What we’re about
🎉 Welcome to Windy City Wanderers! 🌆
We’re so excited to have you here!
Whether you’re new to Chicago or a lifelong local, this group lets you explore the city in fresh, unforgettable ways. Think of it as being a tourist in your own town—discovering hidden gems, fun facts, and unique experiences across Chicagoland. 🗺️✨
This group is the sister to our original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we’ll be hosting lots of joint events together! 🤝
🎟️ Membership Info:
- Enjoy a 90-day FREE trial
- After that, it’s just $12/year
- Want to skip the dues? Host an event, and your annual fee is waived! 🙌
🚇 Most events happen in the city or nearby suburbs like Oak Park, Evanston, and Park Ridge—and all are CTA-accessible.
❗Group Policy: We have a “3-strikes” no-show policy. Miss three events without updating your RSVP, and you'll be suspended for 3 months. This keeps things fair and respectful for everyone.
🎉 This is a year-round group—winter won’t slow us down! We’re all about meeting new people and having fun through one-of-a-kind outings all over the Chicago area.
💬 Got questions or ideas? Want to lead an outing? Message us anytime—we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s stay connected:
📘 Facebook Page
👥 Facebook Group
📸 Instagram
🌟 Sister Group on Meetup
Can’t wait to wander with you!
Giovina R.
Organizer, Windy City Wanderers 🌬️🚶♀️🚶♂️
Upcoming events
38
🍳🥂 Sunday Brunch at Uncle Mike’s Place – Filipino Breakfast Favorite! 🇵🇭✨
Uncle Mike's Place, 1700 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, US🍳🥂 Sunday Brunch at Uncle Mike’s Place – Filipino Breakfast Favorite! 🇵🇭✨
Sunday Brunch before Holidays on Grand Vintage Shopping Walk!
📅 Sunday, November 8, 2025 – 9:45 AM (Part 1 of 2)
📍 Uncle Mike’s Place – 1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
📍 Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Town neighborhood!
🔗 Website: https://www.unclemikesplace.com
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unclemikesplace
🔗 Menu: https://www.unclemikesplace.com/#menu-wrapper🛍️ Part 2: Holidays on Grand – Vintage Holiday Shopping Event 🎄
After brunch, we’ll stroll the festive Holidays on Grand market for vintage finds, gifts, and local treasures.
🎁 RSVP separately here:
👉https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/311902900/***
👥 Seating Details:
This is a small venue that does not take reservations, so we’ll be seated in small groups of 4–6 people per table. Please RSVP only if you are 95% sure to attend! 🙏💵 CASH ONLY for groups!
They cannot do separate checks. To make things simple:
➡️ Add 32% to your total (12% Chicago tax + 20% tip).
Please bring cash — it makes checkout smooth for everyone! 💸🥞 About the Venue:
Tucked in the heart of West Town, Uncle Mike’s Place is home to Chicago’s most beloved Filipino breakfast! 🇵🇭🍚This cozy neighborhood diner has been a local favorite since 1991, serving up comforting lugaw (a savory chicken rice porridge similar to congee) and hearty Filipino breakfast platters with your choice of protein — from longanisa sausage to tapa beef. 🥩🍳
> “My mother-in-law lived with me for 25 years, cooking every day — eventually, we added her recipes to the menu.” – Owner Michael Grajewski
Come hungry and ready for warm hospitality — Uncle Mike’s is a true Chicago comfort food institution. ❤️
***
🚗 Parking & Transit:
- Metered parking on Grand or Ashland
- Free side-street parking nearby (watch for permit/no-parking signs)
- CTA trip planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip
***
🚫 No-Show Policy Reminder:
We love having you, but please respect the group and venue:
❌ 3 no-shows (without updating RSVP) = 3-month freeze from events
⏰ RSVP changes must be made by the event start time
📩 Running late? Message the host directly
🚶 Not checking in or repeated no-shows may result in removal***
✨ Let’s kick off our Sunday with great food, warm friends, and a true West Town gem before our holiday shopping adventure! 🎁☕
2 attendees
🎁🛍️ Holidays on Grand Vintage Shopping Walk–West Town Edition! 🎄✨
Uncle Mike's Place, 1700 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL, US🎁🛍️ Holidays on Grand Vintage Shopping Walk–West Town Edition! 🎄✨
🎄✨ Back by Popular Demand! Holidays on Grand Vintage Shopping Walk 2025 🛍️🎁
### 🏙️ Event Details
📅 Sunday, November 9, 2025 (Part 2 of 2)
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Start: Uncle Mike’s Place – 1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
🍳 Meet here first for brunch before shopping!
