Our Japan Adventure (Including our favorite coffee, food, + sights)

Visiting Japan is one of those trips that gently nudges you out of your comfort zone, in the best possible way. The best way to make sure you have an incredible experience is to arrive with an open heart and a sense of curiosity. Japan invites you to slow down, observe, and try things you may not have planned on, whether that’s ordering a meal from a vending machine, wandering into a tiny neighborhood café, or hopping on a train to somewhere you’ve never heard of before.

There are so many chances to try new things, and it’s totally normal to feel both excited and a little nervous. Both feelings can coexist. If unfamiliar food feels intimidating, don’t worry, Japan is incredibly accommodating. Even the pickiest eaters can find comfort in ramen, rice bowls, pastries, or convenience store snacks that somehow taste better than they have any right to. And if navigating public transportation sounds overwhelming, trust that Google Maps will absolutely hold your hand every step of the way.

What makes Japan so special is how safe and welcoming it feels while still being wonderfully different from what you’re used to. It’s a place where getting a little lost can lead to your favorite memory of the trip. So plan loosely, go with the flow, and let curiosity lead the way. Say yes to the unknown, embrace the small surprises, and trust that Japan will meet you with kindness, beauty, and a whole lot of magic.

I hope this post can inspire your own Japan adventure! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy travels!

Overview of Our ROute

• Tokyo —> Kyoto (Train)

• Kyoto —> Osaka (Train)

• Osaka—> Hiroshima (Train)

• Hiroshima—> Miyajima (Streetcar + Ferry)

• Miyajima —> Tokyo (Train)

A few miscellaneous things to know before going to Japan

• Register for tax-free QR code to use to get through customs here. We did it before we left for Japan, but then had to finish it after we landed. 

• Here is info on using Suica on your phone (a ticket to all inner-city trains, streetcars, etc. that you use directly from your phone) - It’s super easy to use and you can quickly add additional funds if you need to. Perhaps one of my favorite parts about traveling around Japan was how simple Suica made it. 

• Notes on Trains: If you’re traveling in the regular season and don’t mind flexibility → buy at the station. We just waited in line and spoke with an agent every time and that was smooth.  

• Most train stations have lockers you can rent if you don’t want to carry your bags around and your Airbnb isn’t ready.

• A lot of places are cash only.

• Google translate and google maps will be your best friends. 

• Great news: the current exchange rate for the USD → yen works out really well for the USD. The exchange rate was challenging to do in our heads though so consider using this tutorial to convert your calculator into a currency converter. Thanks for the tip Abby!

Tokyo

Tokyo is big, fast, and full of energy, but somehow still incredibly easy to navigate. Expect a mix of neon lights and quiet neighborhoods, world-class food at every price point, and a city that feels exciting without being overwhelming once you settle in.

You might spend one moment in the middle of Shibuya Crossing where there is a lot of energy and the next wandering a calm side street with a neighborhood shrine or cozy café. Tokyo really has it all! Of all the citied we visited, it’s the one I would return to again and know that I would still have so much to explore.

Where we Stayed

Tokyo Airbnb #1 in Aksakusa Neighborhood - more local feel, very walkable to lots of restaurants and shops, but on the east side of the city so not as walkable to places like Shibuya/Shinjuku if that is where you are hoping to stay. This airbnb specifically was fine for the price, but not the greatest. The area was great though! (Washer Available)

Tokyo Airbnb #2 - Located a little southwest of Shinjuku Chao Park - This was a much more big-city feel and was closer to Shinjuku/Shubuya, but still quiet enough to not feel super overstimulated every time we left our apartment.

Tokyo Coffee, Food, + Sights

Coffee 

• Murma Coffee Stop - Beautiful space,dDelicious pour overs, and a top notch latte. 

• Finetime Coffee Roasters - Tokyo (open every day 12pm-7pm) - We didn’t make it here but it was on our list. 

• COFFEE 八七子 - Matcha and hot cocoa were delicious. Coffee was okay, but the duck Burger +  matcha croissant were yummy and the barista was really nice. Definitely a cute place to sit for a bit. 

