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Rocky Mountain High: The Best Way to Spend 24 Hours in Denver

The Mile High City, Denver offers an amazing selection of places to get buzzed, belly up to and chow down at, in between playing–hard. Here, we merge Localicious lore and Fousquare check-ins to bring you the best boites in Bronco-ville:

Breakfast: Snooze

Local winner for best pancakes, this joint is worth the two-hour wait (possibly three on weekends), for the six different kinds of Eggs Benedict, the red velvet pancakes, pineapple upside down pancakes, coffee and mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Tip: you can get your flapjack fix with a single of any flavor as a side order.

Lunch: Steuben’s

A re-imagined version of the classic American chrome-and-comfort-food diner, Steuben’s serves bacon-infused-vodka Bloody Mary’s as well as classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, gravy fries and Monte Cristos in an ambiance that keep people coming back for more. Double bonus: veggie burger is “particularly veggie-full” and there’s a gluten free menu.

Dinner: City o’ City

Yes, it’s vegetarian and vegan, but the raved-about seitan Buffalo wings and croquette baskets are to die for, as is the great coffee. The burger and poutine platters will please even meat eaters. Locals say it’s the “best place to see local musicians.” Great happy hour specials make people, well, happy.

Coffee: Rooster & Moon

Voted Denver’s best new coffeehouse, you’ll “come for the coffee and stay for the food”, like the raved about tomato basil bisque and banana pudding.  Bottomless coffee is a bargain to buzz about.  With creatively flavored simple syrups for cocktails, it’s “fun to play” with them for coffee. Check out their happy hour Monday – Friday from 3-7PM.

Drinks: Rock Bottom Brewery

You won’t get bored—or thirsty—with this beer selection in Downtown Denver. Become a Mug Club member and on occasional  Thursdays — usually once or twice a month — Rock Bottom gives away free pints from 6 to 6:30PM to introduce its newest beer. Or get a sampler of some of the newest beers.  Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Get Down: Beta Club

Westword’s “Best Dance Club” winner, Beta boasts a state of the art sound system, and uses sustainable materials wherever possible, encouraging patrons to recycle within the club. Hit the dance floor to the best DJs playing dub step, drum and bass, electronica and more. Tip: Get there early – lines get long after 10:30PM.

Get Out: Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre

More than the acoustically amazing ampitheatre , this majestic setting also features a park for hiking, biking , picnicking and more, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. In addition to concerts, you can catch cult-status films during the summer film series. Tip: from about row 35 and up, you can take in a great view of Denver from the seats.

What’s Hot in Atlanta

Atlanta is more than Hartsfield airport, the Braves and Falcons, or even the city that burned in the film Gone With the Wind. Looking at Foursquare check-ins and Localicious intel, discover foodie finds, intriguing culture, ample recreation and green space and history that continues to be relevant to this day.

Coffee – Octane Coffee

Bon Appétit magazine liked this place enough to put them on their Top 10 list, and we can see why: house-made syrups, Intelligentsia loose-leaf teas, de rigeur double shots of espresso, and grilled PB&J’s to snack on.

Breakfast – West Egg Café

So much of the menu is so good you’ll happily come back for dinner –on Sundays they serve their brunch menu until 10PM. There’s something for just about everyone: black bean cakes with eggs & grits have a “spicy goodness, perfect for breakfast or anytime” or the well-reviewed tofu scramble for vegetarians.  Meat lovers rave about the maple sugar bacon (“it’s like candy”), and the Brunch Burger — double patty burger, fried egg, hollandaise sauce.  If you’ve got room, try the biscuits (“not the healthiest, but the tastiest!”) or the Coca-Cola cupcakes and you’ll see why this joint has earned loads of local accolades.

Lunch – OK Café

Named for the cafe adjacent to the courthouse in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” complete with an autographed copy of Harper Lee’s book, OK Cafe’s best dishes are traditional Southern fare. Be sure to sample the squash soufflé, three-cheese macaroni and cheese and “Pot Likker” – liquid left over after cooking collard greens, ideal for dipping biscuits. While they use organic meat, the veggie burger “rocks” and the veggie plate (your choice of 4 veggie sides) is great. Top it all off with a “heavenly” piece of pecan pie.

