A Day of Hooky
By Jennifer Olvera, Contributor
Cubicle life turns us all into drones, but you don't have to get stuck in a rut. Don't tell your boss, but we’ve mapped out a 9-5 itinerary of neighborhood tours, spa treatments and lunch with the ladies for the perfect day of hooky.
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The Phoenix Restaurant
2131 S Archer Ave Ste 2, Chicago, IL
9am: There's no better--or more festive way--to start the day than with dim sum from this casual, second-floor Chinatown eatery. As servers whiz by with steaming, fried and sticky specialties, you can score out-of-this world barbecue pork buns encased in flaky pastry. -
Joy Yee's Noodle Shop
2159 S China Pl, Chicago, IL
11am: After moseying around the neighborhood, veer toward this Pan-Asian eatery to pick up a refreshing, unusual, booze-free beverage. The extensive (almost dizzying) array of sips includes a jack fruit and tapioca freeze, green bean milk tea and watermelon shaved ice. -
David Barton Gym
600 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
12pm: Challenging, chuckle-inducing classes make working off the morning’s treats a lesser chore. Although classes rotate, common midday options are strength training (ASSolutely ABBulous), weight training (Pain & Pleasure) or a chest, shoulders, abs, biceps and quads-focused workout (Full Frontal). If all else fails, you’re sure to enjoy watching the pretty people. -
Reagle Beagle
160 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
1pm: Relive your youth at this throwback that mimics a rec room—complete with basement-worthy seating, framed photos of ’70s sitcom stars and music from back in the day. Go for broke and order Swiss fondue, followed by white and chocolate fondue with fruit and angel food cake for swirling. -
Ruby Room
1743-45 W Division St, Chicago, IL
2pm: This Bucktown spot aims to be a one-stop, spirit-lifting shop. Start by perusing the apothecary to score high-end beauty products. Afterwards, relax with a Crystalssage, a treatment that uses crystals and essential oils to relive stress and anxiety. -
Reckless Records
1532 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL
4pm: Continue your journey by flipping though discs at one of the city’s preeminent new and used record stores. Known for carrying local indie labels, underground zines and hard-to-find vinyl, it’s a music lover’s dream. -
Iggy's
800 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
5pm: Cap your day with an oversized ‘tini from this off-kilter spot that’s outfitted with sock monkey photos and vintage film posters. If you happen to get the munchies, edgy servers will satiate pangs with artichoke fritters, barbecue free range chicken and mac and cheese.