• Glitch Coffee - really good pour-overs and kind baristas. Multiple locations. 

• Coffee Swamp - super tiny shop with a record player and great pour over options  

Food

• 7-Eleven - for quick food, I’ll put a list of items to try below. We literally went there every single day for at least one thing. It’s just a super fun experience. 

• Family Mart - Similar to 7-Eleven for quick food 

• Lawson’s - Similar to 7-Eleven 

• HALAL RAMEN & WAGYU 「SAMURAI SOUL」 - the BBQ beef ramen was to die for - order outside at a little kiosk and take your ticket inside to place your order. Cash only. 

• Coco Itchibanya - Japanese curry that is to-die for (a few locations around Japan)

• De Frites Staan Harajuku (steak frites or fries with lots of sauces) - We didn’t make it here, but it sounds great 

Sights 

• Asahi Super Dry Sky Room - get a beer for $5 and enjoy super fun skyline views (probably best at night). Right next to the Sky tree

• Harajuku - small shops 

• Ueno Park - Gorgeous park!

• Tokyo Night and Lights - beautiful light display on the Metropolitan Government Building. Go see the lights and then go up on the observation deck. 

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation deck) 

• Shibuya Crossing - Overwhelmingly crowded, but a fun experience to have and then get out of that area 

• Harajuku’s Takeshita Street → quirky shops & crepes.

• Meiji Shrine - serene forest walk

• Shinjuku Gyoen Garden - quick stroll.

• Shinjuku nightlife – We felt very overwhelmed with this area, but it was fun to do a quick walk through 

• Visit Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street - Even if you don’t stay in that neighborhood it’s a fun and different vibe than Shibuya 

• KITTE Rooftop Garden - It might feel like you’re not supposed to be there at first, but go inside and keep walking then you will see signs.

• Imperial Palace - Closed when we went, but looks like it would be cool. Close to the rooftop garden. 

• Tsukiji Fish Market is a cool spot with fresh fish and food stalls - this is an absolute DO NOT MISS, a top memory for us from our trip. Go early (before 10am) and come hungry. 

• Ginza Neighborhood - fun for shopping and a fun area to walk around 

• Kawagoe - more traditional small town outside of Tokyo. Cute streets with shopping and lots of food.”sweet street” has lots of ice creams, pastry, and candy (about a 50 minute commute from our SW Tokyo Airbnb, but super fun.) I’d say if you have less than 3 full days in Tokyo it’s maybe not worth the additional journey, but if you want a different experience outside the city, it’s really fun.

Kyoto

Kyoto feels like stepping into the heart of traditional Japan. It’s quiet, intentional, and deeply beautiful. Expect temples tucked into quiet neighborhoods, winding streets lined with wooden buildings. My best advice for visiting would be to get up early and try to do as much as you can before it get busy.

Where we Stayed

Airbnb - A great location, close to the train station and within walking distance of lots of coffee shops and restaurants.

Kyoto Coffee, Food, + Sights

Coffee

• Oyomazaki Coffee Roasters  - This was on our list, but we didn’t make it. 

• About us coffee - incredible hot chocolate, award winning coffees, lots of light roast options 

• Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji - pour overs, hidden on the far end of a parking lot. Gorgeous shop! No inside seating, but if rain is light you can still get a little protection from the trees outside the shop. Don’t skip this shop, it was definitely one of our favorites! 

• Sundays Coffee - Beautiful space, delicious pour over and a few select pastries

Food

• Menya Inoichi - Michelin star ramen (have to wait in line to get reservation) 🍜- We didn’t do this because we filled our day up and got back too late, but it would have been a fun experience I’m sure. 

• Dragon Burger - Wasabi or Yuzu burger were amazing 🍔

• Sawano - Great place to try omurice (egg and rice dish). Feels like a little Japanese diner. The owner makes adorable little animals out of fruit. Cash only. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke just know that smoking is allowed indoors here. 

• Breakfast Udon Express - If the jet lag has you up insanely early, this is the perfect place for breakfast. They open at 7am and have a nice garden view. It’s super quick and delicious. 

• Izugen - Michelin restaurant with authentic sushi at a great price.

