OT: Chicago

[stitchlover]

DH and I just booked a trip to Chicago for our 20th Anniversary in late July. We are going to be staying at the Westin on Michigan Avenue. Neither of us has ever been to Chicago but we both really wanted to go and decided what the heck!

So what are the can't miss sights to see and places to eat? I am open to any suggestions. Deep Dish Chicago Pizza is on my husband's MUST DO list.

I told DH I have become a pro at scheduling our Disney trips I almost didn't remember how to schedule something that wasn't Disney related!

TIA! Look forward to seeing your suggestions.

[DavidandLeahZ]

There's a free trolley that goes to some of the big spots: Navy Pier, Art Institute, etc.

Visit http://broadwayinchicago.com/ to see what shows might be playing - Chicago has some amazing theatres! (Mary Poppins will be there)
In addition - Chicago is home to a world-renowned improv group called 2nd City (where a lot of SNL cast started their careers). If you plan early - seeing a show is a blast!

You could also see if the Cubs or Sox are in town - Wrigley Field is an especially historic park (love or hate the Cubs).

My wife and l love taking a day to walk the shops on the Magnificent Mile (and I grew up 15 minutes from the city).

Museum-wise there's the Museum of Science & Industry (msichicago.org), the field museum (fieldmuseum.org), the Planetarium (http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/), the Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/)

Food - Gino's East is famous for their deep dish as is Giordano's
But you can find any food to your liking

Advice: visit this cite of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and buy a visitor's pass to use on the trains and buses
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/unlimitedridecards.aspx

It can save you a ton of cash....we know our way around and we still buy one b/c of how convenient the "L" is in getting you around.

Hope that gave you some ideas - feel free to PM with any questions.

[stitchlover]

Someone my husband works with is from Chicago and they recommended Gino's East. It is within a 1/2 mile of our hotel so we definitely planned on eating there. He has heard of someplace called Lou Malnati's. Ever heard of it?
So the public transportation...okay and safe to use? I grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex but the city I lived in did not have public transportation so I've never used it. Us Texans love our cars. So the public transportation thing is kind foreign and unknown to me.

[DavidandLeahZ]

Someone my husband works with is from Chicago and they recommended Gino's East. It is within a 1/2 mile of our hotel so we definitely planned on eating there. He has heard of someplace called Lou Malnati's. Ever heard of it?
So the public transportation...okay and safe to use? I grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex but the city I lived in did not have public transportation so I've never used it. Us Texans love our cars. So the public transportation thing is kind foreign and unknown to me.

Lou Malnati's - good, but IMO, not as good as Gino's
Yes - I feel the CTA is safe as long as you don't ride it too extremely late
But again - get the visitor's pass - it pays for itself quickly

Let us know what you and your DH like to do (hobby/interest-wise) and perhaps I or someone else from the area can suggest something more specific

[stitchlover]

He would like to see a Cubs game but they are out of town while we are there. At this point I think we would like to do an boat tour of the city...any suggestions on that one?

We plan on getting in a museum or two. If you had to limit it to two which would you recommend? Have a friend that recently moved there and if I remember correctly she was unimpressed with the Shedd Aquarium. Any thoughts on that?

We are going to be on Michigan Avenue. I guess my main concern at this point is dining options. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? This is our 20th anniversary so we plan on a few nice dinners.

Not too sure where DH heard about Malnati's. I think he might have seen it on the Food Network. I will tell him what your thoughts on that. I think he said something about need a hot dog? I swear the reason he wants to come to Chicago is to eat!

Had a friend recommend the Ralph Lauren restaurant? Not too sure about that one.

[jcb]

DW and I stayed at that Westin 5+ years ago. It was a nice hotel in a great location. To be honest, it was not one of the fancier Westin's we have stayed in but by saying that, I don't mean there was anything wrong with it. It was a nice hotel and I would stay there again.

I agree with everything DavidandLeahZ said on things to do. A couple of other points.

Late July in Chicago is hot. Not Dallas hot, but hot.

We used the L extensively including to and from O'Hare (over DW's mild objection). There's a red line stop not far from the hotel - though I'm not suggesting you do the O'Hare to Hotel run unless you are comfortable with it. The L isn't as clean as the Metro in DC but we had no problems using it.

You are in the midst of super shopping.

