3 Greens Market

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

3 Greens Market is part coffee shop, part food buffet, and part cafe serving burgers from a fav...

Adler Planetarium

• THINGS TO DO

Immersive, Technologically Enhanced Theater Experience

Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

If you’re traveling with your family and want to hear Chicago blues or jazz, it can be tricky...

Andy’s Thai Kitchen

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Andy’s Thai Kitchen is a smaller restaurant. One of my favorites is a duck egg dish, which is...

Art Institute of Chicago

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the top museums in the world and has an impressive array...

B.L.U.E.S.

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

If you want a cozy, intimate blues experience, this is the place to go. There isn’t a bad sea...

Bar Louie

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Bar Louie is part of a group of bars, and there are several in Chicago. I prefer the one on Pol...

Bavette’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Bavette’s is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. I love the atmosphere, which featu...

Buona Terra

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Buona Terra is a small, family-owned restaurant with excellent Italian food. I recommend the gr...

Burger Bar Chicago

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

At the Burger Bar Chicago, you can choose from do-it-for-me gourmet burgers or you can build yo...

Cafe El Tapatio

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. They have an extensive menu, including seve...

Cafecito

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Cafecito is relatively new and has three locations. It is a coffeehouse specializing in Cuban s...

Carmine’s

• 4.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This restaurant is in the bustling area near Rush & Division, which is popular among tourists a...

Caro Mio Italian Restaurant

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Caro Mio Italian Restaurant is another neighborhood eatery I recommend. The gnocchi with vodka ...

Chicago Architecture Foundation

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is renowned for its historical and architectural tours of t...

Chicago Athletic Association

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations close to the starting line, consider the Chicago ...

Chicago Cut

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

The steak at Chicago Cut can be summed up in one word: Yummy! In addition to the tasty food, th...

Chicago Diner

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This restaurant is a must-try when you’re in Chicago, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, p...

Chicago Diner

• BEST RESTAURANTS

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City Suites Chicago

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

City Suites Chicago is a great place to stay if you want to be in a bustling neighborhood, expe...

City Winery at the Riverwalk

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Outdoor dining is hugely popular in Chicago, but unfortunately, our summer season is way too sh...

Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Cent

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

I love the Congress Plaza Hotel and Convention Center because it’s close to the starting line...

Dewitt Hotel & Suites

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

If you want lodging that is reasonably priced and feels more like a condo than a hotel, we high...

Dimo’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

My body would freak out if it ate a vegetable! But when I tried Dimo's, it was so good I couldn...

Ditka’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Ditka’s is a highly regarded Chicago favorite has really good lobster bisque and is known for...

DMK Burger Bar

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

DMK Burger Bar is my favorite burger place! I highly recommends the guac burger. It’s yum in ...

Duck Duck Goat

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Duck Duck Goat tops my list because of the delicious Asian fusion food they serve and they have...

Eggy’s Diner

• BEST RESTAURANTS

Hidden gem near Millennium Park

Explore the Chicago River Walk

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

Just a few years ago, this stretch along the Chicago River was nothing but a desolate stretch o...

Fleet Feet Lakeview

• RUNNING STORES

Fleet Feet Lincoln Square

• RUNNING STORES

Fleet Feet Old Town

• RUNNING STORES

Fleet Feet South Loop

• RUNNING STORES

Forno Rosso

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Forno Rosso is a casual pizza restaurant with great Neapolitan style pizza. Specialties include...

Freehand Chicago

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

Freehand Chicago touts itself as a combination of hostel culture, innovative design and a commu...

Garrett’s Popcorn

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

It is soooo good. You can smell it for blocks. My favorite flavor is the Caramel Crisp—you ge...

Gibson’s Italia Cafe

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This triple-tiered restaurant is a modern classic in Chicago. It’s the standard Gibson’s on...

Gino’s East

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This Chicago favorite is a crowd pleaser for any pizza eater. Gino’s East offers delicious de...

Giordano’s

• BEST RESTAURANTS

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Hilton Chicago

• BEST HOTELS

Holiday Inn and Suites Chicago O’H

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

If you really want to save on hotel costs, consider staying farther out of the city near O’Ha...

Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River Nor

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

If you’re looking to save a few dollars on your lodging, consider the Holiday Inn Chicago Mar...

Hotel Versey

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

Hotel Versey is a boutique hotel in a popular neighborhood location on the border of Lincoln Pa...

Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House

• 5.0^{/ 5} 2 Ratings
• BEST RESTAURANTS

It’s the seafood at Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House that really stands, particularly the fre...

Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

If you book early, the room rates can be family-friendly at the Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown. T...

Italian Village

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

I recommend Italian Village because it's more upscale and central. They also have marathon spe...

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Want to splurge a bit on dinner? Try Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. This is a L...

Kayaking the Chicago River

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

One of my favorite ways to see this magnificent city is by kayak. There’s something amazing a...

Kingston Mines

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

The facility is fairly large compared to the many smaller, intimate blues bars. This can make i...

La Scarola

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

La Scarola is a smaller, intimate restaurant with an old-school, Italian and family feel. I sug...

Le Pain Quotidien

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Le Pain Quotidien is a popular French-themed eatery for comfort food, small plates and quick bi...

