One of America’s most beloved cities, Chi town is best known for its rich culture, bustling arts scene and endless culinary options - there’s something for everyone in the windy city!

Whether you’re looking to entertain clients, recharge with your team, or satiate your thirst for exploration, Fabl, and Oracle have partnered to bring you a guide of our favorite places to eat, drink and discover the best of Chicago.

A Foodie’s Paradise

From ethnic cuisine to the city’s famous deep dish pizza, we’re giving you the inside scoop on what makes Chicago known as America’s top culinary destination.

Image from pequodspizza.com
Image from pequodspizza.com

Pequod’s Pizza

When in Chicago, deep-dish pizza is a must. Pequod’s is known for its amazing flavor and huge slices of ‘za. It’s a classic joint with many different toppings to choose from. Create your own personal pizza just the way you like it, or share a larger pie with friends and family (or, get a large just for yourself!).

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Image from chritiques.com
Image from chritiques.com

Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse

Opened in 1989, Gibsons has been recognized by several newspapers and magazines as one of the best steakhouses in Chicago. Working with local sustainable farms, Gibsons brings an environmentally friendly steak to the table. The quality steak has a high price, but reviews have claimed to be worth it.

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Fat Rice

A blend of Chinese and Portuguese cuisine, this fusion restaurant is well known for striking flavors and unique dishes like the arroz gordo. Directly translating to “fat rice,” this signature dish is meant to be shared by two to four people, making it a great place to take groups. Chicken, pork, jumbo prawns and several other ingredients combine to create a flavorful and extraordinary dish, amongst other great menu choices.

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Lula Café

Right in Logan Square, Lula Café has six separate (locally sourced) menus that all blend together to create a unique experience. Details in dishes matter to the owners, always trying to mix it up so the customer is never bored. Fried quail with chili-honey cashew butter and kumquat is just one of many creative options available. There is even a six-course vegetarian tasting! Be prepared for a wait on the weekends, but weekdays are much more open.

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Big Jones

This place brings the south to Chicago with its traditional yet individual dishes, drinks, and atmosphere. A great place for southern comfort food, it is not hard to find something delicious at Big Jones. Starting with cornbread and honey butter, you can expect the classics, like shrimp and grits, as well as the wild boar loin. Check out their extensive drink choices too!

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Giant

This compact little restaurant really packs all of the big flavors into their dishes. A simple menu with recognizable and familiar ingredients is sure to please everyone. Bacon and maple sweet potatoes, onion rings, and ravioli are just a few options at Giant. This place is jammed regularly, so be sure to make a reservation early!

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Brewskies, Cocktails & Blues

Whether you’re the type to recharge sipping on a martini in a jazz lounge or enjoying a local beer over board games, we’re giving you the lowdown on Chi town’s bar scene.

Image from yourdaytrips.com
Image from yourdaytrips.com

Kingston Mines

With a full barbeque menu and live music, Kingston Mines stays open until at least 4 am. Known for keeping Chicago’s blues scene alive, people flock to its doors every night. Enjoy drinking with friends at the communal tables and soaking up the tunes in the oldest continuously operated blues club of Chicago.

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Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

Looking for Jazz? The Green Mill has plenty to offer. Having been used by Al Capone for smuggling booze, this bar is rich with history and jazz culture. Great cocktails, authentic music, and a classic jazz aura will intrigue you into staying a while; good thing it’s open until 4 am. Seating is first-come, first-serve, so get there early. (Cash only and no dress code)

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Half Acre Beer Company

One of Chicago’s top breweries, Half Acre offers customers beer and board games, as well as an exceptionally tasty food menu. Take a tour of the brewery, or skip straight to the goods; testing the various beers. This brewpub is sure to impress your beer snobs as well as the novices.

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Explore Arts, Culture & Sports

From spectacular city views to a shopping lover’s dream, here’s our list of to do’s for the adventurers in your group with endless energy.

Cloud Gate

Nicknamed “The Bean” for its shape, this giant sculpture is a staple of Chicago. It is located in Millennium Park, which is home to many other sculptures and art pieces that you should also check out. Although it is usually crowded with tourists, did you really visit Chicago if you didn’t take a selfie at The Bean?

Image from localwiki.org
Image from localwiki.org

Navy Pier

Stretching out into Lake Michigan, this pier is home to restaurants, rides, shopping, music, and special events. This cultural hub has something for people of all ages. During the summer there is a beer garden as well as the signature fountain to cool off in. Everyone can ride the famous Centennial Ferris Wheel that is sure to give you a new perspective on the city!

Image from staticflickr.org
Image from staticflickr.org

Chicago River Boat Tours

There are several boat tours that offer a ride down the Chicago River. From amazing architecture to city history, whichever tour you do, you’re sure to be blown away by the city’s beauty. If you happen to catch the tour on a bright and sunny day, this may be the highlight of your trip. Relatively inexpensive, and alcohol friendly, this tour is a must do for first time visitors during warmer months.

Image from urbanmatter.org
Image from urbanmatter.org

Willis Tower Skydeck

The views from the top of Willis Tower (also known as the Sears Tower) are a sight to behold. Step out onto the glass ledge and see over the whole city. Not for those afraid of heights, these breathtaking views are worth it. If you’re looking for a more inexpensive option, The 360 Chicago Observation Deck has a similar experience but be prepared for long lines!

Image from urbanmatter.org
Image from urbanmatter.org

Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is a thirteen-block stretch of shopping, food, entertainment and architecture. There is bound to be something for everyone along this great avenue, providing fun adventures and new things to discover.

Image from broketourist.net
Image from broketourist.net

Art Institute of Chicago

Founded in 1879, this museum is one of the oldest and largest in existence. The institute is made up of eight buildings located in the middle of the city. Home to beautiful pieces and paintings, this is a place to check out for any art lover.

Lincoln Park Zoo

This zoo is unique - it’s Chicago’s oldest and its free! The zoo is sure to entertain the kids as well as the whole family.

Image from wikimedia.org
Image from wikimedia.org

Wrigley Field

Home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, just your standard ballpark with a lot of history. A great experience for any baseball fanatic. Have fun catching a game and eating your favorite ballpark food.

See the Sights

If you’re a runner, there’s no better way to see Chicago than joining in on the Oracle CX organized run! So, why not kick off the conference on the right foot?

Join the Chicago Area Runners Association for a guided 3- to 6-mile fun run. See some of the city’s greatest sights including the Chicago Lakefront Trail, Soldier Field (where the Chicago Bears play), the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. Participants get the opportunity to stop and take photos along the way. Please meet in the lobby prior to the run to meet your run guides.

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