Our staff knows just where to go!

Getting off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems is one of the wonders of travel. But how do you find those special places? Ask a local. Burnham Hotel helps you make the most of your Chicago stay by sharing our staff's favorite picks and insider tips.

We asked our intrepid staff: If you had only two days in Chicago, what would you do? Take a peek, have some fun and Live Like a Local.

Eat

Chef Derek Simcik - Local for 2 years
Executive Chef, Atwood Cafe

• Atwood Cafe: From egg dishes, to salads and sandwiches, to our creative take on pastas, steaks and seafood, you'll make a new discovery with each visit.

• With four smoke-houses, a sausage kitchen, and a roomy retail space; Paulina Market is one of the biggest and most popular meat markets in the Chicago.

Drink

Damien Palladino - Local for 7 years
General Manager, Atwood Cafe

• Atwood Cafe: Be sure to stop in for Spirit Craftsman Ramon Anguiano’s perfectly made concoctions!

• The best wine and cheese parings can be found at Pastoral in the Chicago French Market.

Wellness

Emil Encarnado - Local for 2 years
Guest Service Agent

• Go and experience the profound benefits of the ultimate relaxation and self-exploration tool.

• Practicing yoga not only increases our supplies of oxygen, but it also teaches us how to use that oxygen properly.

Retail Therapy

Keith Shanders - Local for 16 years
Server, Atwood cafe

• One of the largest and best places to do your antique shopping!

• Tweet serves you a wide range of both classic and non-traditional dishes made from fresh, organic-when-possible ingredients; perfect after a day of antiquing!

Play

Reggie Griffith - Local for 5 years
Bell Captain

• The NBA strike is over! Go see a Bulls game!

• Before or after the game, you must check out Shaw’s Crab house.

One of a Kind

Erin Orr - Local for 5 years
Host; Atwood Cafe

• The Renegade Craft Fair is a large-scale and free-to-attend marketplace event!

• Whether you call yourself a Chicagoan or are just visiting for the weekend, the League of Chicago Theatres is your source for Chicago theater.