Dinner – JCT Kitchen and Bar

Patrons say you basically can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but highly recommend the shrimp & grits, fried chicken (as an entree and on the JCT salad) and the truffle fries, deemed to be “amazing”. One dish we’re intrigued with: fried oysters over creamed spinach. Killer desserts include ”dreamy” tapioca pudding and salted caramel chocolate pudding.  Gracious service and a good wine list round out  a wonderful experience.  Bonus:  Tons of outdoor space upstairs.

Drinks – The Brewhouse Café

In the heart of Little Five Points, the Brewhouse has “one of the best patios in city” where you can also bring your dog. Check out live music and entertainment in the beer tent, and you can count on coming here to see all the big college and NFL football games, along with international soccer and rugby matches.  The Brewhouse is also home to the “painkillers” cocktail: Their levels of potency are distinguished by the amount of alcohol.  Patron recommendation: “Stick to a Level 2 painkiller. Delicious!”

Get Out – Piedmont Park

The city’s “Common Ground”, it’s the place residents head for a morning jog or a picnic on a beautiful day. With ample paths for skating and biking, a dog park, green market, carousel and even beer gardens, you can play all day and get some shots of the city skyline, too.

History – Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site

Several blocks of the traditionally black neighborhood of Sweet Auburn is now a National Historic Site and includes Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor, and his grave site along with a history of the civil rights movement. Tour at your own pace: Inside the historic firehouse you can rent a handheld GPS that will take you on a tour.

Culture – High Museum of Art

Well known for its collection of 19th and 20th century masterpieces, the High also boasts the only full-time curator in North America dedicated solely to folk and outsider (sometimes referred to as “self-taught”) art. Tip: if you’ll visit more than once, it’s worth getting a membership for the perks.

Sights – Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium is the #1 attraction in Atlanta and rightfully so. It is the largest indoor aquarium in the world with more than 100,000 animals of 500 different species. The aquarium was built as a gift to the city of Atlanta in 2001. The shark, otter and dolphin exhibits are favorites, and Planet Shark is “well worth” the additional charge. Tip: Ocean Voyager on the second floor, past the restaurant is an off-the-beaten-track, usually a quiet spot even on a busy day.  Get there early on a weekday and you’ll have the place to yourself.

New Orleans: A Foodie’s Paradise

Sure, New Orleans is famous for Jazz, Mardi Gras, and the Saints. But no one can argue that the city’s real draw is its food. Here is a look at the region’s specialties, and the most popular places to test them out.

Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop


As the name suggests, this is THE place to get Gumbo in New Orleans. Choose from a few varieties that include Seafood Okra and Chicken Andouille and Sausage. Be sure to save room for the epic bread pudding.

Crawfish Etouffee at Chartres House Café


Etouffee is a thicker version of crawfish stew made with onions, celery and peppers, seasoned with Cajun seasonings and served with rice. If you can’t stomach this traditional meal, try Chartres’ Crab & Corn Chowder, perfectly creamy and flavored to perfection. Grab a table on the balcony and watch the local color pass by.

Jambalaya at Coop’s Place


If you go, you must try the Rabbit and Sausage Jambalaya, a delicate mix of flavors the blend together nicely. This place is also known for its tender Cajun fried chicken, its smoked duck quesadillas, and its candy-like green beans cooked with bacon and copious amounts of garlic.

Red Beans and Rice at Joey K.’s


Red beans in New Orleans originate from an old-time custom when ham was a Sunday meal and Monday was washday and a pot of beans could sit on the stove and simmer while the women were busy scrubbing clothes. At Joey’s, you can get Red Beans and Rice (with smoked sausage on top) any day of the week. Try them as an accompaniment to the all you can eat catfish, with an ice cold beer, served generously in an 18 oz. frosted schooner.

Muffulettas at Central Grocery Co.


The Muffaletta’s here enormously delicious – order a half sandwich unless you are a truly BIG eater. It comes adorned with tons of meat, cheese and the most delectable olive spread on the planet. Go during the week to avoid the long lines on the weekend and get your food to go with a bag of chips and a drink to enjoy as you watch the Mississippi River roll on by.

