Our favorite coffee, food, + sights in Chicago, IL

Josiah and I lived in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago for about three years and this city still has a special place in our hearts. We’ve gone back quite a bit over the last 7 years since we moved, but because the city is ever changing I collaborated with my friend Alex who only recently moved from Chicago (after living there for 10 years), to create a list of all the top coffee, food, + sights we would recommend if you find yourself in the windy city. I hope you enjoy!

Coffee

Metric -  If you’re looking for really good, locally roasted coffee, this is the place. No indoor seating so not necessarily a destination in colder weather, but if the weather is in your favor, sitting in the patio with a coffee is one of my favorite ways to start a Saturday.

Dayglow - Located between the Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods, this shop is another great option for pour overs. They source from roasters all over the world and have 6-8 options available at a time.

Gaslight Coffee - A great shop to grab a drip coffee or latte and post up to get some work done.

Colectivo - There are a few locations around the city, but when I lived in Chicago,  their Logan Square locations was a place I frequented often! They have great coffee drinks, pastries, + sandwiches. Their branding is very playful and bold which I really appreciate. Their patio is large and perfect for people watching, working, or just getting together with a few friends.  It does get pretty busy on the weekend, but I find that if I’ve rarely struggled to find a spot to sit on weekdays.

Prequel Coffee - Adorably decorated and perfect for setting up and getting work done or leisurely reading. If you find yourself around the Ukranian Village area this is a good option (walkable from Metric if you want to hop from one to the next).

Printer’s Row Coffee Co. - Great coffee option on the north side of the city.

Backlot - My (Alex’s) all around favorite coffee shop. The friendliest baristas, rotating local art on display, bright, happy atmosphere, delicious seasonal drinks, great donuts.

Beans & Bagels - High quality coffee, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries in a quirky, cozy spot. They are a highly sustainable coffee shop - BYO mug if you have one!

Heritage Outpost - The Uptown location, on Lawrence Ave, is possibly the most beautiful indoor spot to drink coffee in the city. The coffee shop is located inside an upscale apartment building that has been restored to its art deco glory where coffee shop patrons can enjoy the gorgeous lobby. 

Magnifico - A small, Columbian-owned, family-run coffee shop and roastery with great Columbian pastries. I recommend the guava and cheese bun with your coffee.

Side Practice - A Filipino-owned coffee shop with interesting flavors like Ube and Banana lattes. The space is eclectic and fun, but it is in the garden level, so it’s more of a “cool, moody basement” vibe than “bright and airy”.

Food

Casual

En Hakkore - This was my introduction to Korean BBQ, but it’s still one of my favorites. 

Noon O’ Kabob - One of my favorite super casual Mediterranean restaurants in Albany park. The food is always fresh and affordable. 

Fruit Paradise - Our first Chicago apartment was right around the corner from their first location and they were open late so we made many late night runs for smoothie bowls + empanadas at a great price. 

Gotham Bagel - This hidden gem is tucked in the back of another restaurant in the Gold Coast neighborhood. if you’re in need of a filling breakfast sandwich pop in and snag any of their bagel sandwiches. The wait can be long on a weekend so try to get there early. 

Antique Taco - A trendy hipster taco spot that has some really delicious taco options. 

Seoul Taco - An Asian fusion taco restaurant that provides some fun options. 

Furious Spoon A hip-hop Ramen bar that has amazing food and a fun atmosphere. 

Portillos - They claim to serve up unrivaled Chicago street food and I am not one to argue with them. I love the jumbo hot dog with everything on it, cheese fries, and the chopped salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent their chocolate cake shake is to-die-for!

Bagel Miller - Cute, fun, bright spot with incredible bagels and you absolutely need to try the pastrami.

Small Cheval - A super paired down version of the famous Au Cheval, minus the hours-long wait. All three of their menu items are great (burgers, fries, milkshakes). 

Andy’s Sunflower Cafe inside Go Grocer by Montrose Beach - Spend the morning at Montrose beach and then pop by this cafe for some breakfast sandwiches and thank me later.

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club - Always busy but usually not a super long wait. Fun, family friendly vibes with American meets Korean meets Mexican brunch food. They have great sweet options and savory options - my favorite is the Pajun Pancake. 

Parsons - Just really solid fried chicken and fish in a trendy and fun atmosphere that appeals to both adults and kids. I highly recommend trying one of their rotating frozen cocktails. 

Lonesome Rose - Hearty, modern tex-mex food with great margs. I love the Crunchy Beefy Quesorita and the frozen mezcal margarita. The environment is fun and lively. 

