Unabridged Books in Chicago is a place that allows me to feel calm and inspired at the same time. It is a beautiful store where I cannot help but get lost in its endless bookshelves.
This bookstore encourages questioning the status quo and challenging your beliefs, and it does so in a way that is approachable and welcoming. This is a place that does not judge. I am a lover of non-fiction so I am pleased that when I walk through the door the first sections is "new non-fiction".
When I wonder a bit into the store and make a left, I find the sale section. This section is heaven to me every visit, I can count on picking up an Erik Larson title I have yet to read or a Studs Terkel find I want for under $10.
I then make my way to the Chicago, cooking, and memoir sections. Everywhere I look there are handwritten staff recommendations guiding me to what I am searching for and what I had no idea I needed. At this point, I will have typically already been in the store for an hour, and I make my way downstairs to the travel section.
The section encompasses the entire basement floor. It allows me to compare different styles of travel books and discover different approaches to travel. Unabridged is located in a neighborhood that has many restaurants, bars and shops so please make this a destination, I do not think you will be disappointed.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
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"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
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I'm not vegan but I do think that "Vegan Plate" in Lincoln Park is one of the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants in Chicago. Try the curry combo plate!
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Monk's Pub is a snug beer bar suitable for anyone looking for a pint or their next meal. It's smack in the middle of Chicago, but you really can't tell...
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"Four Moon Tavern" in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!
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"Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!
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The "Chicago Athletic Association" (CAA) is an elite, hidden, and multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. The gem of this hotel is the drawing room...
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Reggies Chicago is a grunge bar, concert venue, and shuttle hub with great eats, Sox game packages, a beach bar and unique events like a pancake art show.
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Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
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Little Madrid in Chicago feels so European, it's surprising — trust me, I've spent some time in Madrid myself. Great place for a date or coworker night.
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"Luft Balloons" in Chicago isn't just a balloon shop - it's a female-operated & owned business that makes balloon sculptures specifically for marches...
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114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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