What we’re about
Welcome to our fun and active group!
Whether you're new to Chicago or have lived here for a while, becoming a member of this group allows you to explore the Chicago area in ways that most residents may never experience. It’s like being a tourist in your own city as we uncover hidden gems and unique experiences.
This group is a sister to the original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we will be hosting many joint events together.
Our goal is to create a club filled with enjoyable events, giving you the chance to meet new people while participating in unique and diverse outings throughout Chicagoland. This is a year-round group, and winter won't slow us down!
The annual dues are $12 per member, but you get a 90-day free trial to see if you enjoy the group! If you choose to host an event, your annual dues will be waived. We are a highly active and social group with a wide range of activities throughout Chicago.
Most of our events take place in Chicago or nearby suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Park Ridge. All events are accessible via public transportation, which is why we primarily focus on Chicago.
Please note that we have a firm "three strikes" policy regarding no-shows. If you don't attend an event without updating your RSVP, you will receive a strike. After accumulating three strikes, you will be suspended from the group for three months. We aim to maintain fairness and fun for all our members.
If you have any questions about the group, suggestions for events, or would like to lead an outing, please let me know. Hosting an event allows you to waive your annual dues!
Please also check out & join our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1571684466442303
We also have an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/1001thingstoseeinchicago/
Giovina Romandine
Organizer for Windy City Wanderers!
I have organized another private party for our group! Big Onion Hospitality, the owners of Fatpour, Hopsmith, and Woodies Flat, reached out to me again about hosting another private event for us. It will take place on a weeknight, featuring happy hour deals until 6:30 PM, and our group will receive two complimentary appetizers! Plus, we can have separate checks! We had such a good time at Fatpour in Wicker Park on 4/3, that we are doing it again but at a different establishment! This seems like a great deal, and I couldn't pass it up!
PRIVATE EVENT & EXCLUSIVE SECTION FOR OUR GROUP! We will have our own area with our own server. Happy Hour is from 4:30-6:30 pm but we will arrive at 5:30 pm. To get happy hour deals, order those items before 6:30 pm. Plus 2 FREE APPS will be provided for the WHOLE group! I do ask that everyone order something above the free stuff, with either food or drink or both. Please try to spend a minimum of $15 per person. We are getting a lot and need to show some appreciation, so we get invited back!
If you are joining us for dinner/drinks after work, WE WILL GET SEPARATE CHECKS HERE SO YOU CAN PAY WITH CASH OR CREDIT! I kindly ask that everyone take what you ordered (the total dollar amount) & add 32% to that amount, which includes 12% for Chicago taxes and 20% for tip. Make sure to TIP the staff well, as they will be taking care of us that evening!
There is a credit card surcharge, so you may want to pay the final bill in cash, but bring a credit card as they need it to run a separate tab for everyone!
OUR TWO FREE APPS FOR THE WHOLE GROUP WILL BE:
- Thick Cut Mozzarella Sticks coated with panko and parmesan breading; traditional marinara
- Margherita Flatbread with Roma tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, balsamic glaze
If you cannot come at 5:30 pm and wish to join later, please do, but try to arrive by 6:30 pm as we only have the section until 7:30
Hopsmith Chicago is a high-energy restaurant and bar in the heart of the Gold Coast. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, plus a crowd-pleasing brunch on the weekends. At Hopsmith, you’ll find tasty American fare, 30 rotating taps from our iconic 1965 Volkswagen bus, and a lively ambiance keeping the party going till late. The 2-story tavern features fully opening street-level windows, a 2nd-floor retractable roof, and plenty of TVs — perfect for catching a game, hosting a private dinner, or just because it’s Friday!
Proudly part of Big Onion Hospitality, Hopsmith Tavern is located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. Boasting over 30 draft beer taps, the restaurant features a thoughtfully curated selection of beers to accompany a variety of dishes to satisfy any palate. Guests may enjoy open-air seating overlooking Division and a retractable roof on the second floor. Hopsmith is the place to grab an after work drink, watch the game, or celebrate into the late night.
Happy Hour at Hopsmith May 9 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
You’ve had a long day. You deserve a happy hour (or two) once you’re done dealing with… everything. They’ll be here for you either way.
Happy Hour DEALS
$5 You call it Call Drinks (well drinks)
$15 Pitchers of Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra
$18 Margarita Flights
$20 Appetizer Tower
They also have a daily deal of the day that is separate from the Happy Hour specials
https://hopsmithchicago.com/
HAPPY HOUR: https://hopsmithchicago.com/event/happy-hour-in-gold-coast-at-hopsmith/2025-05-09/
FOOD MENU: https://hopsmithchicago.com/menu/
DRINK MENU: https://hopsmithchicago.com/menu/drinks/
This is a joint event with several other meetup groups, so it is multi-group event!