Gino's East is within walking distance - close to the Hard Rock. My DSIL, who went to school at Northwestern, says it is a "tourist trap." We nevertheless enjoy our pizza but depending on when you go, it can be packed and they don't issue fastpasses. We got ours to go and ate it on the street - not literally of course.

The one thing I don't believe DavidandLeahZ mentioned that I liked to do was the John Hancock observation tower - you are right next to it and it isn't very expensive.

Don't pass up the art institute if you like that kind of thing. Incredible. Same for the Field Museum. Not enough time in one life for those.

I wasn't all that impressed with the Navy Pier. Way too touristy. Think DTD without the Mouse. I'm sure there's something wrong with me.

[DavidandLeahZ]

He would like to see a Cubs game but they are out of town while we are there. At this point I think we would like to do an boat tour of the city...any suggestions on that one?

The best boat tours (again, IMO, depart from Navy Pier) here's a link:
www.shorelinesightseeing.com
I always try to get my wife to go on the architectural tour - it's amazing (I've been on it numerous times)

We plan on getting in a museum or two. If you had to limit it to two which would you recommend? Have a friend that recently moved there and if I remember correctly she was unimpressed with the Shedd Aquarium. Any thoughts on that?
The two can't miss IMO are: Museum of Science and Industry and Field Museum. The first is more hands-on and the latter is more historical. MSI is an all-day (if not more) museum.


We are going to be on Michigan Avenue. I guess my main concern at this point is dining options. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? This is our 20th anniversary so we plan on a few nice dinners.
The nice thing is - downtown - you're not really far from anything.
try www.chicagotraveler.com it offers dining lists - so you can find something to your taste. I could point you to some small local places - but they'd be tough to find. You shouldn't be too far from a bakery though for breakfast.

My wife and I would spend every anniversary (if we had the sitters and the $) going to a nice dinner and a show downtown. We did this with Wicked a few years back, and could walk to our hotel....very relaxing and romantic.

What dates are you coming up?

[DavidandLeahZ]

The one thing I don't believe DavidandLeahZ mentioned that I liked to do was the John Hancock observation tower - you are right next to it and it isn't very expensive.

I wasn't all that impressed with the Navy Pier. Way too touristy. Think DTD without the Mouse. I'm sure there's something wrong with me.

Yes - my fault.

The Hancock Building and Sears Tower (has a new name now) are both great if you like observation towers.

In terms of Navy Pier, I agree- it is definitely a whole lot of show with not much substance - but if you're taking a boat tour (which I highly recommend!) it's nice to take 30 minutes and stroll....perhaps riding the Ferris Wheel.

[rocio]

My favorite restaurant, perhaps anywhere, is Rick Bayless' Topolobampo: http://www.fronterakitchens.com/restaurants/restaurants.html That place is divine! In fact we're planning a weekend trip to Chicago for our 10th anniv. this fall and that's where we'll be dining. Last time we were there I had the chef's tasting menu paired with wines and it was hands down, the best meal I've ever had anywhere. Pricey, but so oh so good and great for a special occasion like your 20th anniv.

About the free trolley's, I thought I had read they were being phased out due to budget cuts? I never followed up on the story so I don't know for sure.

If you only have time for 2 museums I would do the Field Museum and the Art Institute if it's just the two of you. If you're taking kids then still Field but either Science & Industry in Hyde Park or the Children's Museum at Navy Pier.

Other yummy places around Michigan Ave: Star of Siam or India Garden.

Love Chicago. It's a weekend trip for us so we do it regularly.

[jcb]

I wish we had done the architecture boat tour. We just ran out of time.

You'll be near several Starbucks - what other breakfast would anyone need?

[stitchlover]

We are going to be there July 29th through August 2nd. We got a good package through American Airlines Vacations...so I hope we are happy with the hotel. Now I'm a little concerned!

Do we need to look into a Fireworks cruise or can we catch them somewhere downtown?

I think those are the two museum's we planned to go to and then the architectural tour. I am a huge Bear's fan and might have to see Soldier Field!

[stitchlover]

Someone recommended Maggiano's to us but we have one here in Dallas and thought it was okay, not that great.

[jcb]

Please don't take my comment about the hotel wrong.

You have nothing to worry about. I used to stay at the Westin Stonebriar in North Dallas for business meetings. The rooms at the one in Chicago were not that nice (few are) but they were still very comfortable and clean.

