As the Co-Founder and Chief Artist of Bucketfeet, Aaron Firestein has found impressive commercial success through his art, helming a growing fashion enterprise that turns comfortable low-top sneakers for men and women into canvases for artists who adorn them with their finest designs. Aaron’s laid-back ‘tude and discerning eye also become apparent when he’s dishing out tips about his favorite local spots: low-fuss hangouts where the Olio City staff could spend entire days. Check them out yourself and follow Aaron on Twitter @aaronfuegostein
I still haven’t hit the vast majority of the city’s museums, that’s something I absolutely have to do. I also have never been to the Green Mill, a famous jazz lounge that’s been around since Al Capone’s day.
I’m mostly a shot-and-a-beer sort of guy. Chicago is a great city for that. Pretty much any dive bar will do, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Lone Wolf in the West Loop.
I’m originally from the Bay Area, so it’s really all about the Oakland A’s. If I had to choose a Chicago team, it’d be the White Sox.
I’ve always loved photography, so photo-editing apps are must-haves. My favorite for a long time has been Afterlight.
Jibek Jolu, a Kyrgyz restaurant in Lincoln Square. I’ve only been there once, but it ranks as one of the best, totally off-the-beaten path restaurants I’ve been to in a long time. It’s also BYOB, so bring your vodka.
Also, the Garfield Park Conservatory is a beautiful spot that people who don’t live in Chicago wouldn’t necessarily go to.
There’s an Intelligentsia down the street from me in Logan Square, where I live. Never a bad decision.