Down to explore? Check out our restaurant and bar recommendations along the blue line on the L (the elevated train aka the CTA). These recommendations go progressively southeast down the blue line - towards Forest Park.

Near the Belmont stop (Avondale neighborhood)

• Avondale is one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city right now.

• Loaf Lounge (Outstanding breakfast sandwiches and bread. Warning: they do sell out! They also have the chocolate cake from The Bear, if you're so inclined.)

• DMen Tap (Dungeons & Dragons bar with doner kebabs. Steve and Clay - we're looking at you!)

• Mother's Ruin (chill bar with good vibes and burgers)

• The Beer Temple (if you are super into craft beer, this is for you! Chill vibes and a great selection at their Bottle Shop)

• Revolution Brewery & Taproom (one of Mike's favorites. Note that you can bring in your own food)

• Ludlow Liquors (for cocktails)

• Avondale Tap (chill bar with a good burger)

  
  

  Near the Logan Square stop (in Logan Square neighborhood…obvi)

• Longman & Eagle (This is one of our go-to restaurants! They used to have a Michelin Star, so you can expect top-notch food. Relaxed, non-stuffy vibe. Their brunch is a hidden gem - usually doesn't have a wait or a long wait. They also have a big whisky selection.)

• Webster's Wine bar (For a cozy vibe - we love this place! Incredible wine selection and lots of tasty appetizers)

• The Pink Squirrel (Retro ice cream cocktails and bowling - need we say more? Mike hosted Jennifer's 30th birthday party here - he has good taste.)

• There are a LOT of great bars and nightlife in Logan Square. This article from the Infatuation does a solid job of highlighting the best ones. Not to brag, but we have been to all of these. :)
  
  

Near the California stop (Logan Square neighborhood)

• 🍔OUR #1 BURGER PICK 🍔 Red Hot Ranch. Get the Double Red Hot Ranch Cheeseburger. (Suggestion to substitute for grilled onion). It comes with a generous amount of hand-cut fries. All under $10. Cash only!

• Ramen Wasabi (some of the best ramen in the city - go at a weird time to avoid the wait. This is kinda smack dab between Western and California)

• Meadowlark (Upscale speakeasy with bird-themed cocktails. We are OBSESSED with the ambiance and the drinks here.)

  
  

Near the Western stop (Bucktown neighborhood)

• Ipsento (Jennifer's favorite coffee shop in the city. You MUST get the ipsento latte (chocolatey, spicy, and sweet) and buy some coffee beans to take home.)

• Margie's Candies (Iconic, old school ice cream parlor. This is a very different kind of experience! Their caramel and hot fudge are homemade, so be sure to get something with that.)

• Irazu (Costa Rican restaurant that's one of our go-to's. You MUST get the chifrijo and the oatmeal shake. Guy Fieri would agree.)

• Chef's Special (elevated Chinese food and good cocktails)

Near the Damen stop (Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood)

• Just get off the shop and go shopping in every which direction 

• Piece Pizza (on our top pizzas list!)

• En Hakkore (Best bimbimbap ever - get the beef one. Good, inexpensive spot. Maybe go there for lunch while you're shopping. Jennifer used to go here a LOT when she lived nearby.)