My family and I were scanning our menus at a restaurant in Downtown Disney. I was probably in middle school, looking for the food item that contained the most cheese possible. Our waiter came along and greeted us happily, and the minute we started ordering beverages he stopped us – “Lemme guess, Chicago?”
I was baffled. How was it possible this man knew we were from Chicago? My parents laughed, acknowledging the prominence of our Chicago accents. Our waiter jaunted away to grab our drinks and I stared at my parents with my eyes bulging out of their sockets. I had no idea us Chicagoan’s had accents. This blaring memory of insecurity was only temporary, as I have always been glad to come from a city with such rich culture and history.
My dad constantly likes to remind me, the morning after the Chicago fire, the city was up and about rebuilding and planning. Chicago had a Midwestern work ethic with a good mix of its own kind of crazy – it still does.
Growing up near the city left me with an exposure to all that Chicago has to offer. There is really something for everyone, including motorcycle enthusiasts. As a Chicago native, I want to pinpoint some of the best motorcycle related events, restaurants and shops in Chicagoland, while emphasizing some of the other hidden gems the city has to offer.
Chicago has a number of ideal restaurants for those who love to ride. Twisted Spoke is a favorite of my family’s and is easy to spot with its iconic skeleton riding a motorcycle.
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with highly reviewed Bloody Mary’s, notoriously good food and a motorcycle theme – Twisted Spoke is the place to be. As for local gems, this restaurant is just down the road from Great Lakes Tattoos – a place that specializes in Traditional American tattoos with some of the best artists around. So, after you fill your belly, you’ll be all set to get some ink.
Another great choice if you’re looking for a moto-themed bite to eat is the Five Star Bar, which hosts Motorcycle Monday’s and leaves you ready to come back for Taco Tuesday’s. With some of the most reasonably priced meals available in the city, along with the excellent selection of drinks and motorcycle atmosphere, you will definitely want to check out the Five Star Bar.
Located in West Town, this restaurant is in one of my personal favorite areas of the city. From the outstanding sweets and Dark Matter coffee served at West Town Bakery, to the vintage motorcycle gear found at Tarnish – the best kind of thrift store for a motorcycle enthusiast. West Town is quaint and exotic in a way that only Chicago can accomplish.
If you’re belly is full and you’re on the prowl for some motorcycle apparel and gear, Motoworks Chicago, Dainese Chicago and Chicago Harley-Davidson are all great options. Motoworks is where you’ll want to go if you’re searching for a new bike, and Dainese is where you’ll want to head for gear-centered options. Meanwhile, Chicago Harley-Davidson, located in Wrigleyville, is a great place to check out first thing in the morning. With Do-Rite Donuts just next door and a coffee bar inside the Harley dealer, it’s a great location to sit and enjoy the city while surrounded by motorcycles, riding gear and apparel.
If you’re a Chicago local or even a tourist to the area in search of a motorcycle event or ride, Chi-town has plenty to offer. From long-distance trips like a Route 66 Guided-Tour to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show held in Rosemont annually, there is always something motorcycle-related to do and see in the Chicagoland area. A little bit of digging, and you’ll be sure to find the right event or ride for you.
Many of these events are hosted by Harley dealers in the Chicagoland area. With the overflow of ongoings in Chicago, the best way to keep up to date with moto events is to follow your favorite dealers, restaurants and shops on social media – show your support while scoring memorable nights at outstanding riding events, that’s the best way to be involved in the riding community.
As a Chicago native, I can say with confidence that these suggestions are not exhaustive, as there is always something new and exciting popping up in the city. If you know of more motorcycle gems that I missed out on mentioning, feel free to comment or message me and I’ll be happy to write an updated “Ride On, Chicago” post in the future! Want to know of more exciting places to check out as a Midwestern motorcyclist? Keep an eye out for next Thursday’s post as I begin my weekend adventure to Milwaukee. Until then, as always, ride on!
the feminist motorist 