Beignets at Café Du Monde


Café Du Monde is probably the most famous eatery in New Orleans. They do one thing, and they do it right – Beignets! The coffee is also out of this world. There is no order to this establishment – just grab a seat as one opens up and get ready to enjoy the ride.

Bananas Foster at Brennan’s


Brennan’s invented Bananas Foster, a rich dessert made from bananas and vanilla ice cream, with a buttery, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur sauce, all cooked together in a fiery dream. Try the three course brunch that starts with Turtle Soup and ends with the tasty treat the place is known for. Wash it all down with Brandy milk punch, a glorious cure for a hangover.

King Cakes at Sucre


King Cakes appear in full force across New Orleans around Mardi Gras. Sucre’s King Cakes are famous across the country not only for their creamy flavor, but for their lovely design. The bakery also serves up unforgettable ice cream sundaes and a huge selection of gelato.

Po’ Boys at Parkway Bakery & Tavern


All of the Po’ Boys at this joint are worth trying, but the roast beef – full of messy gravy – and the Shrimp varieties are each perfectly amounted with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo. The bold should try the Surf N’ Turf with a side of sweet potato fries and a slice of rum cake to boot. It’s all good. Even Obama agrees.

A Culinary Escape in Minneapolis

So you’ve found yourself in Minneapolis, eh? Perhaps for a layover? A friend’s wedding? Or perhaps you happen to know Minneapolis is growing culinary hotbed in the Midwest and wanted to find out what all the fuss was about?

Where to go for breakfast: French Meadow Bakery & Cafe

If you happen to be a little OCD about your vegan food and potential gluten allergies, French Meadow is the place for you. Or if you just love great food, it’s the place for you, too. We don’t mean great food like a well prepared burger is great food, but great food as in quality, fresh, organic foods with a taste you can’t beat. As the first organic bakery in the US, French Meadow knows what they’re doing.

Where to go for lunch: Brasa Rotisserie

Brasa Rotisserie is a Southern and Caribbean restaurant located on E. Hennepin Ave. It’s the type of place that will make your mouth water and your bum sink into your seat upon trying their famous pulled pork sandwich. We especially recommend this place if it happens to be below zero during your visit to Minneapolis – their savory rotisserie chicken, yams, rice and beans will warm you right up.

Where to go for dinner: Bar La Grassa

Bar La Grassa is a culinary gem not only in Minneapolis, but quite possibly the entire world. Patrons often report feeling overwhelming gratitude, especially if they were smart enough to order the Lobster and Soft Egg Bruschetta. This place is not only delicious, it’s fun, lively, and they serve great drinks. Don’t be afraid to set your expectations high, because this James Beard Award winner will not disappoint.

Where to go for drinks: Brit’s Pub

Let us fill you on what Brit’s Pub is all about: Ales, Scotch eggs, lawn bowling and “futbol”. It is truly a slice of English heaven right on Nicollet Avenue. They even serve High Tea from 2:00-3:30pm Monday through Saturday complete with buttery scones and Harrisons & Crosfield teas.

A Gal’s Weekend in San Diego

Ever since “Single Ladies” made singledom fashionable again (thanks, Beyonce), the life of us man-less individuals has been a nonstop parade of dancing, copious fruity drink consumption and of course, weekend getaways with the gals. Of these getaways, San Diego is at the top of the list. Why? Because the city has approximately 50,000 more single men than single women between the ages of 25 and 50. That’s almost enough to make the The Weather Girls start singing.

So next time you and the gals are in San Diego, be sure to hit this list of popular watering holes to get your single on.

Analog Bar

Analog Bar’s tagline is – Good Food, Strong Drinks. Bingo. Good food and strong drinks will always draw a crowd, and when there’s a crowd, there’s a party, and when there’s a party there will be men. Oh, and they also have Karaoke, and there’s nothing guys like more than singing a song by Journey.

Pete’s Place

Recently renovated, Pete’s Place in La Mesa is quickly gaining momentum as the new go- to bar in the area. In addition to the reasonably priced drinks and friendly atmosphere, a game of pool costs just 25 cents.

