One Hell of a Town.

I just got back from Chicago yesterday, which is why I haven't written anything in awhile. So, while it's still fresh on my mind and I have nothing else to write about, here are some of my favorite places in Chi-town.

Hotel: Howard Johnson
Yes, by no means is it the most glamorous hotel. The TVs looked like they should be showing episodes of ER when George Clooney was still on the show. There is a cute little diner connected to it, however, and it's in a great location, as well. It is extremely close to two "L" stops and within walking distance of  Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile (for those that haven't been its like a giant outdoor mall that is completely filled with tourist).  For me, as long as I have my own room to sleep in, almost anything will do.

Beach: North Beach
We tried to get up to Evanston and its pristine beaches, but it turned out that the Purple Line only runs before 10:30 in the morning and then starts up again at 3:30, and they charge $8 to get on to their beaches. Rumor has it that they do it to keep out all the Mexicans. How Grosse Pointe of them. Cheesy shops and over priced food but with a ridiculous view of the city and plenty of space, it gets my thumbs up.

Stores: Goorin Brothers Wicker Park Hat Shop & John Fluevog Chicago
What's the fun in naming shops such as H & M or Benetton? Yeah, they have nice things but when you put on a shirt that you purchased from those stores a year later, will you remember? Well, you might, but still. It's always more fun to talk about $250 dollar shoes and $100 dollar hats that take you from peasant to a proper gentleman. Great place to splurge.

Restaurant: Cafe Iberico
A tapas bar that really doesn't know what tapas is. That actually doesn't sound like a good promotion, so let me try again. Their proportions are huge! The restaurant always seemed to be filled with Spanish speakers, which is always positive for a tapas restaurant, and every time I went they managed to have the Copa America on. This place would definitely be my bar of choice to watch a football match if I lived in Chicago.

Bar:  Blokes & Birds: 3341 North Clark (I'm providing the address because this bar is a must)
Surrounded by bro bars, the kind of bars where you know you could pick up a lady but the chances of picking up an STD would be around 60%, Blokes & Birds is an absolute gem. Rich wood interior, good music, at least on Funk Fridays, Monday's music was all over the place
, great beer selection and my favorite part, a list of proper cocktails and bartenders that know how to make them. My recommendation, the Corpse Reviver #2: Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, homemade lemon juice and absinthe. If you go, ask for Paul, hands down the best bartender in Chicago.

Miscellaneous: Most places in Chicago have really big portions, a great beer list and really sour lemonade.

Well done Chicago, well done

-Max