This summer will mark three years in Chicago for me, which is absolutely crazy! It will also mark two years of me living in my apartment here in the Gold Coast. When I first moved to the city I was living with my ex and after we separated, I spent six months living in the apartment we shared together in River North (right on the border of the Loop), which, in hindsight, wasn’t the healthiest thing for me.I remember my friend Sarah came over a few weeks before I needed to make a decision on resigning my lease and after a few glasses of rosé she gently told me I basically had one real option. And that was the nudge I needed to find a new apartment so I could start fresh on my own! From there, I took to Google, scheduled an appointment to see the first one-bedroom I found in the Gold Coast, and then bravely asked if they could have it ready for me by Friday haha. I’m pretty sure this was on a Monday or Tuesday. While I got incredibly lucky and love everything about where I live, I wouldn’t recommend going that route for your apartment search because the stress was real!

I was recently introduced to Zumper, an easy-to-use apartment search app where you can filter for specific amenities (everyone has their own list of non-negotiables!), set alerts for listings similar to the ones you’ve previously viewed, find information on rent prices in the neighborhood, and should you need an extra hand, tap into their Zumper Select feature, available in Chicago and New York, that allows you to chat with an expert in the area! If you’re relocating to Chicago or just hoping to find a new neighborhood to call home, download and dive in.

By far my favorite part about living in the Gold Coast isn’t the endless food and drink options (and we all know girlfriend likes to eat!), but it’s the places where I’m able to find a moment of quiet in the middle of the go, go, go of the city. I’ve spent more mornings than I can count watching the sun rise over the waters of Lake Michigan and feel so lucky to be a short walk from the water and Oak Street Beach. I’m also a big fan of grabbing a spot on a park bench or at a table in Mariano Park (also known as the Viagra Triangle – I’m not kidding!) to catch up with a friend or take some time for myself! And it’s no big secret that I love to journal from this spot. 🙂 The view from my place is pretty hard to beat!

But, onto the food. 😉 Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, brunch, a great spot for Happy Hour with the girls, or somewhere to go with your Hinge date, there’s a little something for everyone in the Gold Coast! Coming from Kansas, I think there’s a misconception that Chicago is uber expensive, but it’s really not and I think this little list is proof!

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN THE GOLD COAST

La Colombe – Home to my favorite cold brew and some of the nicest baristas I’ve ever met, it’s my favorite Saturday morning treat. Pure black on draft foreverrrr.

Petit Margeaux – I love popping by the café inside The Waldorf Astoria when I need to get a little work done. They also have a great sitting area when the weather permits and I’d be remiss not to tell you about their $5 rosé Happy Hour special during the week!

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden – This is a quaint little patio around the corner from me! I think this place is also a welcome escape in the middle of the city. I haven’t been for brunch yet (it’s on my never-ending list), but their mac and cheese is incredible.

Somerset – Sometimes basic is best and their “Gold Coast” brunch option is hard to beat. I took my mom when she visited last May and she had a Bloody Mary and I ordered an Aperol Spritz! They also do a progressive Happy Hour that starts at 4 and goes until 5:30pm (M-F) and after that ends, you can head up to the Deveraux Rooftop at the Viceroy and sip until 7! Also highly recommend getting a slice of the chocolate layer cake – it’s one of the most decadent things I’ve ever tasted.Nico Osteria – I love Nico for their brunch and their fresh Italian doughnuts. To die for.

Velvet Taco – A quick little taco spot with open seating. I usually get a couple of the buffalo chicken tacos and a margarita on the rocks – no salt!

Booth One – I feel like this is one of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets! It’s a chic place for after work bites and drinks located in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel. I’m a big fan of sitting at the bar and talking with the bartenders while they mix up their concoctions – everyone is so friendly! And the Kangaroo is the smoothest martini I’ve ever had.

Sparrow – I’ve gone on countless first dates to this upscale take on a neighborhood bar. I like it because there isn’t the pressure of, “are we ordering food?,” because it’s not an option! The bar was originally designed to be an escape for residents who were looking for a nightcap or late night rendezvous over 90 years ago. Their website says, “the barkeeps here have long been privy to more intimate dialog than even the building’s doorman, essentially becoming the building’s concierge. All requests, all stories accepted, not judged but rather kept within the surrounding walls. We welcome all and don’t feel the need to flaunt.”

Luxbar – One of everything, please! But seriously, Luxbar is a great place to have dinner on account of the fact that the options are endless and there is something for everyone.

The Zebra Lounge – I can’t tell you the number of times I missed this little hole-in-the-wall while walking by. I can’t take the credit for this spot, though. I owe that to a date I went on last fall (which was actually one of the best dates I’ve ever been on!). If you’re venturing out for a bachelorette or birthday party, this would be a really fun spot to take the group! They do live piano players and you can really tell everyone is there to let loose and have a good time.

Z Bar – I’ve heard nothing but great things about the bar that overlooks Michigan Avenue at the Peninsula. It’s actually on my spring bucket list to finally get myself there for drinks with friends!

3 Arts Club Café – If you’re doing it for the ‘gram, this is the spot. Brunch, lunch, dinner, a donut and a coffee – I love it all! It’s inside of Restoration Hardware and I highly recommend getting there right when it opens as they don’t take reservations and the wait times can be pretty lengthy.Lou Malnati’s – Can’t forget about my favorite place for pizza in the Gold Coast! Grab a spot on the patio and order the highly underrated thin crust pizza and a beer. Promise you won’t be disappointed.

Chicago is home to so many great neighborhoods, each offering something different than the last. While I really can’t see myself living anywhere else in the city, I love exploring and getting out of my bubble. Even if the Gold Coast makes it hard. 😉

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