The Wine Encounter

If you and your friends are the classy type, The Wine Encounter is the place for you because everyone knows wine is the classy girl’s tequila. Not only do they have a great wine, you can usually find a great deal – on Tuesdays over 72 wines are half off and on Wednesdays glasses of wine are just $3.00. The ambiance here is perfect for a group of girlfriends that want to catch up in an atmosphere that is new, fun and different.

Stingaree

It doesn’t get much classier than wine, but the Stingaree night club makes a gallant effort and must be on the list. The club was voted San Diego’s best nightclub for four years in a row, and for good reason. The multi-level club is the perfect place to mingle, dance, enjoy a few cocktails, rub shoulders with celebs, then dance some more.

Best Spots in Phoenix, Arizona

So you’ve found yourself in Phoenix, AZ. Now what? Whether you’re looking for some great food, a place to relax or just some form of entertainment to break up the monotony of life, Phoenix has it all. To find the best places, all you need to know is where to look, and that’s where we come in. It seems like you’re a pretty nice person, so we’re going to help you out.  Our handy Localicious advice will cover just a few of the best spots check out if you find yourself in the lovely sandbox paradise known as Phoenix.

Let’s start with food, everybody has to eat, right? If you are in the mood for Asian cuisine, you absolutely cannot beat Sens restaurant. They are located on the corner of Pierce and 1st Street, which is just north of Van Buren. Enjoy dishes like the dumplings with hot and sour soup or the delicious red tofu curry. Sens’ dishes will stand up to any other Asian food in the state and the entire country.

In the mood for seafood? If so, then you have to try Pappadeaux’s Cajun and Creole restaurant in the northern part of Phoenix. They’re right off the Black Canyon Freeway between West Cactus Road and Peoria Avenue. Their crab fingers come in an insanely delicious secret sauce and if you like fish, their Halibut Picatta is absolutely to die for. They are also known having the most fun and friendliest staff in Phoenix.

If you are more of the Mexican food type, the best place in the Phoenix area is definitely Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant. No matter what type of regional cuisine you crave, you will not be disappointed. Also, if you happen to be in the Chandler, Tempe or Gilbert area, this restaurant is located closer to you on N Val Vista Drive, between Baseline Road and N 800 in Gilbert.

That’s enough about food for now–we still haven’t told you about some of the awesome places for entertainment. Whether you want to race professional go-karts or catch a comedy show, we’ll fill you in on the best places to do just that. That go-kart idea sounded like fun, huh? Well if you’re interested, you can’t beat K1 Speed Go-Kart Racing in Phoenix, located right where I-17 turns into I-10 on 21st Street. They offer incredibly fast go-karts that go up to 45 MPH, which may not sound fast in terms of cars, but wait until you do it in a go-kart! The best part is anyone can race, whether you’re a novice or an expert.

If you find yourself in the mood for a great show and a good laugh, you definitely want to check out the Phoenix Neutrino Project. They offer a highly unique improv show: A group of talented local artists are given a whole bunch of props from the audience and a camera, then are turned loose on an unsuspecting city. The group captures hilarious improv skits on film, using only the props, and then the audience watches it live after an incredibly quick on-the-spot video edit. This way, they can put the various scenes together, edit, and then add a soundtrack. Anywhere you look this show has 5-star reviews so you can count on these talented entertainers to make you laugh every time. They perform on the second Saturday of every month, and are located in Space 55 on the corner of 7th and Pierce Street in downtown Phoenix.

We mentioned relaxation in the beginning of this article, right? Well, the last awesome place in Phoenix worth mentioning is the Blu Sol Massage and Spa. This day spa offers total body massage, skin care and hair removal. It is located on the corner of West McDowell Road and 99th Avenue.

Well, that’s about it for expert advice; we hope you feel like you have a slightly better understanding of the best spots in Phoenix (and nearby neighborhoods). We mentioned some of the best restaurants, entertainment and relaxation joints in town and rest assured, if you do end up trying one of our awesome recommendations, you won’t be disappointed.

4 Fabulous Finds in San Francisco

Previously known as Yerba Buena (Good Herb), San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California. Devastated by earthquake and fire in 1906, the city was quickly rebuilt and is a thriving metropolis today. The city offers a plethora of scenery, activities, eateries, and history for all who venture there. Start your must see list with these 4 fantastic stops.

