We know youâd rather be on the beach somewhere sipping Mai Tais, but sometimes itâs just as fun to check out that nearby city youâve been meaning to visit for⌠a while. Just because you canât make it to that Caribbean paradise doesnât mean you canât get a little vacation action. And weâre here to help! Check out these five places you can explore ASAP, and feel just a little bit closer to that summer escape you needed.
1) Southport Grocery:
Bread Pudding and Cupcake Pancakes? Need. Be sure to head over to this Wrigleyville gem for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch. It might not be great for that beach bod, but itâll have your tastebuds doing backflips at first bite.
2) Three Dots and a Dash:
Buying a ticket to Polynesia can be expensive these days, so take the El to this world class bar. Youâll get the tropical feel for the price of a few drinks, and weâre sure the people watching will be as good (if not better) than the beach.
Flickr/Sam Hozit
3) Headquarters Beercade:
The perfect vacation blends that adult flare (psst, we mean alcohol) with childhood revelry. At Beercade you can make a drinking game out of that pinball game you loved as a kid. And donât worry about tokens. The number of beers you drink are the only tokens youâll need.
Flickr/Eater Chicago
4) Room 13:
If youâre in Chicago, youâve gotta pretend to be Al Capone at least once. Check out this classic Speakeasy for a taste of the Prohibition Era. Just make sure to leave your casual clothes at home and dress the part.
5) Pequodâs Pizza:
How can you vacation in the Windy City without a big, tasty bite of the cityâs most iconic dish?
Flickr/pzavit
6) Navy Pier:
This spot has got it all. Seriously. A carousel, a funhouse maze, museums, and even a theatre. A number of awesome sight-seeing tours leave from the famed pier, including wine tasting, architecture, and comedy. Could you ask for anything more? It’s also home to Margaritaville Chicago! Wins all around.