Things to Do in Ravenswood

BYOB taqueria where the al pastor is carved off a proper trompo. Bring a six-pack of Modelo and pay $25 total for two people.

No-frills BYOB taqueria with al pastor carved off a vertical spit, the way it should be. Tacos are $3-4 each, burritos under $10. Bring your own beer — there is a liquor store on the corner. The mulitas are the sleeper order. Cash only.

2213 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 · Daily 9am-midnight · indoor

Biscuit sandwiches the size of your head and pies that sell out by noon on weekends. Get there early.

Biscuit sandwiches, pot pies, and whole pies in a cozy Ravenswood shop. The biscuits are enormous and flaky. Pies rotate seasonally — the key lime and the brown sugar chess are year-round favorites. Weekend mornings have a line. $8-14 per person. They close when the pies are gone.

4947 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 · Mon 8am-7pm, Wed-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm, closed Tue · indoor

Almost 3 acres with agility equipment, separate puppy area, and room to actually throw a ball. Open at 5am for the early risers.

2.7-acre off-leash recreation zone with separate areas for puppies/small dogs and large dogs, plus an agility area. Open 5am-10pm daily. One of the biggest dedicated dog parks in Chicago. The agility equipment is a nice bonus — most city parks don't have that.

2035 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 · 5am-10pm daily · outdoor

Five minutes from Montrose Dog Beach. Hit the beach, then come here. Dogs welcome inside. They'll bring water for your dog before you even ask.

Dog-friendly inside and out, right near Montrose Dog Beach — perfect post-beach stop. Small-batch experimental brews. The taproom is low-key and the staff will bring your dog water without you asking.

1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 · Thu-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-7pm