LP Giobbi”s Ultimate Travel Guide To Chicago

LP Giobbi did it. The global dance music superstar and activist recently teamed up with emerging British producer Redfield and multi-faceted artist DJ Rae to release new track “Waiting,” a ravishing new house single that comes via the imprint of taste of Diplo, Higher Ground.

“Waiting” follows the torrid final months of LP Giobbi, as she released her debut album Bright places via Counter Records, launched her own label called Yes Yes Yes, embarked on an international headlining tour, and most recently, released an official remix for the one and only Taylor Swift. (She also seems to have attended every festival Uproxx went to all last year..)

Although originally from Austin, Texas, Giobbi travels to bring his heartwarming and electrifying piano-accompanied house music to sold-out crowds around the world. So it makes sense that Chicago — the city that helped pioneer house music — is on her radar as a travel destination every chance she gets. Currently on a massive tour, LP Giobbi will return to the Windy City for two sold-out nights – December 2 at Concord Music Hall and December 3 at Woodie’s Flat Chicago for a special “Funky Brunch.”

To prepare for Giobbi’s whirlwind return to Chicago, she put together a personalized guide to where to stay, eat and party in Chicago.

Where to stay

I would of course wake up at W Hotels Lakeshore Hotel. As a global music director, I travel a lot but still typically stay at W hotels located in different cities. The W Chicago Lakeshore is beautiful because it’s right on the water and has amazing views.

Morning kick-off

I really drink anything with caffeine. I don’t have a specific place to get coffee in town, but I’d probably try to get an almond milk latte with three shots of espresso. Almond milk is usually not as frothy, but I always try to push that limit haha.

I like walking by the water, there is a nice running track and bike path outside the hotel. It helps me start my day by going for a walk, and then I would probably extend my walk to my brother’s house to spend time with my two nieces, who are two and six. They are the cutest ever and become real singers, performing duets for our family. Crush it already.

Best place for lunch

My family and I always contact each other Portillo’s. They’re famous for their beef sandwiches, something a little different from your usual Chicago hot dog. It’s really an institution there. In fact, when my parents are in Chicago, they eat there for almost every meal. It’s great for having fun. Although I have to say I sometimes get their hot dog and I don’t always get it “Chicago Style”. (Sorry Chicagoans) I just like to put a lot of ketchup on it.

But my parents torture me for it.

The afternoon

To get rid of food, I would go to The Bean. The park there is really beautiful to walk around in and is obviously one of the most famous places in Chicago. It’s also right next to my brother’s house, so it’s a great activity for all my friends and family.

When I visit the city, my brother and I also like to order this very famous deep dish pizza at Giordanos. I get Canadian pineapple bacon, but no one else in my family likes it, so I usually have to get a personal pizza. My family loves meat lovers pizza. But pineapple definitely can (and should) go on pizza.

I’m also not a huge sports fan (maybe besides the Denver Nuggets) but I am a Wrigley Field fan. This place has a very rich history with The Grateful Dead and Dead & Co. I fell in love when my parents took me there when I was young and there was a pretty intense ending to the game where it was a tie and there was a “pickle”, so the runner was going back and forth. I remember the stadium exploding with energy when the Cubs player made it and won the game. So I love going back there for a game Chicago Cubs. Or even go to a Chicago Bulls game. I grew up in the Jordan era.

Then I would definitely try to take a little “disco nap” so I can play all night.

Best nightlife scene

I would start the night at Kingston Mines. It is the largest and oldest operating blues club in Chicago. Next, I would head over to Smartbar. Chicago is a pioneering city for house music. Smart Bar is THE staple of the origins of house music, it has a long history with The Blessed Madonna and Derrick Carter who were once resident DJs there. They have an amazing event every Sunday there called Queen! it’s very special. It’s such a safe and wonderful space for the queer community.

Drink of choice for going out

I only drink alcohol sometimes – when I do, it’s usually always a glass of white wine. A Savagnin blanc of course, everything except Chardonnay. I like being a bougie bitch at the club. I really only drink red wine before bed.