🏁 We end about 6 blocks west at 2246 W Grand Ave
🚗 Plan your parking accordingly!Let’s do some sweets, festive holiday décor, fresh inventory, and much more! 🍪🎅🎁
We’ll enjoy holiday shopping vintage style at some of the coolest stores along Grand Avenue in Chicago’s West Town. Expect one-of-a-kind finds, great company, and tons of fun — all while getting some steps in! 🚶♀️💃
We loved this event last year, so let’s go again! It’s a bit earlier this time and caught me by surprise — sorry for the late posting! 😉
***
🕐 Brunch before the walk (separate event) at📎Uncle Mike’s Place
🍳🥂 Brunch will be a separate event to keep numbers easy to manage.
If you want to join for brunch
👉 RSVP for brunch here:
🔗 https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/311902884/***
### 🏬 Shopping Stops Along Grand Avenue (West Town)
🖼️ MAK Chicago – 1716 W Grand Ave (not an official stop, but worth a peek!)
🌍 Cultural gifts celebrating art, community, and Ukrainian culture. 💙💛
👉 https://www.makshopchicago.com☕ The Center of Order and Experimentation (COE) – 1727 W Grand Ave
A creative coffee + retail space curating curious objects of exceptional utility while fostering community.
👉 https://www.thecoechicago.com🪑 Warehouse 55 – 1819 W Grand Ave
A stunning mix of vintage finds, repurposed furnishings, and one-of-a-kind accessories for every aesthetic.
👉 https://www.warehouse55chicago.com🏛️ Urban Remains – 1820 W Grand Ave
Specializing in reclaimed American architectural artifacts — a treasure trove of design history.
👉 https://www.urbanremainschicago.com🏠 Salvage One – 1840 W Hubbard St
A Chicago icon with 60,000 sq ft of antiques, art, and architectural salvage. Perfect for design lovers.
👉 https://www.salvageone.com🪞 Salvage Haus – 2000 W Grand Ave
A curated collection of vintage art, clothing, accessories, and home décor — each piece with a story.
👉 https://www.salvagehauschicago.com🌏 The Golden Triangle – 2035 W Grand Ave
A breathtaking 10,000 sq ft showroom featuring a global mix of antiques, art, and modern design.
👉 https://www.goldentriangle.biz🖼️ N E Y B I R – 2246 W Grand Ave
A fine art and design shop celebrating the past, present, and future through storied objects.
👉 https://www.neybir.com***
### 🚶♀️ Walking Route Info
🛍️ Start: 1700 W Grand Ave (Uncle Mike’s)
🏁 End: 2246 W Grand Ave – about 6 blocks west
🚗 Plan your parking accordingly!***
### 🚆 Transportation Tips
🚗 Metered parking on Grand & Ashland + free side-street spots (watch signs).
🚇 Public transit: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/***
### 🚫 No-Show Policy Reminder
We love having you, but please respect the group and venues:
❌ 3 no-shows (without updating RSVP) = 3-month freeze from events
⏰ RSVP changes must be made by the event start time
📩 Running late? Message the host directly
🚶 Repeated no-shows or not checking in may result in removal***
✨🎁 Let’s make a day of it — brunch, browsing, and a festive stroll through West Town’s best vintage shops! Bring your holiday spirit, shopping bags, and comfy shoes — it’s going to be a merry afternoon on Grand Avenue! 🎅🛍️☕💖
5 attendees
🥪🍕 Fontano’s Feast: Quick Dinner Before Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! 🎙️🍽️
Fontano’s Subs & Pizzeria, 332 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, US🥪🍕 Fontano’s Feast: Quick Dinner Before Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! 🎙️🍽️
🍽️ Part 1 of 2 – Quick Dinner Before the show!
