One of our travel guides partners, Not For Tourists, has many funny and unique offerings for travelers on their website this week. Check out the following highlights from their Chicago correspondents this week...  

Low Budget Fashionista
  Jill Jaracz

Buffalo Exchange

Recession woes got you so down you'd sell the shirt off your back? Well, you might be able to at Buffalo Exchange. Bring in your gently used clothes, and their expert buyers will examine them up and down to make sure the items are clean, have no rips or holes, and things like zippers function properly. If they can sell it, they'll let you know what they'd charge for the item. If you want cold cash, they'll give you 35% of their price, but if you want to trade for store credit, you'll get 50%. Designer labels do pay out a little more, but well-cared for and trendy duds can usually net you a few bucks. If you're into low-cost shopping, the store is a well-organized mass of men's and women's clothing and accessories at really reasonable prices. Selection varies, but you can usually find something cool and cheap here.

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The Perfect Dog

 Craig Nelson

Portillo's

Portillo's is a Chicago chain that's as big as the average Chicago waistline. Not totally gigantic, but not that small either. They're located all over Chicago and throughout the suburbs making this a perfect destination for a family-friendly night out. But despite the theme-park vibe going on, they serve up one mean Chicago-style hot dog. They're generous with the pickle spears, tomato wedges, and pickled sport peppers. The all-beef dog is salty and robust, making a perfect match for the toppings and poppyseed bun. This is the ideal lunch food people, as long as you only have one. At the location on Ontario you order your grub at one line and then hit up the "bar" (really just a counter) to order some beer while you wait. There's plenty of seating, they have some old-school blues playing, and the AC is cranking--a key to survival in a city that literally melts in the summer humidity.

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Stan is the Man

  Jill Jaracz

Stanley's Kitchen & Tap on Racine

Stanley's is a fun joint all year round, but during summer this is one fun place to hang out. Their outdoor area is huge, with several cornhole platforms (or bags, if that's what you prefer to call it) set up for playing. They also have a fussball table and sometimes even have a dunk tank going. Add a full bar, table service, and plenty of patio seating, and you've got everything you need for a great summer day--even have plenty of room for parking! If you prefer air conditioning, step inside to the Rt. 66-themed Southern-style restaurant and bar, where you can start with the trailer fries (potatoes + cheese + bacon + ranch dip = heaven), tuck into a plate of fried chicken or a juicy burger, and finish it off with a slice of Kentucky Pie. Stanley's has a sister location in Lincoln Park with the same great food and a fine bourbon list.

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Irish Cooking? Not An Oxymoron

 Jill Jaracz

Mrs Murphy and Sons

Mrs. Murphy's is not your traditional Chicago Irish pub. First off, it's housed in a former funeral home. Granted, they've done wonders with the space, making it warm and inviting, but it's still a little different from the corner pub. The food is also a little fancier, hence the "bistro," in its name. The food here is a more modern, upscale take on Irish cuisine. Lamb and pork are some of the stars of the culinary show, with several options dotting the menu. And yes, you can get your Irish favorites like fish and chips and Shepherd's pie. Plus, you'll find interesting twists, like a Guinness and onion soup. Brunch features a full Irish breakfast as well as many difficult choices--go with the banana and Bailey's French toast, or dig into a curried vegetable omelet? Whatever you choose, you'll find there's more than meets the eye when it comes to Irish cuisine.

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Trust The Boozehound
  Jill Jaracz

Drinks Over Dearborn

Ah, the liquor store where you have to be buzzed to get in! Oh, I mean you have to actually ring a buzzer and climb a narrow staircase to reach this wonderful boutique liquor store. Kyle McHugh is the man in charge, and he's created a delightful haven for connoisseurs of fine wines, beers, and liquors. His alter ego is "The Boozehound," taken from his years of bartending and study of the subject. He imparts his knowledge by hand-selecting some of the best stuff available at a wide variety of prices. He also hosts many classes and has different liquor companies in for tastings--some of which are free--in this comfortable, clubby store. He's fun to shoot the breeze with, and loves talking about his wares. If he doesn't have what you're looking for, he can special order it. If you're looking to know a booze guy, McHugh is your man, and Drinks Over Dearborn is the place. 

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To read more, please see:

http://www.notfortourists.com/Chicago.aspx

Check out NFT's website  - they have free downloadable guides, maps, gear, and of course, the travel guide books. Not to mention, they are pretty funny people. I am always laughing when I visit their site, or read their newsletter.

They also have sections of their guidebooks available for download at only $1.50.

Not For Tourists has offered a coupon for Wandering Educators - please use the coupon code: WE for a 10% discount.

http://www.notfortourists.com/