Billy Lawless’s Guide to Chicago

by Natasha Wolff | December 6, 2017 11:00 am

Galway, Ireland, native Billy Lawless has five successful restaurants (Acanto, Beacon Tavern, Coda di Volpe, The Dawson and The Gage), a larger-than-life personality and a deep love for Chicago, the city he’s called home for 20 years. When he scores a rare moment of downtime, here’s where he’ll likely be.

Cup of Joe: At Caffe Streets[1] in Wicker Park, I chat with the owner, Darko, over a cortado. It’s also where I get the Metric coffee that we carry at a few of our restaurants.

Power Lunch: I’m usually hosting the power lunchers, but on the weekends I go to Spinning J[2] in Humboldt Park, where the housemade breads, scones and quiches are fantastic.

Cocktail Hour: I don’t drink but if I did I’d go to Delilah’s[3], the best whiskey dive bar in the city.

Retail Therapy: I enjoy chatting with Alex and longing over the beautiful watches at Geneva Seal[4], a family-owned jeweler in the Gold Coast.

Field Trip: We’re lucky the Art Institute[5] is steps away from both Acanto and The Gage. I love popping over for a few moments when I have a break.

Date Night: For the past few years the go-to has been Avec[6], where my wife and I enjoy a late dinner.

Hidden Gem: I head to Red Square Spa[7], the Russian and Turkish Baths in Wicker Park.

Main image credit: Galdones Photography

Endnotes:
  1. Caffe Streets: http://www.caffestreets.com/
  2. Spinning J: http://www.spinningj.com/
  3. Delilah’s: http://www.delilahschicago.com/
  4. Geneva Seal: http://www.genevaseal.com/
  5. Art Institute: http://www.artic.edu/
  6. Avec: http://www.avecrestaurant.com/
  7. Red Square Spa: http://redsquarechicago.com/

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