Little Goat Diner

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Little Goat Diner is an upscale restaurant that is good for special occasion dinners—like fin...

Lou Malnati’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 2 Ratings
• BEST RESTAURANTS

The pizza is yum in the tum! I suggest the River North location because it’s typically not su...

Lula Cafe

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

While Lula Cafe is known for its brunch, it’s also very good for dinner. They serve standard ...

Majestic Hotel

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

It is ideal for travelers who want to experience Chicago outside of the Loop. It’s situated o...

Mario’s Table

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

A hidden gem! They have the best spaghetti and meatballs in the city. The owner, Mario, will ev...

Marriott Marquis

• BEST HOTELS

Great hotel at the expo

Mozzarella Store

• BEST RESTAURANTS

New Italian causal restaurant with amazing neapolitan pizza

Museum of Science and Industry

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

We have a history here that’s a little more diverse. We had all these expositions that were b...

Navy Pier

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

For a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, walk all the way to the end of Navy Pier. The wind picks...

New Balance Chicago

• RUNNING STORES

Nike Bucktown

• RUNNING STORES

Nike Chicago

• RUNNING STORES

Pacific Standard Time

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

If you’re not looking to scarf down a heavy portion of steak and potatoes, go to Pacific Stan...

Palmer House

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

Close to the starting line and a popular hotel for marathoners, the Palmer House is the longest...

Pequod’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 2 Ratings
• BEST RESTAURANTS

They char or fry the cheese then layer the bottom crust with it to give you a distinct Parmesan...

Pizzeria Uno and Due

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

If you're looking to dine where deep dish all began, Pizzeria Uno and Due tops my list for "the...

Portillo’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

I don’t eat a lot of meat, but Portillo’s cheeseburger served with an order of cheese fries...

Quartino’s

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Quartino’s is an Italian restaurant ideal for groups and families. The fun, lively atmosphere...

Ricardo Enoteca

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

One of my favorite Italian places in the whole city. It's my go-to spot for Italian, and I've n...

Road Runner Sports

• RUNNING STORES

Sapori Trattoria

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This Lakeview/Lincoln Park restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. Great Italian food in...

Second City Show

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

This is comedy and improv at its finest, and Second City helped to launch the careers of countl...

Shedd Aquarium

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

I’m a sponsor and a volunteer at Shedd Aquarium. Many of their mammals were injured in the wi...

Silversmith Hotel

• BEST HOTELS

Contemporary Feel and Design Elements

Spacca Napoli

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Spacca Napoli is a neighborhood eatery with some of the freshest Italian food in Chicago. Locat...

St. Jane Hotel

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

The St. Jane Hotel is a newer boutique hotel within a short distance of the starting line. If y...

Stan’s Donuts

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Stan’s Donuts is scrumptious. I love ALL doughnuts, but my doughnut of choice at Stan’s is ...

Stroll Michigan Avenue

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

Even if you’re not a shopper, I promise that there is a lot to see along the way, such as the...

Sweetgreen

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Sweetgreen is famous for their salads, although they also serve bowls and soups like a waterme...

Sweetwater Tavern and Grille

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

The Sweetwater Tavern and Grille is conveniently located on Michigan Avenue north relatively cl...

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Meat eaters love this all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse where the wait staff comes around to...

The Art of Pizza

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Although not as well known as some of the other pizza places in Chicago, Art of Pizza’s deep ...

The Dearborn

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

During the workweek, this is a popular spot for business lunches. The menu has a wide selection...

The Field Museum

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and has an interest...

The Gage

• BEST RESTAURANTS

The Green Mill

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• THINGS TO DO

Although the Green Mill serves up more jazz than blues, I have to include it here. The club and...

The Kerryman

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

As Irish bars go, it’s as close to being an authentic Irish bar as possible in terms of look ...

The Lakefront Restaurant at Theater on t

• 4.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

One of the things you must do while you're in Chicago for the marathon is spend some time by La...

The Patio at Cafe Brauer

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Café Brauer is a Prairie-School-style architectural building completed in 1908 and listed on t...

Thompson Chicago

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST HOTELS

The Thompson Chicago has a great Gold Coast location. There are so many reasons to love this ho...

Three Dots and a Dash

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

A trip to this funky tiki cocktail bar will make you feel like you’re really “in the know.�...

Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago

• BEST HOTELS

Downtown Location Close to Major Attractions

True Food Kitchen

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This relatively new casual restaurant has a lot of grain bowls and healthy options that are als...

Tuscany on Taylor

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This is the original Tuscany restaurant in Chicago and is located in the city’s Little Italy ...

Urban Belly

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Urban Belly is a great ramen restaurant! It’s hard to go wrong there. I love the coconut curr...

Victory Italian

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

This came recommended by a Racertrips Ambassador, and it lived up to everything he said about i...

Volare Ristorante Italiano

• 5.0^{/ 5} 1 Rating
• BEST RESTAURANTS

Volare is a great choice for runners staying in the Michigan Avenue area. They have excellent p...

Wendella Cruises

• 5.0^{/ 5} 2 Ratings
• THINGS TO DO

I love the great tours of the city they offer! I find the docents fun and informative....

Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe

• BEST RESTAURANTS

Best Cinnamon Panckcakes I've ever had