Sights

• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (iconic red torii gates) - Allow at least 2 hours to do the hike through the forest/ torii gates. We were so jetlagged that we woke up at went around 5am. This actually worked our great because we go to beat the crowds (there were still a shocking number of people doing the hike) and we caught the sunrise. 

• Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple and walk the historic Higashiyama District.

• Stroll Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka streets (traditional Kyoto charm).

• Stop at Yasaka Pagoda & Maruyama Park.

• Head to Gion District – maybe spot a geisha.

• Gion District stroll – teahouses, maybe glimpse geisha.

• Traditional kaiseki dinner or izakaya or Kyoto style dinner 

• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge - Just know that they will likely be VERY crowded. 

• Monkey Park Iwatayama (short hike, city view).

• Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

• Visit Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden nearby.

• Nijo Castle

Osaka

Osaka feels lively, friendly, and unapologetically fun. It’s known as Japan’s kitchen, so expect incredible food around every corner. Think takoyaki, okonomiyaki, late-night ramen. The energy here is warm and welcoming, making it easy to feel comfortable right away.

Where we Stayed

Airbnb - My favorite of our Airbnbs. It was perfect for two couples traveling together – 3 floors so we could spread out, two bathrooms, and an excellent location to be able to get to the train station easily. 

Osake Coffee, Food, + Sights

Coffee 

• Lilo Coffee Roasters - Didn’t make it here, but it is highly rated and was noted in the book “A Year in Japanese Coffee,” that inspired our trip. 

• Glitch - A stunning seating area full of vintage furniture. More seating than the Tokyo location we visited. Note that every person in your party has to order a drink before sitting down. 

Food

• Uzumaki うずまき- The most amazing experience! The chef only spoke Japanese but was very patient with us. We ordered the kimchi yakisoba, spicy egg yakisoba, the bacon, and then okonomiyaki. Everything was literally to die for. The highlight of our entire trip.. Cash only. 

• Dekasan Osaka  - steak and egg sandwiches. Long line but they move fast. Highly recommend the egg sandwich and the steak sandwich. 

Sights 

• Osaka Castle & Surroundings

• Osaka Museum of History 

• Head to Shinsekai - Old-school retro Osaka district.

• Tsutenkaku Tower - Panoramic view of the city.

• Stroll Tennoji area – Abeno Harukas (Japan’s tallest skyscraper with observation deck).

• Dotonbori — Neon lights, canals, and the famous Glico Running Man sign.

• Walk through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (covered arcade with endless shops).

• Umeda Sky Building – Floating Garden Observatory for night views.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is calm, reflective, and quietly powerful. It’s a city that invites you to slow down and be present, offering space to learn, feel, and appreciate resilience. Beyond its history, Hiroshima feels bright and livable, with tree-lined streets and friendly locals. It’s easy to explore, easy to navigate, and feels grounded in a way that balances the busier cities.

Where we Stayed

Airbnb - Not a fancy place to stay by any means, but it was a great location! We hopped on a street car from the train station. We could quickly walk to the Peace Memorial and all the other things we wanted to do.

Hiroshima Coffee, Food, + Sights

Coffee

• Cue.

Food

• Okonomimura - Multiple levels of independent okonomiyaki restaurants. Just stroll through and find a spot to sit down. A defininite must if you are in Hiroshima. Cash only. 

• We shamelessly went to the Costco food court in Hiroshima and it was a blast! Definitely get the Hokkaido soft cream. It’s slightly “cheesy” and so delicious. 

Sights

• Start at the Peace Memorial Museum (arrive early to avoid crowds) - I can’t recommend this enough. I am not a history buff by any means, but this museum was very moving.

• Walk the Children’s Peace Monument, Cenotaph, and Atomic Bomb Dome.

• Hiroshima Castle (Carp Castle) – a reconstructed castle with samurai history.

• Shukkeien Garden – a scenic Japanese garden, perfect for a calm stroll 

• Explore Hondori Shopping Arcade for souvenirs and street food.

