Unassigned
NoMI
1.) If you’re looking for luxury: NoMI. From the impeccable service, fine Champagne, Chef Christophe David’s outstanding new tomato-inspired menu, to the gorgeous people watching, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fabulous, swank rooftop in town.
Piccolo Sogno
2.) If you’re looking for romance: Piccolo Sogno. Maybe it’s the sparkling white lights strewn about the secret-garden-esque trees. Maybe it’s the 12-foot wooden fence enveloping you inside of it and closing out the clamor of the city. Or maybe it’s the chick pea flour fries with sage and pecorino cheese, homemade pastas, a silky prosciutto plate with figs, plus that fine, fine list of vino that make this the ultimate outdoor date night.
The Odyssey
3.) If you’re looking for some true Chicago fun: The Odyssey Cruise Ship. Do not be dismayed by the tourist ick-factor. This four-hour boat cruise off Navy Pier and along the coast of Lake Michigan is complete with way above average banquet food (think duck tartine, short ribs and roasted chicken with chorizo), ever-flowing Champagne all night long, a live-band that covers Lady Gaga, and the most gorgeous view of Chicago you’ll ever see.
4.) If you’re looking for some piece of mind: Whole Foods on North Avenue. Some call it a Mecca. With the wine and cheese bar, the trail mix station, the stand alone diner, the five salad bar banquettes, the 15-minute massage chairs, and the rows and rows of holistic medicine, raw food cook books, beauty products and organic bath goodies…it basically is. But it’s the outside seating area overlooking the Chicago River that makes it a true outdoor Zen den.
Gibson's
5.) If you’re looking to people watch: Gibsons. Situated in the infamous “Viagra Triangle,” Gibsons draws the people-watchers, the celebrities and the locals out in droves. And you can’t deny that a perfectly cooked steak and an extra dirty martini does indeed taste better when you’re amongst all that action.
6.) If you’re looking for a quiet night: Turquoise. We’re a little hesitant proclaiming this hidden gem in Roscoe Village as a Cheeky Top Pick, only because we’d like to keep it to ourselves. But the delectable Mediterranean, vegetarian-friendly fare, plus a globally inspired wine list averaging out to $5 a glass, set amongst a quiet sidewalk under turquoise blue dangling lights is just too good not to. After all, it’s cheeky to share.
