20 Free Things to do in Chicago

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Free Chicago Walking Tours

Keeping with the spirit of our business and our desire to help everyone enjoy Chicago on the tightest of budgets we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best free things to do in Chicago.

#1 goes to … Visit Navy Pier – tough to beat the action at Navy Pier during the summer. It’s a real special treat if you’re there for the 4th of July too, great fireworks show.

2. Take a walking tour – Yup, a shameless plug. But really – they’re awesome. Check out our calendar and reserve your spot today.

3. Chicago Cultural Center – One of the first cultural centers in the nation is home to the largest Tiffany glass dome and rotating art exhibits – all free of charge.

4. Millennium Park – your visit to Chicago is not complete unless you visit The Bean and Crown Fountain – both located within a hop, skip and a jump of each other in Millennium Park.

5. Buckingham Fountain – Where are our Married with Children fans? No? Ok… Well, still – definitely worth a visit during the summer when the fountains are on. (April – October, 8am – 11pm daily)

6. Chicago Botanic Gardens – the gardens are located just outside the city. Entrance is free, but parking is not. We’re not entirely sure if this should even be on our list. It is stunningly beautiful though.

7. Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art – This is another tricky one. Technically this is a pay-what-your-want museum. The suggested admission fee is $12 for an adult but they will not turn anyone away.

8. Arcade – Yes, you have read that right. There are a handful of bars popping up across the city that allow you to play your favorite games, like NBA Jam, for free. Headquarters Beercade in Lakeview is one of them.

9. Visit a Chicago brewery. Both Lagunitas and Revolution offer free tours.

10. Take advantage of Chicago’s 18 miles of lake front trail. Ride a bike, walk, jog, people watch, segway (probably not free) or rollerblade. Just take advantage of the trail!

11. Lincoln Park Conservatory – Love love love this place. Their rotating show room is awesome as is their fern garden. Don’t forget that the Lincoln Park Conservatory is only the 2nd largest in Chicago behind the Garfield Park Conservatory which is also free.

12. Harold Washington Library – it’s gigantic, has wi-fi and is a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while your still in the city.

13. Movies in Millennium Park – Every Tuesday beginning June 21 you can catch a flick in Millennium Park. Here is the full line up of what’s playing.

14. National Museum of Mexican Art – The museum has over 9,000 pieces making it on of the largest collections of Mexican art in the country.

15. Maggie Daley Park – Visit Chicago’s version of Alice in Wonderland and unleash your inner child.

16. The Rookery Building – The lobby of this building has the only Frank Lloyd Wright design in the Loop. Do not miss this if that’s your type of thing.

17. Lincoln Park Zoo – the largest urban zoo in America. Home to more than 200 different species and over 1,000 animals.

18. Jane Adams Hull-House Museum – Dedicated to the first woman to win the Nobel Prize.

19. The Underground Pedway – sure, it’s not really a match for Minneapolis’ covered walkways, but the Chicago version is kind of cool if you have a chance to dip below the surface.

20. John Hancock Observation Deck – save yourself the $20 or so to go to the deck and instead head to the Signature Lounge located on the 96th floor. It’s free and you can enjoy a cocktail up there!

What did we miss? Let us know your favorite free thing to do in Chicago.

7 Must Try Chicago Speakeasies [Update 2018]

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Free Chicago Walking Tours

Everyone likes to be in on a secret. It’s an exhilarating feeling – you’re special, knowing something your coworkers, family or friends don’t. We’re going to share 7 Must-Try Chicago Speakeasies in this blog post.

It’s even more exciting knowing a city’s secrets, and trust us when we say Chicago has plenty. Our Free Chicago Walking Tours are loaded with them.

When most people think of a night out in Chicago they think of well-known areas like River North and Gold Coast–perfectly fine choices no doubt, but what they don’t know is that Chicago has some of the best-hidden bars in the country. You can find Chicago speakeasies in the strangest locations throughout the city. It’s also a great way to explore new neighborhoods in Chicago.

