Chicago is honestly one of my favorite cities. It reminds me of a mini New York without the absolute madness that NYC brings. Ben and I flew up last weekend (thanks Bryce! #weddinggift) for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and to see friends. Chicago has a huge party on the Saturday before the holiday. It’s full of bar packages, green dye (for the river!), and a ton of Chicagoans decked out in green duds in the name of St. Patty!
I heard that Chicago is the second biggest city to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in, right after Boston. After experiencing it this year, I believe it. The day’s start is an early one that leads into a late evening. If you’re lucky, you make it all day. Ben and I definitely did not – because we’re a bunch of rookie old married people. HOWEVER. We’re now seasoned for next year.
When we weren’t busy pretending to be Irish, we enjoyed time with friends exploring restaurants and different neighborhoods in Chicago. Here’s a quick and simple recap.
Favorite places we ate at:
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
Ordered: Hot dog, with everything on it. Next time I’d add extra sport peppers – because oh my, they were delicious on this hot dog.
http://www.portillos.com/all-menus/
Irazu
Ordered: 5 empanadas – 2 spinach and cheese, 2 chicken, 1 beef and potato
This place was so good! Super tiny. When you walk in, you feel like you’re literally standing in their kitchen. It’s also BYOB which the boys enjoyed. Cool added touch.
http://www.irazuchicago.com/menu.html
Wheat’s End Cafe
Ordered: Bagel & House Cured Lox. They also had the BEST GLASS OF OJ THAT I HAVE EVER TASTED. I went through two glasses. I could easily blame my hangover, but I’d like to believe we paid $5/glass for a better reason than that.
http://www.wheatsendcafe.com/menus.html
The Butcher’s Tap
Ordered: Butcher board with smoking goose salami francois, la quercia prosciutto americano, and capriole goat. These were all way too fancy for me to pronounce, so I just said “salami, prosciutto, and goat cheese” while pointing to them on the menu #kahlaprobs. I also ordered a cup of their butternut squash soup. Perfect lunch.
http://thebutcherstap.com
Furious Spoon
Ordered: Furious Ramen with chicken. This place was so YUM. I want to try their ahi tuna poké bowl next time.
http://furiousramen.com
Favorite OOTDs from our trip:
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Have you ever tried any of the places above in Chicago? Have you ever been to Chicago? What places are must-trys for next time? Leave your responses in the comments below!
All of the restaurants look amazing! I've never been to Chicago, but the food scene alone makes me want to go. Your outfits are perfect…stylish yet comfy. My favorite is the third one with the burgundy pants!
Umm okay sounds like I need to go here just to eat!
You must go. It's one of my favorite cities! Thank you so much. Those burgundy pants are literally the comfiest.
#Foodcation. Yes please! I love the Chicago food scene.
I LOVE Wheat's End!!!! My absolute favorite!!! Next time you're in town, you must try Hamburger Mary's! 🙂
So awesome! We went because one of our friends is is on a gluten free diet. Would definitely go back. I'll have to check HM out too. I know we have a couple here in Florida too. I've heard it's quite a show! Haha.