Think of it like this - we were there in November and the NFL team playing the Bears (I don't remember who) stayed at the hotel.

I said that because some Westin's (the resorts, mainly) are luxuriously nice - this one is nice.

[rocio]

I think we've stayed at that Westin. Right in front of the Hancock building? I really thought it was a nice hotel.

[DavidandLeahZ]

Even though the Cubs won't be in town, you could do a tour of Wrigley Field that takes you into the clubhouse and the dugout among other places. http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/wrigley_field_tours.jsp
We did it a couple years ago and it was really cool.
My wife-who's from a little hick town-where we now live:)- said she likes to ride the L around the Loop to get a good view of the city. She also says if you happen to be near the Tribune building(in the 400 block of Michigan), check out the walls all the way around the building. They have rocks from many different significant sites of the world's history built into them - like a chunk from the Berlin Wall, one from the House of Parliament, and even one from Columbus' Landing Place. It's amazing.

[schoen]

I like Gino's but I prefer Lou Malnotti's.

Garrett popcorn is worth the long lines.

Get a chicago style hot dog, they are BEYOND amazing.

The boat tours really are cool, because you get a great view of the skyline.

Shedd's aquarium is pretty cool tool.

You might be there during venetian nights (is that what it is called?) There is a big boat parade on the lake followed by a decent firework show. Two years ago I was there the last weekend in July and that was going on.

[Majkman]

I'd go to the Cubs website. Last year Wrigley ran some tours of the field when the Cubs were out of town and being a Sox fan - I'd prefer to go to Wrigley when the Cubs ARE out of town. I hate the Cubs, but Wrigley Field...despite the corporate additions is still a treasure to see. Museum of Science and Industry is HUGE and can't be fully appreciated in a day - and in my eyes not worth wasting 1 day. Gino's I believe is on Superior right off of Michigan so you will be very close, although I'm in the minority, I feel Lou Malnati's is the BEST pizza Chicago has to offer. Sears (soon to be Willis) Tower is o.k. Take a carriage ride at night. They originate from Water Tower place. They're nice, and a great way to experience the city. Another dining selection, albeit a bit pricey for what you get would be Harry Carey's. They'll be plenty to do here. Have a great time, bring your suntan lotion. It'll be warm by then.....I hope. They're predicting 3-5 inches snow out here in the boonies by Sunday!!!

I gotta move.....
Andy

[GabbyMom]

Useless bit of trivia. When the Cubs are in town their opponents stay at that westin. Except for the cardnals who stay at the Hilton and Towers.

Bistro 110 is across the street from you and is wonderful for a nice dinner. Next to that is the Gerdelli ice cream parlor like in DTD. And across the street is the Hershey store.

http://www.architecture.org/ Chicago architecture foundation. They run all sorts of tours and boat rides starting at about $5 I think.

The westin is steps from the beach. Pm me if you need anything else.

Look into getting the Chicago card. It's a pass to almost all the chicago highlights.

[BriarRosie]

LOL! I can see the Lou's vs. Gino's pizza debate as big as the cake and pie debates. :laughing: I have a Lou Malnati's closer to home than Gino's, but I like the more cornmeal in the Gino's crust. Lou's butter crust is great, but hey, it's still all good to me. :love:

I think everyone here gave some good advice. I rarely go downtown, but I agree with the sights they suggested. I really want to take that architectural boat tour. I saw a PBS show about it and have wanted to take it ever since.

[GabbyMom]

I really want to take that architectural boat tour. I saw a PBS show about it and have wanted to take it ever since.

The Chicago Lake Front Tour with Geoffrey Baer. I wish they played those shows during the rest of the year not just during the beg-a-thon.
Geoffrey Baeris a docent from the Chicago Architecture foundation.

