Local Deals for Chicago

Many Chicago river tours showcase Chicago's architecture, but very few actually take travelers straight from the water to see these famous buildings up close. With these unique new River Ride & City Walk Architecture Tours from the top-rated Shoreline Sightseeing, subscribers can be among the first to attend for $19 per person, regularly $39.

It's tough to beat a review like this: Chicago Magazine simply calls Carson's, the Place for Ribs, one of Chicago's best restaurants ever. With this exclusive deal for $59, regularly $92, two can enjoy a world-famous BBQ dinner along with drinks at what the Tribune calls "a Chicago staple."

The music of Mozart, Bach and Rachmaninoff will fill Orchestra Hall this Memorial Day. Box seats to hear the National Children's Festival Chorus and National Festival Chorus perform are 75% off.

Chicago Magazine recently named Bliss Spa in the AAA 4-Diamond W Chicago-Lakeshore the city's best for "Product Junkies." With this Local Deal, Travelzoo subscribers can visit this urban oasis with an exclusive offer: Apply your $149 voucher toward your choice of services and receive $100 worth of Bliss products and access to the luxe amenities.

CBS Chicago says Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club is one of the city's best wine bars, and Chicagoist calls the Loop locale a "hidden gem ... with a great menu and an amazing selection of wines." With this Local Deal, perfect for after-work drinks or a Saturday stop in the Loop, subscribers can enjoy two wine flights and a cheese-and-charcuterie platter for $28, regularly $57.

Zagat praises Bistro Voltaire across the board, calling attention to the "pure ... authentic" French fare with "delicate, refined flavors" and awarding it Very Good to Excellent (23) ratings for cuisine, decor and service. CBS Chicago agrees -- simply calling it one of the best bistros in Chicago. Two can savor a dinner here for $59, regularly $105, including glasses of sparkling wine.

Centerstage Chicago calls Soulistic Studio & Spa a "refreshing, luxe" escape, and Time Out Chicago enjoyed its visit, writing that "if memberships were available, we’d be regulars." But don't take it just from them -- a full 97% of Travelzoo subscribers who went there loved their visits, with one calling it "a hidden gem in the heart of Chicago." With this offer, spend a day at the spa including two treatments for $125, regularly $265.

The Cubs' season is in full swing, and rooftop tickets to weekend games through July and next week's Cubs/White Sox game are now $99, regularly $185. Take in amazing views of Wrigleyville and the city skyline while savoring unlimited food and drink, including bratwursts and beer, and enjoying America's past time.

Metromix calls Pars Cove, located just steps from Lincoln Park, an "intimate spot" with a Persian menu that Centerstage said "boasts flavors both familiar and daring." With this deal, two can dine on a four-course dinner with drinks for $49, regularly $104.

Located on the 66th and 67th floors of Willis Tower, The Metropolitan Club of Chicago has served as a highly exclusive dining room for the city's elite since opening in 1974. With this Local Deal, the Club is allowing nonmembers to enjoy dinner for two with commanding views of the Loop and Lake Michigan, for $89. Skydeck access before or after dinner is also available for just $10 more per person.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the world premiere of "Head of Passes" and tickets are now 60% off select performances through June. Chicago Tribune calls Tarell Alvin McCraney's play "well-worth-seeing, must-be-supported work of an extraordinarily gifted and ambitious writer."

Cast off from Belmont Harbor and cruise Lake Michigan in a sailboat with this exclusive deal from the top-rated Chicago Sailboat Charters, featured by the Chicago Reader in a summer activities story. Subscribers have the opportunity to take a semi-private cruise this summer -- two people can spend up to 2.5 hours on the water for $129.

Frommer's says the Palmer House retains "a Gilded Age aura" in its grand lobby, which carries over to the luxurious Balance Spa, and Fodor's calls the fitness center "state-of-the-art." For $85, Travelzoo subscriber can select either a massage or facial in addition to a signature pedicure, regularly up to $165 total.

The most recent Michelin Guide recommends iNG Restaurant on Fulton Market as a "playful and eccentric concept" that "walks the line between delicious and crazy," while The New York Times praises the cuisine that is "all over the map, in the best possible way." With this Local Deal, chef Homaro Cantu and his team will serve up a 10-course tasting menu with wine, cocktail and craft beer pairings for $99 per person. Book a table for two for $195.

The Chicago Sun-Times, The Washington Post and Outside Magazine all recommend trips from Wateriders as a great way to see Chicago from the river, and CBS' "The Early Show" listed it among The Best of the Windy City. With this offer, take to the Chicago River weekdays and rent a kayak for one or two people. 

Time Out Chicago likes the "of the moment" organic treatments at Savon Spa, which exudes a vibe that "channels old-world Paris." With this Local Deal, head to Lakeview for a no-chip manicure or manicure and massage package, starting at $19.

Travelzoo subscribers can be among the first to check out the intimate, newly renovated Barrel Room at Cyrano's Farm Kitchen to enjoy live music and acclaimed French food. For $59, regularly $122, receive a three-course dinner at the reinvented River North restaurant including anything from full menu. Time Out Chicago praises the "good bistro food" that's "refreshingly simple."

