Four Seasons Chicago Concierge Tweets Her Secrets

Updated June 30—On Thursday, June 28, @FourSeasons hosted another instalment of its popular #bestofcity chats on Twitter, this time featuring Concierge Kristen Klus from Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. During the chat, Kristen answered questions about Chicago’s best dining, shopping, entertainment and where to best enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July festivities. Here are some of her top picks:

Food, Drinks and Nightlife

Kristan’s favourite “must-try” local dish or drink you won’t find elsewhere: Deep-dish pizza! It’s not as over the top as you think.

Kristan’s favourite local celebrity chef: Rick Bayless and his restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo. Xoco is also great for walk-up counter service.

Kristan’s favourite restaurant only locals know about: Riccardo Trattoria. You’d think you travelled to Italy—but the secret is getting out!

Kristan’s favourite place for pizza: Hmm … picking only one pizza joint is a tough decision! Our vote goes to Lou Malnatis, the original and best. Be sure to order the butter crust! This place is also a very kid friendly.

Kristan’s favourite place for a hot dog: The best hotdog is at the Hotel’s own Allium. Don’t take our word for it—it was voted No.1 by Time Out Chicago.

Kristan’s favourite place for a burger: For savoury burgers, go to Kuma’s Corner (there are lines there for a reason).

Kristan’s favourite place for vegetarian: The Chicago Diner in Boystown has been “meat free since ’83.” The Seitan “wings” are so good!

Kristan’s favourite place to dine al fresco: At Piccolo Sogno, you’ll feel as though you’ve left the city when sitting in its green garden terrace.

Kristan’s favourite coffee shop: Any Intelligentsia Coffee location, or coffee shop that sells it.

Kristan’s favourite place for brunch: The best brunch in Chicago is at Allium, of course. Try the PB&J French toast.

Kristan’s favourite food trend: Doughnuts are a new top trend! We love The Doughnut Vault and its get cake doughnut. For another sweet treat, try Sprinkles Cupcakes‘ classic vanilla cupcake.

Kristan’s favourite romantic restaurant: Les Nomades is very intimate and chic. Nothing is cosier than snuggling on one of their banquettes.

Kristan’s favourite kid-friendly, non-chain downtown restaurant: Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar is a Chicago classic. Note that it can get a bit noisy!

Kristan’s favourite sushi restaurant: There are so many great sushi restaurants in Chicago to choose from, but my fave is Arami.

Kristan’s favourite rooftop patio: A great rooftop patio is the ROOF on the Wit. Its great view, drinks and Miami-chic vibe are perfect for summer!

Kristan’s favourite cocktail: That has to be Gilt Bar’s 20th Century cocktail. Stay for a while and go down to Curio, their speakeasy in the basement!

Kristan’s favourite drink trend: ʺHopʺ on the craft beer trend with the Chicago Beer Experience Beer Tour, a great way to try local brews.

Kristan’s favourite pick for a night on the town: Dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse followed by jazz at the Green Mill Jazz Club.

Kristan’s favourite spot for late-night eats: Au Cheval or Tempo Cafe—depends if you’re looking for gourmet or comfort food, respectively. Either one is a sure bet.

Kristan’s favourite wine list in the city: Charlie Trotter’s has a great wine list, as does Chicago Cut Steakhouse, where you can order wine on an iPad.

Kristan’s favourite lounge: If you’re looking for a lounge atmosphere, head to The Violet Hour.

Kristan’s favourite pub: Try The Gage or Sheffield’s.

Kristan’s favourite itinerary for perfect night on the town: Dinner on the terrace at Chicago Cut, followed by taking in a blues set at Buddy Guy’s Legends.

Kristan’s favourite place to listen to live jazz: Definitely the legendary Green Mill Jazz Club. Be sure to catch singer Kimberly Gordon belt it out on Sunday nights.

Kristan’s favourite place to listen to live rock/alternative music: Head to the Empty Bottle to see great live music.

Kristan’s favourite place to dance the night away: Danny’s Tavern in Wicker Park.