GROW WITH SARAH GRACE

Last week, I posted a blog post about 11 places you should try near Loyola Chicago University’s lakeshore campus. After writing that one, I realized that not everyone lives near the lakeshore campus because well, I don’t! Last year, I moved downtown as my classes moved to the Water Tower campus and I’ve found a few places near this campus that are worth a try. The great thing about our downtown campus is that it’s surrounded by a lot of action so any tourist coming to Chicago can try these places found in Gold Coast, Chicago as well. 

1. Epic Burger

40 E. Pearson St.

Epic Burger is located directly in the Water Tower Campus of Loyola Chicago University and conveniently accepts “Rambler Bucks”. For any fellow vegetarians, this place offers the Beyond burger and chicken tenders. Aside from the veggie options, according to my friends, they have great burgers and I can attest to their great fries and milkshakes!

2. Scoops Dessert Bar 

838 N. State St. 

I found this place when I  was walking around trying to find a good place to eat with my dad and it grabbed my attention with the sign stating “Vegan and Gluten-free”. I am recently (undiagnosed) lactose-intolerant and gluten-intolerant so I knew I found my new favorite dessert place. Honestly, I was scared to try a dairy-free and gluten-free dessert because it probably won’t satisfy my sweet tooth but I was pleasantly surprised that it did and it’s definitely worth a try if you’re in the area!

3. Friends (Sushi) on State 

804 N. State St. 

Friends Sushi can be seen directly from my apartment building and it is a very short walk for me. Sushi is a current obsession for me and I love going to Friends to get my sushi needs. On top of the amazing food, the restaurant is very aesthetically pleasing as it looks almost “fancy” but very modern. For those Instagrammable moments, Friends Sushi on State most definitely will be a great option and grab some food while you’re there. 

4. Flacos Tacos

46 E. Chicago Ave.

Just like the Lakeshore campus of Loyola University Chicago, Water Tower campus also has a Flaco’s Tacos. It’s located on Chicago Avenue and is a short walk from any part of the campus. Aside from Loyola students, Flacos Taco is a great stop for any tourist visiting the area. It offers lots of options from burritos, tacos, quesadilla and nachos (to name a few). They have great vegetarian options as well and the Nachos are big enough to split with the table. 

5. Stans Donuts

750 N. Rush St. 

Stan’s Donuts is a tad mainstream for native Chicagoians but is rather good for tourists to try if they aren’t from the state of Illinois. I know personally, I am from Ohio and love to get some donuts from Stan’s because I don’t have any near me back home. It’s just a great place to keep in mind if you aren’t from around here. 

6. Whispers

1031 N. State St. and 1001 N. Lake Shore Dr.

I have only been to the location on N. State St. but have seen the N. Lake Shore Dr. location on Oak Beach. The great thing about the N. State St. location is that it’s next to a fountain and town square type of aesthetic. The small hub sells delicious gelato, coffee and fresh-squeezed lemonade.  

Once you get some fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot summer day, you can sit on the edge of the fountain and do some classic Chicago “people watching”. Surrounding the cute place is a variety of restaurants to grab a bite at as well.

7. Water Tower Place Mall

835 Michigan Avenue

I feel like this is a given but the mall can entertain someone for an entire day if you let it so it’s worth a spotlight. Aside from the great stores you can find at any mall, you can also have an amazing experience at American Girl Place or Lego Store for the kids (or adults). You can go to the seventh floor and eat at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant or the Chicago Sports Museum. There truly is something for everyone at the Water Tower Place Mall. 

(BONUS: The mall is located next to Hancock Building where you can do a tilting experience to get an amazing view of the city.

8. Jeni’s Ice Cream

871 N. Wabash Ave. 

This ice cream place is the cutest little place and is a newer addition to the area. It’s located in Connors (William) Park and is the perfect location for me. Only a block away means I’ve spent many late nights getting my ice cream fix. This company was founded in Columbus so it is a chain but trust me, it’s worth it. I don’t know how else to explain it other than it’s almost like gourmet ice cream. Their flavors are different and so delicious. For example, they have a lavender flavor and banana cream pudding flavors and so many others that are worth a try. Another important thing to note, they offer dairy-free ice creams!

9. Sprinkles Cupcakes

50 E. Walton St.

I got my first Sprinkles Cupcake when I was in Los Angeles and it was from an ATM. I was pleased to find out that within walking distance of me was another ATM and an actual store front as well! The ATM is advertised as 24/7 but as an insider tip, I must say the cupcakes sell out fast as the brand is very well known. I’ve found the best time to get one from the ATM is before 1 pm most days! This place is another perfect Instagramable moment as well. 

10. Jakes Melnick’s Corner Tap

41 E. Superior St.

This is one of my dad’s favorite places and fortunately, it’s only two blocks from the WTC. They are known for their wings but offer many other delicious options like pizza, barbeque, burgers and mac and cheese (to name a few). The community at this place is also amazing and it’s the perfect spot to cheer on your favorite sports team or enjoy a family dinner. They offer game day specials for both professional and college football from food to drinks. 

11. Streeter’s Tavern

50 E. Chicago Ave. 

This dive bar is located right near Flaco’s Taco and is the perfect place to get affordable drinks and have a nice time. The location is perfect for me if I am not really in the mood to go out, it’s right around the corner and the environment is contagious and friendly. It’s also the perfect stepping point if you want to pregame before hitting Hubbard Street or any other nearby bars. They also have sister locations including Pippin’s Tavern which is ironically right across the street. 

And there you have it folks, 11 places you should try in the Gold Coast/ Loyola Chicago Water Tower campus area. Of course, you always have the Magnificent Mile right there for your convenience if you somehow get bored but I highly recommend all of these places for any tourist (or fellow Loyola students) to try and enjoy!