Oh, Chicago!

The Windy City with its towering skyscrapers, bustling crowds and worldfamous deepdish pizza! But theres so much more to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots that dot this vibrant metropolis. If you really want to see the true spirit of Chicago its diverse cultures, rich history, beautiful music and art scene and mouthwatering cuisine then listen up!

First things first: lets talk food. Sure, you cant go wrong with a slice of deep dish at Giordanos or Lou Malnatis (170 N Michigan Ave, Chicago), but if youre looking for something different head over to Bridgeport. This upandcoming neighborhood is home to Lao Sze Chuan (1331 Wabash Ave #1000B, Chicago) which serves some of the best Chinese food around. And if Mexican is your thing then dont miss out on Carnitas Uruapan (1725 W 18th St, Chicago). You wont find better carnitas in the entire city!

But what about culture? Let me tell you about Pilsen a predominantly Latino neighborhood on the south side that boasts some amazing street art murals like those found along 16th Street between Canalport Avenue and Western Avenue. While there be sure to visit the National Museum of Mexican Art(1852 W 19th St.,Chicago). Marvel at their stunning collection of traditional folk art from Mexico.

For lovers of architecture no trip to Chitown would be complete without visiting Frank Lloyd Wrights home and studio(951 Chicago Ave.,Oak Park IL). Take an immersive tour through his iconic Oak Park residence before he hit it big as an architect exploring early designs , furniture pieces he created himself . Afterward take stroll down nearby Forest ave where many private homes boast notable architectural details .

Now for all my music fans out there; do not miss out on some of the amazing music venues located throughout the city. Sure, everyone knows about The House of Blues ( 329 N Dearborn St, Chicago) and The Metro(3730 N Clark St.,Chicago), but have you ever heard of The Green Mill Jazz Club (4802 N Broadway Ave.,Chicago)? This historic club has stood strong since prohibition days where gangsters would gather to hear authentic jazz that attracts musicians from around the world.

And finally we come to street performances! For a truly unique experience head over to Maxwell Street Market(S. Desplaines Street & W Roosevelt Road, Chicago) where blues bands play in between food trucks selling anything from elotes smothered with cheese pristinely made by Don Rafa Foods(Taco Truck section), beautiful vintage clothing/vinyls sold by Bobs Antiques at every corner .

So there you have it folks just a few hidden gems that showcase what makes Chicago so special and unique. Leave those tourist traps behind because now you know how to get down like an authentic Windy City local.

Food:

Lao Sze Chuan

1331 Wabash Ave #1000B, Chicago

Carnitas Uruapan

1725 W 18th St, Chicago

Culture:

National Museum of Mexican Art

1852 W 19th St.

Chicago

Architecture:

Frank Lloyd Wrights home and studio

951 Chicago Ave.,

Oak Park IL

Music Venues:

The Green Mill Jazz Club

4802 N Broadway Ave.,

Chicago

Street Performances:

Maxwell Street Market

S. Desplaines Street & W Roosevelt Road,

Chicago

Twitter handles :

@nmmachicago,

@greenmilljazz,

@maxwellstmarket