In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city and destroyed much of downtown. Yet Chicago rose from the ashes, building back bigger and better and driving the creation of the worlds first-ever skyscrapers.

Today, the citys Major League Soccer team pays homage to that resilience and unbeatable spirit. The Chicago Fire Football Club are an undeniable force in the league, filling historic Soldier Field with an energy like no other.

We asked Chicago Fire FC players from Chicago and around the world about their favorite things to go around the city. Whether youre in town to soak up all the soccer action or just want to enjoy quintessential summer in Chicago, this guide is a great starting point to start exploring great bites and top attractions.

What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?

Tre Dita Chicago“We’ve been to Tre Dita, Maple Ash, Gus’ Sip and Dip and Aba, those are always good. Still trying to find some more.” — Chris Brady, goalkeeper, Naperville, Illinois

I think wings are probably what I enjoy the most on an off day. I like everywhere to be honest, but there’s a place called The Whistle. That one’s pretty good. I think Portillo’s is probably the spot I go to the most, but I also like El Solazo. — Sergio Oregel Jr., midfielder, Chicago, Illinois

“I like this place on the North Side. It’s called Taconazo. It’s a Mexican place on the street.” — Mauricio Pineda, midfielder, Bolingbrook, Illinois

“Qing Xiang Yuan dumplings Chinatown, Alla Vita, and Gibson’s Italiaare my top three.” — Sam Rogers, defender, Seattle, Washington

Alla Vita

Rose Mary Chicago

Aba; photo by Jeff Marini “Violi and Zaza’s Italian. Love Zazas.” — Andrew Gutman, defender, Hinsdale, Illinois

“I went to this restaurant Lyra, the Greek one. I liked it. That’s for sure one of the things that I enjoyed.” — Anton Salétros, midfielder, Stockholm, Sweden

Armitage Ale House. I think that’s the best restaurant in the city. They have a very good burger.” — Christopher Cupps, defender, Chicago, Illinois

“I would say my favorite restaurant in Chicago would be Trivoli Tavern.” — Jason Shokalook, forward, Erie, Pennsylvania 

“Our new favourite restaurant is Sushi-san. Amazing food and vibes.” — Joel Waterman, defender, Langley, British Columbia 

“Two of my favorite restaurants are Creepies and Elske in West Loop. I also really like Obélix, a French bistro in River North and El Che, an Argentinian steak house. Apart from that, Matilda and La Lunita are some great modern Mexican restaurants. Rose Mary is a super cool Croatian-Italian restaurant. Tre Dita and Gibsons Italia are two great Italian spots. For coffee, I really like Metric Coffee, especially their shop Milli by Metric. Candor in Wicker Park is a great little spot too. — Philip Zinckernagel, forward, Copenhagen, Denmark 

What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

Photo by Dimitry Anikin“I’ve been big into scootering around the city. Also, going to all the museums in South Loop area. That’s kind of dope.” — Chris Brady, goalkeeper, Naperville, Illinois

“Watching the Bulls, I have season ticket[s]. I go every night that they play at the United Center.” — Andre Franco, midfielder, Lisbon, Portugal

“I like any boat rides on the river or the lake. Something I’d like to do is kayak on the river – have always wanted to.” — Mauricio Pineda, midfielder, Bolingbrook, Illinois

“The Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is sick.” — Christopher Cupps, defender, Chicago, Illinois

Photo courtesy Chicago Bulls

Field Museum; photo by Lucy Hewett

North Avenue Beach; photo by Kathleen Hinkel “One thing that I liked to enjoy this past summer is just going down to the lake with the family, and swim there. I thought those were really good times.” — Jeff Gal, goalkeeper, Bartlett, Illinois

“I like visiting museums. I like going to NBA games or visiting downtown Chicago — the river or the lake with the boats. There’s many things to do.” — Maren Haile-Selassie, midfielder, Zurich, Switzerland

“Probably the riverboat cruise, because the architecture was really cool. When the weather’s nice, I like hiking, especially with our dogs. — Jonathan Dean, defender, Macon, Georgia

Learn more about the Chicago Fire and how you can take part in all the match day excitement.