There is lots of native Chicago cuisine to try during your visit!

Pizza - Chicago pizza deep dish is a must-do. Lou Malnati's and Giordano's are both classic deep dish eateries located in Oak Park and throughout Chicago.

Italian Beef - A Chicago delicacy. The best location for Italian Beef is Jonny's Beef located just west of Oak Park. Portillo's is also a popular location for Italian Beef.

Chicago Hot Dog - Must be dragged through the garden (the appropriate hot dog toppings). Gene & Jude's is the best location for a classic Chicago Hot Dog and is ~15 minutes from downtown Oak Park.

Local Oak Park Food - Poor Phil's is located in The Carleton and is an excellent place to grab a bite. Blackout Baking is another option close to The Carleton (across the street) with delicious baked goods. Our favorite local coffee shop is Kribi Coffee located a 5 minute walk from The Carleton.

Oak Park is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, as well as many homes designed by the architect. The home & studio offers daily tours (highly recommended) and self-guided neighborhood walking tours. Oak park also is the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and is home to the Ernest Hemingway Museum.

Chicago is home to amazing cuisine, beaches, world-class museums, and incredible architecture. Below are a few suggestions if you have some extra time in the city.

Tours - The best way to see the city is via an architecture boat tour. We suggest the Chicago Architecture Center boat tour.

Museums - Chicago's best museum is the Art Institute of Chicago. It houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist art and is located next to Grant Park. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium are other world class museums located downtown,

Jazz - Chicago is home to a legendary jazz scene. Mary's favorite club for big band jazz on Thursdays is the Green Mill in Uptown. A former hang out spot for Al Capone, it retains its 1940's charm. The Green Mill is cash only and a smaller venue so arrive early if you plan on going. Kingston Mines is an excellent option for Blues, also located north of downtown. For a more local option, Fitzgeralds Nightclub in Berwyn offers a variety of acts with performances nightly.

Parks - Millennium Park houses the Cloud Gate sculpture (colloquially known as "The Bean") and the Pritzker Pavilion which often holds free concerts and is located on the lake downtown, next to the Art Institute. After a vist to Millenium Park and Grant Park we suggest a drink at Cindy's rooftop bar. The bar can get crowded but offers a great view of the park alongside the lake!

Navy Pier - A true tourist's destination, Navy Pier is situated right on the lake and has shopping, restaurants, boat tours, rides, and other attractions.