you'll ever need. They win on pure geography alone: have branches in SF, LA, Chicago AND. that's right, the killer: NYC. That's about the only 4 cities in the country that interest me so...

Free checks,…

The Playground Improv Theatre Inc
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3209 N. Halsted Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657

Ellen M. writes: Small theater for watching professional comedy hopefuls practice their improv.  I enjoy it, even if I'm not drinking (it's BYOB).  Skill levels vary, depending upon the night, but many of the improv groups have been together for a few years and have…

Ann Taylor Loft
Neighborhood: The Loop

111 W Monroe St Lbby
Chicago, IL 60603

Deanna M. writes: Hello, my name is Deanna, and I'm a thrift store addict.  Aside from a couple of t-shirts, I hadn't bought an article of "new" clothing since last September.

Until today, that is.

A few weeks ago I walked past this store and noticed an ADORABLE green…

Chicago Athletic Association
Neighborhood: The Loop

12 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603

Andrea R. writes: When I first heard that the St Jude's "Dancing in the Alps" event was at the Chicago Athletic Association I thought a health club was an odd choice for an event.  

Elizabeth N is right when she says the Chicago Athletic Association is not what you…

Triple Crown Seafood Chinese Restaurant
Neighborhood: Chinatown

211 W 22nd Pl
Chicago, IL 60616

Brandon H. writes: The best Chinese food I've ever had, anywhere. I've been coming here for over 12 years, basically since I could drive. The Mongolian beef is by far the best I've ever had.. I always get two orders when going with friends. It is family style, so…

Ruff N' Stuff Pet Center
Neighborhood: Andersonville, Edgewater

5430 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

Nancy K. writes: Great place to pick-up treats for our furry kids.

Al's Grill

1100 Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60302

Nancy K. writes: Huge portions at decent prices with fast and friendly service.  Great diner with a large menu that is open for breakfast (served anytime)and lunch.  

They've been around since 1950 with the original place across the street and here for 4 years.

Thanks…

La Fonda Latino Grille
Neighborhood: Edgewater

5350 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640

Hannah B. writes: La Fonda offers the best lunch buffet I've ever had the opportunity to try.  For $7.95 you get a salad with a bright mango vinaigrette, a choice of two soups (get the black bean!!!) and a variety of authentic Colombian fare.  I was impressed by the…

Old Timers Restaurant & Lounge
Neighborhood: The Loop

75 E Lake St
Chicago, IL 60601

Jason S. writes: The name gives most of this place away.  It is a old time dinner - a blast from the past.  The breakfast is great as is the service but you dont come here for a deal on breakfast.  Free Wifii if you want to come by for a coffee and nice size booths…

Spacio
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

2706 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Jen A. writes: I have not yet mastered the art of not wincing/twitching/screami ng at the top of my lungs during a bikini wax. However, this is the first place I have found in the city that does not only a fantastic job (thanks, Mandy!) in not a lot of time, but…

Babies R US the Baby Superstore

5660 W Touhy Ave
Niles, IL 60714

Kathy R. writes: My husband and I call this Baby Mecca. Because, really, it just about has it all. I registered here when I was pregnant, and if you have returns/exchanges to make, it's not a problem.  Huge selection and affordable prices (load up on diapers there).…

Shan's Foods
Neighborhood: Uptown

5060 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60640

PJ K. writes: I only recently found out about this place, and boy have I been missing out. I KNEW the neighborhood's many cabbies had to eat somewhere, I just needed to know where...

So, Shan. Very cheap (most expensive menu item = $6) and a fantastic value for the…

HoyPoloi Gallery
Neighborhood: Chinatown

2235 S. Wentworth
Chicago, IL 60616

Gracie B. writes: My best friend since 7th grade got married a few weeks ago.  She and I haven't officially fallen out, but I may or may not be a little hurt that I wasn't asked to be a bridesmaid and that she has yet to address that.  Anyway - I had to travel for…

Mykha's

476 Forest Ave
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Zach T. writes: No better plate of food anywhere. No better egg roll in the known universe. This Vietnamese-french-mexican fusion restaurant is owned and operated by the namesake. Every ingredient is fresh and flavorful; and though you may not want to for the sake…

Land of the Lost
Neighborhood: Lakeview

614 W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Bruno A. writes: I really like this place. It's half clothing store/half pop culture museum. From the Dukes of Hazzard lunchbox to the Appetite for Destruction t shirt, this place can take you back.
I've found some cool stuff back then in the style of "Where the hell…

Liz's Pet Shop
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park

2403 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Michelle C. writes: So, they could use some help with merchandising displays and marketing, but these folks really love animals, sell great stuff and reasonable prices, and are always happy to give you lots and lots of advice.  I've boarded my parrot with them too, and…

The Goddess and Grocer
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

1646 North Damen
Chicago, IL 60622

Justin V. writes: Son of a bitch.  

Look, I'm broke, okay?  Not like, "ooooh, I shouldn't be spending so much on this dress because bills are due soon" but like "listen pal, it'll be another $35 if you want to touch it" broke.  I try not to leave my house at all to…

Suvan's Cafe & Bakeshop
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3351 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

John O. writes: Low key and relaxed atmosphere + resonably priced and very well made food = happy camper.

