My Guide to Chicago

Probably my most asked non-fashion question! A non-comprehensive but extensive list of my favorites around the city.

Best Med Spa/Injector - Everyone at Northwestern Med Spa is trustworthy and talented but I see Rachel Schulman. If you make an appointment, tell them I sent you!

Best Cobbler - I take all my vintage shoes to Barrera Shoe Repair on 18th St in Pilsen. Cash only and very fair prices.

Best Acupuncturist - The only thing that helps when my herniated disc flares up is a session with Mary Pat Finley . I’ve also seen her for anything and everything else; seasonal depression, adrenal fatigue, etc. She is a life saver!

Best Alternative Medicine Doctor - Dr. Andrea Rentea saved my hormones in 2017 when I was coming off of birth control.

Best Gyno - I never thought I would enjoy going to a gyno appointment before I saw Dr. Karen Johnson at Northwestern’s Raby Institute .

Best Jeweler - Neda at Rahmanim's Imports is the best in the business! Fair pricing and all of her stones are GIA certified.

Favorite Store - Admittedly, I don’t do a ton of in-person shopping in Chicago but Merz Apothecary is such a treat, and everyone that works there is welcoming and knowledgeable. Hot Tip: they offer an in store discount of 10% off Mason Pierson hairbrushes! Ikram is a high end, beautifully curated store with a cafe and art gallery on site.

Best Date Night - Either Bavette’s for a more luxe dinner or Heritage Restaurant and Caviar Bar for a more intimate and unique experience (also best place for Caviar in the city)!

Best Sushi Take-Out - 312 Fish is the freshest and never lets me down!

Best Casual Breakfast - Uncle Mike’s Place

Best First Date Spot - It’s all about the low lighting on a first date! Cozy up inside at Printer’s Row Wine Shop and order a bottle of wine and a cheese board. The Patio is also super charming in the summer months.

Best Chinese - Da Mao Jia for the spiciest, un-Americanized Schezwan food, MCCB, or Golden Bull in Chinatown for the best walnut shrimp.

Best Thrifting - Any Village Discount

Best Curated Vintage Shopping - Don’t expect designer items, but there are plenty of gems at Pilsen Vintage on 18th St.

Best Home Store - Dial M for Modern

Best Coffee - Any Dark Matter location or Wormhole in Wicker Park for their iced honey latte.

Best Spray Tan - Aloha Glow Sunless Tan

Best Cocktail Bar - This is probably a boring answer, but the only cocktail bar I ever end up going to is Fox Bar. The California Clipper is another favorite although you often have to pay a cover for the live music.

Best Rooftop - Nobu Rooftop has the best panoramic view of the city, easy to get a reservation, and is never crowded with tourists. Selva at The Emily Hotel (formerly The Ace) is a solid option as well.

Best Sushi - Juno

Best Bagel - Gotham Bagels

Best Patio - Bistro Campagne has the most beautiful and romantic patio in the city, it’s also down the street from Merz.

Best Place for Dinner with a Friend- Order some dirty martini’s and split a pasta at Club Lucky. I like that it’s unpretentious and old school. Also, it’s easy to get a reservation.

Best Lakefront Park - Promontory Point is IMO the most beautiful and usually the least crowded. It’s in Hyde Park, so we rent Divvy bikes and ride down the lakeshore path or park across the street in the paid lot to picnic in the park.

Best Bakery - Lost Larson

Best Lunch with Girlfriends - Check out the perfume counter at Neiman’s and then walk over to RL Cafe. It’s a classic and can’t be beat.

Best Place to Take Your Parents - Le Colonial, Alla Vita or Gibson’s.

Best Quick Lunch - D’Amato’s

Best Hidden Lunch Counter - Talard Thai Asian Market

Best Cafe - Doma

Best Uber Eats Order - Chicago Curry House: Paneer Tikki Masala and garlic naan