(Clockwise from top left) Yusho, Logan Theatre, Fleur, The Whistler, Bang Bang Pie Shop, and City Lit Books
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BANG BANG PIE SHOP
[1] The pie flavors change almost every day, but you’ll always have a fruit, a cream, and a chocolate option—all beyond decadent. 2051 N. California Ave., 773-276-8888, bangbangpie.com
CENTENNIAL MONUMENT
[2] Designed by Henry Bacon and dedicated in 1918, the marble Doric column in the middle of the square commemorates the centennial of Illinois’s statehood.
CITY LIT BOOKS
[3] Hit this independent bookstore for its expertly stocked shelves and knowledgeable staffers (ask for a recommendation). 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-235-2523, citylitbooks.com
FLEUR
[4] Sure, you can order unique flower arrangements at this charming shop, which brides across Chicago do. But you’ll find soaps, candles, and baby toys too. 3149 W. Logan Blvd., 773-395-2770, fleurchicago.com
LOGAN THEATRE
[5] The 98-year-old movie house offers much more than just films (Live Comedy Mondays, anyone?). 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-342-5555, thelogantheatre.com
LULA CAFE
[6] This contemporary American spot excels at cocktails and high-end comfort food (lamb sweetbreads, gnocchi with boar sausage). 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., 773-489-9554, lulacafe.com
MASA AZUL
[7] Jenny Kessler’s awardwinning cocktails (heavy on mezcal and tequila) perfectly complement those tangy braised pork tacos. 2901 W. Diversey Ave., 773-687-0300, masaazul.com
NEW WAVE COFFEE
[8] The clientele differ—lit lovers, Apple junkies, chatty knitting groups—but the java (made with local Metropolis beans) is consistently excellent at this coffee shop. 2557 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-489-0646, newwavecoffee.com
Scofflaw
SCOFFLAW
[9] Danny Shapiro’s robust rotating drink menu earned the one-year-old gin joint the top spot on Chicago’s 2013 list of the best bars in the city. 3201 W. Armitage Ave., 773-252-9700, scofflawchicago.com
THE WHISTLER
[10] The bar that spawned the affordable cocktail trend back in 2008 still packs them in every weekend. 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-227-3530, whistlerchicago.com
WOLFBAIT & B-GIRLS
[11] Here you’ll find chic women’s wear by local designers (Megan Lee, Squasht by Les) and by the boutique’s owners, Jenny Stadler and Shirley Kienitz. 3131 W. Logan Blvd., 312-698-8685, wolfbaitchicago.com
YUSHO
[12] This small-plate, yakitoriinspired restaurant opened in 2011 to ecstatic reviews. No wonder: Matthias Merges spent 14 years as executive chef at Charlie Trotter’s. 2853 N. Kedzie Ave., 773-904-8558, yusho-chicago.com
MARCH MUST-DOS
The indoor farmers’ market continues every Sunday in the Congress Theater lobby through March 24. Sample the suds at area taverns at the Internationale Hiking Day Pub Stroll on March 4. The Chicago Underground Film Festival, featuring local filmmakers, invades the Logan Theatre from March 6 to 10.
Photography: Travis Roozée