Last Updated On: August 14, 2017
State Street in Chicago is such a historically famous street. To be honest, it doesn’t have the over the top shopping experience like Michigan Avenue. However, State Street is an amazing street to see and do some really great things. This girl’s guide will help you plan out a fun girl’s day with the best things to experience on State Street.
Morning
Start your morning at Pickwick Coffee, just off Jackson and State Street. Trust me, it’s worth going just to snap a picture of the cutest coffee shop in the alley. Plus you will want to start your day with some great coffee. If the weather is nice you can also enjoy your coffee on their patio.
State Street does have some great stores to shop including Macy’s on State Street. If you haven’t been to Macy’s you definitely should start there, you have to go see this historical building, especially during the holidays. They have beautiful holiday window displays and 8 floors of shopping to enjoy. After Macy’s, if you have time before lunch you might want to stop by H&M, TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack, and Block 37 to do some more shopping. All of these places are located right by Macy’s on State Street.
Afternoon/Lunch
For lunch, I suggest either Atwood Cafe’ or Latinicity. Atwood Cafe’ is a little more upscale and Latinicity is a fun, food hall and lounge, with a twist on Latin street food. You can’t go wrong with either one but if you want to try Atwood Cafe’ I would suggest making a reservation using open table.
However, during the holiday season, if you haven’t been I REALLY suggest having lunch at the Walnut Room at Macy’s. It’s been a famous holiday tradition since they opened in 1907. They have a beautiful, huge Christmas tree in the middle of the restaurant and it’s just a lovely place to go for a traditional holiday lunch.
If you would like to eat at the Walnut Room, I would suggest that when you get to Macy’s to do some shopping, head up to the seventh floor first to put your name on the list for lunch. You will probably have a two-hour wait on the weekends, so you can shop while you wait. They do not take reservations during the holiday season.
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Save some room for dessert because after lunch you have to stop by Magnolia Bakery for a yummy cupcake. Made famous by Sex and the City and their adorable bakery in NYC, you will want to stop by this cozy and vintage style bakery shop for a sweet afternoon treat.
In the afternoon, you could continue to shop or make a reservation for afternoon tea or have an afternoon cocktail at either the Palmer House or the Virgin Hotel. Both are completely different hotels. The Palmer House is a beautiful and historic hotel that is worth going just to see the stunning architecture and lobby of this hotel. The Virgin Hotel is super trendy with a 60’s style theme throughout the hotel.
- Afternoon tea at the Palmer House is $40 per person and is from 2 pm to 4 pm.
- Afternoon tea at the Virgin Hotel is $35 person and is from 2 pm to 5 pm.
If you are interested in having cocktails you can enjoy a drink in the lobby of the Palmer House or at the Common Club on the 2nd floor of the Virgin Hotel.
You might also like A Girl’s Guide to Afternoon Tea in Chicago
Evening
There are quite a few options for you to enjoy your evening on State Street. There are three great rooftops nearby that are all really popular. Cerise at the Virgin Hotel, the Roof at The Wit, or Raised at The Renaissance Hotel. Cerise is really fun and trendy, the Roof is definitely more of a nightclub, and Raised has a great view of the Chicago river.
Since you are going to be on State Street you could also enjoy a show at The Chicago Theatre or the Goodman Theatre. Or if you are feeling a little tired and want to relax you could also do dinner and a movie at the AMC in Block 37.
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A Girl’s Guide to a Day on State Street