Violet Hour

1520 N. Damen, Chicago, IL (Wicker Park)

original_TVH_JohnHerndon__CassandraStadnicki

Source: The Violet Hour

Perhaps one of the most well-known Chicago speakeasies, The Violet Hour may also be one of the classiest. Located in the bumping and trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, The Violet Hour will make you feel like one of Chicago’s elite. The Violet Hour has no door, sign or light. If you’re not careful you will walk right past the door which is typically painted over and a part of a larger mural that covers the entire front of the building. After ten minutes a bouncer will take you into a waiting room– a sign that you’re in. You must adhere to the strict dress code, never order anything that you’d drink at a frat party and refrain from using your phone.

What you need to know: No reservations. No use of cell phones inside. No baseball hats. No reservations, first come first serve. No ‘O’ bombs or jaeger bombs or any kind of bombs. No Budweiser.

What you need to try: Frites and aioli for a snack and wash it down with their version of a Manhattan – appropriately called a Brooklyn.

Booze Box

823 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Source:Sushi Dokku

Many people have heard of the restaurant Sushi Dokku in West Loop. It’s located in the arguably the hottest restaurant “district” in Chicago today. Sushi Dokku has neighbors with names such as Au Cheval, the Girl and the Goat and The Publican. Randolph Street is a gem amongst the restaurant and bar world of Chicago. But we digress. We’re talking about Booze Box here, the bar in the basement of Sushi Dokku that many that have dined there don’t know about. You have to walk 10 yards south to an alley behind Sushi Dokku where you will see a lonely bright red sign– the entrance to Booze Box. The atmosphere and what they are serving is just as unique as their entrance. Japanese street food, cold draft sake and a rotation of DJs spinning next to the guests at the bar all make a visit here worthwhile.

What you need to know: Booze Box is open only on the weekends – Thursday, Friday & Saturday – starting at 6pm.

What you need to try: Chill Gin Mojito

East Room

2354 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL (Logan Square)

Source: Yelp

To be fair– East Room isn’t a speakeasy all the time. They open their doors to the main street when there is a special event or concert, but all other days you can only get in through the back door. The first time we went there it took us 20 minutes to find the place. Your phone will be telling you you’re standing right in front of it but you won’t see a soul near you. Everyone will be across the street at all the other bars lined up pretty in a row. But don’t give up! Just walk to the back alley until you see a strong looking man leaned up to the wall. He is your way to the second floor– a mix of cheap drinks, good music and wooden benches for good conversation.

What you need to know: Cash only! So, you know…bring cash or someone that has cash.

What you need to try: BYO-Vinyl. Yes, Bring Your Own Vinyl, as in records – East Chicago crowd-sources their music on Mondays.

3 Dots and a Dash

435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL (River North)

Source: Facebook

Consider this a new-age speakeasy. A new-age tiki-lounge-inspired speakeasy. This place is far from your traditional prohibition-era underground hush place. It’s still more well known than the other bars, but 3 Dots and a Dash is one of the most fun speakeasies in town. It boasts a Polynesian type theme complete with mini umbrellas in the drinks and almost any type of rum you could possibly dream of. You’ll often see large 21st birthday parties, bachelorette parties and groups of bar crawlers. This is a great speakeasy to have a drink at before hitting the clubs in the area.

What you need to know: It’s tricky to find. Walk up Clark St, then head east on Hubbard and go north up the alley. On your left (west) will be a small hanging sign that says “3 Dots and a Dash” – congratulations, you have arrived.

What you need to try: For those in a large group or with plenty of disposable income – or both, you definitely should order the “Treasure Chest” – a $400 cocktail that is served in an actual treasure chest on bamboo shoots carried in by a couple of waiters. Smoke (dry ice) billows out, the drink is lit up and the waiter pops a bottle of Dom Perignon and pours it into the concoction. Everyone at the table gets a giant straw and has at it.

Door No. 3

1572 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL (Wicker Park)

Source: Facebook

Another speakeasy located in Wicker Park, Door No. 3 puts you in the mood with a secret entrance in the alley behind the Damen Blue Line stop. What makes Door No. 3 special is the live music. The DJs are skilled spinners that know how to keep people dancing and keep the party going. The interior isn’t shabby either with sexy leather furniture and blue lighting perfect for a chill, relaxed date night. It is also a go-to destination to kick off a night of bar hopping in Wicker Park.

