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This lofty space is a triple pleasure, with its high-end restaurant, casual café, and sociable wine bar. The large, zinc-topped oval bar is a lively setting for couples to share conversation and a cocktail, or for singles to mingle. “Wine flights” are a must-try, offering four half-glasses of different, but related, wines.

Foodies and the fashion set both agree on Blackbird, an eatery that sports minimalist decor and shoves the tables so close together that eavesdropping becomes part of the experience. Chef Paul Kahan generates the buzz, preparing sophisticated American dishes with French leanings. Menus change seasonally but reservations are perennially a must.

This store’s lovingly restored 1913 Moorish-style building is an attraction in its own right. Inside there’s a sleek, four-level atrium with home decor departments that sell everything from high-thread-count bedding to chic cook-ware and top-quality furniture.

Located in the former studios of Chess Records, where blues greats from Muddy Waters to Willie Dixon once recorded, Blues Heaven has an interesting collection of records, photos, and stage costumes dedicated to Chicago’s blues style and its performers. Chess music plays on the PA, and there are occasional live performances. Rock aficionados will note the address is the namesake of a Rolling Stones song.

Strolling down North Halsted Street, it’s fairly evident you’re in Chicago’s gay neighborhood when you hit shops called Gay Mart, Cupid’s Treasures, and a club named Manhole. Just 30 years ago, this area – officially East Lakeview – was pretty shabby, the bars were without signs, and parking was a cinch. But now buzzing Boys Town is gay central – by day and by night.