Argue all you want, but Lollapalooza is a destination festival. The city of Chicago plays a central figure in the weekend’s festivities, whether you’re hitting up an aftershow or grabbing a beer at a local bar. Even if you don’t venture forward into the city’s concrete confines — or it’s diverse neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, etc. — it’s hard to ignore its top-rated skyline during any headlining set.
But really, you need to venture forward. There’s so much more to this city than just Uno’s Pizzeria, Garrett’s Popcorn, and snazzy lakeshore hotels. There’s a rich cultural history here, and you don’t have to look too hard to find it. In fact, there’s usuallysomething worthwhile a couple blocks away — even if you’re downtown and all you can see is a Buca di Beppo and a PF Changs. You just have to look harder.
Before you strain your eyes, though, check out this suh-weet guide we put together. Between the 10 or 15 of us who live here, we figure we know this place pretty well, so we decided to let you in on a few details. This includes everything from must-eats to must-sees to must-hangs. It’s only slightly comprehensive, actually.
“You’ve gotta try this.”
Brunch
Nellcôte - 833 W Randolph St. – A fancier way to start off the day, for sure. Seafood enthusiasts will freak out over the Lobster Hash, while Midwesterners will be at home with the Steak and Eggs. Bonus points go to the brave soul who starts the day off with Sunnyside-Up Egg Pizza or the breakfast-tinged Spaghetti.
Do-Rite Donuts – 50 W. Randolph St. - Hankering for a sweet pastry, but aching to stave off Dunkin’ Donuts? This joint stays true to their name, offering slab after slab of doughy goodness. Their mission: “We make our donuts in small batches, never more than 36 at a time.” We’re pretty sure Special Agent Dale Cooper would be at home here. (Note: The store will also have a booth within the festival, too.)
Bongo Room – 1152 S. Wabash Ave. - Get here early or risk spending your whole morning waiting for a table. In Chicago, though, that’s still the sure sign of a good meal, and once you’re seated, Bongo Room doesn’t disappoint. The sweet plates are indulgent and delicious, the savory ones downright awe-inspiring, and the coffee is very, very good.
Nookies - 1746 N. Wells St. - For a classic, stick-with-you-til-dinner breakfast, Nookies is the place. It features a fairly standard complement of tempting omelettes, big fruity pancakes, and sandwiches– but when you’re going to spend all day in the heat, jostling with strangers to glimpse Jack White, sometimes a big plate of comfort food first is just the armor your stomach needs.
Lavazza - 27 W. Washington St. – DAMN GOOD COFFEE.
Lou Mitchell’s - 565 W Jackson Blvd. – They’ve been around for 85 years, it’s one of those “must see” places, and they claim to have the best coffee and breakfast in the planet. Given their healthy lifespan, let’s just say they’ve backed up those statements. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and OJ — it’s staple, hearty stuff, but it’s a guarantee.
Inside the Park (Chow Town North & South)
Edzo’s Burger Shop – If the line’s too long at Kuma’s (it will be, but it’s still probably short of the restaurant’s typical two-hour wait), Edzo’s offers both that local flavor and one hell of a greasy burger. These patties are Northwestern fans making the trek down from Evanston, so be sure to scream “Go Cats!” as you walk away.
Grahamwich – “Oh, it’s a play on Graham Elliot’s name.” Yes, it’s also his offshoot sandwich shop, which sports the city’s definitive ‘wiches each month. No idea which will be at Grant Park yet, but anything he does is predictably great, too. Also, it’s something you can’t get anywhere other than Chitown.
Kamehachi – This staple Chicago restaurant (since 1967, suckas) is bringing their critically-acclaimed sushi to Lollapalooza. On paper, that sounds like a bad idea at a music festival, but on-the-spot you might think otherwise. It could be the light alternative to the more meaty opportunities.
Late-Night Eats
Big Star – 1531 N. Damen Ave. - People always say stupid shit like, “These are the best tacos in the city” or “The guac is unreal, bro.” But avoiding these cliche statements leaves us short on words to describe this Wicker Park hallmark. It’s unlikely you’ll get a table, unless you get lucky and snag something on the patio, but it’s okay: They have a take-out window on the side with accompanying picnic tables nearby. Our advice? Don’t leave without eating their Tacos al Pastor, and if you’re really feeling adventurous, go for their Sonoran Hot Dog — the dog’s wrapped in bacon, for Christ’s sake. Open til 2 am Sun-Fri and 3 am on Sat.
Buddy Guy’s Legends- 700 S. Wabash Ave. – It’s a blues club from the late ’80s and admittedly a tourist trap of sorts, but there’s something special about the joint. With blues pounding the stage seven nights a week, Southern cajun cooking served ’til midnight, and a close proximity to Grant Park, it just might be your perfect refuge. Open til 2 am on Fri and Sun and 3 am on Sat.
