• Blackbird Chicago native and chef Paul Kahan shows his foodie roots with this contemporary American restaurant. Don't miss the pork belly.
  619 W. Randolph St.; 312-715-0708.
• Rhapsody Connected to the Symphony Center, this elegant and modern restaurant hits a high note whether or not you have tickets for the Symphony.
  65 E. Adams St.; 312-786-9911.
• NoMI Order the peeky toe crab if it's on the often changing menu at this seventh-floor restaurant at the glitzy Park Hyatt Hotel. 800 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-239-4030.
• Heaven On Seven Get in line at the original location of this New Orleans-style Chicago favorite, with 16-18 different hot sauces on each table. 111 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-263-6443.
• Rodan This low-key restaurant melds high design and a new Asian-only menu. Try the wasabi-battered fries.
  1530 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-276-7036.
• Billy Goat Tavern This famed journalist hangout (established in 1934) still draws all kinds of newspaper types for its burgers and unpretentious vibe.
  430 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-222-1525.

• Tangerine Locals adore this Wicker Park/Bucktown shop’s fresh, stylish clothing.
  1719 N. Damen Ave.; 773-772-0505.
• Stitch Near Tangerine, this leather and home accessories store features modernist gifts.
  1723 N. Damen Ave.; 773-782-1570.
• Quimby’s Readers fascinated by the written word’s diversity will love this shop’s zines and small-press publications.
  1854 W. North Ave.; 773- 342-0910.
• Delta Ukrainian Enterprise This friendly store is jammed with imported tchotchkes and gifts from Ukraine, including nesting dolls and exquisite Easter eggs.
  2222 W. Chicago Ave.; 773-235-7788.
• Chicago Architecture Foundation Shop Stock up on classic Chicago souvenirs like cityscape mugs here.
  224 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432.
• Lori’s Designer Shoes Women’s designer footwear and bags go for amazing prices at this shopping mecca in Lincoln Park’s DePaul neighborhood.
  824 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-281-5655.
• Orange Skin Streamlined furniture from international designers fill this gallery-like store.
  223 W. Erie St.; 312-335-1033.

Chicago’s Wrigley Field has been home to the city’s beloved Cubs since 1916, two years after it opened. “The first place people go is to take a photo of the red marquee outside the main gate at Clark and Addison Streets,” says Ed Hartig, a stadium tour guide. Next, head to the corner of Addison and Sheffield, where a statue of longtime Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray stands with his arms raised as if conducting his signature “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

On Sheffield, peer at the baseball field from the “knothole” and see the manually operated scoreboard built in 1937, stadium lights erected in 1988 (Wrigley was the last holdout against night games), and the home plate where Babe Ruth hit his famous “called shot” home run in the 1932 World Series.

“Wrigley Field is right in the middle of a neighborhood,” says Hartig. Some neighborhood buildings boast rooftop viewing of the games, like popular vantage point 1032 Waveland, a building behind the left-field bleachers. What’s the must-have souvenir? “Nothing beats the classic Cubs hat - electric blue with a red C.”

• The Metro Just two blocks north of Wrigley Field on a street that turns chaotic on Cubs game days, the Metro is a jewel of the Chicago music scene. Past performers include Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, and James Brown.
  3730 N. Clark St.; 773-549-0203.
• Jazz Showcase Run by one of Chicago’s crustiest and most respected jazz aficionados, Joe Segal, this venue (now in a new location) is for the serious jazz fan. Bookings tend toward classic bebop and the swing-era greats.
  806 S. Plymouth St.; 312-360-0234.
• Buddy Guy’s Legends In the South Loop, this forum for working musicians is one of the best places to hear blues. Bigtimers like Eric Clapton occasionally stop by to play a set.
  754 S. Wabash Ave.; 312-427-0333.
• Crobar With some of the world’s most prominent DJs playing here regularly, this downtown club radiates a dancing-late-night vibe.
  1543 N. Kingsbury St.; 312-266-1900.
• Schubas Tavern Its intimate and woodsy room has a homey vibe. Important Chicago talent plays here before making it big.
  3159 N. Southport Ave.; 773-525-2508.