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered street parking on State plus the surrounding streets. Watch for no parking and permit-only signs. Best to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the cheapest options as parking can be tought in this area! There are several garages in the area.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Lincoln Square Spring Wine Stroll 2025 - ROUTE D (BUY TIX NOW!!)Esquina, Chicago, IL
**BUY TIX NOW EVEN IF NOT YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE THAT YOU CAN ATTEND AS THESE WILL SELL OUT IN A FEW DAYS! YOU CAN ALWAYS SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. THIS IS A POPULAR WINE EVENT AND TIX GO FAST!! LAST YEAR THEY SOLD OUT IN 5 days!**
Wine Stroll is the Lincoln Square's most popular bi-annual event, and a great way to support the neighborhood while tasting and discovering new wine regions and varietals. Taste through a carefully curated variety of wines, along with a light assortment delicious hors d'oeuvres from area restaurants. Wine Stroll is the perfect way to explore new businesses and see just what makes this community so special!
MUST HAVE TICKET TO ATTEND AND PICK FROM 1 OF THE 3 DIFFERENT ROUTES! TICKETS ARE $60 + FEES & COVER 12 BUSINESSES TO VISIT AND 36 DIFFERENT WINES TO TASTE!! PICK ROUTE D THAT MEETS AT ESQUINA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wine-stroll-2025-tickets-1307251948769?aff=oddtdtcreator
Let's do spring right! Sip and stroll your way through your favorite shops and restaurants along Lincoln, Lawrence and Damen!
Each Spring, the LSR Wine Stroll transforms the retail establishments and restaurants of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood into wine tasting destinations. Over 35 businesses participate, pairing red, white, rose, and sparkling wine samples with light bites of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants. This event is a great way to tour new businesses, and see just what makes our commercial community so special.
https://www.lincolnsquare.org/spring-wine-stroll*This is a rain or shine event. All ticket-holders must be of legal drinking age. IDs will be checked at check-in, so each ticketholder must be present in person to check-in.
**All tastings take place within the businesses listed on each ticketed route below. Wine pours are offered in 2 ounce tasting portions at each business. Up to 36 different wines will be available to taste along each route. Businesses listed on each route are subject to change.
New this year, The Lincoln Square routes get a refresh with an air of mystery. Purchase tickets for route A, B, C or D and find out which businesses are on your route the night of the event at your designated check-in location. WE WILL NOT KNOW THE ROUTES EXACT BUISNESSES WE WILL HIT UNTIL THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT! OUR GROUP WILL DO ROUTE D!
We check-in first to receive our wine glass and tasting guide, which will serve as our ticket to the event. We then go from business to business to taste wine and sample food bites as many offer treats! ROUTE D - MEET AT ESQUINA on Western!
These are a lot of fun and a great way to check out the local shops, have some good wine and eat some goodies! Plus, weather should be lovely for a late spring evening stroll!
Dress for walking in and out of stores but wear comfortable shoes as will be walking around. Walk does not end where we start so will have to walk back to your car if you drive but should be a short walk!
#### PICK ROUTE LETTER D FOR OUR WALK!
We will not know exactly which businesses we will visit but here is a list of ALL the businesses that will participate in the wine stroll event! We will get to go to 12 of these locations and taste up to 36 glasses of wine!
A Pretty Flower
Augusta Food and Wine
Au Levain Chicago
Bistro Campagne
Chicago Counseling Collective PC
The Chopping Block
Cobblestone Chicago
Dimo's
ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE
Esquina
Fleet Feet Chicago
Gearhead Outfitters
Genevieve
Jerry's
L&M Fine Foods
Lincoln Square Dental Spa
Lyons Family Eye Care
Midwest Nice
My Corner Office
Neighborly
Nomadic Ant
Planet Access
Raw Edge - Modern Artisan Boutique
Savory Spice
Sojourn Cocktail Lounge
Stanley Brown Jewelist
StretchLab Lincoln Square
Timeless ToysIf you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is limited parking since in Lincoln Square. Some metered parking & nearby lots. Best to use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for you safest bet and cheapest option if unsure!
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- Friday Night Dinner in Little Italy at Peanut Park TrattoriaPeanut Park Trattoria, Chicago, IL
Let's check out a great Italian place on Taylor Street on a Friday night after work! Peanut Park is a traditional Italian joint brought to you by your friends at Coalfire, Ristorante Agostino and Tempesta Market located in the heart of Little Italy. Continuing the rich history of little Italy and celebrating a menu of Italian classics, timeless bistro favorites and handmade pastas.
