After-Words

“There are so few independently owned bookstores left in Chicago (or in any big city in America, for that matter), and this one is great because they’re open until 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends-—in case you get lost in the incomparable smell of a good old bookstore. Here, you can find new and used books of all kinds from poetry, photography, and philosophy to cookbooks and children’s books.” -Yaya Dacosta
Address
23 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611Contact
312.464.1110http://www.after-wordschicago.com/
3 Arts Club Cafe

“This place falls somewhere between restaurant, wine bar, lounge, and garden. My favorite spot is sitting on a comfy couch in a corner, under the crystal chandelier, with a view of their huge stone fountain. The trees are lit by the sun through the massive glass roof and it is truly a mini oasis in a big city. It doesn’t hurt that the food is exceptionally well done, either.” -Yaya Dacosta
Karyn’s

“Among the health conscious in Chicago, Karyn is a legend. Her restaurant is divided into two sections—one for cooked vegan food and one for raw food. Whenever I’m in the mood for some very clean and tasty cuisine, this is where I go. They really know how to make everything taste amazing and take the “bland” stigma away from healthy food. Her complex also happens to house a yoga studio, an oxygen chamber, a sauna, a colon hydrotherapy room, and a spa for facials, non-toxic mani-pedis, and massages. You can make a day out of it!” -Yaya Dacosta