Happy Anniversary, Hood!

This time last October my apartment was a mess of boxes and I was new to the North side. One year later I've settled into my little tree fort and neighborhood. To celebrate our year together I thought I'd share a few Ravenswood recommendations...

Eats/drinks:

FOUNTAINHEAD | 1970 W Montrose

With a multi-page beer list, warm wood decor and working fireplace Fountainhead is my favorite place to be on a chilly Chicago evening. Try the smoked Mac & Cheese. Trust me.

TIZTEL CAFE | 4631 N Clark

This casual cafe happens to be located just around the corner from my place and offers a traditional brunch menu with a Mexican twist. If that alone doesn't sell you there's never a wait to be seated (a brunch anomaly in Chicago).

BEANS & BAGELS | 1812 W Montrose  
Unpretentiously cute and conveniently located next to the Brown Line it's not unheard of to run into Mayor Emanuel while picking up your morning latte. 

MIXTECO | 1601 W Montrose
With an ever-evolving menu Mixteco succeeds in serving upscale Mexican cuisine in a boisterous BYOB atmosphere. While I'm not a frequent patron I've never had anything less than amazing.

MARMALADE (image via >>> Chopped Foodie) | 1969 W Montrose
This place is new to the neighborhood and I tried the Sweet and Tart Roasted Pear French Toast a few weekends ago...I'll be back!

THE LONG ROOM | 1612 W Irving Park
Dimly lit with deco inspired dive bar charm The Long Room was one of my favorite Chicago bars looong before I moved to the north side. It's nice that it's only a short walk away now.


Spots:
CHASE PARK | 4701 North Ashland
This blah brick building is home to an outdoor running track, tennis courts, and POOL (please forget you read this by next summer, the less people that know about it the more likely I am to score a reclining chair)! I spent most of July parked on deck or in the water.

LILLSTREET ART CENTER | 4401 N Ravenswood
Lillstreet offers a wide range of classes and while a 10 week course may seem a bit pricey they give you full access to the studios during open hours (of which there are plenty). Anyone that ever went to art school will feel at home in the 3-story studio space.

ARCHITECTURAL ARTIFACTS | 4325 N Ravenswood
80,000 square feet filled with unique museum-quality antiques. While purchasing anything is pretty much out of the question (unless you're the market for a $15K clock face from a bell tower) looking is free and it's easy to lose an hour or so wandering around.

HAZEL | 1902 W Montrose
This cutesy card shop is the best place to pick up last minute gifts (and maybe a little something for yourself). They carry work by several local artists, one of a kind jewelry, and fun home stuffs.

Come up and visit!