Lou Malnaties is much better than Ginos in my opinion. Better crust

[torquelover]

Memorable things for me, and some others here, in no particular order:

-Check out the Museum Campus and visit any you find interest in, they are all excellent.
-Visit the Signature Lounge on the top of the John Hancock building for cocktails with a great view.
-If you end up at a Sox game, go to Ferro's a few blocks down for some great homemade Italian Ice.
-Try Lawrence Fisheries for low-key dining with great seafood.
-Visit The Swedish Bakery early in the day for some excellent treats.
-If you've not been, see The Blue Man Group at the Briar Street Theatre.
-If you like sausage and cornmeal, go to Gino's East and get a deep-dish pizza with the sausage patty (not crumbled).
-Walk/shop the Magnificent Mile, and stop by Garrett's for some sinfully rich cheese and caramel popcorn. If there's a line halfway down the block, that's a good sign so tuff it out.
-Go to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. for a Pizza Pot Pie.
-If you like dim sum, go to Phoenix in Chinatown. Get there early.
-If your DH is a car fan, swing by 834 North Rush street to see various Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and possibly a Bugatti Veyron (only $1.6 million).

A lot I'm missing I'm sure. Please take some pics and post a TR for all of us :thumbsup2

[DisneyDayTripper]

Did you know that Chicago has the ONLY Garmin store in the entire world? We were walking in Chicago with our Garmin trying to find some place and it wasn't working right and we looked up and there it was...we were like hm...so we took it in and they did some updates and it was working fine after that. I asked the worker how many stores there were in the US or what other cities had them and he said "you're standing in the only Garmin store in the entire world." I was like "woah." It's right on Michigan avenue so I don't think they could have picked a better location.

Anyway..yes..the Wrigley Field tour was very cool and if you get a great tour guide you get to know all sorts of interesting information about the park and different things that have happened. We got VERY VERY lucky and had the official Cubs historian to be one of the guides on our tour and we could ask him any question about the park or the cubs or anything and Cubs related and he would know it. Great trip!

I'd also suggest checking out what is going on at Millennium Park....DW and I would always enjoy going down there and taking in the atmosphere of the city. It's a great view of the buildings and there's often concerts or something going on there to get into. Also check out and see if there are any festivals. I forget when you're going, but i know they usually have the Taste of Chicago the end of June.

[jcb]

You all are making me want to go back. Chicago has long been one of my top 3 favorite cities.

[DisneyDayTripper]

I lived there for 4 years...this is my first year away from Chicago so I'm REALLY wanting to go back lol

Christmas was the hardest time away from Chicago though because I loved walking down Michigan avenue and looking at the lights and seeing all the people and hearing the music. Then of course ending the evening with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! :)

[stitchlover]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all these suggestions! Hopefully we will get some more to mull over!

QUOTE
Please don't take my comment about the hotel wrong.

You have nothing to worry about. I used to stay at the Westin Stonebriar in North Dallas for business meetings. The rooms at the one in Chicago were not that nice (few are) but they were still very comfortable and clean.

Ahhh...I have stayed at the Westin Stonebriar and it is AMAZING! I can understand what you mean. Thanks for everyone's assurance that we will be happy with the hotel.

I have a feeling we will end up and both Gino's and Malnati's. I have pulled the menu from both and he thinks Gino's looks good and I prefer than Malnati's menu. Gotta admit the spinach bread appetizer is calling me! So I think we will probably hit both of them.

We won't have time to do all the museum's so we have decided that at some point in the next few months we will look at what exhibits each museum is having and decide the museums we go to based on that. I believe the Science and Industry museum has a Harry Potter exhibit.

Didn't even realize they had carriage rides in town. I think we get in to town mid-afternoon on a Wednesday and then we leave about 2:30 on that Sunday afternoon.

On the Food Network yeseterday Diners, Drive-ins and Dives visited Glenn's Diner in Chicago. I LOVE fish and they serve 16 different guys each day. Anyone been there?

[BriarRosie]

I lived there for 4 years...this is my first year away from Chicago so I'm REALLY wanting to go back lol

Christmas was the hardest time away from Chicago though because I loved walking down Michigan avenue and looking at the lights and seeing all the people and hearing the music. Then of course ending the evening with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! :)

Come on, the Cheesecake Factory? They are everywhere! I mean I have one 5 minutes away, and I'm in a suburb. LOL!

[BriarRosie]

On the Food Network yeseterday Diners, Drive-ins and Dives visited Glenn's Diner in Chicago. I LOVE fish and they serve 16 different guys each day. Anyone been there?

I saw that yesterday, too. Repeat from another air date. I totally want to check that place out. :)
I didn't realize how close this place is from where I work! Now I really have to check it out. Yum.

[Oregon Duck]

We traveled to Chicago and ate at Harry Carey's Resturaunt and Bar....Great Place and lots of Cubs Memorabilia.. One of the best steaks I have ever eaten.....can't recommend it highly enough....