Miyajima

Miyajima feels calm, scenic, and a little magical, and it’s absolutely worth the extra effort to get there. As soon as you arrive, things slow down. Think ocean views, quiet shrines, and friendly deer wandering through town, with the iconic floating torii gate setting the tone.

You can keep it simple or explore more: walk through Itsukushima Shrine, snack your way down the main street, or head up Mount Misen for incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea. Nothing feels rushed, which makes the visit feel extra special.

Getting there takes a train and a ferry, but it’s easy and part of the adventure. Miyajima is one of those places that rewards curiosity, and chances are, it’ll end up being one of your favorite stops.

Where we Stayed

• Airbnb - A perfect spot for two couples to stay. The location was fantastic and the space itself was very comfortable. 

Getting to Miyajima

• Take Ferry - 10 minute ride. You can use Suica to pay for the ferry, but you also have to pay a 100 yen visitor tax (just one way). 

• Consider luggage storage in ferry terminal prior to the Airbnb being available. 

What to do on Miyajima

• Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii Gate  (best at high tide for the floating effect).

• Daisho-in Temple – Buddhist temple with colorful statues and prayer wheels. I had honestly thought we had seen enough temples at this point that I wouldn’t be that interested, but this one was super cool. 

• Mount Misen Ropeway - There is about 1.5 hour round trip hike to get to the very top of the mountain once you have taken the ropeway up (ropeway takes about 30 minutes-ish). I would get here right when they open or you will likely be waiting a very long time. I feel like it is a must if you come to the island. 

• Go to this tea house after you are done with your hike and get some matcha.

• Stroll Omotesando Shopping Street – You’ll find snacks like momiji manju (maple-leaf cakes).

• If you’re staying ovenight, the Torii gate illuminated at night is magical. 

• Visit Miyajima Brewing 

• A helpful blog post if you want even more info on Miyajima.

foods to try 

There are so many unique food experiences to have in Japan. This list can help guide you if you feel overwhelmed. If you go to any of the markets I mentioned, you can likely knock a lot of items off the list. Thank you for the list Abby!

• Yamagoyaki (Japanese omelette)

• Mochi

• Taiyaki (fish shaped treat w/ red bean paste)

• Tokoyaki (pancake balls filled w/ octopus, topped w/ mayo) - big in Osaka

• Daigaku imo (candied sweet potatoes)

• Tako tamago (candied baby octopus stuffed w/ hard boiled egg)

• Yaki soba (stir fry noodles)

• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)

• Hokkaido soft cream (found at Costco)

• Yakitori (wagyu beef)

• Tempura (fried breaded shrimp)

• Breakfast udon noodles

• Sushi

• Croquette

• Fruit sandwich

• Omurice (creamy omelette over rice)

• Japanese curry

• Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet)

• Nori (dried seaweed)

• Fluffy pancakes

• The foreigner 🍡

• Strawberry milk

• Mitarashi dango (rice flour dumplings covered in sweet soy sauce glaze)

• Matcha

• Onigiri (rice balls)

• Ramen

• Sushi

• Ekiben (to go bento box)

Konbini Items to Try (Lawson’s/ Family Mart/ 7-Eleven)

• Onigiri - Japanese rice ball made from white rice sometimes stuffed with other things) 7-Eleven has a salmon butter and soy sauce one that was delicious. We ate so many of these during our trip. 

• Chicken with tartar sauce and vinegar (7-Eleven) 

• Pickled Ginger Rice Crackesr (7-Eleven)

• Chocolate Covered Panda Cookies (Family Mart, but 7-Eleven has a similar things that isn’t panda shaped so not as cute) 

• Smoothies (7-Eleven), they have them in the freezer You purchase them and then take them to the smoothie making station by the coffee machine and it gets blended. 

• Cream filled crepe - They’re rolled up like a jelly-roll and found in the refrigerated section. 

• Matcha KitKats

• Cream filled donut holes

• Pancakes with maple syrup and butter - They’re on the shelf-stable pasty shelf.