Cafe Tola - If you’ve never tried an empanada, you definitely need to go to Cafe Tola and try the Green Spicy Pork one. Cafe Tola is counter-service and easy for a quick bite or food with kids.

Fancy

Lula Cafe - I struggle to put this under “fancy” because the atmosphere is relatively casual, but the prices feel a bit higher so it’s not an everyday destination. Inventive, mostly organic food in a casual, funky space, best known for their weekend brunch.

Ema - We went here for our second anniversary and it was the perfect elevated meal. A Mediterranean tapas place that has a wide selection. 

Beatrix - One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago! A new American spot that is the perfect place for every meal of the day. They have a wide variety of offerings on their menu, but the Shakshuka is one that I think about often. Their drinks are incredible as well. They have a great happy hour (or at least they used to!)

Daisie’s - Coffee shop/work space by day, upscale restaurant by night. The pastries, coffee and meals are great in a cozy setting.

The Warbler - In the unassuming neighborhood of Lincoln Square, The Warbler is cute and cozy yet very approachable. Their Supper Club (available 4:30-6:00pm Monday-Friday) is a really fun way to try a lot of dishes. I recommend trying one of their cocktails, the nachos, a vegetable dish and some of their homemade pasta.

Pizzeria Portofino - This place is a really fun way to take advantage of the Chicago Riverfront. Good wine and good pizza in a setting that feels elevated and unique.  

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen - Small-ish modern, yet warm, space. The chili salt chicken is lifechanging, and everything else we’ve tried is great.

Duck Duck Goat - A higher price point but well worth it, perfect for a birthday or other celebration. Truly everything we’ve tried has been amazing. 

Blue Door Kitchen - The dinner menu is a bit spendy, but I’ve had their drinks and dessert and both are incredible. 

Sweets 

Doughnut Vault - You’ve gotta get the old fashioned donuts - any flavor!

Stan’s Donuts - The Biscoff Pocket Donut is the main reason to pop by one of their many Chicago locations. 

Floriole - Traditional French pastries and sandwiches in a beautiful cafe. It’s fairly pricey but worth it. I recommend trying literally any of their pastries, or the Parisian sandwich. 

Lost Larson - A Swedish bakery and cafe. The cardamom bun is incredible, or try a slice of the Princess Cake.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits - Just straight up amazing pies. Everything is amazing but if you’re a key lime fan, definitely give that one a try. 

DoRite Donuts - Highly controversial but I (Alex) think these are the best donuts in Chicago. My favorite is the old fashioned with chocolate frosting.

Sights

This is in no way shape or form comprehensive, but a few of the Chicago-y things that we (both Alex + Jenna) enjoyed during our time living there.

Take a Water Taxi to Chinatown - This is such a fun way to see the city via the river.

Architecture tour - I only just went on one of these, but it was absolutely worth it. It was a great way to see the city and the stories the tour guide offered were really engaging. 

Millennium Park / Grant Park - An obvious suggestion, but it’s still a great stop if you’re exploring Chicago. 

Montrose Beach & Bird Sanctuary - This was one of our (Jenna) favorite ways to spend a weekend morning. I mean, who doesn’t love the beach??

Olive Park - Located right by Navy Pier this little park offers some of the most stunning views of the city. 

Rent kayaks - One of my (Alex) very favorite ways to see the city! I recommend going on your own/with just your party, but guided tours are also available.

Wander Around Andersonville - Great shopping and food, be sure to hit up The Understudy, a super cool, super trendy independent bookstore with a great coffee shop inside. Andersonville Galleria is a 3 story indoor market with tons of cool arts and other made things. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Andersonville include Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Parsons Chicken & Fish for trendy fried food). 

Wander Wicker Park - More great food, coffee and shopping in a quirky neighborhood. If you like secondhand stores, check out Crossroads Trading Co and Buffalo Exchange. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Wicker Park include Stan’s Donuts, Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Antique Taco).

Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory - A free zoo! A free indoor botanical garden! Right next to each other! Plan to either circle around forever looking for parking, pay $28 for it, or take public transit.

Our Favorite Coffee, Food, + Sights in Omaha, Nebraska

After calling Omaha home for the last 6 years (with a 6 month hiatus in California) it felt like time to round up all of our favorite Coffee, Food, + Sights. Whether you’re just passing through or have lived here for years, these are all the place I think are absolutely worth your time. Drop a comment below and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear what some of your favorites are!

