Happy Women’s History Month! I’ve team up with Choose Chicago again to highlight women managed or owned establishments in the dynamic city of Chicago. I love there’s so many women paving the way for the next generation to come. Make sure to add these establishments to your list of places to visit.
Where we stayed:
Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
1 W Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago IL
You know you’re in love with a hotel when you’re a repeat customer. During the heart of the pandemic I did a staycation at the Renaissance (past stay) and highlighted all the processes they were implementing to make their customers feel safe and secure.
The magic happens right when you step inside. The lobby is gorgeous and hosts one of two onsite dining destinations. Staytion Market and Bar offers authentic Chicago dining with a creative take on Chicago street food and pastries. There’s also an urban rooftop bar called Raised, that offers some of the best cocktails and views in the city.
One of my favorite parts of the hotel is the rooms! The rooms are so stylish and spacious with 330 square feet of space.
Room Views
The views are impeccable! My suite faced the Riverwalk and I remembered on my first stay watching the boats make their way down the water. This location is one of the best. The Renaissance sits on the edge of the Loop and in the heart of the theatre district. There’s so much to do. Within the hotel enjoy amenities like the heated pool and a fitness center. Did I mention this is a dog friendly hotel? I highly recommend staying here!
Let the fun continue….
Where we dined:
Kinzie Chophouse
400 N Wells Street, Chicago IL
Kinzie Chop House
This woman-owned steakhouse has been operating for over 30 years. We grabbed dinner here on a Friday night and experienced the same great service and vibes we received on previous occasions. The old school steakhouse has cozy booths and a lively atmosphere. I loved the scallops and my 17 year dry-aged New York Strip!
After dinner….
Staytion Market and Bar
(Located inside lobby of Renaissance Hotel)
1 W Upper Wacker Drive
Staytion Market and Bar
After dinner we headed back to the hotel for cocktails at Staytion Market and Bar. I absolutely love the decor. The cocktails were executed perfectly. This is a great spot for late night drinks. AND you don’t need to be a guest to dine or drink here. Locals frequent this spot often.
After a perfect night sleep….
Where we brunch:
Dawn
1642 E 56th Street, Chicago IL
Dawn
I could not wait to check out the new eatery nestled in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The woman and black owned spot is the second restaurant location for Racquel Fields. She’s also the owner of the Caribbean fusion inspired eatery, 14 Parish.
Dawn’s menu proudly showcases influences from various corners of the south. The delicious flavors and food combinations embody the true essence of comfort food. I highly enjoyed the pot roast with jalapeño grits. The grits were cooked perfectly and it was a really flavorful dish.
Sweet tooth craving?….
Where we cured our sweet tooth:
Chocolat Uzma
917 W 18th Street, Chicago IL
We had the ultimate chocolate shopping experience at Chocolat Uzma. The minority woman owned shop boasts exotic handcrafted chocolates inspired by the owners South Asian heritage. The chocolate embodies the richest and highest quality cacao blends with daring flavors. Make sure to grab one of their many flavored hot chocolates.
Add all these spots to YOUR next Staycation itinerary!
Did you catch my one on one interview with Entrepreneur and CEO of the successful barbecue restaurant Soul & Smoke, Heather Bublick? Check out the full interview: HERE
Happy Women’s History Month!