Centerstage Chicago called Cook Au Vin a "French haven" that's "a slice of Paris right off Elston Avenue." Yelp users agree, awarding the Bucktown restaurant and cooking school 4.5 stars. With this Local Deal, enroll in a French pastry class led by trained pastry chefs for $60 per person, regularly $130. Two can enroll for $119, regularly $260.

The Chicago Tribune says the custom perfume creations offered by Aroma Workshop make a "perfect gift," and Midwest Living Magazine says the boutique's classes, which let you create your own personal fragrance, are a way to "tap your creative instincts." Subscribers can create their own personal perfume from dozens of scent options and take home a bottle to keep, starting at $45.

Travel + Leisure readers named the famous Chicago skyline the country's best in 2010. With this offer, Travelzoo subscribers can see it from a truly unique perspective: soaring in a helicopter 800 feet in the air. Reserve a tour for two with Chicago Helicopter Express for $199, regularly $360, or fly with four and save even more -- for $335, regularly $679, take your own private flight. 

Centerstage Chicago says the "hot and tasty" offerings from Fondue Stube are "timeless" and after a recent visit, WGN-TV's "Chicago's Best" named it one of the city's Best Date Night Spots. With this offer, two can savor a three-course classic fondue dinner for two along with a glass of wine for $39, regularly $85.40.

Now visitors who want to experience the charm of downtown Dubuque in the summertime can stay at one of the top hotels in town for nearly 60% off regular rates. For $99 per night Sundays-Thursdays through July, two people can sink into overnight accommodations in an Executive Queen room at Hotel Julien, rated the No. 1 hotel in Dubuque by TripAdvisor readers and featured on Midwest Living Magazine's most recent list of the Top New Places To Stay.

After getting his start selling fresh crepes at farmers markets around Chicago and the suburbs as well as the FliP Crepe booth at the French Market in the West Loop, French-born chef Antoine Elie and his team of instructors now bring their top-rated culinary knowledge to the masses with a series of classes at FliP Chefs. With this offer, Travelzoo subscribers can choose from a half-dozen different cooking classes starting at $29.

Both the RedEye and ABC-7 recommend a rental from the Chicago Electric Boat Company as a great way to get on the river during the spring and summer (especially during the Navy Pier fireworks!), and Yelpers award these cruises 4.5 stars. With this deal, gather up to 10 friends and set sail on a two- or three-hour BYOB Chicago River cruise any day of the week this summer. 

Publications like Allure, Self, Time Out Chicago, The New York Times and Chicago Tribune have covered the array of spa services offered by the Tiffani Kim Institute. Furthermore, the Chicago Sun-Times called Kim a "beauty expert." With this Local Deal, subscribers can receive up to $1000 worth of any spa service they choose at this River North spa for half off. 

Centerstage Chicago says anyone entering the kitchen at Bespoke Cuisine will "discover a new way to dine" during its BYOB cooking parties, rated 4-stars by Yelpers. With this offer, Travelzoo subscribers can don an apron and learn to create a multi-course menu of their choice for $45 per person, regularly $80 each.

West Suburban Living likes the "upscale" offerings from Artisan Table, and the Daily Herald recently praised the farm-to-table fare presented by chef Sean Curry, including the "perfectly prepared" dry-rubbed rib-eye steak. Two can sit down for dinner with wine and try anything on the menu for $39, regularly $84, or four can dine for $75 and save even more. 

The Peoria Journal-Star says that Urbana's Stone Creek Golf Club is "an interesting and enjoyable-to-play golf course [and] is a trip well worth the time." With this offer, a round with cart rental, range balls and a drink start at $35 at this links-style course GolfLink.com gives 4 stars.

Travelzoo subscribers can drive or ride in a real NASCAR race car and save 50% or more on regular prices. Choose between a three-hour experience that puts you behind the wheel or a three-lap ride-along with a professional racing instructor.

The Chicago Sun-Times, The Washington Post and Outside Magazine all recommend trips from Wateriders as a great way to see Chicago from the river, and CBS' The Early Show listed it among "The Best of the Windy City." With this offer, take to the Chicago River and watch the sky light up overhead during fireworks tours on Wednesday and Saturday nights while saving up to 50% off, or visit during weekdays and rent a kayak for one or two people. 

Upon its opening, Golf Magazine named Harbor Shores to its list of "Best Golf Courses You Can Play" (2010). Since then, this Jack Nicklaus-designed course with views of Lake Michigan has been praised by MichiganGolf for being "as scenic as it is challenging" and by Cybergolf.com as "a premier destination for golfers from throughout the Midwest." Travelzoo subscribers can reserve tee times seven days a week starting at $59.

When Chicago's iconic Shedd Aquarium introduced its Extraordinary Experiences program to visitors, it was met with fanfare: Crain's Chicago Business called the Beluga Encounter "a hit," while the Chicago Tribune praised the Trainer for a Day program as "awesome," "[like] an amazing dream." With this offer, Travelzoo subscribers have the unique opportunity to be among the few people to reserve these once-in-a-lifetime encounters for half off, starting at $125.