Coffee

• Archetype - Completely separate from the fact that the owner of this coffee shop placed 4th in the world barista championship in 2023, this shop is at the top of our list of most-visited in Omaha. They have amazing espresso, drip coffee, and a phenomenal selection of pastries to choose from. Their coffee menu is simple (no seasonal lattes), but they truly know what they’re doing. I’ve never gotten a milk based drink that wasn’t flawless in both flavor and aesthetic. A perfect place to meet a friend or post up and work for a few hours. The Little Bohemia location is the one we frequent most, but the other locations are great too.

• Astute Coffee - Located in an old bank building, this social-enterprise offers workforce development and personal growth to young adults coming out of the foster system. What drew us to this coffee shop initially though was the fact that they offered Onyx Coffee pour overs. They have since expanded their pour-over menu ten fold and now they have us in a choke-hold. We come here almost every Saturday morning to try new pour overs and it has become the highlight of our week. If you’re looking for an incredible pour-over experience or just looking to support a great cause, this is your place.

• Myrtle and Cypress - If you’re a fan of lattes that use all natural sweeteners and high quality milks, including cream-top whole milk and homemade almond and cashew milk, then this shop is for you. They have a selection of gluten-free and dairy-free pastries to choose from as well as a delicious avocado toast. They now have two locations and although very different from each other, they both deserve to be destinations on your tour of coffee shops around Omaha.

• Rally - This is one of my favorite coffee shops to get work done at. The natural light is unbeatable and their outside patio has a really fun city-meets-industry vibe that speaks to me. I generally just get their drip coffee because it’s delicious, but they also have some really great food options including a breakfast sandwich and avocado toast that are both delicious.

• Bad Seed Coffee - I don’t frequent this shop as much as the other four, but it still deserves to be mentioned. When I do go there I always think ‘Why don’t I come here more often?” The vibes are great and the coffee is delicious. I usually just get drip coffee here as well, but this summer when I felt like treating myself I would get an iced shaken espresso with a little bit of brown sugar syrup — IT. WAS. HEAVEN.

Food

Cheap Eats

• Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob - A small shop serving up amazing falafel and kabob salads, sandwiches, and plates. I highly recommend the curry fries.

• Tasty Pizza - This is the spot for cheap pizza in a hurry. Josiah’s favorite is the mushroom and mine is the Mediterranean.

• Cheeseburgers - A greasy takeout burger joint. The best deal is on Tuesdays - $5 for the original cheeseburger.

• El Arepon - Venezualen hole-in-the-wall serving up amazing arepas and empanadas.

• Korean Grill and Egg Rolls to Go - A hole-in-the-wall korean bbq place with incredible bulgogi and hot pot bibimbop.

• La Sierra - A hole-in-the-wall authentic mexican restaurant on 10th street. My favorite is the cheese quesadilla which I know is kind of basic, but my husband loves the ancho chile burritos. The burritos are smaller than what you might envision a traditional burrito being so you might want to get 2-3.

• El Basha - Casual Mediteranean spot that is really delicious.

• Okra - Incredible African food with a casual atmosphere. I love the peanut butter chicken and the ablo (sweet rice dumplings).

• Three Happiness - A Chinese restaurant that delivers on all of the classics.

• Brazen Head - An Irish pub serving up delicious fish and chips, french onion soup, and spicy cheese curds.

Mid-Range

• Mula - Incredible mexican comfort food and margaritas in a very trendy neighborhood with lots of bars within walking distance

• Shucks - Fish house and oyster bar with great fish and chips as well as (no surprise) oysters.

• Lola’s - This is potentially our most visited restaurant in Omaha. I love their frittata, pastries, charcuterie, wine, salads, + sandwiches. Don’t forget to snag yourself a loaf of sourdough bread to-go.

• Block 16 - Alton Brown claims Block 16’s Croque Garcon Burger as his favorite burger ever. Their dragon wrap, three happiness fries, + poutine burrito all deserve your attention as well, but good luck choosing. I can guarantee one visit will not be enough.

• Blue Sushi - I highly recommend planning your visit around their all-day happy hour on Sunday.

• Pitch - Great pizza + salads.

• Lyle’s - Another top notch pizza spot. The vibes are on point and they use a sourdough crust which is always a win for me. They once had a curry cream soda cocktail that might possibly be the best cocktail I’ve ever had in my life. It was a seasonal one, but I am crossing my fingers they bring that one back.

• Dumpling Empire - A laid back environment, but offering a top notch food experience. Don’t miss out on the cucumber salad, tri-colored steamed soup buns, pork belly bun, and steamed tri delicacies dumplings.

• Fizzy’s - A retro soda-shop-esque diner serving up boozy shakes and greasy eat to satisfy your late night craving or help you nurse that Sunday morning hangover.