I visited Su Van's for brunch again this sunday and I have to say, their spinach and mushroom panini was really something.  You can add on a dill cream sauce to…

Demitasse
Neighborhood: University Village

1066 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Kate S. writes: Delicious coffee (at $2.75 for an iced coffee, it better be good!) and food also. Veggie-friendly. Went here for lunch on a weekday during prime lunch hour (or so I thought, at 12:30), and it was relatively empty, which meant good service and quick…

Calphalon Culinary Center
Neighborhood: Near West Side

1000 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60607

Jennifer S. writes: My husband and I went together to a vegetarian cooking class there. The facility is beautiful, the instruction was GREAT and most importantly, the recipes we made were amazing and delicous. We have used them quite a few times at home since going as…

House of Wah Sun
Neighborhood: North Center

4319 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

Dave S. writes: There are way too many hit or miss and overall bad Chinese restaurants in Chicago. This place is NOT one of them. I enjoyed my first meal here and I hope to return sooner rather than later.

We had a party of five so not only did I enjoy my Cashew…

El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant
Neighborhood: Lakeview

2914 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Dave S. writes: It is very unfortunate that I have to give this place only three stars. The food was the tastiest Mexican food by far that I have had.

My combo plate tasted GREAT! I had the Tijuana Combo which was very tasty, hearty and filled me up nicely.  Well…

The Frugal Muse

7511 Lemont Rd
Darien, IL 60561

Robyn C. writes: Why do used bookstores always have that smell?  Anyway, it's a good place to find deals on books but it can be hit-and-miss like any secondhand place.  You may have to go a few times but worth it.  Watch the Reader and the Friday Trib, because every…

Byron's Hot Dog Haus
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Wrigleyville

1017 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60613

Karen A. writes: True Chicago.

Chicago hot dogs done the way chicago hot dogs are supposed be done. Bag o' greasy fries. Yum. Polish sausages, chili cheese dogs and other artery clogging delicacies served simple and right. No frills here baby, and why should there be,…

Bub's Gyros
Neighborhood: Portage Park

5800 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60634

Robert L. writes: What impressed me as much as the excellent food was the customer service.
The owner Warren told us if I we not satisfied with any of our food he would get us something else in exchange. We did not have to take him up on his offer everything was just…

Asia Nails
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

2051 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647

leah w. writes: I have only been here once but I truly had a great experience.  The women working there were so nice and it has to be the cheapest manicure/pedicure I've ever had.  

On top of this, I had an experience that will bring me back here many times because I…

Little Joe's Circle Lounge
Neighborhood: University Village

1041 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60607

Natalie g. writes: Amazingly cheap pitchers of PBR and Honey Brown (the PBR might've been $6 and the Honey Brown $8? Can't quite recall)...

As for food, I've only eaten a couple items - garlic bread (possibly cheesy) and a cheese sandwich. Both were really good.…

Patio
Neighborhood: University Village

1503 W. Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60706

Jean Z. writes: Man oh man.

Perfectly dressed polish chicago style(relish, mustard, sports & diced onions), wrapped in a sack-o-fries.  

Perfectly plump and snapped to bite into it.  Yummy greazy fries.   Cheap cheap cheap.

Exactly what I wanted when a coworkers said…

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Old Orchard Mall
Skokie, IL 60076

Marcel M. writes: I like Potbelly's.  I'm not in love with it, but I think it's a great value compared with Quizno's.  We were there on a Friday night and I loved the fact that a guiatrist was belting out tunes in a little platform above the entrance.  The wreck is…

Homegoods

7230 Dempster St
Morton Grove, IL 60053

Heather M. writes: You know how they say you should stick to the perimeter when you go to the grocery store? Well, that pretty much applies to Homegoods, too. The outer aisles have decent things you might actually use, like cookware and lamps. You can get midpriced…

Siren Salon
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3143 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

Alicia F. writes: Love Love LOVE Mark, he gives great cuts. Most stylists just want to go chop-happy on my hair but Mark actually listens to what you want. I've gotten tons of complemets since my last cut there!

Thomas West Salon
Neighborhood: Near North Side, River North

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
Chicago, IL 60654

Suzanne E. writes: Danny is a genius who should rule the world, at least aesthetically and interpersonally (and he appreciates and understands cats, what more do you want?). I have anarchic long hair that  needs attention from people who know what they are doing.  It…

Digits Nail Salon
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3704 N. Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613

Alison M. writes: I was hoping that even though I had my nails done on a Thursday night, they would still look good on Saturday night.  I knew I was taking a risk since the mani/pedi was such a bargain ($37!!!)

Sadly, not 48 hours later, I found myself trying to color…

Hero's Submarine Sandwich Shop
Neighborhood: North Center

3600 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60618

MaryAnne M. writes: I've thought LONG & HARD (hehe) about my 100th review. I thought and I thought who deserves such an honor.  Hero's is the restaurant equivalent of a dive bar, no frills & great product. Pickles in a jar.I've been going to Hero's for more than 20…

Holiday Club
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Uptown

4000 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60613

dina d. writes: BEST PHOTO BOOTH IN TOWN!

well, it might not be the best but it's definitely the most used by me.  i make it a point to use it every time i'm here.  that is because cramming as many people as possible into a tiny box and squeezing our faces into that…

Windy City Gyros
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Wrigleyville

3932 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60613

Katie H. writes: I hate you, Windy City Gyros.

I hate you because you are literally next door to my apartment. I hate you because you are open until 4am on weekends. I hate you because you are cheap, and I hate you because you have wonderful greasy cheesy gooey…

Markellos Baking Co
Neighborhood: Albany Park

3520 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

jason t. writes: only in chicago...a greek guy gets a job on a ocean freighter, somehow winds up in guatemala, learns to bake like a champ, and comes to albany park to open up shop.