Around Town DePaul: Real Students’ Favorite Spots

In a city like Chicago, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. So we asked our DeBloggers to narrow it down to their favorite spots. Read below to check them out!

1. Hanabusa Cafe – Loop

“One of my favorite spots in the Loop is Hanabusa Cafe, located just an 8-minute walk from our Loop Campus. They have the most delicious fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes, tea and coffee; my favorite thing to get is the Nutella pancake and the passionfruit tea. I think the ambiance and decor is super cute and the staff is very friendly, so I recommend this cafe to everyone. It’s the perfect meal to have any time of the day in my opinion!”

– Saira

A plate of jiggly Japanese-style pancakes with fresh fruit on the side and whip cream and caramel on top.

A closeup of three street cart-style tacos, loaded with tomato, lettuce, cheese, and meat, with a basket of chips in the background.

2. Allende – Lincoln Park

“Allende is my favorite local restaurant near DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus. It is a go-to for students for delicious and affordable tacos and is ran by a family, so it has a cozy feel. A big bonus is that Allende is open very late, so a midnight taco is just a short walk away!”

-Breanne

3. Idea Realization Lab (IRL) – Loop

“My favorite spot located on the Loop campus is the Idea Realization Lab. As a creative person, I love to pop in between and after classes to make something. It’s such a chill atmosphere and there is something for everyone, from woodworking to screen printing.”

-Sienna

A bustle image of DePaul's IRL maker space in the Chicago Loop. Chic, comfy sitting area in the foreground and creative students at work in the background.

A closeup shot of a delicious Neapolitan pizza, with big mounds of burrata cheese on top.

4. La Crosta – Lincoln Park

“While walking to Target (Lincoln Ave), I always crossed this Italian place which intrigued me. I am a huge fan of woodfire pizzerias, and La Crosta did not disappoint! Their menu is very authentic when I compare it to what I ate in Italy on my previous vacations, and the price range was justifiable for the quality they bring to the table. This was hands down the best pizza I have had in Chicago!”

-Tani

5. Beatrix Market – Loop

“I really love stopping into Beatrix Market before/after class. Their lounging areas are the perfect places to catch up with my classmates. I tried their Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte yesterday and it was incredible!”

-Marina

(Editor’s Note: The Strawberry Matcha Latte is also my favorite drink there, and you really should try it next time you’re in the Loop!)

A cup of iced matcha latte, held out for the camera, with a trendy Chicago coffee shop in the background.

Jeff and a friend taking a selfie in Oz Park in Chicago in the summertime. Jeff's friend peeks mischievously over the bottom frame of the corner, and Jeff beams brightly.

6. Oz Park – Lincoln Park

“My favorite spot near DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus has to be Oz Park. It’s a pretty big park with some great green spaces, a Wizard of Oz themed garden, and a few sports facilities. The best part is it’s only a five-minute walk from campus!”

-Jeff