Mother’s Day 2020 in Chicago will be the most original and untraditional celebration that your mother-figure will ever experience in her lifetime. While the celebration may be different, it can still be very special. Show mom how much you care—even if you are not able to be together in person.
Experience a virtual tour of Chicago, have brunch delivered from her favorite restaurant, send a beautiful boutique of flowers from a local florist, and more from these local women-owned businesses. Check out this guide of what to eat, shop, and do during Mother’s Day in Chicago. Be sure to connect with the businesses listed below for special deals and hours of operation.
This guest post originally appeared on May 7th, 2019 as The Ultimate Guide to Mother’s Day from Bossy Chicago, and maybe updated to reflect the current operations. Be sure to contact these businesses or check their websites for updates and offerings.
DRINK, DINE, & BRUNCH
Sweet Maple Cafe, 1339 W Taylor St
This intimate cafe is the perfect place to take mom for brunch on Mother’s Day. The restaurant is known for its all-day breakfasts and lunch menu in a homey environment. The perfect place for mom to get a comforting and home-cooked meal without lifting a finger. Pro-tip: Be sure to arrive early and order the homemade biscuits. You’ll thank me later! Check their Facebook for hours of operation.
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, 1747 N Damen Ave
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate is a very sweet place – literally to take mom this Mother’s Day. Mindy Segal, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, creates the best dessert-driven dishes, pasties, and of course, hot chocolate. Order takeout from Mindy’s Bakery.
Kinzie Chophouse, 400 N Wells St
If you are looking for fine dining for mom this Mother’s Day, look no further than to Kinzie Steakhouse. The women-owned, women-operated steakhouse offers an array of exclusive cuts of steaks, seafood, pasta, salads, and more. Order takeout from Kinzie Chophouse.
Two Fish Crab Shack, 641 E 47th St
Let mom dine to her heart’s content this Mother’s Day on delicious seafood dishes on the city’s South Side. Located in Bronzeville, Two Fish Crab Shack offers a spectacular à la carte style seafood boil, featuring five kinds of seasonings and six kinds of seafood daily. Order online for pick-up or delivery.
Chicago French Press
Unable to take mom out for dinner or drinks on Mother’s Day? Send her something tasty instead! Chicago French Press (CFP) produces premium, organic coffee that is single-origin and flavored by hand. They offer a variety of coffee selections in several grind options, including single bags, so that mom can enjoy the brews beyond the holiday. Find the perfect blend for mom. Order individual roasts or a subscription service online.
GIFTS
Nzuri Body Essentials
The mother-daughter duo behind Nzuri Body Essentials took their mutual passion for beauty products to create a handcrafted, luxury, all-natural bath, and body care line. Nzuri Body Essentials is available at Fashion Outlets Mall of Chicago in Rosemont, exclusively for the East Bank Club. Shop online for the latest product offering.
Pistachios Jewelry Gallery, 55 E. Grand Ave
Pistachios is a contemporary jewelry gallery in downtown Chicago featuring dozens of innovative, women jewelry designers from around the world. You’re all but guaranteed to find something perfect for the matriarch in your life. Shop online or book a private virtual tour.
Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St
Women & Children First is the perfect place to find mom’s summer read. The North Side bookstore hosts the most extensive collection of feminist books, stocking more than 30,000 books by and about women, children’s books for all ages, and the best LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction. By shopping at Women & Children First, you are guaranteed to find writing and stories that empower and uplight mom long all year long. Order online for curbside or delivery.
Milk Handmade, 5137 North Clark St
Find mom the perfect gift from Chicago made by Chicago-based artists, designers, and creatives. Milk Handmade is owned and curated by Chicago-native Hallie Borden and carries clothing, accessories, and home goods of a quality that all moms can appreciate. Shop online.
A Pretty Flower, 2334 W Lawrence Suite 100
A Pretty Flower is owned and operated by the dynamic mother-daughter duo Juli and Dragica. The women behind A Pretty Flower recognize that “one size does not fit all” and makes sure to offer fully customizable floral designers for any occasion. Shop A Pretty Flower today for one of a kind arrangements for the one-of-a-kind lady in your life. Order for pick-up or contact less delivery,
tHINGS TO dO
Chicago Detours
Chicago Detours is a great gift to give the explorer and scholar-like mother figure in your life. The local company founded by Amanda Scotese, is a tour company for the curious. The tour focuses on exploring stories and places through guided tours of Chicago’s architecture, history and culture. Book this unique experience to learn more about the city of Chicago together. Register online for a virtual tour.
Laugh Out Loud, 3851 N. Lincoln Avenue
Spend time with mom laughing and creating joyful memories at Laugh Out Loud Theater. Laugh Out Loud features an ensemble that includes comedians who perform at theaters all over Chicago. Together, they have a combined experience of over 294 years, that’s much comedy for you and mom to enjoy together. Visit the Facebook page for the latest show updates.
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, 4912 North Western Avenue
Do you have a hard time finding a gift for the mother figure in your life that seemingly has everything? Try treating her to a challenging new skill — gift mom with printmaking classes at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative. Courses include screen-printing, lithography, etching, relief, mono-print, and more. See what types are available on the website and join mom on her creative journey this Mother’s Day. Visit the Facebook page for virtual events and to shop prints from local artists.
Bettye O’ Day Spa, 1424 E 53rd St #304
Pamper mom (and yourself) this Mother’s Day with lavish spa treatments from Betty O’Day Spa in Hyde Park. From facials to body wraps, the Betty O’ Day Spa aims to nurture and relax its guests with innovative and individualized techniques. Give mom a relaxing day and encourage her journey to health and wellness at this premier spa. Purchase gift certificates and shop products online.
Chi-town Shakti, 1343 W Devon Ave
Help mom unleashes her inner zen this Mother’s Day with Chi-Town Shakti. The Edgewater based spa is an affiliate center is committed to the authentic teachings of Shambhava Yoga, timeless teaching of yoga. Chi-Town Shakti encourages students of all skill levels to join their community. Join mom in the ultimate gift of spiritual energy and harmonious growth through yoga. Take a virtual class.
For more fun things to do with mom, check out this guide to weekly virtual events that you can stream online together.