A 4 Day Weekend in Mexico City, Mexico

Coming from Nebraska, Mexico City was a surprisingly quick destination to reach. Although it would have been incredible to spend a week there, our quick 4 days there still allowed us to see so much of the rich history and incredible food scene that this city has to offer — and certainly left us hoping for more. so, so much to explore! We could certainly keep coming back over and over and still find more to explore. Here is a little taste of what we experienced during our quick little trip to CDMX.

Transportation

We flew into the Mexico City Airport and just took an Uber to our Airbnb. Walking is almost always our primary form of transportation, but when we needed an alternative, Uber was great. It was super cheap and widely accessible throughout the city. I’ve heard the bus and train systems are great as well, but we didn’t end up using them.

Language

At least a basic understanding of spanish would be ideal for navigating. Google translate is really helpful too!

Where we stayed

We stayed on the fringe of the Roma Norte neighborhood. This is the Airbnb we stayed in. It was such a cute little loft with everything we could possibly need. It had a gated entrance with a security guard 24/7 so we felt very comfortable. We are already planning to book the same airbnb next time we go back. We loved the location because we could easily walk to anything we wanted in 5-15 minutes, but it was still on a quieter street.

Safety

No matter where you travel it is important to be aware of your surroundings. As with most cities, there are definitely areas that you probably shouldn’t go to. I found this post to be a helpful starting point for figuring out where to go and where not to go.

Coffee, Food, + Sights we loved

Coffee

Curva Café - This coffee shop was the closest to our Airbnb which was very convenient. It ended up being our favorite shop we visited overall! They provided excellent service, roast their own coffee, and had a very inviting aesthetic,

Otrocafe - This shop had really great coffee (both filter and espresso drinks). Incredibly aesthetic.

Feral - Tiny, so not a great place to get work done or linger for a super long time, but delicious coffee and kind baristas.

Fuego & Cafe - This was another top coffee experience for us. The baristas came to the table to do the pour over which was so fun.

Paradigma Café - Great coffee, kind baristas, and an incredible quiche.

Food

Lunch/Dinner:

Paradero Conocido - Delicious chille relleno taco and chilaquiles.

Ca Phe Vietnamese - Some of the best vietnamese food I’ve ever had. The pho was excellent!  

El 123 - The baba ganoush was top tier. The tom yum soup and spring rolls were also great! THe atmosphere was really great too!

Chicojulio - Great shrimp and cheese taco in Roma Norte!

Sweets:

Panadería Gala - If you’re into speakeasies then you will LOVE this new in the Roma Norte neighborhood. Panadería Gala is hidden in a cozy kitchen at the end of a long corridor.When you arrive, you ring a doorbell and are escorted to a table where you can taste freshly baked bread straight out of the oven. The experience here is so fun and definitley worth your time, but the pastries are better at Panaderia Rosette.

Panadería Rosetta Bakery - Be prepared to wait, but I can guarantee it will be worth the wait! We went here three times during our short stay. They have a variety of artisan breads as well as flaky, buttery pastries that rival some of the pastries we had in Scandinavia last summer. My favorite was a rosemary lemon bread that had preserved lemons in it. We ate the whole loaf before we even got on our plane to leave.

SIGHTS

Walk Roma Norte – A neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe with a lot of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is the perfect place to spend a morning exploring and people watching. Start your morning with a stroll down Avenida Alvaro Obregon, one of the main streets in the neighborhood and then see where the morning takes you from there.

Museo de Arte Moderno - After a yummy breakfast in one of the many cafes, make your way to the Museo de Arte Moderno.The museum can take around 2 hours to explore depending on how much you like to read about the artworks. You can explore the museum on your own or take one of the guided tours that are offered in English. (60 min walk from Airbnb, 30-ish via public transit, 19 via car/Uber) 

Shopping in Roma Norte - Afterwards, walk around the neighborhood and pop into some of the shops. We found some beautiful local pottery to take home with us at a very affordable price!

Walk over to Condesa - Once you work up an appetite, walk over to the “hip” neighborhood of Condesa for some lunch. Condesa backs directly up to Roma Norte making it an easy walk over. Known for its trendy restaurants and cafes Condesa is home to a young community where you will find many people running or riding bikes. There are lots of little boutiques, parks, and cafes to explore here as well.

