Last October, I traveled back home to Chicago to visit family, eat delicious food, and rooftop hop with my girls. Traveling during a pandemic was not ideal, but the journey was rewarding. I slept downtown at The St. Clair Hotel on Ontario. I recommend this accommodation if you are on a budget, but desire to be close to Michigan Avenue. My hotel was literally walking distance to multiple restaurants, cafes, and shopping stores near the Magnificent Mile.
Some of the top spots I hit were Yolks, NIU Japanese Fusion Lounge, The Ivy Hotel, and Ethiopian Diamond. Yolks has been a staple in my life since I was 21. I love a good vegetarian omelette with matcha for breakfast. The California omelette is delicious. Please do yourself a favor and order it. They have other tasty brunch options and multiple locations around downtown.
If you enjoy sushi, I recommend NIU Fusion Lounge. They serve a mean cocktail and have outstanding service. Also, their Rock ‘n Roll sushi is worth writing home about. I mean Alaskan shredded crab, shrimp, octopus, avocado, spicy mayo and crispy tempura coating, topped with eel sauce. Yummy!
For those who love a sexy rooftop moment, The Ivy Hotel is a vibe. They provide genuine views of Streeterville and The John Hancock. I appreciated the calmness of the lounge and indie sounds. The vibe was chill. I plan to visit again during my next trip. Last, but not least - Ethiopian Diamond. I highly recommend this northside restaurant if you value authentic Ethiopian culture. The injera and gomen was on point.
Please note that I practiced social distancing during my time in Chicago and tested negative for COVID after returning back to Atlanta. Please be encouraged and inspired to safely travel if you can.
Now, the visuals!
