It’s the weekend, and you’ve found yourself in the Windy City. What to do? One of the amazing things about this city is that there is always something going on, no matter your interests or budget.
If you’re on a budget, walk around downtown and marvel at the gorgeous architecture, which never gets old, and then head north to the free Lincoln Park Zoo. If you want a fancy night out, head to the Gold Coast or River North neighborhoods. Indulge in one of Chicago’s famed steakhouses and an illuminated club. However, if you dare to experience the non-touristy areas of Chicago, pen “comedy, cocktails and tacos” on your itinerary.
In Chicago, you need to see a comedy show. Period. Head to Wrigleyville and catch an amazing comedy show at Chicago’s iO Theater. iO has two theaters: one in Chicago and one in Los Angeles. Some of its notorious alums include Amy Poehler, Tim Meadows, Ike Barinholtz, Chris Farley, Tina Fey and Mike Myers. There are shows every night of the week–TJ and Dave and Improvised Shakespeare are a couple of the more popular shows, but you really cannot go wrong. iO has shows starting at 8 p.m., 11:55 p.m. and everywhere in between. Depending on which show you catch, tickets range from free to $16. iO has two full-service bars with a delicious cocktail menu and a solid beer list. I suggest the Key Lime Pie Martini with a graham cracker rim.
Start the night off laughing over a couple drinks, and then continue your joy by heading west to the Wicker Park neighborhood. Do you like tacos? Of course you do! While in Wicker Park, you have to go to one of the best and most dynamic taco spots in the city, Big Star.
This Texan-inspired taco paradise is as delicious as it is reasonable. Have a few tacos, have a few micheladas. Margarita pitchers are only $30, and every food option on the menu is under $10. It has an enormous patio available for the warmer seasons, and in the frigid months, toast up with good ol’ Texan Shiner Cheer and enjoy its peachy-pecan deliciousness. From its inviting atmosphere to its amazing tacos, Big Star is a popular Chicago favorite any time of the year.
We laughed, we drank and we had tacos. Three things on everyone’s weekend to-do list accomplished all in one night.