• Crescent Moon - A great laid back bar serving up delicious grilled sandwiches and burgers.

• Kinaara - There are a lot of delicious Indian staples on their menu, but the real reason to come here is for the masala fries.

• Get Real Sandwiches - Obviously the sandwiches are delicious, but the fried brussel sprouts are also a must.

• Heirloom Fine Foods Market & Cafe - This is a fancy little grocery located in the Millwork Commons building that also has a deli where you can get really delicious sandwiches.

• Clean Slate Food Co. - They offer a meal delivery service focused on sustainable-locally sourced ingredients, but they also have some delicious grab-no-go as well as made to order options at their Millwork Commons Cafe. Everything I’ve had here felt nourishing and tasted so delicious.

• Dolomiti - Wood-fired pizza with a Northern Italian influence. I love both the Rustica and Formaggi pizzas as well as the citrus beet salad.

• Vis Major - A really fun brewery that always has a solid rotation of beers and pizzas. If you’re a pickle person, the pickle pizza is a must.

Fancier Fare

• Au Courant - They serve up modern takes on European dishes and is an excellent spot to celebrate a special occasion. I highly recommend doing the chef’s tasing menu that ranges from $75-95/person. It’s indulgent, but so worth it. A top tier culinary experience of my life — hands down.

• Clio - An upscale Mediterranean spot in the Old Market that feels like you’re walking into a Greek dream. The food is phenomenal and the decor is incredible. We love the saffron rice fritters, yellowtail crudos, crispy potatoes, and sausage stuffed dates. I highly recommend making reservations, but you might be able to test your luck sitting at the bar.

• La Buvette - A wine bar and grocery in the heart of the Old Market. If you want to feel like you’re in Europe this is your spot. Grab a glass of wine and a few small bites to split with your girlfriends and hang out on the patio. They don’t take reservations, but its totally worth the wait or trying to hit it at an off time.

• Yoshitomo - Run by an award winning Chef, this sushi restaurant is known for serving up some of the best around.

• Ooh De Lally - The cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers are where this place shines in my opinion. The shortrib fries, Dundee dip, and grilled cheese are my top picks.

Sweet Treats

• Coneflower - This farm-to-cone ice cream shop uses real, local ingredients and serves up a wide range of seasonal flavors along with a handful of classics. I am a sucker for the cookies-and-cream, but it’s truly hard to pick a favorite. Yelp listed it as their #1 Ice Cream shop in the U.S. so no visit to Omaha is complete without a stop here.

• Sweet Magnolia - If sugary treats are your thing, this is your spot. A boutique bakery specializing in perfectly crafted, melt-in-your-mouth confections.

• Carter & Rye - I stopped trying to perfect my homemade hand pies after I tried the ones at Carter and Rye. They’ve gotten it down to a science and I am happy to support the fruits of their labor. They have a rotating list of sweet and savory hand pies that are all guaranteed to make you smile.

Drinks

• Beercade - One hand holding a beer, one hand playing an arcade game — what’s not to love? There are two locations, one in Benson and one in Little Bohemia.

• Tiny House Bar - Seasonal craft cocktails featuring local & regional spirits, wine, and beer in a 110 year old house in Little Bohemia. turing local & regional spirits, wine, and beer in a 110 year old house in Little Bohemia. The interior shines with its mixing of local art and one of a kind furnishings & wallpaper. The drinks are delicious and the vibes are ones you’ll want to come back to time and time again.

• Nite Owl - This place feels like you’re stepping onto the set of Mad Men and it’s a top pick for where I want to be on a Friday night. There’s always a movie projected behind the bar to provide some entertainment. I have yet to have something I didn’t like from here, but if you’re not sure where to start get an order of the Totchos and one of the on-tap cocktails and see where the night goes. Don’t forget some fried Oreos and maybe an order of wings or two.

• Little Ricky’s - Either before or after you stop at Nite Owl pop over to this bar and hang out on their rooftop. Solid drinks and who doesn’t love a good rooftop?

• Trap Room - Located in the Northern downtown area, this is the perfect bar to grab a drink before or after a show at the Slowdown or as a destination on its own if you’re looking for a relaxed environment with a solid beer and cocktail selection.

• Vis Major - I mentioned this place above, but worth throwing in this section as well. A really fun brewery that always has a solid rotation of beers and pizzas. If you’re a pickle person, the pickle pizza is a must.

• Pageturners Lounge - Another Mad Men-esque bar with great vibes and solid drinks.

• The Bull Moose - A Teddy Roosevelt inspired neighborhood bar with cabin vibes, craft cocktails, and a great beer selection. I equally love sitting on their patio and lounging inside, making it a great year-round option.

