As you are all well aware, deep dish pizza is a Chicago institution. This place is the place to get it. No questions asked. You can talk all you want about the super chains of Giordano's and Lou Malnati's. But this place is the shit. No visit is complete with out checking them out.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

http://pequodspizza.com/

(773) 327-1512

Touted as the evolution of diner food, with a passion for eggs, Au Cheval is one of the best, most decadent meals you can get in Chicago, and it won't destroy your wallet. To be fair, it's not like, SUPER cheap, per se....this is fine dining, after all. But it is very affordable and absolutely delicious. Brunch is also a solid option here. Arrive early, or be prepared to wait as they do not take reservations.

800 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 929-4580

auchevalchicago.com

This place is one of my favorite spots in the world. The Southern menu at Big Jones includes a few modern standards like pimento cheese and shrimp and grits, but also many rarities inspired directly from period cookbooks and texts. We're talking insane fried green tomatoes, amazing crunchy fried chicken, creamy grits and jambalaya, an INSANE charcuterie board of cured meats and cheese, and an exhaustive bourbon list. Brunch is also absolutely insane here, with a lump crabcake benedict served on popovers.

Reservations are accepted.

5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Phone: (773) 275-5725

bigjoneschicago.com

Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's "hopping West Loop restaurant is known for life-altering small plates that feature both fun uses of familiar ingredients (the green beans are amazing) and more adventurous options (the pig face is a must, as is the goat belly), plus amazing breads and butters.

The joint is EXTREMELY popular, so there is a high demand for reservations. It keeps it packed with people, and is very loud, but strong cocktails and a staff that makes you feel special help ease the inevitable long wait. If you can't snag a reservation and are still interested, go as a group of 2-4 and wait for the bar.

Sushi chef Mike literally makes the world's best sushi & creative Japanese fare. If you are afraid of sushi, THIS is the place to try, as Mike is a master with flavors and will create rolls for you based on your preference. Don't like salmon? It's out. Don't like raw stuff? It's out. Or just ask him to hit you with his best shot. Don't miss the "fish and chips" appetizer. Sake, beer. wine & cocktails are served as well, and you can also BYOB.

5547 N Clark St, Chicago IL

(773) 878-6886

www.tanoshiisushi.com

The pork version of The Girl and the Goat, The Purple Pig is Jimmy Bannos Jr.'s always lively Magnificient Mile gastropub. Expect outstanding, innovative, Mediterranean small plates, featuring an abundance of pork (fried pig ears, omg they're delicious, as is the pork liver pate) paired with a robust wine list.

It's super delicious but they do not take reservations and it is VERY popular. There will always be a wait, and it would be very difficult for them to accommodate a large party. Seating is communal, so you'll always get to know your neighbors very well. We'd recommend checking them out for a fancy lunch after shopping on the Mag Mile.

500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 464-1744

thepurplepigchicago.com

This absolutely delicious diner is in the middle of Boystown and serves probably the best milkshake we've ever tasted (which...shockingly...is vegan). The best bet for vegetarian food at a solid price.

3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 935-6696

http://www.veggiediner.com

This one is breakfast and brunch only, and is a hike out to the rest - quite far away from where the hotel is. The food is AWESOME, though, and a great way to wake up. Incredibly fresh ingredients and a super fun vibe. Check out the menu!

3057 W Logan Blvd

(773) 292-6011

http://jamrestaurant.com/

Our favorite bar in the city, which also happens to be right around the corner from the hotel and the venue. Amazing craft cocktails at incredible prices, and a super friendly, hip vibe. Check them out while you're here.

6920 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

(773) 791-1419

rogersparksocial.com

This super-chic River North mainstay offers is a hidden underground tiki bar! We'll give you the address, but you'll have to find the entrance yourself. ;)

Drinks are expensive, but phenomenal, and the ambience is one of the most unique bar experiences you can get in Chicago. Try the Corn n' Oil, one of the few authentic versions you can get in the US.

Reservations are accepted and strongly recommended.

435 N Clark St

Chicago, IL 60654

http://threedotschicago.com

VIEWS. VIEWS FOR DAYS.

We have a thing for rooftop bars, and this is probably our overall favorite. Well-priced drinks and snacks and the best view of the lake you can get in town.

It gets crowded, so there may be a line. Be prepared. It's worth it. Mid day weekdays are generally the least busy.

The Hotel Lincoln

1816 Clark St, 17th Floor

Chicago, IL 60614

http://jparkerchicago.com

Another rooftop bar, this one is the most "hip" and "trendy". Located in the "hip and trendy" Godfrey Hotel in River North, iO doesn't offer water views, but a very unique view of the skyline and is very spacious.

Our final rooftop bar, this one, located in The Chicago Athletic Association hotel, is in the loop and also is a full restaurant. The food's GREAT, but folks come here for the views and cocktails.

It's pricey, but the view is a no-holds barred view of Millennium Park...absolutely gorgeous and one-of-a-kind. The bean looks like a Lego version from Cindy's patio.

