Allison Yates

The origins of this late morning meal may be contested, but there’s no questioning Chicago’s admiration for brunch. From standards like pancakes and French toast to creative fusions such as schnitzels and waffles and royal breakfast pies, you’ll find brunch dishes at the best Chicago restaurants for every craving—or hangover. And whether it’s cozying up inside with close friends on a cold winter day, enjoying a Sunday Funday with a bottomless brunch or fueling up before exploring the city, there's a spot that has exactly what you need. So read on to discover our picks for the best brunches in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best breakfast in Chicago

When it comes to a much needed escape from the city, there are countless day trips from Chicago if time doesn’t allow for a full weekend getaway. And luckily for the adventurous and curious, there are plenty of opportunities to swap typical activities like kicking back with brews for hiking among bison. Many sites and experiences within driving distance of Chicago take you far beyond the norm, from year-round Christmas at an amusement park to (not so similar) replicas of some of the world’s most celebrated cultural sites. Midwesterners may love their weekend lake house tradition, but they also love the wacky, meaningful and unexpected. Here are the most unique day trips from Chicago within a three hours’ drive. RECOMMENDED: The most romantic Airbnbs near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The most secluded Airbnbs near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The coziest Airbnbs near ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best lakefront Airbnbs near Chicago

Chicago boasts plenty of kid-friendly activities and restaurants, but if you're planning a family vacation, there are many approachable, fun and memorable destinations close by for a weekend away. Cities, state parks and lakes across the region are full of hiking for all ages and engaging, hands-on ways to learn about history, ecology and wildlife. Along the way, discover quirky shops, longstanding eateries with decadent desserts and recreational activities that kids of all ages will enjoy. From wacky and weird to active and relaxing, here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago for families. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

As amazing as Chicago is, sometimes you just need to get away for a weekend. Fortunately, there’s a host of untapped food, arts and culture scenes within a five-hour drive. From post-industrial cities reclaiming their place on the Midwest map to quirky university towns proving they’re more than just a temporary destination, you’ll find places perfect for family weekend getaways, adventurous hiking or wine and whiskey tastings. So when you've run out of things to do in Chicago, explore, rejuvenate or get weird at unexpected attractions any time of the year—your next weekend getaway from Chicago is waiting. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Chicago has an endless array of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion.  RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

Chicago is so much more than just a “meat-and-potatoes” kind of town, but that reputation isn’t entirely without merit. Few, if any, cities in the world can boast the amount of high-quality steakhouses found here. Beef is one thing local restaurants treat with reverence and there are plenty of spots to savor a perfect cut. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, head to Maple & Ash or BLVD Steakhouse for an extravagant experience. Maybe you want to try the best meat money can buy? Then order impossibly-marbled, melt-in-you-mouth wagyu beef imported from Japan at Prime & Provisions or Roka Akor. These following places are sure to please, especially if you’re looking for the most romantic restaurants in Chicago to elevate your next date night. Pescatarians need not worry either as the menus also offer some of the best seafood selections in town. So check out our guide to the best Chicago steakhouses and start making plans to feast like royalty. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

Say goodbye to shame and hello to new possibilities at these sex shops in Chicago. No longer hidden in basements or behind beaded curtains—in fact, one features floor-to-ceiling windows—sex shops in Chicago pride themselves on being LGBTQ-friendly and inclusive of folks of all sizes, ages, genders and experience levels. From family-owned shops to outposts of national chains, no matter which store you head to, you can rest assured that staff will happily help you find the exact items you need for healthy and positive sexual experiences. So leave the stigma at the door as you shop for your fetish, BDSM, bachelorette, lingerie, toys, gear or game needs at sex shops in Chicago. And if you’re looking for romantic things to do or unique date ideas, why not indulge your desires in one of the many workshop or private party offerings? RECOMMENDED: The most romantic hotels in Chicago

Fried chicken is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Juicy flesh enveloped by crispy skin is a simple thing that sparks joy with each bite. Similar to the best pizzas in town, Chicago restaurants have mastered the art of frying poultry, offering it in a number of various preparations. If you like yours packed with blazing hot spices, look no further than Fry the Coop or Hot Chi Chicken & Cones. Korean-style enthusiasts will find jumbo-sized wings to devour at Crisp and Dak, while Chicagoans who swear by fried chicken with mild sauce—an iconic dish—have local favorites like Harold’s and Uncle Remus to enjoy. Just as nice: These are among the finest cheap eats in the city. So satiate your greasy cravings with the best fried chicken in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

Chicagoans will eagerly tell anyone willing to listen there’s nothing like summer in the Windy City. From urban outdoor adventures and stunning rooftop bars to the countless street festivals and outdoor concerts that compile our jam-packed summer bucket lists, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar. But if you’re ready to soak up the culture of a nearby Midwestern town, there are plenty of destinations just a few hours away from the city by car. We love these summer getaways from Chicago for their history, great food and drinks and relaxing waterfronts, and we know you will, too. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from Chicago