[DisneyDayTripper]

Come on, the Cheesecake Factory? They are everywhere! I mean I have one 5 minutes away, and I'm in a suburb. LOL!


Yea, we went to the one here in Orlando, but it was just different. Maybe it was just because we only went there at Christmas after looking at the lights and walking down Michigan avenue and the train set in the basement of the Hancock building that made the experience much better.

It was something all the students at our college would do after our Christmas banquet. We'd drive up to Chicago and go to the cheesecake factory for cheesecake and look at the lights and what.

[Jacklynn]

Come on, the Cheesecake Factory? They are everywhere! I mean I have one 5 minutes away, and I'm in a suburb. LOL!

Not quite everywhere... there are only 5 in the whole state of IL-- all of which are up near Chicago, so since I grew up 3 hours south of Chicago I only got Cheesecake Factory on special trips to Chicago.

The cheesecake factory downtown Chicago is certainly 10x better than the one that is closest to us here in Orlando... Not sure why, but the atmosphere and the food were much better downtown. But of course it could have something to do with being in my favorite city of Chicago.

[jcb]

Having eaten at several CCF's across the country (SF, Denver, DC, Michigan Ave., Atlanta) the quality (and politeness) varies widely. I won't set foot in the DC one ever again.

[stitchlover]

Come on, the Cheesecake Factory? They are everywhere! I mean I have one 5 minutes away, and I'm in a suburb. LOL!

Have to say I agree with this. We have four here in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex that I can think of. I haven't been very impressed with them at all. We will not be planning to eat here. I do have to admit I like their cheesecake, just not their food or the setting. The ones here are LOUD! But when we lived 5 minutes from one we would get cheesecake to go on occasion.

I am going to pull the menu to Harry Carey's and see what we think.

[jcb]

I am a big fan of Fogo de Chao (http://www.fogodechao.com/) - we don't have one here - and there is one not far from the Westin. But then there is also one in Dallas so it might not be all that big of a deal to you.

It's not cheap - but we very much enjoy going to the one in D.C. as a special occasion restaurant.

[DisneyDayTripper]

If you look at their map it's obvious they put them where there are tons of people or there are lots of tourists.....and in those areas they put a lot of them.

I was simply saying we went there once a year during Christmas to eat because it was somewhere we never went except during that time. It's also not a cheap restaurant either because when DW and I go there we always spent at least $60 before tip. It's not like I said Chili's or Applebees...

[stitchlover]

I am a big fan of Fogo de Chao (http://www.fogodechao.com/) - we don't have one here - and there is one not far from the Westin. But then there is also one in Dallas so it might not be all that big of a deal to you.

It's not cheap - but we very much enjoy going to the one in D.C. as a special occasion restaurant.

Have never been to the one in Dallas. Sounds like the Texas de Brazil in Fort Worth, we haven't been there either. We will have to put it on our "to think about list".

Thanks for the recommendation!

[stitchlover]

-Go to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. for a Pizza Pot Pie.


Thanks for reminding about this place. I saw it years ago on the Travel Network during a Pizza show. I really would like to go try their Pot Pie Pizza and they are less than 2 miles from the hotel. DH doesn't sound thrilled about it but he can eat a sandwich!

[KatMark]

He would like to see a Cubs game but they are out of town while we are there. At this point I think we would like to do an boat tour of the city...any suggestions on that one?

We plan on getting in a museum or two. If you had to limit it to two which would you recommend? Have a friend that recently moved there and if I remember correctly she was unimpressed with the Shedd Aquarium. Any thoughts on that?

We are going to be on Michigan Avenue. I guess my main concern at this point is dining options. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? This is our 20th anniversary so we plan on a few nice dinners.

Not too sure where DH heard about Malnati's. I think he might have seen it on the Food Network. I will tell him what your thoughts on that. I think he said something about need a hot dog? I swear the reason he wants to come to Chicago is to eat!

Had a friend recommend the Ralph Lauren restaurant? Not too sure about that one.


