The Chicago Matchbook List
Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hotels & stores with matchbooks
Photography by Lauren Felice
Hi fellow phillumenists! We hope this December newsletter finds you all cozied up and ready to soak up all the holiday vibes.
As we have now fully transitioned from pumpkin spice latte season to peppermint everything, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to a new matchbook guide that is set to light up your Christmas spirit. This month, we’re turning our attention to the city of Chicago, with its skyline kissed by snow and bustling streets glowing with festive lights. While we haven’t had the chance to walk its streets yet, we can’t help but picture the Windy City’s charm during Christmas time—cozy cafés with fogged-up windows, holiday markets buzzing with cheer, and historic bars and restaurants that feel like they’re straight out of a ‘90s rom-com movie. It’s a city that feels tailor-made for a winter magic matchbook hunt, full of romance and nostalgia.
Kick off your day with a latte in Lincoln Park where the snow softly blankets the streets, to then stroll through the festive Christkindlmarket—mulled wine in hand—before wrapping up with a classic steak dinner at Gene & Georgetti and a funky cocktail at the lively tiki bar Three Dots and a Dash.
As always, this guide is a work in progress—and that’s where you come in. If you’re a Chicago local or recently visited, drop any matchbook sightings from your favorite restaurants, shops, or bars we haven’t yet included.
We’ll keep this guide updated with fresh finds, perfect for your winter strolls. Some places may have retired their matchbooks, so take this list with a grain of salt. And if you come across any changes, let us know to help keep our collector community up to speed.
Happy holidays and see you in the New Year!
xx Nadia & Alice