Whether it's a rooftop in the West Loop or a Little Village speakeasy, there's a Chicago cocktail bar for every occasion and taste. Staffed by some of the world's top bartenders, the best local cocktail bars mix drinks that you can enjoy before dinner or in the wee hours of the morning. From the classic Manhattan and Negroni to over-the-top, tropical-inspired sippers with colorful bendy straws, there's nothing you won't find at the following spots. So when you're looking for something a bit stronger than what's on offer at Chicago breweries and wine bars, make your way to the best cocktail bars in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best bars in Chicago

Picnicking in Chicago’s many beautiful parks or biking the over 20-mile Lake Michigan shoreline are some of the best ways to spend time outdoors in the city. But when you’re craving a day trip with a laid-back atmosphere, heart-pumping hiking trails and the sound of birds rustling leaves, these destinations within a few hours’ drive from Chicago will get you out of traffic and into nature. We've explored the Midwest to find the best state parks near Chicago, where you go camping under the stars or check the 3 Dune Challenge off your bucket list, so keep reading for our recommendations on thrilling outdoor adventures. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from Chicago

Tourists come from all over the world to try classic Chicago eats like hot dogs, Italian beef and deep dish pizza—and although locals might quibble over whether deep dish is the definitive Chicago-style pizza, we can put our opinions aside and admit this gooey mess has a certain charm. There’s incredible pizza throughout the Windy City, but these following pizzerias mean business when it comes to the densely loaded, irresistibly cheesy, have-to-unbutton-your-pants kind that we’re famous for. So whether you’re working through your bucket list one slice at a time or want to try new spins on the traditional pie, check out these Chicago spots for the best deep dish pizza.  RECOMMENDED: Find more of the best restaurants in Chicago

Fresh, organic and local aren’t just buzzwords at this Chicago fast-casual eatery and grocery store, which sources the majority of its food from local organic farms. Real Good Food serves both plant-based and animal meat dishes with accommodations for a variety of dietary needs. While they’re known for their hearty juices and smoothies with creative names–like the Bluice Wayne or Kale E. Kopowski–their vegan breakfast options of bagels, bowls, burritos, and sweet toasts are worth a try.

Bringing much needed plant-based sabor to the River North neighborhood, plant-based dinrers can step into this bright, intimate space covered in colorful murals and enjoy Mexican staples. Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria’s fully-vegan menu includes tacos, enchiladas, molletes and other small bites. For brunch, grab the chilaquiles and coffee—there’s bar seating available if you’re dining solo, while small groups can snag one of the tables.

Lucy’s Cafe is great any day of the week, but it holds a special charm on slow, cheerful weekend mornings spent with family and friends. The extensive menu of American-style breakfast is exclusively vegetarian, and  most items can be prepared vegan upon request. Order standout dishes like vegan waffles or the southwest skillet—a medley of veggies, plant-based meat, black beans and cilantro—and grab a seat on the sunny front patio when weather allows.

Nothing gets closer to a home-cooked meal and a loving atmosphere than Hyde Park’s B’Gabs Vegan Scratch Kitchen. Owner Gabrielle Darvassy prioritizes organic and local ingredients to craft her healthy, aesthetically-pleasing meals, as well as the goal of a come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can be your whole self. Fill up on the Breakfast Burrito Bowl with vegan sausage, potatoes, black beans, greens, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and avocado sauce or the Breakfast Sammie with chickpea eggs, sausage, potatoes and cheese on a bun.

Last summer, Chicago couple Emma and Blair Sheade were celebrating their one-year anniversary with a camping trip. Though they’re frequent campers, they jokingly refer to themselves as amateurs because they always seem to forget something or have trouble starting their campfire. On that particular trip, “everything that could go wrong, went wrong,” says Emma. She went to bed that night thinking that there must be an easier way for people to camp. And if there were, perhaps more people would want to do it. That was the genesis of Pitch, the pair’s recently-launched on-demand camping concierge service catering to Chicagoans who want to experience nature, but might not have the tools or time to organize a camping trip on their own. Emma considers Pitch to be an authentic outdoor experience that provides a middle ground between traditional, do-it-yourself camping—which can be intimidating to novices—and the often pricier glamping. When you book a night with Pitch, the service sets up your campsite and stocks it with the essentials—a tent, sleeping pads and bags, a lantern, a welcome cooler stocked with essentials, water, snacks, games and a fire log—and tears it all down after you leave. If you have questions about the area or the equipment during your stay, a “scout” is on-call to help you. Outdoor recreation has become extremely popular as a safe and easy travel option throughout the pandemic, but it’s still not as easy an option as it could be. “So many people want to try [ca