Dearborn Street

If someone wanted to invent the quintessential downtown city 'hood, the Printers Row stretch of South Dearborn Street between Harrison and Polk would make a stunning example. No wonder film and TV crews like those for the Chicago-based "ER" have staged scenes here.

A picturesque street crawling with ever-present dog walkers and hip pedestrians of diverse ethnicities and ages, Dearborn is dotted with reasonably priced eateries serving up everything from turkey burgers to trattoria-style Italian to Thai. And its round-the-clock access to buses and L and Metra trains makes this a great street for visitors to check out -- and for residents to call home.

Hackney's Printers Row
733 S. Dearborn
(312) 461-1116

This legendary restaurant's first outpost inside the Windy City, Hackney's Printers Row has become a neighborhood institution since it opened in November 2001. A chain that's more than 60 years old, Hackney's Dearborn Street outpost carries some of the freshest and best-priced American fare you'll find anywhere (and no meal's complete without its signature loaf-shaped french fried onions). Along with the street's classiest outdoor patio (open through Nov. 30), Hackney's features a surprisingly diverse wine, pilsner and ale list, as well as a cozy inside bar.

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday.

Daniela's Day Spa
705 S. Dearborn
(312) 583-9100

Need your weary muscles massaged or a manicure in a gorgeous loftlike setting? Daniela's recently opened, giving locals a classy spot for facials, airbrush tanning and a full range of waxing services. This upscale salon isn't cheap (for example, manicures start at $21), but Printers Row residents in search of urban pampering needn't go far.

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Printers Row Wine Shop
719 S. Dearborn
(312) 663-9314

A first-class stop for vino selections from around the world, Printers Row arose last fall from the dust of what used to be a combination pharmacy and wine shop. But while many local residents bemoaned the drug store's closing, the fabulously eclectic wine emporium more than makes up the difference. Stop in and try one of between 10 and 20 well-priced featured wines before purchasing -- or drop by for the shop's weekly 5:30-8 p.m. Friday wine tastings.

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2-9 p.m. Sunday.

Gourmand Coffeehouse
728 S. Dearborn
(312) 427-2610

A haven for folks ranging from purple-haired Columbia College students to clean-cut yuppies, Gourmand is a Printers Row staple. Not only does it fuel your caffeine need, but this quintessential neighborhood cafe also offers a full menu ranging from veggie burritos and omelets to falafel. Wireless computer access and Thursday night "open mic" entertainment give locals more reason to park themselves in this cozy spot.

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Sandmeyer's Bookstore
714 S. Dearborn
(312) 922-2104

Sandmeyer's is a welcome respite from the sterile sameness of national bookstore chains. Family-owned for nearly a quarter century, this wood-floored literary haven feels like an old-fashioned library. Sandmeyer's prides itself on go-out-of-its-way customer service, 10 percent discount on every store item and its collection of Chicago-themed, literature and travel books. Feel like visiting another land without leaving Dearborn Street? Grab a guidebook or memoir from its wonderfully diverse shelves, plop into a chair in its Travel section, and take off.

Hours: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Redoor Pet Salon & Day Spa
724 S. Dearborn
(312) 957-0340

Who knew that Dearborn Street would get a pet spa before one for folks without fur? But it happened a few years back with the opening of Redoor. This crimson-hued spot offers everything from whirlpool massages and "Pawdicures" to traditional grooming. Redoor often offers specials (such as a recent "back-to-school" and Fall Spa promotion) which it displays in its picture windows.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday; closed Sunday and Monday.

Kasey's Tavern
701 S. Dearborn
(312) 427-7992

Want a Cheers-like "where-everybody-knows-your-name-type" bar? Kasey's, owned by Printers Row real estate maven Bill White, is that spot. Open for more than a century, Kasey's is an old-school bar complete with wooden booths and non-stop televised sports action. With an outdoor patio and a revolving menu of "pub food," Kasey's is perfect for sharing domestic or imported brews. And like most Printers Row spots, its street-side seating is pet friendly.

Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday and Sunday; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Saturday.