Welcome to Chicago, the best place on earth (in the summer)! In addition to our celebration, we hope everyone has a chance to explore what the city has to offer, and we have highlighted some of our favorite dining and drinking options available in various neighborhoods below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Grooms if you have questions or are looking for a specific recommendation.
This bustling and energetic urban neighborhood—where Patrick and Kelly spent several years living just blocks away from one another (unknowingly)—has everything you need: top-notch dining, shopping, bars, and more. This neighborhood hosts the location of our Friday night welcome drinks event and several hotels in our wedding block, so everything listed below is a short walk away for most guests.
I’m looking for….BRUNCH
-Etta
-Beatrix
-Hampton Social
-Siena Tavern
-Ema
-Meli Cafe
I’m looking for….DINNER (reservations recommended)
-Avec
-Ciccio Mio (Reservations need to be made at least 2 months out)
-RPM Steak
-The Smith
-Avli Taverna
-Sunda
I’m looking for….DRINKS (without the pulsating music, please)
-Clark Street Ale House
-Streeter’s
-Rossi’s
-Three Dots and a Dash (reservations recommended during peak hours)
A classic Chicago north side neighborhood with access to dining, neighborhood bars, and the lakefront, Lincoln Park hosts our wedding venue and Hotel Lincoln, and it is an easy 10-minute Uber from downtown hotels. The perfect spot for exploring the city on a sunny Saturday afternoon (let’s hope!) before the wedding.
I’m looking for….BRUNCH
-Summer House Santa Monica
-Nookies on Wells
I’m looking for…..DINNER (reservations recommended)
-Willow Room
-Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
-Ranalli’s
-Gemini
-Twin Anchors
I’m looking for….DRINKS
-J Parker (Rooftop of Hotel Lincoln)
-Marquee Lounge
-River Shannon
Looking for the “local” experience? Head to the Wicker Park area, the neighborhood where the Grooms have lived for the last three years. You’ll find endless dining and drinking options along Division St, Chicago Ave, and Milwaukee Ave, along with a Saturday farmers market and eclectic local businesses.
Kimball and Damen agree that it’s the best neighborhood in the city—and just a 10-minute Uber from downtown.
I’m looking for….BRUNCH
-Kasama
-The Perch
-West Town Bakery
I’m looking for…..DINNER (reservations recommended)
-Via Carducci
-Funkenhausen
-Etta
-Craft Pizza
-Sushi Taku
I’m looking for…..DRINKS
-The Violet Hour
-Little Victories
-Easy Bar