Marshall Pierce’s Guide to Chicago, Presented by Watchonista

Marshall Pierce’s Guide to Chicago, Presented by Watchonista

Watchonista’s City Guide series sets its sights on the very best the “City of Big Shoulders” has to offer, with lifestyle recommendations from one of Chicagoland’s most notable timepiece retailers.

By Marshall Pierce & Co.
Special Contributor

Shopping Time?

Marshall Pierce and Company is Chicago’s local family jewelry and watch store. Under the ownership of the Bern family, Marshall Pierce has been in business for 94 years and counting. The roots are deep, with the Bern family having been in the Chicago area since the late 1800s.

After years of hard work and dedication, the Bern family has expanded their business welcoming numerous top Swiss fine watchmaking and fine jewelry brands. Now, the Bern family has flourished into a contemporary jewelry and watch store on the Magnificent Mile in the Gold Coast area of Chicago.

The deep roots have given the Bern family the opportunity to have relationships with many Chicago natives, business executives, and other long-standing local businesses. Chicago is the Bern family’s favorite city – not only because it is home but because of the amazing people and business opportunities that have allowed Marshall Pierce to become what it is today.
 

Eat Like a Local

Chicago is one of the best cities in the United States, especially for food. Between the stunning skyline and architecture, the great Lake Michigan and Chicago River, shopping, and phenomenal restaurants, many tourists make Chicago a regular visit.

When you’re in town and want to “eat like a local” there are a few places we’d recommend. For breakfast, we love Lou Mitchell's. It’s an iconic diner that has been serving hearty breakfasts and lunches since 1923.
 

For lunch, we recommend 3 Arts Club café. It’s formerly home to the Three Arts Club, a residence built in 1914 for young women studying music, drama, and the visual arts. Today the space has been reimagined, blurring the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, and home and hospitality.
 

For dinner, La Scarola is a favorite. It’s a small, cozy Italian dinner spot with framed photos covering the walls serving classic comfort food.
 

Rest Your Head

Once you’ve consumed all your calories from the best eateries in Chicago, you need to rest your feet and eyes! We recommend the Hotel Lincoln in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. It has both Midwestern charm and a fantastic location near DePaul University and Lincoln Park Zoo. The scenery is also strong, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city’s iconic skyline.
 

My Kind of Town: Toddlin’

Once you wake up, you may want to stroll your way to one of Chicago’s infamous speakeasies – The Violet Hour, located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. The unmarked façade of the bar displays an ever-changing mural with a singular light bulb designating its entrance. A marble bar spans the length of the candlelit room, featuring dramatic crystal chandeliers, giving the space an elegant speakeasy vibe.
 

Retail Therapy

Looking for the best place to shop? Stroll down Chicago’s Magnificent Mile! Once you hit Oak Street you will find Chicago’s luxury shops. Want to remember Chicago for a lifetime? Head over to Alcala’s Western Wear, which is one of the largest retailers of western garb in the Midwest.
 

The Big Smoke

As for a cigar, The Clayton is an exquisite social experience located in the heart of downtown Chicago, featuring a beautiful outdoor garden terrace.
 

More to Explore...

If you get a chance, you need to get a convertible and drive down Lake Shore Drive to get the best views of the city’s skyline. When you’re on your way home, you need to stop by Nick & Vito’s and get a thin crust pizza to go.
 

Have more time in the city? We recommend heading to a movie in Grant Park or one of Chicago’s famous jazz/blues bars - the Green Mill, Kingston Mines, or Andy’s Jazz Club.
 

(All images sources mentioned)

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