Visit Klas

While technically just outside the city, Klas is too good a find to leave out. Opened in 1922, Klas is chock full of history, and also stuffed vultures. Originally opened up as an ice cream shop by its founder, Klas was at different points, a speakeasy, a brothel, a gambling outfit and a favorite hangout of gangster Al Capone. Now it’s just an out-of-the-way Chicago secret, full of beautiful mahogany wood, a gorgeous dining room with beautiful murals, and the occasional site of one of those looking-for-ghosts-with-cameras TV shows. If you can, get someone to give you the tour—it’s definitely worth it.
But if not, sit down in the beer garden and grab one of the waiter’s recommended pints. True to their Czech roots, the beer there is fantastic. The food is doughy and Czech and in my opinion an acquired taste (read gross) but if you’re interested in what Czech food is like, now’s your chance. Either way it’s a fantastic experience for anyone to have, and a great slice of Chitown history.