Chapultepec Park - Chapultepec Park, the largest park in the city — a great place to come to relax or take a walk.

Angel of Independence - At the end of Paseo de la Reforma, you will find the Angel of Independence, one of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks.

Frida Kahlo Museum - Inside of Kahlo’s former home, a small museum dedicated to her life and work. I am so sad we didn’t make it here, but it is on our list for next time.

Centro Historico - (Where we stayed) - In the afternoon, make your way to the Centro Historico, Mexico City’s historic center. This is one of the largest and most well-preserved historic centers in the Americas. The area is full of colonial-style buildings, plazas, and churches.

Museo Nacional de Antropologia - We didn’t make it to this because it was closed on Monday (and I didn’t look ahead at the schedule ahead of time), but I know it’s a must for our next trip to Mexico City. The museum is massive and has an impressive collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. Everyone we talked to around the city said we had to go. Don’t make the same mistake I did, add it to your itinerary and look at the schedule ahead of time.

Stroll through Zocalo - This is the largest square in Latin America and is surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. A great place to people-watch and just take in the atmosphere of Mexico City.

Our favorite coffee, food, + sights in Chicago, IL

Josiah and I lived in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago for about three years and this city still has a special place in our hearts. We’ve gone back quite a bit over the last 7 years since we moved, but because the city is ever changing I collaborated with my friend Alex who only recently moved from Chicago (after living there for 10 years), to create a list of all the top coffee, food, + sights we would recommend if you find yourself in the windy city. I hope you enjoy!

Coffee

Metric -  If you’re looking for really good, locally roasted coffee, this is the place. No indoor seating so not necessarily a destination in colder weather, but if the weather is in your favor, sitting in the patio with a coffee is one of my favorite ways to start a Saturday.

Dayglow - Located between the Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods, this shop is another great option for pour overs. They source from roasters all over the world and have 6-8 options available at a time.

Gaslight Coffee - A great shop to grab a drip coffee or latte and post up to get some work done.

Colectivo - There are a few locations around the city, but when I lived in Chicago,  their Logan Square locations was a place I frequented often! They have great coffee drinks, pastries, + sandwiches. Their branding is very playful and bold which I really appreciate. Their patio is large and perfect for people watching, working, or just getting together with a few friends.  It does get pretty busy on the weekend, but I find that if I’ve rarely struggled to find a spot to sit on weekdays.

Prequel Coffee - Adorably decorated and perfect for setting up and getting work done or leisurely reading. If you find yourself around the Ukranian Village area this is a good option (walkable from Metric if you want to hop from one to the next).

Printer’s Row Coffee Co. - Great coffee option on the north side of the city.

Backlot - My (Alex’s) all around favorite coffee shop. The friendliest baristas, rotating local art on display, bright, happy atmosphere, delicious seasonal drinks, great donuts.

Beans & Bagels - High quality coffee, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries in a quirky, cozy spot. They are a highly sustainable coffee shop - BYO mug if you have one!

Heritage Outpost - The Uptown location, on Lawrence Ave, is possibly the most beautiful indoor spot to drink coffee in the city. The coffee shop is located inside an upscale apartment building that has been restored to its art deco glory where coffee shop patrons can enjoy the gorgeous lobby. 

Magnifico - A small, Columbian-owned, family-run coffee shop and roastery with great Columbian pastries. I recommend the guava and cheese bun with your coffee.

Side Practice - A Filipino-owned coffee shop with interesting flavors like Ube and Banana lattes. The space is eclectic and fun, but it is in the garden level, so it’s more of a “cool, moody basement” vibe than “bright and airy”.

Food

Casual

En Hakkore - This was my introduction to Korean BBQ, but it’s still one of my favorites. 

Noon O’ Kabob - One of my favorite super casual Mediterranean restaurants in Albany park. The food is always fresh and affordable. 

Fruit Paradise - Our first Chicago apartment was right around the corner from their first location and they were open late so we made many late night runs for smoothie bowls + empanadas at a great price. 