The Formidable Fortress


Robert Stroud did not have to buy his ticket to Alcatraz in advance, but it is highly recommended that you do. The convicted murderer, author, and canary whisperer was later dubbed the Birdman of Alcatraz. He found inspiration to study, write and build a small distillery to secretly brew refreshments while imprisoned. The only trace you’ll find of him is the ghostly chill that greets you as you enter Cell Block D. Rumor has it, if you sit quietly you may hear a faint rendition of the canary’s song.

Catch the ferry from Pier 33 for a visit to the 19 acre maximum security prison. Eat before you go, bring a sweater just in case the fog rolls in, and arrive a bit early to the pier. The boat does some rocking so a preemptive motion sickness remedy should be considered if you are sensitive to the sensations of the sea. A self-guided brochure and a 45 minute audio tour take you from the dock to the cell house. Evening tours are led by guides and offer fantastic views of blazing sunsets framed by the Golden Gate Bridge. If the fog rolls in, the rays from the setting sun force their way through the misty haze and create tantalizing mirages. Side note: If your visit to “The Rock” falls between March and August you will be able to witness the twitterpation of 7 species of seabirds. Observe the excitement as they perform their courtship rituals and raise their young among the cliffs of the inescapable Alcatraz.

A World of Its Own


Make your way over to Grant Avenue and Bush Street. Pass under the dragon guarded gate and you find yourself in the oldest and largest Chinatown this side of Peking. The sights and sounds assail your senses as you enter the main street. Browse the shops but remember this, the deeper the cheaper. Prices drop and bargains increase as you explore deeper into this cultural mecca.

A must see is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Co. at 56 Ross Alley. There you will witness the birth of the mystical and prophetic fortune cookie. Think ahead and bring your own fortunes to be put into cookies for your next social event. It’s true, they will sell you a bag of customized fortune cookies. Imagine the mind bending fun you could have at your next social when you astound your friends with your clairvoyant abilities. Plant the seed for a raise from your boss or a ring from your guy, just remember to use your power for good, Grasshopper. The next must see is the Great China Herb Co. Proceed with caution as you view the exotic roots, fragrant if not odoriferous herbs, and unidentifiable natural ingredients. You have reached the Wally World of Chinese medicine, and though there is no printed warning on these products, they are harmful in the hands of the ignorant. Do not use any of them without the guidance and knowledge of those in the know such as a herb specialist or doctor. Plan on spending at least 3 hours in Chinatown.

One of a Kind

A trip to San Francisco would be incomplete without experiencing the only moveable National Historic Landmark, the cable cars. Built in 1873, it was the brain child of Andrew Hallidie. He was inspired while watching a team of horses succumb, after giving their all, attempting to transverse wet cobblestones on Nob Hill. The system was later saved by the effort of Friedel Klussmann who, with like-minded citizens, battled city hall to prevent the removal of the cable cars.

There are three routes to choose from depending on your plans and destinations, pick one or pick them all and experience the city from these historic cars. You can pay as you go, or buy a 1, 3 or 7 day pass for unlimited use of the cable cars at a bargain price. Hang on to the pole and feel the wind run its fingers through your hair as you cruise down Nob Hill. Just remember to keep your mouth closed to avoid swallowing a variety of flying creatures.

A Slice of Bread


Where Guerrero Street meets 18th Street in the Mission District is the award-winning Tartine Bakery. This place is so good that Mark Bittman, food columnist for the New York Times, risked a mafia hit by proclaiming Tartine Bakery his favorite bakery in the United States. The “boys” must have agreed with him, because they let him live. Since voted the best pastry chefs in America, the consensus of edible decadence continues to grow.

Though the accolades and the praises are huge, the bakery itself is not. Frequently full, it is wise to have a Plan B ready for where you will consume your piece of heaven. Plan early and place an order for a delightful treat. You need to do so 3 days in advance and there are restrictions to what can be pre-ordered. Parking is also sparse, but even if you have to park several blocks away you will rejoice that you did. And don’t look at it as a long line, even if it sometimes wraps a bit around a corner or two, think of it as an opportunity to network and bond with locals and tourists alike while you wait to sample the best of the best. Using organic and local ingredients as well as in season fruits and vegetables, these chefs produce cakes, tarts, breads, and hot pressed sandwiches that you will ache to savor over and over again.