Pick Me Up Cafe - 3408 N. Clark St. - If you’re headed back Northside, the Pick Me Up has you covered for that midnight snack. Vegan or meat, beer or espresso, and open all night, the place has something for everyone in your group (not to mention the people-watching afforded by its large windows and drunken neighbors). Also, Pick Me Up is a particular favorite of our staff — in fact, Michael Roffman calls their Garlicious Breast his favorite sandwich of all time– so, if you see us, say hello! Open 24-7-365.
The Purple Pig - 500 N. Michigan Ave. – What exactly is Modern European? Lots of cheeses, meats, and wines, apparently. This Magnificent Mile staple is the product of a supergroup of chefs, specifically Scott Harris (of Mia Francesca), Tony Mantuano (of Spiaggia), and Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr (of Heaven on Seven). It’s on the pricier side, naturally, but nothing screams victory like an ol’ milk braised pork shoulder, some potatoes, and a jug of wine after sweating through Black Sabbath. Seriously. Open til 2 am on Fri and Sat, and until 12 am on Sun.
Flo and Santos – 1310 S. Wabash Ave. – Polish and Italians unite! This nearby pub brandishes a menu fit for Bill Swerski’s Super Fans. Greasy stuff like beer-battered onion rings, pierogis, kielbasa sausages, and, yes, Tavern-style pizza tease anyone’s inner glutton. They have salads, too, but gimme a break.
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“Wait, wait, wait…”
Aftershows
Since the majority of Lolla’s after shows have been sold out for months, we decided to collate the ones that still have tickets remaining. Granted, it’s hard to rival Queens of the Stone Age at the Metro or that insanely sold out double bill of HAIM and St. Lucia at Lincoln Hall, but these should keep the nights alive in a stylish fashion.
Friday, August 2nd
Hot Chip DJ Set at Beauty Bar – Limited tickets available at the door.
Local Natives, Supreme Cuts at House of Blues – Find tickets via Live Nation
Saturday, August 3rd
SKATERS, The Orwells at Schubas – $15 via Schubas
Sunday, August 4th
Ellie Goulding DJ Set at Studio Paris – $75-100 via Want Tickets
Late Night Hangouts
Berlin – 954 W. Belmont Ave. - This place is a mess in the best possible way. It’s technically a gay club, but in reality it’s more of an “everybody dance and drink Red Bull” sort of thing, and it often has theme nights. Bonus: Right next to the Belmont L station.
B.L.U.E.S. - 2519 N. Halsted St. – This doted sliver of Chicago history is a must-see for music enthusiasts. It’s not so much revered for its historical names, but for its widely sought intimacy. As their website reads, “The set-up is such that no matter where you sit, you’re always in the middle of the action.” Very true, but this also means it’s relatively difficult to grab a chair, so don’t be pissy if you can’t get in.
The Continental – 2801 W. Chicago Ave. - Odds are you won’t be in Humboldt Park, but if you do snake your way through there, check out this dive bar. It’s a little sketch, but the bartenders are amicable, the vibe’s hip, and the people are cool in that professional sense. It’s a solid place to brag about if you’re into bragging about things.
Emporium Arcade Bar – 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Vintage games, rare beers, and vintage games. There’s nothing more exciting than shutting your brain off after eight to ten grueling hours walking around Grant Park. Rest assured, they have NBA Jam, The Simpsons, and Tron, but beware, it can get a little muggy in there. Small price to pay to win it all, though.
The Flat Iron – 1565 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Probably the only bar in Wicker Park that has a painting of Vigo the Carpathian. And yes, he still looks like he lost his kitten.
The Gingerman Tavern - 3740 N. Clark St. - Dark and comfy, the Gingerman is a surprisingly spacious hideaway in Wrigleyville that features a well-stocked jukebox, pool tables, and lots of dark corners for nursing your brew. A nice place to relax if you’re all “scened” out.
Hungry Brain – 2319 W. Belmont Ave. - The outside looks like an abandoned storefront, but the inside is a lost Brooklyn bar. With Christmas lights everywhere, cracked vintage sofas and chairs, and a stellar jukebox, this distant bar will turn the volume down from 11 to a healthy three. Bring cash, though.
The Long Room – 1612 W. Irving Park Rd. - They really chose the right name with this one. Located on Irving Park, this sliver of a room has a choice patio (a savior when the bar’s at its peak hours), a slightly sketch-yet-very-chill back area, and good vibes all around. They play good music, too, and it’s near Diner Grill, where they’ll make penis-shaped pancakes. No lie.
Ravens – 2326 N. Clark St. - You’ve gotta love this Lincoln Park hole-in-the-wall for being one of the only real dive bars in one of the yuppiest neighborhoods of Chicago, second only to Andersonville. Free popcorn, ample outdoor space, and hilarious people-watching (it’s near DePaul University) make for a great comedown. It helps that it’s a 4 am bar, too.
(If you want to see any of us, we’ll probably be at Town Hall Pub and/or L&L Tavern.)