On the Map – TeaGschwendner

Located at the intersection of State and Division, TeaGschwendner is arguably the best specialty tea shop in Chicago. With an entire wall of boxes filled with various tea types, color-coded for easy browsing, we leave with at least our favorites (Le Touareg – the best mint green tea we’ve ever tasted and (tea) Earl Grey (hot) No. 69 – an old classic heavy on the bergamot), as well as a couple of mini-sampler bags that the always-friendly staff stuff to the gills with teas you’d like to try before you buy. Taste test their brewed samples and check out that façade – it definitely stands out on this block in the bustling Gold Coast neighborhood! <3 :)

On the Map – Skylark

Located at Halsted and Cermak in Chicago, Skylark is a favorite dive of Craftsquatch. A little gritty and a lot dark, this bar has a solid selection of craft beers and the best tots and sauce in town. The bartender’s music of choice usually features distorted guitar and we don’t mind. After a few Three Floyds and a black-and-white Photobooth session, you begin to love the noise and appreciate the ambiance.