We've lived in Chicago all of our 50+ years--don't eat at Malnati's. There is definitely better pizza than that. Gino's East is very good. I've worked downtown Chicago for 34+ years and these are some of the places DH and I have gone to when he comes to pick me up from work. Lawry's The Prime Rib (100 E. Ontario), Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Sone Crab (60 East Grand), Berghoff's (german), 17 West Adams and Catch 35, 35 West Wacker Drive. If you want to take a cab, Rosebud on Taylor Street is very good Italian.

[stitchlover]

don't eat at Malnati's. There is definitely better pizza than that. Gino's East is very good.


Is there a pizza place other than Gino's East that you would recommend?

[KatMark]

Is there a pizza place other than Gino's East that you would recommend?

Giordano's, 730 N Rush St., is my favorite after Gino's East. Now, maybe the Malnati's downtown Chicago is good, but our oldest son ordered it about two months ago out in the burbs where we live and both my DH and I hated it (and my DH says he has never liked it).

[stitchlover]

Giordano's, 730 N Rush St., is my favorite after Gino's East. Now, maybe the Malnati's downtown Chicago is good, but our oldest son ordered it about two months ago out in the burbs where we live and both my DH and I hated it (and my DH says he has never liked it).

We would definitely be eating at the downtown location. We will give Giordano's a look. At some point DH is going to have to remember that I don't really like pizza that much! I think I'll be okay as long as the places we go have other items on the menu.

[KatMark]

We would definitely be eating at the downtown location. We will give Giordano's a look. At some point DH is going to have to remember that I don't really like pizza that much! I think I'll be okay as long as the places we go have other items on the menu.

You should be able to get menus for all of the restaurants I mentioned online. Another popular place for burgers and such is: Billy Goat Tavern Original
Near Tribune Towers and Wrigley Building
430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level (and very reasonable).

[rocio]

Edwardo's deep dish is also good.

[rocio]

And I second Kat's suggestion of Berghoff's. Although I haven't been back since they changed hands. Kat, I had no idea you were in IL too (you've answered some of my questions on the CSR thread :thumbsup2).

[KatMark]

And I second Kat's suggestion of Berghoff's. Although I haven't been back since they changed hands. Kat, I had no idea you were in IL too (you've answered some of my questions on the CSR thread :thumbsup2).

We go to lunch at Berghoff's once a month. Although it is not AS GOOD as it was before they changed, it is still very good. As long as they have my schnitzel and creamed spinach, I'm a happy person. :)

Hope my answers on the CSR thread were helpful.

[Disney Anna]

My parents and sister have lived in Chicago since 1989 and I've visited several times. It's a great time, you will love it.

1) It will be hot and humid in late July.

2) I heard that the free trolley no longer exists. Too bad bc this was excellent.

3) Gino's East stinks. I just don't get it. We got a sausage pizza. It was one complete layer of sausage, like a giant Jimmy Dean's. Whatever.

4) Harry Caray's is great. Great bar, great food, great if you love baseball.

5) Lincoln Park zoo - Great and free.

6) Museums are terrific. My first choice would be Art Institute-hands down. Then Field, then Science and Industry.

[BriarRosie]

3) Gino's East stinks. I just don't get it. We got a sausage pizza. It was one complete layer of sausage, like a giant Jimmy Dean's. Whatever.



That's how sausage pizza is supposed to be at all the places around town. It's more like a layer of sausage so you get it in every bite. If you don't like it that way at Gino's East, you won't like it anywhere else, either. Spinach is often a pretty decent alternative. :)

[disneydreamgirl]

We're planning a 2 1/2 day whirlwind trip in May and are looking at staying at the Ambassador East Hotel (great deal and seems like a good area for nightlife and dining). Any suggestions for restaurants in that area would be welcomed...I've read about Rosebud on Rush and 3rd Coast and of course The Pump Room at the hotel.

Also, DH is dying for a Chicago hot dog...is there somewhere people love to go to or is this a "streetmeat" experience?? (excuse my ignorance :rotfl:)

Glad for the architecture boat trip tip...that will be a nice addition to the itinerary!

We would be flying in to Midway and will purchase the CTA Visitors Pass

[dkostel]

I concur with going to the signature lounge in the Hancock. They also have a wonderful brunch, but that will run ~ $100 for 2, not really worth it IMHO. If you do go for cocktails definitely go to the ladies room. Best view from a restroom ever.

Rosebud is great Italian food, but there is one much closer to your hotel (700 block of N. Rush street).

