We’ve visited Chicago many times over the years, and our most recent trip was a whirlwind cask-buying adventure at FEW Spirits with a chance to visit some of our favourite haunts.

Despite having only 36 hours in the city, we managed to check off as many 'must do/eat/drink' boxes as possible, including some iconic Chicago musts (we’re looking at you, Portillo’s hotdogs) while spending time at FEW Spirits and with its founder, and a dear friend of ours, Paul Hletko.

That 36 hours was jam-packed! From staying at the Emily Hotel, to brunch at Lula’s cafe, deep-dish pizza at Pequod’s - a non-negotiable from Fab - and margaritas and tacos at Big Star - it was a delicious trip. Not to mention the tropical cocktails at Three Dots and a Dash, and a late night visit to Delilah’s for whiskey and rock music.

Below, we've compiled a curated list of our favourite spots in the city. As always, you can save these recommendations, along with more, for your next visit using this Google Map .

And for a taste of Chicago at home, be sure to pick up a bottle of our #05 single cask American Rye Whiskey from FEW Spirits , finished in a Sauternes cask for 3 years! 

Travelling to FEW Spirits

We flew direct from London to O’Hare Airport and back to New York, both with British Airways/American Airlines. If you have more time and fancy a fun whiskey road trip, Louisville in Kentucky is just a 4-hour drive away.

Where to stay

The Emily in West Loop is surrounded by plenty of great bars, restaurants, and good public transport connections. We also recommend The Robey in Wicker Park and The Drake, which are also great spots.

Visiting FEW Spirits

As the FEW Spirits distillery is small, with the team distilling 24/7, FEW Spirits isn’t open for visits. But you’ll find its whiskey in many bars and restaurants all over the city. 

Where to eat

Big Star, a 'bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, honky-tonk hangout' in Wicker Park, is a delicious spot to hit up. It's a super casual place to sit at the bar and enjoy a beer and FEW Spirits bourbon, a House Ranch Water or Paloma if you’re in the mood, and a few tacos (when in Rome).

Now, don’t come at us for this one, as we know there’s a fierce debate - and loyalty! - but Pequod’s is our pick for a classic deep-dish pizza. To balance all this out, Girl & the Goat is another favourite spot of ours. They used to have a Diner with a banging Kale Salad (yes, we said that), but it’s not there any more. However, this is the original, and with seasonally changing dishes and a great wine and cocktail list, it’s a must in our eyes.

Where to drink 

Delilah's is an iconic whiskey bar not just in Chicago, but also makes our world ‘Top 10’ whisky bars list. We’ll warn you though - this is a whiskey bar like no other! Think rock music, fairy lights and a back bar that rivals any we’ve ever seen (including some great releases from FEW Spirits). To feel transported to a tropical getaway - Three Dots and a Dash; they’re big on sharing cocktails and the Sippopotamus is a fun one.

A trip to Chicago is never complete without a drink at Sportsman’s Club , a hospitality institution. And finally, Off Color brewery’s taproom - The Mousetrap. We love their themed beers, such as 'Beer for Beaches' and 'Beer for Tacos', that capture the flavour of exactly what you’d want to drink at that particular moment.

Wherever you end up, drink local and enjoy a FEW Spirits!

Where to caffeinate

Lula Cafe in Logan Square for coffee and brunch - book ahead, it’s a popular spot! Gaslight Roasters is another great spot in Logan Square. And Dark Matter, with locations across Chicago, ensures you’re never far away from a good brew.

Other fun things to do

An early morning run along the Great Lake is unmissable if you're a runner. Just wrap up warm if you’re there in the winter months, as that wind bites! And Wrigley Field is perfect for catching a baseball game.

So there you have it.  Our guide to Chicago which should keep you busy.  And don't forget to try out something tasty from the FEW Spirits range when you're there.

ENJOY! 🥃