This one almost ALWAYS has a line so be prepared to wait for the elevator. Guests of the hotel get special access, should you decide to splurge on a night here.

12 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60603

www.cindysrooftop.com/

We're not really "gay dance bar" guys, but we do love a couple quintessential gay bars in town - Marty's is one of them. It's a cozy cocktail bar with a cute patio, lined with gaudy, bougie decor and thousands of mirrors. The bartenders and servers are super friendly, and the martinis are aggressive, for lack of a better word. Very tiny, so not great for a massive group, but really fun.

1511 W Balmoral Ave

Chicago, IL 60640

https://www.facebook.com/martysmartinibar/

Our other favorite gay bar also features VIDEO GAMES. Seriously, how can you ago wrong? Replay is one of the first of the generation of "arcade bars", where you pay for your beer and bourbon, but get to play amazing standup arcade games like Double Dragon, Pac-Man, and Ninja Turtles for free (and also some pinball for a small fee).

There are two locations - the one in Andersonville is our favorite due to it's being more spacious and serving good food.

5338 N Clark St

Chicago, IL 60640

http://www.replayandersonville.com

THIS PLACE IS SO FUN. Close to the train (off Sheridan stop), great mix of 80's, 90's and today, cheap drinks and eats, and pool tables. What more can you ask for?

4000 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

This freak-friendly dance destination in Lakeview built its reputation back in the mid-'80s with a mix of German new-wave music, art installations and weekly parties. These days, it's still quirky but more retro, with Prince-tribute, disco and '80s nostalgia nights. Goths and gays are extra welcome, but the scene here is made up of almost everyone. Thursday night's Stardust a major locus of creativity in nightlife. RIGHT off the Belmont Red Line stop, and open till 4am.

954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

You can get a martini and a manicure for $15 at kitsch-happy Beauty Bar . Retrofitted into the old Sonotheque, the bar carried over the sound system but otherwise got a complete face-lift. Sparkling glitter paint adorns the walls, '60s beauty salon furniture acts as seating, and the backroom dance floor is completed with a shimmering disco ball. The music stays obscure and mostly dusty during the week, but DJs turn it into an electro dance party most weekends. A bit of a hike from the neighborhood, be prepared to Uber.

1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Originally on the fourth floor of the magnificent Wrigleyville building (also home to Metro), this venerated dance club is now in the basement. A recent makeover slicked up the looks a notch and brought back a vibrant young crowd. But more important, the club boasts a world-class Funktion One sound system, which sounds tremendous on the central dance floor. Cutting-edge DJs from Europe, Detroit and Chicago form the bulk of the weekend bookings with house, techno and electro styles; but local mash-up and indie jocks rule on bargain weekday nights.

3730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Between its oversize dance floor, massive LED wall, 30-foot bar and craft cocktail program, Primary is sure to become the envy of its Gold Coast neighbors, and fast. Owned by a posse of nightlife veterans with their ears to the sound of now, it's a hip alternative to clubs near the "triangle" that have been coasting with the same formula. Look for some of the city's top up-and-coming DJs spinning house, electro, dubstep, underground disco and indie dance alongside the occasional global talent. What do real clubbers crave? An intimate, music-focused but still stylish night out free of bullshit. This NKOTB puts it all on a top soundsystem. We think this basement club fills the void left by Sonotheque.

5 W Division St

Pretty much a must-visit, The Second City is the first ever on-going improvisational theater troupe based in Chicago. The Second City Theatre opened on December 16, 1959, and has since become one of the most influential and prolific comedy theatres in the world. The Second City has produced television programs in both Canada and the United States, including SCTV, Second City Presents, and Next Comedy Legend. Since its debut, the Second City has consistently been a starting point for comedians, award-winning actors, directors, and others in show business such as Bill Murray, John Candy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Cecily Strong, among many others.

Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended. You can see many different shows, from the mainstage headliner (these performers are on the SNL track), to up and coming comedy students, to top-tier comedy headliners.

Tickets and info:

https://www.secondcity.com/

The little brother of The Second City, iO is Chicago's other mainstay comedy theater. I actually prefer some of the shows and teams here (Improvised Shakespeare is truly insane). You can also catch Chicago comedy legends TJ & Dave here, every Wednesday night at 10:30pm. The bar is also really lovely here.

Tickets and info:

ioimprov.com/chicago/

One of Chicago's most celebrated theatre companies. Steppenwolf was formed by actors and is still ran by their top-tier ensemble that includes world-class actors both recognizable and non. Heart-wrenching drama is on the menu here.

Tickets and info:

https://www.steppenwolf.org/

The Goodman is a nationally-recognized regional theatre. During our wedding weekend they will be presenting Ivo Van Hove's acclaimed production of "A View From the Bridge".

Tickets and info:

https://www.goodmantheatre.org/

It's here if you want to try and see it! We have NO hookups to getting affordable seats, or available seats, for that matter...but cant hurt to try! You can also always attempt to enter the digital lottery for $20 seats day-of (but not the night of the wedding please!)

Tickets:

http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/hamilton-an-...

Lottery info:

http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/hamiltonlotteryfa...