• Mercury - This cocktail lounge in downtown goes all in on their cocktail menus both in recipes and aesthetic of the physical menu itself. They once had their menu written on a CDs inside a 2000’s CD case and another time it was written on a Broadway playbill. The creativity is so fun and keeps you coming back for more!

• Homy inn - A great destination for some Champagne on tap as well as dive bar drink classics.

• Red Lion Lounge - A Live Jazz bar located in Blackstone serving up classic on-tap cocktails for a very reasonable price. It’s the perfect place to hang out on a Weeknight with friends or take a date for a post-dinner cocktail.

• Idle Wine and Goods - If wine or fancy canned fish are your jam, this place is for you. The owner is always super willing to help you pick out a bottle of wine for your next dinner party or pour you a glass to enjoy right there in the adorable little shop. No matter what you get, your day will be better after making this a pit stop.

• Dry Spokes - If alcohol isn’t your thing or if you just need a break, this mocktail focused bar is a great place to post up on a Friday night. They have a live monthly poetry slam this is super fun.

• Scriptown - A microbrewery located in Blackstone turning out some classic, locally handcrafted beers.

• Kros Train - I’m a super fan of their Fairy Nectar, a hoppy IPA that has notes of grapefruit, mango, and tropical goodness. Their downtown location is my favorite because of the industrial warehouse vibes.

Things to Do

City

• Neighborhoods to check out

  • Dundee - Great restaurants and really fun area to walk around and look at houses.

  • Blackstone - Great for going out on any night of the week. We live very close to this area so we frequent it often.

  • Benson - Great for going out on a Friday or Saturday night.

  • Little Bohemia - Great shops for picking up some great gifts, but also some great places to get coffee or drinks.

  • The Old Market - Old brick building and brick roads set the tone of this classic part of Omaha that is super fun to walk around.

• Gene Leahy mall - Omaha's iconic downtown park featuring a performance pavilion, a state-of-the-art playground, interactive water features, a sculpture garden, and a sizeable dog park. The addition of this park has made me much more proud to call Omaha home.

• Joslyn Castle and Garden - A gorgeous mansion located near the Blackstone district I definitely recommend popping over to walk the grounds at the very least, but if you want a peak inside you’ll need to join a guided tour for $17/person.

• Lauritzen Gardens - A beautiful botanical garden that’s definitely worth a visit.

• Joslyn Art Museum - It’s free and 100% worth a visit.

• Small Music Venues to check out

  • Slowdown

  • Reverb Lounge

  • The Admiral

  • Waiting Room

Nature

• Shram Park State Recreation Area  - A great place to have a picnic and then do some hiking.

• Zorinsky - A great place to ride bikes or walk around a gorgeous lake. The 7 mile loop around the lake is completely paved.

• Standing Bear Lake - The perfect location to plan a 3.3 mile walk around a lake followed by a picnic by the water.

• Neale Woods Nature Reserve - This is our favorite hiking spot around Omaha because it’s rarely crowded, so consider it a true act of friendship that I’m willing to share this secret with you. Located north of Omaha, Neil Woods has what I would consider the truest form of hiking close to the city (dirt paths, challenging hills, a secluded feel, etc.) and is totally worth the drive.

• Hitchcock Nature Center - Just across the river in Iowa you can find some more of what I would consider “true” hiking. We don’t frequent here as often because it can get a bit more crowded than Neale Woods and is a further drive for us, but it’s still a fantastic option! They also have some great campsite available that we’ve enjoyed using.

Our Favorite Coffee, Food, + Sights in Northwest Arkansas

Bentonville, Arkansas has been on our radar for a while now because of the famous coffee roastery, Onyx. We finally made it down to explore this area for a long weekend and found ourselves impressed with the emphasis on both nature and art. We spent most of our time in Bentonville, but ventured down to Eureka Springs and had a great time exploring what is likely one of the hippiest towns in North America. If you’re looking for a unique long-weekend experience I think that Northwestern Arkansas is definitely worth exploring. Here’s a round up of our favorite coffee, food, and sights we discovered during our time there.

Where we stayed

This is the Airbnb we stayed at. It was about a 7 minute drive from downtown Bentonville and provided easy access to everything we wanted to go and do. If we return to Bentonville I will probably try to stay closer to downtown so that we can bike more easily around.

Coffee

Onyx Coffee Lab - This coffee shop was our main draw to Bentonville. They’ve made a worldwide reputation for themselves as serving some of the best coffee and we knew we had to experience one of their shops for ourselves.

