We’re continuing to show off Chicago through a local’s point of view – we’ve been to Lincoln Park, Old Town, Wicker Park & Bucktown, but now it’s time to head east a bit. This month we’re featuring the favorites of Streeterville resident, Katharine of Paytington & Company. 

Her favorite spots in her ‘hood:

// Photo via Peteskip Photo

When I moved from the suburbs to Streeterville, I had no idea how much I would love my neighborhood. Surrounded by tall buildings and a quick commute to the Loop, River North and Lincoln Park, Streeterville is filled with everything I could possibly want and more; in fact, Dan and I rarely leave Streeterville during the winter months! Here are a few of my current neighborhood favorites:

Eat:

• Local Root: This organic, farm-to-table restaurant is just around the corner from my building and it has everything, including the memories of our first meal downtown together. Afternoon Tea, Happy Hour, Brunch and delicious dinner are just a few of my favorites. They have also been known to grill outside during the lunch hour—it smells and tastes fantastic.
• Gyu-Kaku: This Japanese BBQ restaurant is just a couple of blocks from me and serves up some of the best Asian food I’ve ever had, no exaggeration. The best part, you get to grill your own pre-marinated meats and produce yourself! I’d highly recommend the Bibimbap, gyoza appetizer and the skirt steak.
• Quay: Dan and I frequent Quay for sporting events. We stake our claim at a high-top and split several appetizers while watching our Chicago teams. I’ve also had delicious brunch and a romantic Valentine’s dinner date in their dining room—highly recommended.
• Les Nomades: Fancy, French and Fantastic. Just a couple of blocks away from my place and I must say it’s worth it.
• Coco Pazzo: An Italian oasis with marvelous homemade pasta, antipasti and wine. When it’s warm outside, Dan and I like to sit at the bar near the open door and enjoy each others’ company while we split a bottle or two.
• Emilio’s: This Spanish Tapas restaurant is also highly recommended. We have eaten at least half of the menu and everything has been delicious. Their Spanish potatoes and endless wine list makes for a great evening out.

Shop:

• The Magnificent Mile: You can find the heart of the Mag Mile 3 blocks from our place and there is nothing you can’t find there.
• 900 N. Michigan Ave: Our favorite high-end shopping mall complete with a Sur la Table that offers cooking classes!
• Water Tower Place: An iconic mall with several restaurants, the American Girl Place and the Ritz Carlton on top!
• Kriser’s: I can’t leave out the pets! Kriser’s is where we take Payton for grooming, treats  and seasonal sweaters. Yes, I am that woman.

Drink:

• ENO: This wine bar is famous for their flights of wine, chocolate and cheese. Located next to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, we have enjoyed several nights here.
• Dollop: The perfect place to get your caffeine fix! I love their coffee and the quiet work-place atmosphere during the day; it makes for a productive afternoon!
• Disotta Enoteca: This wine bar with Italian Small Plates is on Chestnut near the Hancock Building and Francesca’s. It’s a hidden gem and worth the walk or cab ride to get there and the perfect place to have a romantic date or catch up with friends.
• Timothy O’Tooles: Notorious for a reason, this sports bar is jam-packed with Chicago sports fans, the Irish and drunk businessmen at 5:01pm. If I’m in the mood for a beer and a burger, it’s where I’m headed without much hesitation. Plus, their chicken tenders with honey mustard pair perfectly with two, or three, Goose Island Matildas.

Sweat:

• Core Power Yoga: Great place to go to get your “OM” on and sweat it out. Their Hot Fusion class is my favorite, especially if it’s cold. The fireplace in the foyer makes it nice and easy to warm up.
• L.A. Fitness: I’ve tried Spinning, Zumba, and Kickboxing here and while they aren’t the best classes I’ve taken, they work just fine. Ask for a free week to try them out!
• Olive Park: Olive Park and Ohio Street Beach are two of my favorite things about living in Streeterville. They are visible from my apartment’s window and I am so glad they are a short walk away during the summer months. Olive Park has a gorgeous skyline view and provides the perfect setting for a sunset picnic—bring a blanket. Ohio Street Beach is also extremely quiet and the perfect place to go to get beach action without a gob of 15 year olds on each side. They have a Mediterranean Café during the summer months and ice cream carts each weekend.
• Lakefront Trail: A couple of strides from Ohio Street Beach, the lakefront trail connects Streeterville with several other neighborhoods, piers and museums. Dan and I frequently go on runs to North Ave Beach and back, walk to the LP farmer’s market and take a long hike to museum campus and back. Gorgeous ways to get your fitness point for the day.

Indulge:

• Peninsula Spa: Dan got me a massage at the Peninsula for our first anniversary and it was/is the best massage I’ve ever had. Since then, I indulge in a massage or two a year and I make sure I leave time both before and afterward to enjoy their amenities. Steam room with cold cucumber water and cold towels; dental kits (you know I love that one) and individual, heated beds to wait for your treatment to begin. The splurge is worth it.
• Four Season’s Spa: Similar in quality, equally relaxing and still worth the splurge, the Four Season’s spa is gorgeous in its own right. I’ve had a massage and facial here and wanted to stay forever. I’ve always been a big supporter of the ‘treat yo-self’ mindset so let me know if you are in my hood! I’ll never turn down a spa day!

Entertain:

• Museum of Contemporary Art: Just east of Michigan on Chicago Ave., this museum never disappoints. It took me a while to appreciate it, but the quality and quantity of new exhibits is fantastic. They host happy hours, parties and a farmer’s market on summer weekends so if you haven’t already, look up the MCA and I guarantee they have an event for you!
• Lucky Strike Bowling: Who doesn’t love bowling?? Lucky Strike is a high-class bowling alley with a dress code that eliminates my go-to comfy leggings (probably for the best). Dan and I love ordering a pitcher of beer, reserving a lane for a game or two and playing pool while we wait. The food and drinks are fantastic and, if all else fails, the movie theater below is always open.
• AMC River East: Attached to Lucky Strike, this movie theater has its own bar, food and enough theaters for everyone to find a movie they enjoy. It’s located just east of Columbus/Fairbanks on Illinois.
• Hancock Tower: It’s so much fun to be a tourist and go to the Signature Room for cocktails every now and then. A couple of years ago, Dan and I did New Years Eve here and I had a blast! The views of the city, the ever-flowing cocktails and the perfect seats for Fireworks make us eager to do it again. Just don’t visit on a holiday weekend; there will be a wait.
• Navy Pier: Last, but certainly not least, is Navy Pier. Primarily a tourist attraction, Navy Pier has restaurants, gardens, rides and enough boat rides to keep a pirate happy for a week—the Odyssey, the Seadog, The Windy City Tall Ship, the Mystic Blue etc. Our favorite thing to do is wait until 7pm on a weeknight and walk around the pier with a coffee. It’s quiet and beautiful, especially if you catch the sunset!

Do you have any Streeterville spots you love? Have you been to any of the places on Katharine’s list?