Comedian Cameron Esposito's favorite Chicago spots
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Photo: Courtesy of Kate Elliot
Cameron Esposito started her comedy career at open mics around Chicago before moving to Los Angeles to star on shows like "A Million Little Things" and host the podcast "Queery."
Driving the news: Esposito is back in town this week for the debut of her latest solo show, "FEAT," at Steppenwolf Theatre.
- The show dissects a near-death experience after a foot injury and how the experience shaped and re-shaped relationships in Esposito's life — with her wife, mother and even ex-husband.
- Performances are 7:30pm Friday and 3pm and 7:30pm Saturday.
- Tickets start at $43.
Flashback: Esposito was living in Logan Square in 2009 when she co-founded the comedy open mic night at Cole's bar that the Tribune later called the best open mic in Chicago.
- Stars like "SNL's" Sarah Squirm (Sarah Sherman) and Hannibal Buress performed there and out-of-town comedians would pop in to do a set.
Zoom in: We asked Esposito to share her "Best Day Ever" in Chicago.
- "When I go back, I'm often taken new places by my sister who lives in the city, and I love that. But for this, nostalgia wins the day," the comedian told Axios as she highlighted some of her favorite Logan Square haunts.
🥓 Breakfast: "Located right below the California Blue Line stop, Cozy Corner is the classic diner you need to start your day. Sit at the counter (obviously). I'd do coffee, eggs over easy, bacon, toast and a side of sliced tomatoes."
🪴 Morning activity: "Lincoln Park Conservatory is legit cool and folks don't talk about it enough. Walk around there, talk to the docents, enjoy time outside year-round. (Well, inside outside.) Let's go plants!"
🥪 Lunch: "When I moved to Logan Square in 2006, farm-to-table American restaurant Lula Cafe was 7 years old and already a hot spot. Almost 20 years later, it's still a hit in Chicago's dining scene. Grab the Tineka sandwich. If you take it to go, eat up on the 606."
🌮 Dinner: "El Cid on Kedzie. I used to live at the end of the block and have eaten literally everything on the menu. Go and eat everything there on my behalf."
⛹️♀️ Evening activity: "Since it's WNBA playoffs, you gotta hit the newly opened women's sports bar, Babe's, in Logan Square. Everyone watches women's sports!"
- "And if it's a Wednesday, hit Cole's Open Mic to see the city's emerging talent and big drop-ins (like me)."