LIVE LIKE A LOCAL: WEST CHICAGO
Happy Fall, y'all!
Quick question, have you ever gone to a new neighborhood, far from your apartment and thought, "I should make the best of it and explore!" but then quickly get discouraged when you can't find anything decent around that is open or offers good food/entertainment? Well, not for much longer! This new segment Live Like a Local is designed specifically for those Chicagoans who want to know what's outside of their 'hood or those tourists that crave to, you guessed it, live like a local!
If we follow each other on Instagram you are probably well aware of my addiction to caffeine. It doesn't stop there, though. I L O V E trying different coffee shops! My favorite brew is Dark Matter but Metropolis definitely is a close second. Here are a few of my favorite coffee shops in West Town. What's yours?
I happened upon the owner during the West Town Art walk and I loved hearing his passion for the different drinks he created with his baristas. I tried the Rootbeer chai last time I was in..what?! Yeah, you read that right! Anyways, they have a very minimalist, clean coffee shop that would certainly be suitable for finishing that book you've had on your nightstand all the summer or cranking out emails when your office is too chaotic to focus.
Well, wow. This has quickly grown into one of my favorite hideaways. Here's why. They are locally sourced and have a homey diner feel. With several locations in Chicago, you gotta try! They have deals for every day - Mondays are drip coffee and pastry for $5. I'd recommend the cinnamon roll, the french toast donuts (yes, and YUM.), and their eggs benedict. I eat here often!
I will admit, I originally only stopped in because they have a rooftop. Yes, coffee and a rooftop - does it get better?! But they have a very unique, edgy vibe in the 'hood of West Town. A Greek cafe boasting of their vinyl collection, they serve a local brew by Cafe Umbria (Milwaukee, WI) and it is so smooth it'll soothe your soul. I think that about every cup of coffee, though. ;)
Open late, they also host music events and are a great way to start or finish your night out (depending on what your definition of "late night" is!) Their raving reviews speak for themselves.
I talk about this coffee shop and it's different cafes in the city all. the. time. The one in West Town is small and has funky hours but if you're stopping in for a cup of brew and a pastry before you head out for the day, you won't be disappointed!
So I met my girl, Kaitlin from Exquisitely Average, here for apps and we were feeling the vibe. Plus, she bumped into Otis from Chicago Fire on the way out, so, all of us cool people really like it here. Who am I kidding - I came for the fried cheese, y'all. And I was not disappointed. Great feel, definitely a good date spot!
T R E A T Y O U R S E L F
So my friends told me about this spot, YEARS ago. Coming from Wisconsin, I have a thing for dairy. After my year and a half living overseas, I was spoiled with really great gelato. After my move to Chicago, I was always trying new ice cream places and thoroughly dissapointed. But Black Dog gelato is the local comparison to Jenny's Ice Cream. Running by the motto, "Authentic, not traditional" they stay true to it in their unique combos and smooth finish. I took a bold leap and paired the chai gelato with their goat cheese caramel cashew - it was scrumptious. Also, it's a really good thing I live nowhere near this treasure!
I go to the Lincoln Park Farmer's Market all the time and see the gorgeous pies but I'd never been to their location in West Town! It's the cutest diner and it gives me all the inspiration for a 50's photoshoot. But sorry - we're here for the pie. They're famous for a reason, y'all! Their Instagram makes my mouth water, too.
I have always lived by the saying, "Shop till you drop." so of course, I scouted a few stops in town! Dovetail is a vintage shop that I could live in. They have some great statement items, homey decor, and currently some storage trunks that I'm eyeing because I have always wanted to have vintage trunks. Literally - I was 8 years old and I wanted some so desperately. Just for decoration. So, give them a visit and refresh that old soul in ya!
Also! They're going to be a part of a really great market at Ace Hotel on October 28th. Looks like the perfect zen Sunday activity. (Click on their name above and you'll see the flyer on their website.)
Y'all know my recent fascination with plants this year. Well, I should rephrase and address my determination to keep a plant alive this year is much stronger than previous years. I just rearranged my apartment due to owning too many plants and needing to find them a home closer to my windows. I had 0 at the beginning on 2018. I know own 12 that are F L O U R I S H I N G. The first fern I ever had came from Sprout so I stopped by to drool over Sprout's modern vases, pots, and stands. However, my mouth completely dried up when I saw the price tag. I still bought a few things that I knew were fairly reasonable but if you are looking to stock up on items this may not be your haven. Still beautiful to window shop, though, so stop by if you have a chance!
T U R N U P
Another retro find in West Town, my friends know if they ask me where we should go dancing, this is the first one I suggest! I finally visited for the first time last year and I was kicking myself for waiting so long! Characterized as a "judgement free zone" their dance floor hosts any and everyone who breaks it down in their own way. Whether you're Carlton or Cardi B, you can have a great time because the dj is great, drinks are solid (so my friends say), and you can get a martini and manicure for $20.
The dance floor does run a little hot.. so it's just an excuse to show off that dress you never wear out! You know the one that you always think it a little too short.. you can work it here. Oh, little tip - if you show up before 9:00 you don't have to pay the $5 cover - and sometimes if you RSVP (does anyone actually do that nowadays?) to their Facebook events you get free entry!
Fun fact: Carly Rae Jepson threw a little after party here after Lolla so - the cool kids like this place, you could say. But no, I'm not a Carly Rae Jepson fan. I do go to most Beyonce-themed nights, though!
What's your favorite neighborhood find in West Town? I want to hear it! Share below!
CHEERS from C H I C A G O,
