Air & Water Show: this is tentatively scheduled for our wedding weekend and It would be absolutely amazing! This iconic summer event features thrilling aerial acrobatics by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, daring water stunts, and plenty of energy along the lakefront. Expect lively crowds and some street closures near the water, but you can enjoy simply by looking up to the sky!
Taste of Greektown: 36th annual! Get your fill of Greek cuisine, live bands, and fun at this cultural celebration in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood directly south of West Loop. Type in 315 S Halsted St and you’ll arrive. It’s outside up and down Halsted.
Lakefront walk: soak up lake views, skyline vibes, and summer energy along the city’s 18.1-mile path.
Randolph Street: from May St (to the West) from Halsted (to the east) it’s the heart of the West Loop, packed with trendy shops, amazing restaurants, and lively cafés. Perfect for strolling, grabbing a bite, or hunting down the city’s best eats and unique finds. See below for some of our favorite spots to eat and drink!
Sawada Coffee: chill spot for creative & classic coffee drinks in cozy, rustic-chic digs! Delicious chai tea lattes and doughnuts.
La Colombe: trendy cafe serving house coffee & tea as well as pastries & snacks in a cute space.
Brü: we love for its cozy vibes, amazing matcha, and sweet or savory crepes.
Beatrix: modern American vibes. The light and fluffy lemon pancakes and shakshouka will not disappoint!
Green Street Meats: casual & rustic joint for Texas-Style BBQ. Max is obsessed with it all.
Au Cheval: a must for burger lovers—juicy, indulgent, and totally worth the hype. Order just the way it is (don’t be ashamed to remove the pickles though!)
Tempesta Market: our favorite West Loop spot for fresh, Italian-inspired fare—think sandwiches and a cozy vibe that makes it perfect for a casual bite/quick stop. The B. Franklin hits every time!
Duck Duck Goat: if you love fun food and bold flavors like we do, Duck Duck Goat is a must! Try their duck & goat soup dumplings and dan dan slap noodles.
Trivoli Tavern: think old world/dark wood interior serving incredible Italian dishes you can’t get enough of. Sticky date cake is a must.
La Scarola: red-and-white checkered tablecloths, pictures on every inch of the wall, and a staff you’ll become best friends with—La Scarola serves the kind of pasta you’ll dream about for days. One of my besties even smuggled her leftovers through airport security all the way back to California—that’s how good it is!
Estero: feels like an all-day party. Spinning disco balls, window walls open, and a mix of Caribbean and Latin vibes.
Lone Wolf: love for its chill vibes, creative drinks, and just the right amount of buzz—you’ll linger here with a martini or two.
Blind Barber: we love Blind Barber for craft drinks and a fun, laid-back vibe—where else can you sip a cocktail while checking out a barbershop scene?
Puttery: you know how much we love mini golf! Think putt-putt meets craft cocktails and good vibes—The Puttery is where we go for a casual yet fun date night.
