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
What's something you haven't done in the city that's on your list to do?
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.
Drink of choice?
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.
Cubs or White Sox?
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.
Under-the-radar app that you can't function without?
I’ve always loved photography, so photo-editing apps are must-haves. My favorite for a long time has been Afterlight.
A hidden gem in Chicago is?
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.
It's early morning, where do you get your caffeine fix?
There’s an Intelligentsia down the street from me in Logan Square, where I live. Never a bad decision.
