Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
Most of the traffic hits sites located downtown (including a number of architects’ offices, not surprisingly), and there’s nothing wrong with that except the occasional long line. But for me the real fascination is getting out to far-flung neighborhoods and discovering the secrets hidden in plain sight, from industrial buildings to old theaters to art deco swimming pools in apartment buildings that look like they walked out of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musical.
Bridgeport/Back of the YardsWith little remaining of the old stockyards, the lineup is mostly modern reuses of the area, including the Zhou B Art Center and the food business incubator the Plant, though you can evoke the neighborhood’s Lithuanian past at Holy Cross Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Have a royal pie at Pleasant House Bakery, classic Chicago joint food at Johnny O’s, or upscale brunch at Nana.
Pullman/South ShoreNew this year, Pullman opens up its Hotel Florence, the Greenstone Church (rare green limestone) and more. It has few food options, though, so make it a twofer with South Shore and then you can have soul food at Soul Vegetarian East and St. Rest No 2 Country Kitchen, or barbecue at Lem’s.
