I would start a bit north, a bit off the beaten path - Albany Park - at maverick project space Weatherproof. Operated by artists Milo Christie and Sam Dybeck, their cozy office suite has become renowned locally for producing energetic exhibitions that platform the best of Chicago’s emerging talent.
Gulasch from Gene’s Sausages. Pick up brats for Saturday. Pop into Merz Apothecary to smell things.
Moving down Cicero Ave. in Belmont/Cragin to Soccer Club Club. Perhaps my favorite gallery/project space in Chicago. Created by Drag City records founder Dan Koretzky, Soccer Club Club is set in a truly distinct Polish soccer-themed bar, and for nearly a decade has notable artists to their little hole-in-the-wall.
I often go to the Puerto Rican restaurant Marcela’s Cafeteria - 3503 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - it’s across from my own gallery in Logan Square - either for their cubano or their jibarito. If you’re not from Chicago, you may not be familiar with the jibarito. It’s a sandwich held together with smashed and fried plantain, typically with steak or lechon inside, and garlic aioli, lettuce, tomatoes. It’s one of our many caloric wonders and this place is packed at lunch - closes at 3pm.
Head down to Wicker Park and stop into - Perpetual Books - 2136 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 - one of the city’s best bookstores with an exceptional selection of classic and contemporary literature.
Patient Info. Chicago is crammed full of ambitious and unique project spaces and Patient Info - 902 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - is set inside of an aging dermatology office. The vintage wood panelling and the pleather examination chairs make for a curious space for exhibitions. Founder and artist Brian Jucas has dedicated the space to presenting the works of emerging artists since 2019.
On the same block as Patient Info, you’ll find Sportsman’s Club - 948 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - the low-key high-end all-season bar is classic to the city - serving excellent cocktails. Many of their patrons come for their expert mixology and sizeable patio.
Not far from Sportsman’s Club, on Grand Avenue, you’ll find MICKEY - 1635 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - One of Chicago’s now long-running spaces for emerging and mid-career contemporary art, Mickey’s pristine white cube, created by local architect Dirk Denison, is known for his local program that’s frequently weighted toward installation-based projects.
Grunts Rare Books - 1500 S. Western Avenue (Midland Building) and Good Weather. Grunts Rare Books is my rare book and publishing imprint whose exhibitions are curated by emerging curator Taylor Harriett Payton.
Neubauer Collegium, a kunsthalle-styled space helmed by Dieter Roelstraete - Chicago is blessed to have this man - among the best curators in the world.
And now that we are down here, I’d end my day at Lem’s on 75th (311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619) - the historic BBQ spot in Chatham that recently received a very much deserved James Beard award, and arguably has the best ribs, maybe in the whole city.
And if you wanna do BBQ, but you want lighter - it’s Soul Vegetarian on 75th - I’ve been coming here for twenty years off and on and it cannot be beat in the city for huge portions of vegan soul food. Like Lem’s, it’s a southside culinary institution.
But, if I was to go back up north on LSD- it’s undoubtedly R.J. Grunts. (2056 N. Lincoln Park West). Opened in 1969, the hippie-era pub grub menu is easy - there’s cheap cocktails and French dip and amazing potato chips. Since I’ve moved back to the city in 2017, it’s become my relaxed dinner spot, right up against the park.
Last stop, Old Towne Ale House - across from Second City - this bar clad with raw and real paintings from owner Bruce Elliot. The spot has been a beery late night destination for politicians, musicians, artists, and especially comedians since the late 50s. Paintings of Obama, paintings of Trump and Stormy Daniels, paintings of Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.
