The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

Chicago Insider
Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›Chicago Insider: Katie Leimkuehler on Pequod’s pizza, Akira fashion and her favorite Thai and karaoke spots

Chicago Insider: Katie Leimkuehler on Pequod’s pizza, Akira fashion and her favorite Thai and karaoke spots

By TheRealChicagoOnline
June 25, 2014
1002
0
Share:

Name: Katie Leimkuehler Katie Leimkuehler - web

Occupation: Author of Shy Town Girls.

How long you’ve lived here: Seven years. It’s crazy how time flies!

What you like best about Chicago: You can’t beat summer in Chicago. Nothing compares. The city comes alive unlike any other place. It’s definitely the best three months of the year. I also love the people in this city. The friendly Midwestern attitude is at the heart of the people who live here.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Hands down Pequod’s Pizza. I’m a huge pizza fan, and I can never get enough of theirs. Pepperoni, green peppers and onions is a recipe for deliciousness!

Kirkwood 2

Kirkwood

Favorite big-name restaurant: Tavernita. I love the tapas-style food and the ambiance.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: Sai Mai Thai. It’s a fabulous little Thai place right around the corner from me on Armitage that has the most amazing food including their pad Thai and Panang curry. I would be lying if I said they didn’t know me there.

Best sports bar to catch the game: Kirkwood. It’s always a great crowd of people with a fun and lively atmosphere, especially in the summer. They have one of the best outdoor patios.

A great night out with friends usually includes… A BYOB restaurant or grabbing dinner and margaritas at Cesar’s and then hitting up Four Farthings for karaoke. It’s a deadly combination, but always an entertaining one!

Akira xx for web

Akira

Favorite store or best shopping area: I adore Akira and Pipers Boutique. Their style is right up my alley — classy, chic and stylish.

The best way to spend a summer Saturday in the city: First off, there is no place like Chicago in the summer. It’s essentially spring break 2.0 for adults. Head to North Avenue Beach and play a pick-up game of volleyball, or better yet, drinking beer and boating on the lake. How can you beat that?

One thing every visitor must do here: Grab drinks at the J. Parker rooftop. It has a fabulous view of the skyline with even better cocktails.

Secret Chicago spot: Nike Training Club on Armitage in Lincoln Park. They offer free fitness classes for women above their store every week. It’s an incredibly warm and welcoming place.

Underrated activity in the city: Segway tours. They are actually a lot of fun and a cool way to see the sights of the city.

And the bonus question…. What’s one place you hear great things about but have yet to try? Eataly. I’ve been to the one in New York, but haven’t made it to the new one in Chicago. I can’t wait to check it out.

TagsAkiraCesar's ChicagoEatalyFour FarthingsJ. ParkerKatie LeimkuehlerKirkwoodNorth Avenue BeachPequod'sSai Mai ThaiShy Town GirlsTavernita
Previous Article

Signature Dishes: The buffalo chicken rolls and ...

Next Article

The Tall Ship Windy: Your summer plans ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • General Features

    The rise of the Boka Restaurant Group: Its domination of Chicago’s food scene continues

    September 5, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Sun and fun: Five must-do activities now that Chicago’s best season is upon us

    June 14, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Seven things I’m looking forward to this summer in Chicago

    April 2, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    The Chicago Insider: Luis Torres

    January 16, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • We Ask, They Answer

    We Ask, They Answer: Craft beer Q&A with Bruce White, who combines his two passions with the Chicago Beer Experience ...

    July 12, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • My Chicago

    My Chicago: When the weather is nice, where is your favorite place to take a stroll in the city?

    May 18, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownOldThe Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Relationship rejuvenation: Try these unique ideas for adding some romance and fun

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login