If you’re in the mood to time travel, the bad news is… AI can’t do that for us, yet. 😅 But the good news is… Chicago has quite a nice retro scene. Stopping by some of these places may help you relive your glory days, or maybe even your parents’ glory days- or just enjoy simpler times.
When you need a break from the nonstop nature of modern day life, stop by one of these spots on this list. Maybe even make a crawl out of it!
Where are your fav old-school style spots? Here is my roundup of my favorite ‘retro’ places in Chicago. Keep the conversation going in the DMs and maybe we will make a little part 2!
In no particular order, THE DEETS:
Avondale Bowl– Cutest little upstairs bowling alley. There is a bar, but there are not bumpers. Hot tip-on Wednesdays, they have a happy hour! 1/2 off bowling and shoes.
Consignment Lounge This is one of the most interesting bars in Chicago, in my opinion! If you like, ‘the treasure hunt’ of thrifting- this bar is going to be heaven to you. My husband actually bought that basketball hoop print. It now hangs in our bathroom! ha Sit in this back room on the couch, if available!
Club Lucky Sinatra style Italian. Retro environment. Also, has an amazing dirty martini, if that’s your jam!
Kitsch’n on Roscoe Amazing Sunday morning brunch option on the coziest of all Chicago streets, Roscoe. Kiddie corner from Shangri-La Vintage, as well, if you want to make a day of it!
Margie’s Candies Oh my god. If you’re a Chicagoan, and you have not yet been to Margie’s- this is your homework. It’s the best. Old school soda fountain vibes. Feels kinda haunted because it’s so old. You can get a sundae with like 495 scoops it in. Are you sold?! My mother-in-law definitely is! lol 🍨
The Original Pancake House Another great weekend breakfast spot- the classics, the dutch babies, hell yeah. Locations in Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Hyde Park, Orland Park, and Oak Forest. I borrowed this cute photo from their gram!
Lost Girls Vintage 2 locations, Logan Square and West Town. If you enter this store in a shitty mood, I can guarantee you will leave feeling happy. Shout out to @marissaprovenzale for the cute shots!
Spinning J This retro soda fountain + pie shop rec coming in hot from my friend, Claude! She says to get the Smoked Trout Biyali, Thai Tea Egg Cream Soda, and whatever the rotating pie is- can’t go wrong!
Doves Luncheonette Another kinda retro style diner- my friend, Lamb says, “Tell everyone to get the mezcal shots with sangrita!!” The tlayuda and pancakes are amazing if they are on the menu when you go!
The Freeze Oh man, a Logan Square summer staple. We just have to pray that it re-opens, with the new buyer! Manifest it, everyone!!!!
And Lastly, Blue Line Lounge for a nightcap! This bar has been one I’ve heard about for ~10 years, but I just went in for the first time recently! Amazing vibe and energy. Equally amazing, unique flavored martinis! Pro tip- on Wednesdays, all specialty martinis are $8. Photo from blue line Lounges website- TYSM!
Tag / message me if you visit any of these spots, or if you have a retro weekend crawl! 😊 Stay groovy, out there, folks. 🕺