📅 Date & Time: Thursday, November 13, 2025, 5:45 PM
📍 Location: Fontano’s Subs & Pizzeria, Chicago
🔗 Website & Menu: https://www.fontanosonmichigan.com/Important: Only 4–6 people per table. No reservations, first-come, first-served. We’ll grab several tables, but seating is limited! COUNTER SERVICE — everyone pays on their own.
💵 Payment: Please take the total of your order and add 32% (12% Chicago tax + 20% tip). Cash or credit accepted.
Why Fontano’s: Fontano’s has been a neighborhood favorite for decades, known for hearty Italian subs, thin-crust pizzas, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Casual, welcoming vibe perfect for a quick, fun pre-show dinner!
🥗🥪 About the Spot: Cozy, casual Italian pizzeria & sub shop! Famous for hearty sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and classic pizzas 🍕🍅. Counter service—everyone pays separately 💵💳.
RSVP: Only sign up if you are 95% sure you can attend — small group size due to limited seating.
🚆 Public Transit: Easily accessible via CTA bus or train — check CTA Trip Planner
🚗 Parking: Metered spots on Michigan Ave & nearby streets; limited free spots. Use SpotHero or Parking Whiz for easiest options.Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me Show: Sign up separately here: https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/311635852/
⚠️ No-Show Policy:
- 3 no-shows without updating RSVP → 3-month sign-up restriction
- Update RSVP by event start or message host directly
- Not checking in may result in removal from future events
🎉 Quick, fun meetup before the show! Perfect for a pre-show bite 🍽️😋.
17 attendees
😂 NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” LIVE–Laughs & News @Studebaker Theater!🎙️
Studebaker Theater, 410 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, US😂 NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” LIVE–Laughs & News @Studebaker Theater!🎙️
🎉*NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” LIVE – Hilarious Night at Studebaker!*🎭
PART 2 of 2 as we will do dinner before the show!
Let’s go back for more fun! A Chicago favorite, NPR’s hit show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is back this fall & winter — with regular live tapings at the beautiful Studebaker Theater in the historic Fine Arts Building! We’ve done this event several times and always had a blast!
🎟️ TICKETED EVENT — BUY ASAP!
Discount tickets are selling fast!
👉 Pick Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 @ 7:30 PM💸 DISCOUNT OPTIONS:
- HotTix: $25 + $5.25 fees = $30.25 total
Access here:
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! – Hot Tix - TodayTix: $25 + $7.00 fees = $32.00 total
Access here:
Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! Tickets | Chicago | TodayTix
(Note: Seats are assigned; you cannot choose them, so we may not sit together. Still, both are $22–$24 off the regular price!)
🎫 Regular Tickets: $44.50 + $9.50 fees = $54 total → Fine Arts Building Tickets
⚠️ Be careful — it defaults to 2 tickets! Adjust to 1 ticket if coming solo.
***
📻 About the Show:
Hosted by Peter Sagal with announcer Bill Curtis, NPR’s Peabody Award-winning Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is the hilarious news quiz where celebrity guests, panelists, and contestants tackle the week’s wildest headlines. Contestants compete for the most coveted prize in public radio — a voicemail greeting recorded by a cast member!
🔗 Learn more: NPR Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!***
🍽️ Optional Pre-Show Dinner (Separate RSVP!)
Join us before the show at Fontano’s Subs & Pizzeria!
RSVP here → https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/311635800/***
🏛️ About the Venue – Fine Arts Building & Studebaker Theater
A Chicago landmark since 1898, the Fine Arts Building is home to artists, musicians, craftspeople, and performers. Inside is the gorgeous Studebaker Theater, once a vaudeville stage and now a restored performing arts venue full of history and charm.
🔗 Fine Arts Building Website
🔗 Studebaker Theater Info***
🚇 Getting There:
Use Google Maps or the CTA Trip Planner for directions.
If driving, parking downtown can be tough — use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for the best nearby garage rates.***
⚠️ No-Show Policy
To keep our events fair for everyone:
• 3 no-shows without RSVP updates = 3-month hold on joining new events
• Update RSVP before event start time
• Message host if running late or can’t find group
• Continued no-shows may result in removal***
🎭 Join us for laughs, witty commentary, and a night of pure Chicago charm — live public radio, laughter, and local history all under one roof!
19 attendees- HotTix: $25 + $5.25 fees = $30.25 total
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