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At this shop, vintage and antique clothing, jewelry, and furniture are meticulously labeled with price, size, and decade.

This sleek, striking,ultra-modern hotel opened in 2003. Spectacular views, sumptuous feather beds, and private baths and showers feature in every room.

This small, aluminum-clad nightclub forgoes dancing, and instead focuses on the pure enjoyment of the music. In fact, every visual aspect here serves to enhance the fantastic audio system: padded walls absorb sound, while the square-cut metal ceiling tiles diffuse it throughout the room. The sonic theme is further complemented by sleek steel and cool gray décor.

How ironic that this bustling arts and community center, which serves a largely African-American demographic, began in 1905 as an exclusive country club that barred minority members. Designed by the team who later worked on the elegant Drake Hotel (see The Drake), this grand Mediterranean-style structure was bought and lovingly restored by the Chicago Park District when the country club fizzled out in the 1970s. Extravagant landscaping and flower beds complete the pretty picture, making it a popular spot for weddings and festivals, as well as for all kinds of performances and classes. Its golf course, nature park, and the public beach behind it add to its many draws.

During the day, this is a laid-back bar: at night, a rowdy young crowd covets turns at the four hand-set bowling lanes.

California chef Wolfgang Puck spins off a Chicago Spago to much acclaim. An open kitchen showcases the cooks preparing the east-west fusion fare.

Here, Judaica in forms ranging from cartoons to ancient Torah scrolls comprise a lively, multi-faceted retelling of Jewish history and culture. The museum’s Zell Holocaust Memorial was the first such permanent installation in the US, while the Artifact Center gets kids involved in unearthing the past in a hands-on “archeological dig”.

One of Boys Town’s most diverse clubs: gay, lesbian, bi, and straight crowds mingle at this dance club and lounge.

Spring brings the sort of fine cooking you’d expect only to find downtown out to Northside’s bohemian Wicker Park. Occupying a former bathhouse, the sunken feng-shui-inspired interior makes for a chic gourmet experience. The menu features seafood prepared with Asian flair and a light approach.

Comfort food, like macaroni cheese and apple pie, is the draw at this family-friendly spot. The all you-can-eat brunch gets packed.