We visited both the downtown Bentonville location as well as the HQ location in Rogers. Both locations had a small pour over menu that consisted of a rotating selection of coffees. We tried a natural kenyan as a pour over as well as a shot of espresso. It was fun to see how different the profile was using the same beans, but different methods of brewing. During our next visit we both opted for a straight forward drip coffee made using their Southern weather blend and honestly prefered the flavor of this over the pour over and espresso that we had. Overall our experience at both shops was great.

Considering the fact that we drove almost 6 hours to get here I was expecting the coffee to blow my mind in a way that it didn’t. Did I enjoy the experience? 100%! Will I come back if we’re driving through? For sure! Do I think it’s a really great option if you’re in the Bentonville area? Without a doubt! Will I drive 6 hours agaun just to go to the shop? Probably not.

Airship Coffee - As far provdiding an experience, this coffee shop knows what it is doing. We visited two different locations and got two very different, but both equally fantastic experiences.

The Coler location is nestled in the woods and only accessible via biking or walking. The hidden nature of this coffee shop captured our attention and we knew we had to visit. Admittedly the coffee itself wasn’t our favorite (a bit too roasty for our taste buds) BUT the experience was still superb and I would 100% go back again. Here are three parking lots where you can get to the shop from. All parking lots are under a mile from the coffee shop.

• Coler Mountain Bike Preserve South Gateway (NW 3rd Street)

• Coler Grove Parking Lot (Just up the road from the South Gateway on the right)

• Coler North Trail Head Parking Lot (Peach Orchard Rd)

The Pumphouse Location gets 5 stars for the midcentury-science-lab vibes. We sat and worked on our computers here for over two hours and it was perfect — bright light, lots of outlets, and very spacious. We tried two pour overs and they were a bit better than the drip coffee we had had at the Coler location, but still not necessarily our chosen flavor profile. That said, this shop is still a place I would 100% come again and again if I lived in Bentonville — even if the coffee wasn’t my favorite. The vibes really got me.

Food

Crepes Paulette - This food truck turned brick-and-mortar is serving up some innovative crepe combos. All the savory crepes are made using a buckwheat flour based batter which lends a nice nuttiness to the crepes. We tried the thai, rubenesque, and strawberry with chocolate ganache. Be warned that the wait can be LONG. I was anticipating it would be a place we could pop in and out of quickly and head out of town, but it ended up being over an hour from the time we walked in to the time we actually had crepes in front of us. It was definitley worth the wait, but just temper your time expectations.

Yeyo’s Mexican Street Food - A modern take on Mexican cuisine that emphasizes the use of freshly grown ingredients. We split the taco plate which consisted of a variety of 8 different tacos and each and every one was to die for. Everything felt super fresh and flavorful! We didn’t get any cocktails, but their drink menu looked really interesting.

Pizzeria Ruby - This east coast style neighborhood pizza place was everything we hoped it would be and more. The pizza was phenomenal, but the salads were equally delicious. We literally ate here twice and would have gone back for a third if we had another day. Between our two visits we got the vodka pizza, mushroom pizza, house salad, and chopped salad and continually raved about all of the above. The cherry gelato was also amazing — served with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt. I really can’t recommend this place enough.

Markm and Fitz - A bean to bar chocolatier that is creating true masterpieces. I think my jaw genuinely dropped as we looked around at all the different chocolate bars. Timing never worked for us to go back and get some, but the smells we got to experience and the rave reviews I have seen have me convinced it is nothing short of magical.

Sights

Eureka Springs - I’m calling it a sight because we kind of treated Bentonville as our home base and so driving an hour to visit Eureka Springs and walk the shops makes it feel like a site. Eureka Springs might quite literally be the hippiest place I have ever been. The hilly streets of the quant town are lined with crystal shops, local artist, and knick-knack stores. It was totally worth the drive just to take in this little town!

Inspiration Point Overlook - Definitely worth a quick stop on your way to Eureka Springs if you’re coming from Bentonville.

Crystal Bridges - This incredible art museum was FREE and captured our art-loving hearts. We didn’t get back from Eureka Springs until there was only 2 hours left to closing, but I would say you could budget closer to 3-4 hours to spend at the museum if you really enjoy reading about art and taking your time walking around. This is a MUST if you are in Bentonville. Don’t miss out on walking through the Frank Lloyd Wright home. Tickets are free, but timed so make sure you get your tickets before you walk out to the house (like we did).

Compton Gardens and Arboretum - Another free place that I highly recommend checking out! There are lots of beautfiul walking trails that will inspire you.