Gotham Bagel - This hidden gem is tucked in the back of another restaurant in the Gold Coast neighborhood. if you’re in need of a filling breakfast sandwich pop in and snag any of their bagel sandwiches. The wait can be long on a weekend so try to get there early. 

Antique Taco - A trendy hipster taco spot that has some really delicious taco options. 

Seoul Taco - An Asian fusion taco restaurant that provides some fun options. 

Furious Spoon A hip-hop Ramen bar that has amazing food and a fun atmosphere. 

Portillos - They claim to serve up unrivaled Chicago street food and I am not one to argue with them. I love the jumbo hot dog with everything on it, cheese fries, and the chopped salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent their chocolate cake shake is to-die-for!

Bagel Miller - Cute, fun, bright spot with incredible bagels and you absolutely need to try the pastrami.

Small Cheval - A super paired down version of the famous Au Cheval, minus the hours-long wait. All three of their menu items are great (burgers, fries, milkshakes). 

Andy’s Sunflower Cafe inside Go Grocer by Montrose Beach - Spend the morning at Montrose beach and then pop by this cafe for some breakfast sandwiches and thank me later.

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club - Always busy but usually not a super long wait. Fun, family friendly vibes with American meets Korean meets Mexican brunch food. They have great sweet options and savory options - my favorite is the Pajun Pancake. 

Parsons - Just really solid fried chicken and fish in a trendy and fun atmosphere that appeals to both adults and kids. I highly recommend trying one of their rotating frozen cocktails. 

Lonesome Rose - Hearty, modern tex-mex food with great margs. I love the Crunchy Beefy Quesorita and the frozen mezcal margarita. The environment is fun and lively. 

Cafe Tola - If you’ve never tried an empanada, you definitely need to go to Cafe Tola and try the Green Spicy Pork one. Cafe Tola is counter-service and easy for a quick bite or food with kids.

Fancy

Lula Cafe - I struggle to put this under “fancy” because the atmosphere is relatively casual, but the prices feel a bit higher so it’s not an everyday destination. Inventive, mostly organic food in a casual, funky space, best known for their weekend brunch.

Ema - We went here for our second anniversary and it was the perfect elevated meal. A Mediterranean tapas place that has a wide selection. 

Beatrix - One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago! A new American spot that is the perfect place for every meal of the day. They have a wide variety of offerings on their menu, but the Shakshuka is one that I think about often. Their drinks are incredible as well. They have a great happy hour (or at least they used to!)

Daisie’s - Coffee shop/work space by day, upscale restaurant by night. The pastries, coffee and meals are great in a cozy setting.

The Warbler - In the unassuming neighborhood of Lincoln Square, The Warbler is cute and cozy yet very approachable. Their Supper Club (available 4:30-6:00pm Monday-Friday) is a really fun way to try a lot of dishes. I recommend trying one of their cocktails, the nachos, a vegetable dish and some of their homemade pasta.

Pizzeria Portofino - This place is a really fun way to take advantage of the Chicago Riverfront. Good wine and good pizza in a setting that feels elevated and unique.  

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen - Small-ish modern, yet warm, space. The chili salt chicken is lifechanging, and everything else we’ve tried is great.

Duck Duck Goat - A higher price point but well worth it, perfect for a birthday or other celebration. Truly everything we’ve tried has been amazing. 

Blue Door Kitchen - The dinner menu is a bit spendy, but I’ve had their drinks and dessert and both are incredible. 

Sweets 

Doughnut Vault - You’ve gotta get the old fashioned donuts - any flavor!

Stan’s Donuts - The Biscoff Pocket Donut is the main reason to pop by one of their many Chicago locations. 

Floriole - Traditional French pastries and sandwiches in a beautiful cafe. It’s fairly pricey but worth it. I recommend trying literally any of their pastries, or the Parisian sandwich. 

Lost Larson - A Swedish bakery and cafe. The cardamom bun is incredible, or try a slice of the Princess Cake.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits - Just straight up amazing pies. Everything is amazing but if you’re a key lime fan, definitely give that one a try. 

DoRite Donuts - Highly controversial but I (Alex) think these are the best donuts in Chicago. My favorite is the old fashioned with chocolate frosting.