The Chicago Tribune calls it a "best bet," Metromix says "it'll float your boat" and CBS Chicago simply calls the Tall Ship Red Witch one of the best boat trips in and around the Windy City. Chart a course for summertime fun and indulge your inner Captain Jack with a skyline or fireworks cruise on this classic sailing vessel. Each of these deals saves 50% on the normal rate and can be booked starting on May 15. 

Chicago Magazine calls Ada Street a "diamond in the rough" and named the well-hidden restaurant owned by DMK Restaurant Group to their list of Best New Restaurants for 2012. The Chicago Reader says that chef Zoe Schor (who has worked for both legendary American chef Thomas Keller and Top Chef's Tom Colicchio) sets a high standard with her "tasty and thoughtful dishes." Two can dine for $99, regularly $180; reserve a table for four at $195 and save even more.

"Catch Me If You Can," a hit musical based on the Steven Spielberg movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, opens in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre this week. Tickets are now more than 50% off to the musical nominated for four Tony Awards during its run on Broadway.

The world premiere of "Big Fish" opens this week at the Oriental Theatre. Travelzoo subscribers can be among the first to see the show before it goes to Broadway and save more than 45% on tickets. Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz stars in the musical adaptation of the 2003 film directed by Tim Burton.

Based on Green Day's Grammy Award-winning album, Broadway hit "American Idiot" is coming to the Cadillac Palace Theatre next month. Tickets are mare than 35% off for the two-time Tony Award-winning musical.

Cocktails, shopping, makeovers and lifestyle consultations can all burn through your wallet pretty quickly under normal circumstances. At Shecky's "Girls Night Out," $12 buys you all that, plus priceless quality time with your friends.

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, award-winning Irish play "Stones in His Pockets" opens at Skokie's Northlight Theatre. Tickets are half off for performances March 16 - April 13.

The Sun-Times calls The Parthenon "legendary," and the Chicago Reader says that "year in and year out, it's one of Chicago's best buys for flavor." With this offer for $35, regularly $70, two can take a tour of Greek cuisine during a five-course feast; The Parthenon recently updated its menu, adding new favorites to a long list of classic dishes.

Dine like royalty on a four-course feast and save more than 40% with this Travelzoo Local Deal for tickets to the jousting and sword-fighting show at Medieval Times in Schaumburg. Adult tickets are $39 (reg. $67.55 w/tax and fees) and child tickets (ages 3-12) are $29 (reg. $41.71 w/tax and fees) for subscribers. These deals can be redeemed for shows through May 5, 2013.

On the heels of a successful Broadway run, "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth" stops at the Cadillac Palace this weekend, and tickets are now nearly 40% off, starting at $16.50, regularly $27. Tyson will share revealing stories about his life in this fully scripted, one-man show directed by Spike Lee.

When naming Yusho one of the city's Best New Restaurants, Chicago Magazine said that chef Matthias Merges "works wonders" in the kitchen. Not long after that, Bon Appetit named it one of the Top 50 Best New Restaurants in America, calling it a "kick-ass izakaya...with a keen sense of fun." With this deal, two can secure a seat at the special chef's counter and savor a chef's menu each for $99.

Steppenwolf's production of "The Birthday Party," featuring "Frasier" star John Mahoney, ends its run in April. Tickets are now 50% off to select performances of this dark comedy by acclaimed playwright Harold Pinter, a Nobel Laureate.

The Chicago Reader calls Oceanique an "elegant gem" of Evanston, praising the "artistic and well-executed" seafood dishes prepared by chef and owner Mark Grosz; Zagat agrees, awarding the restaurant a rating of "excellent" (25) and naming it Chicago's best seafood restaurant since 1993. With this offer, savor an ever-changing five-course chef's menu starting at $40 per person. 

Is Michael Jordan’s at the Intercontinental Hotel just another steakhouse? Chicago Magazine dining critic Penny Pollack responds with, "Was [Michael Jordan] just another basketball player?" For $35, regularly $53, two can enjoy weekday lunch at this acclaimed Mag Mile restaurant, featuring steakhouse cuisine Zagat rates "very good to excellent" (23).

Located inside the historic Allerton Hotel on the Magnificent Mile, the M Avenue Lounge is a "quiet, sophisticated" spot to sip a cocktail, according to Time Out Chicago. With this deal for $29, regularly $98, two Travelzoo subscribers will receive four drinks and three starters to be enjoyed in the second-story bar overlooking Huron Avenue.

"American Idol" finalist and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis stars alongside Grammy nominee and R&B singer Deborah Cox in "Jekyll & Hyde." With this exclusive offer, Travelzoo subscribers can save more than 70% on Orchestra seats to this musical about the struggle between good and evil at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

Praised by The Hollywood Reporter for its "eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart," Broadway's "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" hits the Auditorium Theatre this month. Orchestra seats are now more than 50% off for opening week performances.

Modern hip-hop meets classical theater in a show that London's The Telegraph gave 5 stars and calls "a triumph, from beginning to end." Chicago Shakespeare Theater's new rendition of the Bard's classic is titled "Othello: The Remix," and all tickets are now half off.