Walking to the top of the ledger building - There’s a ramp that zig zags along the front of the building that is available to the public. It’s super fun to walk up the ramp and look inside the building and when you get to the top you’re rewarded with a really nice view of the city. Bonus: plan it at sunset for an even more spectatcular view.

Farmer’s Market in downtown - Located in the Bentonville Square, a dreamy park with a fountain in the middle, the Farmer’s market takes place on Saturdays from 7:30am-1pm and there are lots of vendors. Definitely worth a stop even if you don’t plan to buy anything.

Biking Trails - Whether you are looking for mountain biking trails or just regular paved biking trails, Bentonville is the place to be. There are lots of trails to choose from and they are maintained really well. We don’t have mountain bikes and truthfully paved biking is more of my jam, so we checked out the Razorback Trail and the Applegate Trail. Both of those trails are paved and were so fun to ride on. There are lots of bridges over streams that make the trails engaging and enjoyable. Next time we go to Bentonville, this is probably what we will spend most of our time doing! They were seriously some of the best trails I have every been on.

Our Favorite Coffee, Food, + Sights in Barcelona and Seville, Spain

We visited Barcelona + Seville, Spain over New Year’s this year and I thought it would be fun to share a few of the places we loved and some thoughts I had that might help you in planning your future trip.

When we go back to Spain I think we will skip Barcelona, but it was an experience worth having. Seville on the other hand, I could have definitely have spent more time in. Below I’ve separated each city and then shared our Airbnb, transportation suggestions, whether or not Spanish was necessary, as well as our favorite coffee, food, + sights.

As always, feel free to send me any addiitonal questions or let me know if you’ve visited either of these cities and what your experience was!

Barcelona

Where we stayed

This was the Airbnb we stayed at. The asthetic of the space was everything we were looking for! It was clean and had everything we needed. The location was great. We were in the Vila de Gracia neighborhood and it was perfect! I would definitely recommend this place.

Transportation

Barcelona has a very strong public transportation system. They have both buses and a metro that can get you wherever you want to go. We used the metro to get to the airport and train station, but because of our great Aribnb location mainly walked otherwise which was perfect.

Language

The primary language used in Barcelona is Spanish. We are not fluent in Spanish by any means and we were able to navigate our way through pretty well. There was a significant amount of people that could speak English, but it’s always polite to at least attempt to communicate in Spanish first. It’s deifnitley worht learning a few phrases to help communicate.

Additional Tips / Thoughts

We went during a non-busy time (January) and the weather was a bit chilly (50’s/60’s) but the crowds were much more mild. You kind of have to pick your poison per se. We really don’t enjoy crowds so we were willing to brave the slighly chilly temps, but if you are looking for a warm Spanish getaway and aren’t deterred by crowds, then you might want to go closer to Summer or Fall.

Coffee

Three Marks Coffee - This was our top coffee in Barcelona for sure. I had read about this coffee shop in Standart and knew I had to go. Their coffee selection was fantastic and the vibe was bright and spacious. One of the pour overs we tried had mint as a tasting note which was super interesting!

Right Side Coffee formerly Satan’s Corner - Really great pour over menu with unique offerings. A bright space you could definitely sit and read or get some work done for a few hours.

Nomad Coffee - Tucked away in an adorable alley way you’ll find this small but mighty shop. When we first arrived there wasn’t anywhere to sit. There’s really only a few bar seats and then two benches to sit and wait for your coffee so if you’re looking for a place to sit and work for a few hours this probably isn’s the place. But if you want a pour over that will knock your socks off, you’re in the right spot. They had an extensive menu of pour overs that had us struggling to make a decision on which one to get. All of the baristas were incredibly kind and knowledgable. It’s also worth noting that the counters behind bar were incredibly clean — like unbelievably clean. I’ve worked in a coffee shop and I know that’s not easy to do. This is definitely our #2 pick for coffee in Barcelona.

Brew Coffee - Knowledgeable and kind baristas and a great pour over selection.

Slow Mov - This shop won our hearts over with great coffee and even better food. Both the cortado and pour over were incredible. We discovered this shop on our last day, but if we had found it on our first day I can guarantee we would have gone here multiple times.

Food

Bru - This place was located right next to Nomad Coffee. It had a super cute Scandinavian diner vibes that caught our eye. It’s located in a fun, secret passageway. The food was delicious. Josiah got the Eggs Benedict and I got the Shakshuka.

Honest Greens - If you’re looking for a cultural experience, this probably isn’t it, BUT this place is delicioys. We stumbled upon this place on New Year’s Day when we arrived in Barcelona and struggled to find food that was open. We lucked out though because the food was both delicious and nutritious! I wouldn’t say fly to Barcelona to go here, but if you need a healthy bite to eat this place will fit the bill.