Sights

This is in no way shape or form comprehensive, but a few of the Chicago-y things that we (both Alex + Jenna) enjoyed during our time living there.

Take a Water Taxi to Chinatown - This is such a fun way to see the city via the river.

Architecture tour - I only just went on one of these, but it was absolutely worth it. It was a great way to see the city and the stories the tour guide offered were really engaging. 

Millennium Park / Grant Park - An obvious suggestion, but it’s still a great stop if you’re exploring Chicago. 

Montrose Beach & Bird Sanctuary - This was one of our (Jenna) favorite ways to spend a weekend morning. I mean, who doesn’t love the beach??

Olive Park - Located right by Navy Pier this little park offers some of the most stunning views of the city. 

Rent kayaks - One of my (Alex) very favorite ways to see the city! I recommend going on your own/with just your party, but guided tours are also available.

Wander Around Andersonville - Great shopping and food, be sure to hit up The Understudy, a super cool, super trendy independent bookstore with a great coffee shop inside. Andersonville Galleria is a 3 story indoor market with tons of cool arts and other made things. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Andersonville include Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Parsons Chicken & Fish for trendy fried food). 

Wander Wicker Park - More great food, coffee and shopping in a quirky neighborhood. If you like secondhand stores, check out Crossroads Trading Co and Buffalo Exchange. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Wicker Park include Stan’s Donuts, Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Antique Taco).

Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory - A free zoo! A free indoor botanical garden! Right next to each other! Plan to either circle around forever looking for parking, pay $28 for it, or take public transit.

Tuna Noodle Casserole For That Random Craving

The much wordier title for this post would have been The-Tuna-Noodle-Casserole-for-when-you-want-something-comforting-but-you-also-want-to-eat-some-veggies-because-you’re-an-adult-and-its-the-responsible-thing-to-do. Buttttt let’s focus on the craving part of this casserole because that was really the catalyst for its creation.

I don’t know what came over me the other day. I would never consider myself a casserole person, but I had picked up some Banza pasta and a few cans of tuna from Costco and every time I caught a glimpse of them in the pantry I couldn’t shake the idea of turning them into a tuna noodle casserole.

I don’t know that tuna casserole is something I grew up with (correct me if I’m wrong mom?). I don’t even know that I can recall many, if any, times in my life I had eaten tuna noodle, so this craving really caught me off guard.

To satisfy the craving though, as mysterious as it was, while simultaneously respecting my adult desire to squeeze veggies into every meal I created this healthy riff on the classic that I may or may not have grown up with and I am certain it will be a staple from here on out. So here you go, a comforting casserole that also feels like a nourishing option for a weeknight dinner that reheats well as lunch the next day.

I used Banza pasta because I like the added protein and fiber it brings, but feel free to use another pasta if you prefer.

Tuna Noodle Casserole For That Random Craving

• 10 ounces dry Banza rotini pasta

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1 white onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour

• 1 3/4 cup whole milk (unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk work well too)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 3/4 cup cup grated cheddar cheese

• 2 (7 ounce) cans tuna, drained

• 1 1/2 cup frozen peas

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

  For the topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon butter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Spray a 2-quart baking dish or 9x9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, or grease with olive oil. Or use a 12 inch cast iron like I did.

Boil the noodles until al dente, according to the directions on the package. Once done cooking, drain and set aside.

Cook your onions: Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add in 1 tablespoon butter. Once butter melts, add in the mushrooms, onions, thyme and salt and pepper. Stir occasionally until mushrooms and onions are cooked down about 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

In the same skillet you cooked the onions, add in 2 tablespoons of butter and place over medium heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in a little bit of the flour and then slowly add in the milk, a little bit at a time, alternating with the flour and vigorously whisking away any lumps. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens up. If it gets too thick, add in ¼ cup more milk.

Once thick, turn off the heat and stir in garlic powder, parmesan cheese. salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Stir in cooked noodles, onions and onion mixture, drained tuna, peas, and spinach. Season again with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture into your prepared baking pan.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top of casserole and bake for 20-30 minutes. Remove from the oven and enjoy!