There you have it — the Fab Four. No wonder Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco; chances are you will, too.

A Vegetarian Excursion in Portland

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just feeling like you need a break from carnivorous eating, Portland, Oregon has some of the best meat-free dining options in the country. Not only are these restaurants a great place to grab some greens, many veggie establishments appeal to their diner’s social conscience by supporting organizations like animal shelters and Buddhist temples. Another bonus of meat-free dining? It’s cheap, with meals at our top four picks averaging under $10 per person. So go ahead, save some dough while saving the cows at one of Portland’s favorite vegetarian restaurants.

D.C. Vegetarian


Ok, so it’s not technically a restaurant, (it’s actually a food truck that parks in the downtown core) but with rave reviews from foodies throughout the Pacific Northwest, we know this place is worth tracking down. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, and for hard-core herbivores, every sandwich can be made vegan, including the infamous Philly cheesesteak sammie. Gluten-free options are available for vegans who also avoid gluten (how crazy-specialized is that?) This food truck is only open on weekdays for lunch and closes early when they run out of food, so be sure to check D.C.’s Twitter feed (@DCVegetarian) for daily hours and specials.

Vegetarian House


We love authentic Chinese food, but to be honest, some of the offerings are a little scary. Seriously, chicken feet? For anxiety-free Asian dining, we head to the Vegetarian House in Portland’s historic China Town. Here everything is made with veggies and meatless plant proteins, sans MSG, food coloring and preservatives. The lunch buffet is a bargain, and diners shouldn’t be confused by menu items like Moo Shoo Beef and Kung Pao Chicken – — honest, there’s no meat in these, just some cleverly disguised soybean protein and wheat gluten.

Sweet Lemon Vegetarian Bistro


Don’t let the unlikely location in a suburban strip mall fool you – — this place serves up some seriously sophisticated vegan fare. All the menu items are free of meat, seafood, eggs and MSG, and when possible, organic ingredients are used. Guru Curry, Zen Yakisoba and Noble Noodles are some of the popular dishes, and we know you’ll want to save room for dessert – — the vegan mocha cake is our fave!

Van Hanh Vegetarian Restaurant

Featuring over 100 vegan and vegetarian dishes based on Vietnamese cuisine, this is the place to head when you really want to feel self-righteous about what you eat. Not only are all the offerings entirely meat-free, the place is owned and volunteer-operated by Buddhist nuns in support of their local temple. Earn some good Karma while noshing on cheap eats like lemon grass tofu sticks and the Buddha Bowl. It’s located in a sketchy part of town, so bring a friend to navigate both the language barriers and the locals. Open 10-9 every day except Tuesday (even Buddhist nuns need a day off.)


24 hours in Chicago

Chicago, City of Big Shoulders, has a vibrant cultural scene and the sights, sounds and tastes to match. Short on time? No reason to sing the blues: You can blow into the Windy City for just 24 hours, live it up to the hilt, and then savor it on the plane, car or “El” ride home:

Breakfast – Chicago Diner

Start the day with a namesake – folks scramble for the breakfast bowl, cinnamon rolls, and even carnivores rave about the vegetarian and vegan options. No matter what time of day, patrons say you should act like a kid again and get the peanut butter milkshake!

Coffee – Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters

These hometown coffee roasters take their brewing seriously. Don’t expect to have your order delivered within seconds–but rather, enjoy the spectacle of the brewing process: each cup is brewed individually and meticulously timed–it’s an art form, really, and well worth the wait!

Tip: If the line is long in the morning, “go down the stairs in the building next door and grab your coffee in the pedway.”

Lunch – Manny’s Deli

Yes, you can “hang with the politicos”—Obama’s campaign team practically made this place their cafeteria–but let your stomach and taste buds vote: corned beef, onion rolls, matzo ball soup and potato pancakes are what diners wax poetic about, but some think the turkey pastrami is an “unsung hero.”