I wouldn't recommend taking the "L" from O'Hare as it involves a transfer (Blue line to Red) and then a 4-5 block walk to your hotel anyway. There are shuttles from O'Hare to downtown. Not sure how much they cost but I see them all the time.

[stitchlover]

That's how sausage pizza is supposed to be at all the places around town. It's more like a layer of sausage so you get it in every bite. If you don't like it that way at Gino's East, you won't like it anywhere else, either. Spinach is often a pretty decent alternative. :)

We are used to deep dish like this...a few places here in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex serve it that way. My DH loves sausage so he is looking forward to this.


Also, DH is dying for a Chicago hot dog...is there somewhere people love to go to or is this a "streetmeat" experience?? (excuse my ignorance :rotfl:)


My DH also can't wait to try a Chicago hot dog. He was told there is a vendor in front of the Field Museum that is good. I am hoping for more of a go sit down place to get this. Not anything fancy just not a street vendor!

[dkostel]

We're planning a 2 1/2 day whirlwind trip in May and are looking at staying at the Ambassador East Hotel (great deal and seems like a good area for nightlife and dining). Any suggestions for restaurants in that area would be welcomed...I've read about Rosebud on Rush and 3rd Coast and of course The Pump Room at the hotel.

Also, DH is dying for a Chicago hot dog...is there somewhere people love to go to or is this a "streetmeat" experience?? (excuse my ignorance :rotfl:)

Glad for the architecture boat trip tip...that will be a nice addition to the itinerary!

The Ambassador East is a little far from the Michigan Ave shopping district and the boat tours. I had a bad experience at 3rd coast, but in all fairness I ordered over easy eggs, which is always risky. The Pump room was THE place to eat back in the 80s. I don't know anything about it now, but it still looks fancy.

I would recommend Carmine's over Rosebud if you are at the Ambassador. It is a Rosebud restaurant, and closer to your hotel. Both have great Italian food.

We don't really have street food vendors here as in New York. Don't know if there are any good hot dog places up in the Gold Coast.

[stitchlover]

Oh one of those posts reminder me of a question...what area are we in? We are at the Westin on Michigan Avenue, 909 North Michigan. Everthing we look at talks about Northside, the Gold Coast, the Loop, etc. Can't figure out what we are in.

[jcb]

I always thought of it being on the "Magnificent Mile (http://www.thewestinmichiganavenue.com/)" - simply because that is how the hotel describes itself. Maybe a local can be more helpful.

[KatMark]

I always thought of it being on the "Magnificent Mile (http://www.thewestinmichiganavenue.com/)" - simply because that is how the hotel describes itself. Maybe a local can be more helpful.

Yep, it is considered the Magnificent Mile. And, by the way, there is a HUGE Disney Store on Michigan Avenue. One of the few left in our area.

[DisneyDayTripper]

We don't really have street food vendors here as in New York. Don't know if there are any good hot dog places up in the Gold Coast.

I don't recall ever seeing any on the streets, but if you go to Navy Pier there are some there. DW and I bought some from there and remember it being amazing.

[America]

Fogo de Chao is a must! It is a brazillian steak house but nothing like Texas de Brazil. Plus it's within a few blocks of McDonalds that has a nice little museum on the second floor.

[stitchlover]

Fogo de Chao...went to their website and it looks good but there is no pricing information. What is the price for lunch and dinner? I assume it is a set price per person.

[jcb]

It is a set price per person. It probably varies from city to city but the one in D.C. (from February 2009) was between $45 to $50 per person. Alcohol is extra. A lower price - in the $20 range applies for people (my DW) who only want the "salad" bar (which is quite extensive).

[America]

The price is approximatley $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner. This price dosen't include drinks, taxes, or tip.
We go here when my husband and I want something nice and we don't bring the kids with us.

[maiziezoe]

He would like to see a Cubs game but they are out of town while we are there. At this point I think we would like to do an boat tour of the city...any suggestions on that one?

We plan on getting in a museum or two. If you had to limit it to two which would you recommend? Have a friend that recently moved there and if I remember correctly she was unimpressed with the Shedd Aquarium. Any thoughts on that?

We are going to be on Michigan Avenue. I guess my main concern at this point is dining options. Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? This is our 20th anniversary so we plan on a few nice dinners.