DINNER - only 4-6 people per table. I have 4 reservations (6 + 6 + 6 + 4 = 22 ppl) so we will be at 4 tables. Hopefully we will be near each other but cannot guarantee.
If you are joining us for dinner/drinks, then PLEASE BRING CASH AS THEY CANNOT DO SEPARATE CHECKS FOR GROUPS. I kindly ask that everyone take what you ordered (the total dollar amount) & add 32% to that amount, which includes 12% for Chicago taxes and 20% for tip. Due to group size, CASH will work best & the easiest!
Established in 2002, Peanut Park Trattoria took over the old space of Davanti Enoteca. The duo behind Peanut Park Trattoria wants to bring an Old World feel back to Chicago’s historic Little Italy.
Located right on the Taylor Street main drag in Little Italy, this is the kind of place where you enjoy familiar and comforting classics like meatballs, salumi, panzanella, and linguini carbonara executed with deft precision and the utmost quality (for instance, the chicken for the parmigiana is organic, and the crispy calamari comes with a Calabrian chile aïoli). For all its newness, Peanut Park instantly feels like a classic, sure to cement itself as an Italian requisite for anyone looking to live out their "Lady and the Tramp" foodie fairy tale.
That simple style of Italian home cooking translates directly to the compact, well-edited menu at Peanut Park. Tempesta Salumi is partnered with crunchy Gnocco Fritto, the traditional Bolognese fried dough that accompanies cured meats in that region. In lieu of pizza, slabs of puffy, chewy, herbed housemade Focaccia are served with creamy Ricotta di Bufala, tangy salsa verde, and honey. A Fritto Misto of prawns and calamari gets paired with Calabrian chile aioli. Octopus is stewed tender and served with a spicy tomato-laden arrabiata sauce.
Pastas are rolled and extruded in house for dishes like fresh Ricotta Gnocchi with Pesto, Rigatoni Pomodoro, and Pappardelle Bolognese. Heartier entrees like Whole Branzino and Pork Ribs with pickled peppers sizzle on the grill, and the streamlined menu is supplemented by frequent seasonal additions. “I’m a big stuffed pasta guy,” adds Bonomi—so expect traditional gems like Tortellini filled with mortadella alongside other offerings aimed to push the culinary genre’s boundaries a touch farther.
For dessert? “Mom’s gonna make tiramisu,” says Fiasche. Cannoli from Palermo bakery in Norridge rounds out the selection, while an approachable array of Italian and Italian-influenced wines, beers, spirits keep the familial vibes flowing.
https://peanutpark.com/
https://www.facebook.com/peanutparktrattoria
MENU: https://peanutpark.com/wp-content/uploads/PeanutPark-Menus.pdfIf you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip
If you drive, there is metered street parking on Taylor Street. Limited free parking on side streets. Watch for permit only signs. Parking can be tricky here with the dinner crowd and the University so may want to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the best option
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- 3rd Annual Half-O-Ween Party, & Karaoke too!! 🕷️💀🎃Louie's Pub, Chicago, IL
Multi-Meetup group event!
Had a blast the past 2 years (will post pics below), I figured we'd do it again! What is Half-O-Ween? It's the 6 month or halfway point in the year before Halloween. It's kind of like "Christmas in July" for Christmas. And really just a chance to have a bonus Halloween Party and wear costumes!! While costumes aren't required, they are HIGHLY recommended, or at least black/orange, Halloween t-shirt, something Halloween-related!! Hey it's a Halloween party in May, what better excuse to have fun and dress up!? Several groups will be joining for one big party! Louie's Pub is a great venue, and we have tables reserved in the center area by the karaoke stage. Karaoke is fun if you love to get up and sing, or just want to support those who do!! Let's celebrate a bonus Halloween!!
Please wear a Halloween costume or Halloween themed shirt, black/orange colors to make it more fun! We are starting at 6:30 pm. Please arrive around that time as much as possible, it gets crowded quickly on Saturday nights! Karaoke is available but no one ever has to sing. I do like to get groups of people singing together so those who are shy can still join if they want to but feel more comfortable in a group! Let's mingle, party and celebrate 1/2 way to Halloween!
EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN TABS AS EACH PAYS SEPARATELY WITH THE BARTENDER. NO GROUP BILLS TO KEEP THINGS SIMPLE & EASY! THEY TAKE CASH & CREDIT.
https://louiespub.com/karaoke.html
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO-SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festival-type of events)
- continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!