Dinner – Pizano’s Pizza

Deep dish, stuffed, thin crust—there’s great debate as to who does it best. Even Oprah’s weighed in on the issue, declaring 60-years-old-and-counting Pizano’s her favorite.

Patrons suggest starting off with the “very fresh” bruschetta, washed down with “great martinis” or Guinness on tap; for toppings, the vegetarian or “vegetarian plus pepperoni”; thin crust, deep dish and butter crust choices are all winners.

If you’ve got room, top it all off with the skillet chocolate chip cookie, baked in a cast iron pan, served warm with ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream.

Get Out – Millennium Park

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture, and Millennium Park is the convergence of architecture, sculpture, and landscape design. You’ll find an amazing array of concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. The park is actually a green roof: 24.5 acres built on top of a subterranean parking garage.

Tip: Get your photo taken in front of Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”), a kidney-shaped sculpture with a 12-foot arch.

Get Cultured – Art Institute

Well, you’ve hit it, the mother lode, rivaling any world-class museum on the other coasts and beyond. Perhaps most famous for its outsize Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection, you’ll also find American Masters like Edward Hopper, Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keeffe (who spent her formative years in neighboring Wisconsin). Don’t overlook the armor collection and modern wing as you ponder Pointillism.

Tip: Ride the escalator from Millennium Park to the museum’s roof cafe. The “views of the ‘mile’ are magnificent.”

Nightlife – The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge

After dark, wind down and soak up the vibes at The Green Mill. Dating from 1907, this former speakeasy and mobster hangout is full of history: Al Jolson headlined, and one of Al Capone’s henchmen had part ownership of the club in the 1920’s. There’s also a trap door and escape tunnel (if you’d ever need it). From jazz to Open Mic to the “original” poetry slam this joint is jumpin’ every night.

Tip: Order a “superb” vodka martini, extra dirty, or a Long Island iced tea.

Six NYC Hotel Bars on the top of the food chain

Have New Yorkers ever had a problem telling someone where to go? This mix of new arrivals and modern classic hotel bars guarantee a memorable experience worth writing home about. Using Localicious and Foursquare intel, we’ll help you avoid the meet market on 3rd Avenue for some more choice surroundings…

6. The Libertine at Gild Hall

The Libertine Bar was conceived as a tip o’ the hat to swinging ‘70s London, with modern British pub food. Imaginative house cocktails, an impressive wine list, artisan beer selections and what some say is the best burger Downtown makes for a bonafide FiDi hangout.

5. Toro Lounge at Smyth Tribeca

Locals and visitors alike head for the Toro Lounge on the Lower Level, a welcome respite from the crowds at Plein Sud’s bar. Some recommend Smyth as a “perfect date night for Brooklynites”, while others head there for a girls’ night out and order the Cherry Mojitos.

4. The James Hotel

Take in sweeping views of downtown from Jimmy’s cozy, rooftop-bar-meets-speakeasy. Nevermind the pool-with-no-swimmers; dive into the seasonal cocktail menu. Tip: Try the Mexican Honey Bee and Chanel No. 9.

3. Ink48 Hotel

Housed in a former printing plant, with this relative newcomer on the Far West Side of Hell’s Kitchen, you’ve got choices to fit your mood. Sample craft cocktails and locavore small plates at Print Restaurant’s bar or the intimate, custom-designed Dens just across from the bar. Or head to Press, the rooftop bar that has “breathtaking, 360 degree views” of the NYC skyline. With a complimentary wine reception every day from 5-6 PM, what’s not to like?

2.Church Lounge at the Tribeca Grand

In the hotel’s atrium, the Lounge is inviting enough to make you want to forget the busyness of the city and linger at their long, glossy bar or in plush armchairs. It’s the perfect spot for a date, to hang with friends or to just sink into a cocktail after work or a day of retail therapy. Tip: Try the Blood and Sand.

1.The Yard at the Soho Grand

While limited to guests during the day, after 4PM this urban oasis becomes a chill hangout with great music, DJs and special film screenings. Cocktailers say the Strawberry Mojito and the Grand Margaritas are “musts”. There’s no better place to spend a summer evening, after dinner on West Broadway. Tip: Bring your pooch – dogs are welcome!