Welcome to Chicago, Arlo-style.

We’ve rounded up our personal picks from team members who live, work, and play in the neighborhood. From the best local bites to under-the-radar gems, this guide is your shortcut to exploring like a local. Flash your room key for perks, follow your cravings, and let curiosity lead the way. Whether you’re here for a quick trip or a longer stay, there’s always something worth discovering just around the corner.

  • All Where to Eat
  • Bars & Nightlife
  • Chicago’s Classics

Where to Eat

Hungry? We’ve mapped out our favorite neighborhood spots so you can sip, snack, and savor with ease. From quick bites to sit-down dinners, these Arlo-approved picks are just a stroll away.

  • The Green Mill

    The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, is a historic jazz venue dating back to the late 1890s. Originally Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, it is famed for its jazz performances, mob history connections, and well-preserved Art Deco interior, including ornate plasterwork, vintage murals, and its iconic green neon sign, making it one of Illinois’ most iconic bars.

    (773) 878-5552

  • IL Porcellino

    Il Porcellino brings Italian-American comfort to River North with house made pastas, seasonal specials, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a casual neighborhood setting.

    (312) 595-0800

  • Pearl’s Place Restaurant

    Pearl’s Place serves home-style Southern comfort just minutes from downtown Chicago. With fresh, high-quality ingredients, all-day breakfast, and generous portions in a relaxed, casual-dressy setting, it’s perfect for dining in or catered events.

    (773) 285-1700

  • Maple & Ash

    Maple & Ash redefines the modern steakhouse with wood-fired classics, luxurious steaks, and standout seafood towers. Known for its high-end vibe and indulgent flavors, it’s a go-to for special occasions in Chicago.

    (312) 944-8888

  • Girl & The Goat

    Girl & the Goat Chicago brings bold, shareable flavors to a lively rustic-chic setting. With a menu organized by ingredients (including a spotlight on goat), the restaurant pairs seasonal, locally inspired dishes with a playful cocktail list and global wines — all at Bib Gourmand value.

    (312) 492-6262

  • Giordano’s

    Giordano’s Pizza has been serving up authentic
    Chicago-style deep dish since 1974. Famous for its buttery crust, gooey cheese center, and rich tomato sauce, Giordano’s remains a must-try for anyone craving the city’s iconic stuffed pizza.

    (312) 616-1200

Explore the Icons

From world-class museums to can’t-miss landmarks, Midtown puts you in the heart of it all. These are our top picks for soaking up the city’s culture, energy, and unforgettable sights.

  • Wrigley Field

    Wrigley Field, in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. Famous for its ivy-covered outfield walls, historic marquee, and manual scoreboard, the stadium seats over 41,000 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020. Its unique traditions and historic charm make it a beloved destination for fans and tourists alike.

    (800) 843-2827

  • Chicago Riverwalk

    Stretching one and a quarter mile along the south bank of the Chicago River from Lake Michigan to Lake Street, the award-winning Chicago Riverwalk offers a pedestrian-friendly urban escape. Stroll the scenic promenade to discover waterfront restaurants and bars and public art installations, and to try kayak rentals, and architecture boat tours. The path features four distinct districts and provides stunning views of Chicago’s world-famous architecture.

  • The Second City

    Since opening in 1959, The Second City has become one of the most influential improvisational comedy theaters in the world. Located in the Old Town neighborhood, this legendary venue launched the careers of comedy icons including Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, and John Belushi. Visit today to experience cutting-edge sketch comedy, improv shows, and the next generation of comedy superstars performing seven nights a week.

    (800) 896-8120

  • Chicago Theatre

    One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chicago Theatre originally opened in 1921 as a lavish movie palace and is now a National Historic Landmark. The venue hosts concerts, comedians, theatrical productions, and special events in its stunning 3,600-seat auditorium, featuring a grand lobby, sweeping staircase, and ornate architectural details. The distinctive vertical marquee has become an unofficial symbol of the city.

    (312) 462-6300

  • 360 Chicago

    Soaring 1,000 feet over Michigan Avenue, 360 CHICAGO is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, the lakefront and four neighboring states.

    (888) 875-8439

  • Water Tower Place

    Located along Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile®, Water Tower Place is a 758,000-square-foot shopping mall and 74-story skyscraper located along Chicago’s premier shopping district.

    (312) 440-3580

  • United Center

    United Center is an indoor arena located on Chicago’s Near West Side. The home to National Basketball League’s Chicago Bulls and the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks, the United Center is also one of the city’s premier venues for live concerts and family-friendly events like Disney On Ice.

    (312) 455-4500

  • Navy Pier

    Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. Its many attractions include rides, games and amusements that feature the Centennial Wheel, which offer unparalleled, 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan from 200 feet up. There are also restaurants, cruises, live entertainment and more.

    (312) 595-7437

  • Museum Campus

    Chicago’s Museum Campus, located in the South Loop, is home to the Shedd Aquarium, one of the premier aquariums in the country, the Field Museum, one of the world’s preeminent Natural History Museums, and home to Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils in the world, and Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, the first planetarium in the United States.

    (312) 742-7529

  • The Art Institute of Chicago

    Founded in 1879 and located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s Grant Park, the Art Institute is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Along with many of the world’s most recognized art works, and international art exhibitions, the museum hosts approximately 1.5 million guests annually.

    (312) 443-3600

  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra

    One of the world’s most celebrated symphony orchestras, the CSO performs well over one hundred concerts each year at its downtown home, Symphony Center. You can also enjoy its performances at the Ravinia Festival on Chicago’s North Shore.

    (312) 294-3000

  • Grant Park

    Grant Park is a large, lakefront park located just east of the Loop business district. Extending from Millennium Park to the Museum Campus, the park plays host to Chicago’s many music festivals and features the iconic Buckingham Fountain and the famed Art Institute of Chicago.

    (312) 742-3918

  • Cloud Gate (The Bean)

    Located just down the street from Arlo Chicago, this park is recognized as one of the most innovative public spaces in the city. Offering a range of innovative attractions for young and old alike, including a climbing wall, skating ribbon, a children’s playground and more this 20-acre gem is a must-see experience. 

  • Millenium Park

    Situated across the street from Arlo Chicago, Millennium Park is one of the most celebrated public spaces in the world. Millennium Park is home to architect Frank Gehry’s landmark Pritzker Music Pavilion, and a wide range of public art including Sir Anish Kapoor’s breathtaking sculpture ‘Cloud Gate’ – known locally (and lovingly) as The Bean. 

Neighborhood Essentials

Need a quick fix, fresh trim, or midnight snack? These are our go-to neighborhood spots for everyday essentials, all just a short walk from the hotel. Whether you’re recharging, restocking, or settling in, we’ve got you covered.