Not too sure where DH heard about Malnati's. I think he might have seen it on the Food Network. I will tell him what your thoughts on that. I think he said something about need a hot dog? I swear the reason he wants to come to Chicago is to eat!

Had a friend recommend the Ralph Lauren restaurant? Not too sure about that one.

I LOVE the Ralph Lauren restaurant. It is next door to what used to be the American Girl Place. We ate there at least 3 times a year.

I think Lou's is the BEST Chicago pizza. I just ate there last night.

The Art Institute is amazing. I'm not a fan of the Shedd.

[stitchlover]

I LOVE the Ralph Lauren restaurant. It is next door to what used to be the American Girl Place. We ate there at least 3 times a year.

I think Lou's is the BEST Chicago pizza. I just ate there last night.

The Art Institute is amazing. I'm not a fan of the Shedd.

Have a friend who lives here but visits Chicago quite often. He said the Ralph Lauren restaurant is a must for us. We are definitely going to eat at Lou's and Gino's. Gonna make a decision for ourselves.

Have a friend who recently moved to the Chicago area and she said she too is not impressed with the Shedd. I think we will probably skip it.

Someone mentioned in an earlier post that they were going to try Glenn's Diner that I mentioned. When you have a chance to eat there, whoever you were, would you please let me know how it is? THANKS!

[GabbyMom]

Right now the Shedd isn't to impressave. When the Ocenatium open up again it should be great. Check the Mayors office of special events to see what's going on the weekend your here. http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/supporting_narrative/events___special_events/special_events/mose/mayor_s_office_of.html

[AllyGirl_79]

Yup, parts of the Shedd are under construction. Not a highlight at the moment.

I'll weigh in on the pizza debate -- I live on the south side of town but I work on the north side, so I've tried them all! I like Gino's East and Giordano's, but Lou's is still the best for me. They have an amazing salad there, too, if you like having something with your pizza.

Your hotel is in a great location. I agree that the location is the Mag Mile, though you're pretty close to the Gold Coast. All the restaurants suggested have been good, but you might want to try the Grand Cafe Luxe on Michigan (at Ontario) if you're looking for additional alternatives. They do breakfast on the weekends, starting around 10am I think. Cafe Iberico is my favorite place in town. If you like tapas, it's amazing. We have a great Greek Town also, if that appeals to you. Tea at the Drake is fun, and, if the weather is nice, there are some nice restaurants along the river.

Regarding the hotdogs, the only place that comes to mind is Portillos. It's fast food, but the hotdogs are good. You're really not going to find many street vendors -- I've lived here all my life (except for college/grad school) and have never eaten from a street cart. I just asked my parents, who can draw on 55 years and 64 years of Chicago living respectively, and they couldn't come up with a single hot dog place except the ball parks! Find a place with a Vienna hot dogs sign and dig in.

As for museums, I think the Art Institute is a jewel. I'm not a big fan of the Field Museum. The Grant Park/Millenium Park/Museum Campus area along the lake is lovely. If the Buckingham Fountain rehab is done, that's a great thing to see. The best experience in town is the Architecture Foundation boat trip that others have mentioned, so be sure to squeeze that in to your itinerary.

Have a great trip!

[stitchlover]

try the Grand Cafe Luxe on Michigan (at Ontario) \
Regarding the hotdogs, the only place that comes to mind is Portillos.

As for museums, I think the Art Institute is a jewel. I'm not a big fan of the Field Museum. The Grant Park/Millenium Park/Museum Campus area along the lake is lovely. If the Buckingham Fountain rehab is done, that's a great thing to see. The best experience in town is the Architecture Foundation boat trip that others have mentioned, so be sure to squeeze that in to your itinerary.

Have a great trip!

Grand Cafe Luxe is owned by the same company that owns Cheesecake Factory. We aren't real fans of that...is Grand Cafe Luxe very different?

I did see Portillos on the internet. Will have to keep it on the list since it doesn't like look street vendors are going to happen. Thank goodness!

We will definitely be doing the boat tour and at least one museum. Art Institute has come highly recommended by many. So that will be on the list of must do.

[schoen]

I had a chicago style dog from a vendor near Shedd's. It was really good. I also had one at a place in the food court near Navy Pier. It isn't impossible to find vendors, they are just few and far between. They had Chicago style dogs at the cafe in Shedd's. Have a great time!

[stitchlover]

Thanks for the info on the hot dogs!