What you need to know: There is no food served here. They have a small vending machine in the corner to satisfy your hunger. They aren’t known for any fancy cocktails either. Hipster beers like PBR and Tecate are available as well as your traditional mixed drinks.

Room 13

3222 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL (Lakeview/Wrigleyville)

Source: Old Chicago Inn

No questions about this one – Room 13 is definitely a speakeasy. Or maybe it should be a “speak hard” because it’s not easy to get into. Get it? Ha.

Located a half a mile south of Wrigley field like many speakeasies Room 13 is a part of another business: The Old Chicago Inn Bed & Breakfast. This place has all the markings of a speakeasy. Garden unit, check. Classic American cocktails, check. Dress code, check. Oh, and you seriously need to work to get in.

There are 3 options and only 3 options to get into this place:

Stay at the Inn and you will receive an invite
Buy a membership (aka become a member)
Be a guest of a member

Mic drop. That’s it. If you are not fitting into one of those buckets you will not get in.

What you need to know: This place is seriously awesome.

What you need to try: Their cocktail flight. Reserved exclusively for guests of the Inn simply add the “Speakeasy Flight” to your reservation and you will receive a flight of 4 cocktails while the bartender explains the history of each drink. Cost is $55 for two people.

The Office

955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Source: Yelp

Ah yes, The Office. This will be sort of a good news-bad news situation. Let’s start with the bad news. This is another really tough one to get into. The good news? It’s underneath one of our favorite bars in the city which you can get into (if you have a reservation): The Aviary.

The Office is a 14-seat VIP speakeasy located beneath The Aviary. The bar features drinks and food that you will not find on The Aviary’s menu. If you’re a commoner just having drinks and food upstairs you might notice people going in and out of The Office and wonder – how do I get in? Well…you need to be invited. The staff at The Aviary invite guests to The Office. That’s it. Good luck!

What you need to know: If you have made it inside The Office and have to use the bathroom you’ll take a key from the bar, use the “commoners” restroom and get back inside The Office using the key. And it’s not exactly cheap either. $20+ cocktails, $30+ appetizers, Make sure you bring your wallet!

What you need to try: The level of attention you receive from the staff and bartenders is incredible here. Instead of ordering off the menu tell the bartender your favorite spirit and let them come up with something that will impress. And if you’re in the mood for dessert order their ice cream sundae. OMG.

If you have the time give all of these spots a try while visiting. And let us know in the comment section how the night went. We look forward to hearing from you!

Chicago Neighborhood Guide: Andersonville

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Free Chicago Walking Tours

Getting to Andersonville

Andersonville is one of Chicago’s great neighborhoods. Located on Chicago’s far north side, it is easily accessible by public transportation. Using the city’s “L” train, take the Red Line to the Berwyn stop or the Bryn Mawr stop. From either stop, it’s just a 10-minute walk west to downtown Andersonville. You can also catch the #22 city bus, disembarking at any of the stops along Clark Street, between Foster Avenue, which borders Andersonville on its south end, and Edgewater Avenue, which borders Andersonville to the north.

If the weather cooperates, you can get around by bicycle. Consider taking advantage of Divvy, Chicago’s bike share system. There’s a station conveniently located at the intersection of Clark St. and Bryn Mawr Ave. But don’t worry—When the weather isn’t bike-friendly, cabs are always plentiful.

Andersonville History

Andersonville dates back to the 1850s, when it was settled by Swedish immigrants. There are still plenty of signs of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage. Andersonville celebrates its Swedish roots with Midsommarfest, an annual summer street festival. The south end of Andersonville is anchored by The Swedish American Museum and features several businesses with Swedish roots, like Svea Restaurant and The Swedish Bakery. The Swedish Bakery makes some of the best pastries in the city, including an assortment of Swedish pastries. Be warned that The Swedish Bakery is closed on Sundays!