Honestly, we did a lot of snacking during our time in Barcelona versus stopping for a full meal. There were a lot of restaurants that were closed since we were there around New Year’s. Definitely worth noting if you’re planning to be there around that time.

SIGHTS

La Sagrada Familia - This stunning cathedral is reason enough to visit Barcelona. We didn’t end up going inside because although we are interested in Architecture the 36 Euros to get inside didn’t necessarily seem worth it to us, Even just getting to see the outside was an experience. Take note is is currently under construtction and is not scheduled to be completed until 2026 so it’s very difficult to get photos without construction equipment.

Gothic Quarter - This neighborhood is definiteluy worth walking through if you love architecture.

Park Guell - This area was originally going to be a development for the rich, but it ended up being turned into a park. It’s 16 Euro to walk through.

La Rambla - A touristy tree lined road with shops. I definitley recommend taking a stroll down this street and landing at Mercari de La bouqueria (a really large market) to grab lunch or some fruit + veggies to take back to your Airbnb.

Picasso Museum - We ran out of time, but next time this will be a must for us.

Paella making class - This was a definite highlight of the trip. The class was offered in both Spanish and English. We chose English (Maybe one day we will get brave and take a Spanish only cooking class). We learned how to make traditional tapas, sangria, and paella. The class was about two hours and very interactive. There were about 8 total participants and we all contributed to the meal — chopping ingredients, adding ingredients, stirring, etc. The was cost $45/person and the experience was 10/10. I would highly recommend booking!

SevillE

Where we stayed

This was the Airbnb we stayed in. It had an adorable patio where we could sit and enjoy the fresh air and city sounds around us. A major bonus of this airbnb was the access to a washer (note: there is not access to a dryer so plan accordingly. Make sure you request access from the host when you meet her at the house.) Our host was such a gem and the location could not have been more perfect. We were right in the city center so we could easily walk anywhere we wanted in less than 20 minutes. It was perfect and I would definiltey recommend staying there again.

Transportation

Since our Airbnb location was so central we literally walked everywhere. When we arrived to Seville from Barcelona we arrived at the train station that was about a 25 minute walk from our Airbnb. You could have definitely gotten an uber if you preferred, but we both like walking and it gave us an excuse to see more of the city. When we left Seville we were flying out of the airport so we did have an Uber drive us there because walking was not an option. It was relatively affordable though.

Language

The primary language of this area of Spain was Spanish. We don’t know a lot of Spanish, but we did know enough to get around. It would be good to at least know a few phrases for ordering at restaurants and basic greetings, but you by no means need to be fluent.

Coffee

Muy coffee - I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t the top reason we ended up visiting Seville. They serve Ineffable coffee and since we’ve been obsessed with them ever since we stumbled upon them in Lagos, Portugal we knew we had to visit the shop that works closely with the roastery (We had also hoped to visit the roastery that is also located in Seville, but we weren’t able to because of timing). They coffee shop has 500+ 5 star reviews on google and from our experience, I would say it is well deserved. The space is very small and earthy and warm, but also eclectic. Their pour over menu was impressive and the owners are three brothers who immediately make you feel like family. With this being the reason we traveled to Seville, they absolutely lived up to the hype and our travels were well rewarded.

Food

BraXAS - This tapas spot was right across the street from our Airbnb and was the perfect spot for us to indulge in some classic Spanish cuisine. We had a variety of tapas that had us both speechless!

Takitos Granitas - This place served up some really delicious cheese and dried meat in a cone. It was located right below our Airbnb and lended itself as the perfect stop for a snack or small dinner.

Sights

Plaza De Espana - This was easily one of our favorite things we saw on the trip. It’s a very, very cool plaza designed to sympolize peace between Spain and its former American colonies. It’s so detailed and gorgeous. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic and hang out for a few hours.

Royal Alcazar of Seville - A royal palace that is still in use today. We didn’t actually visit the palace because we honestly weren’t interested in dealing with the crowds, but people talk highly of it.

Trianna neighborhood - This was a fun neighborhood to get out of the touristy areas and explore more of how the working class of Seville live. It gives a more authentic persepctive of what it would be like to live in the city.

Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood - If you visit the palace you’ll end up in this neighborhood and be greeted with lots of incredible arcitecture that will have you

Metropolitan Parasol - This is the largest wood structure in the world and it was so cool to see! We didn’t actually pay the 5 Euro to go on top of the structure and take in the views and to be honest, i am kicking myself. If we go back we will definitely pay to go on top.