Andersonville is home to one of the largest LGBT populations in Chicago. It boasts several gay bars, including @mosphere, The Call, and Mary’s Attic.

Andersonville in 1 Day

If you only have one day to spend in Andersonville, consider these suggestions, all of which are located along Clark Street, Andersonville’s main drag.

Start your day on the north end of Andersonville, with breakfast at m. henry (5707 N. Clark St.). This breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot is insanely popular. If you want to enjoy a classic weekend brunch, arrive very early or face a 90-minute wait.

After breakfast, enjoy Andersonville’s shopping scene, which is refreshingly void of any big chain stores. Just north of m. henry, you’ll find Gethsemane Garden Center (5739 N. Clark St.). Even if you’re not into gardening, you’ll enjoy its Wild Pansy Gift Shop.

andersonvilleshopping

Moving southwards on Clark Street, you’ll find a dizzying array of independently-owned home furnishings and antique shops, like Roost (5634 N. Clark St.) and Room Service (5438 N. Clark St.). You’ll also find fabulous gourmet food and wine shops, like City Olive (5644 N. Clark St.) and In Fine Spirits (5418 N. Clark St.). Fans of Italian food will enjoy Piatto Pronto (5624 N. Clark St), a grocery and deli carrying Italian imports and the biggest, most delicious, and best-priced deli sandwiches in the city.

If you’re in the mood for a sit-down lunch, stop by Big Jones (5347 N. Clark St.) for U.S. coastal southern cuisine. Start with a Pickle Tasting (a sampling of homemade pickles and home-baked Sally Lunn bread) and an order of fried green tomatoes. For your main course, enjoy Big Jones’ award-winning fried chicken or an order of shrimp and grits. Lunch is available Monday-Friday only. If you come on a weekend, enjoy a Big Jones brunch from 9.am. – 3 p.m.

After lunch, enjoy a mani/pedi at 2×10 Nails (5414 N. Clark St.). If that’s not your thing, while away the afternoon browsing more of Andersonville’s locally-owned shops. Vinyl lovers will appreciate Borderline Music (5351 N. Clark St.). Book lovers will enjoy Women & Children First, an independently-owned bookshop (5233 N. Clark St.) specializing in feminist and children’s books. This shop is a gem if you’re looking for a gift, but aren’t sure what to buy. Their sales staff makes excellent suggestions and complimentary gift-wrapping is offered.

No trip to Andersonville would be complete without a trip to Andersonville Galleria (5247 N. Clark St.), a retail building that houses 90+ tenants. Its tenants are local artists and entrepreneurs, selling everything from jewelry, gourmet treats, unique homemade gifts, and more!

Care for a cocktail before dinner? Stop by Marty’s Martini Bar (1511 W. Balmoral Ave., just one block west of Clark St.) for an expertly-made cocktail. Warning: Marty’s is small and extremely popular, so arrive early!

Andersonville has an enticing array of restaurant options. For an upscale dinner that isn’t at all stuffy, choose Anteprima (5316 N. Clark St.). Anteprima services seasonal Italian cuisine, complemented by a full bar. The dinner menu features standouts like Arneis Braised Rabbit and Grilled Lamb Leg. Anteprima emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes often.

Free Chicago Walking Tours Andersonville Food

For a more casual dinner option, choose Jerry’s Sandwiches (5419 N. Clark St.) Jerry’s Sandwiches features 100+ sandwich options and offers even more craft beer choices, many of which are made right in Chicago.

After dinner, head over to Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark St.), which is the 2^nd floor of Hamburger Mary’s Restaurant. Mary’s Attic is a bar featuring an ever-changing menu of entertainment options, like live bands and MaryOke (karaoke). Straight people are welcome at this establishment/gay bar. Or if you’re in the mood for comedy, check out The pH Comedy Theater (1515 W. Berwyn, one block west of Clark St.). This comedy theater offers a wide variety of comedy shows…improv, standup, sketch, and musical. Its shows come “For the Family,” “PG13,” or “Adults Only.” Check out their website www.whatisph.com for a schedule.

Andersonville…a fabulous neighborhood with something for everyone!