Downtown Chicago help needed...

[Soupermom]

We'll be in Chicago this weekend for a school board convention and I need some help. I am from the NW suburbs so I am a bit familiar with the city, but I am by no means an expert. We are staying at the Sheraton across from the Hyatt, near where they light the big Christmas tree. (So I've been told). On Friday night we have tickets to see Young Frankenstein...not sure which theatre. My question is...where is a nice place to eat between the hotel and the play? Somewhere with reasonable prices, maybe $15-$20pp? Any suggestions? Italian would be good, or "american". Doesn't have to be too fancy.

Any suggestions on what I could do Friday while DH is in meetings? Saturday? We are probably leaving Saturday evening sometime.

Most importantly...where is the closest Garretts???

Thanks for your help!

[princess momma]

Young Frankenstein is at the Cadillac Palace Theater, on Randolph. The Mag Mile Lights Festival is this weekend, so prepare yourself for huge crowds. Huge crowds.

You might try Italian Village Restaurants. http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/index.php Or Wildfire is good. http://www.wildfirerestaurant.com/ It's a bit pricier than you wanted but not really all that expensive for downtown. You should make a reservation ASAP.

I would browse the stores on Michigan Avenue. You can definitely spend a day doing that. There's a Garretts on Michigan Avenue and one on Randolph.

Have fun.

[katied]

I used to work right across the street from the Hyatt, so I do know the area. There is a resturant called Bandera on Michigan Ave - just a few blocks away. The key question would be if they accept reservations. I know they do not for lunch, but they may for dinner.

Italian Village is good.


Atwood Cafe is more American food, a really cute place across from the Macys (Marshall Fields).

Things to do - Michigan Ave. is great. If the weathers not a good - Water Tower Place and 900 N Michigan are more indoor type malls on Michigan Ave.

If you walk about 1 mile the other direction (from shopping) on Michigan Ave. you'll hit the Art Institue - a great place to spend an afternoon.

Have fun!

[vsimeone]

Originally Posted by princess momma

Young Frankenstein is at the Cadillac Palace Theater, on Randolph. The Mag Mile Lights Festival is this weekend, so prepare yourself for huge crowds. Huge crowds.

You might try Italian Village Restaurants. http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/index.php Or Wildfire is good. http://www.wildfirerestaurant.com/ It's a bit pricier than you wanted but not really all that expensive for downtown. You should make a reservation ASAP.

I would browse the stores on Michigan Avenue. You can definitely spend a day doing that. There's a Garretts on Michigan Avenue and one on Randolph.

Have fun.

I second Wildfire!!! FABULOUS steaks and wonderful service and atmosphere!

I also second - get reservations as soon as possible. The last time I was there, the wait was 90 minutes if you didn't have reservations!

Have a wonderful time in Chicago! I have a trip planned for Feburary - I can't wait! I just hope the windchill doesn't go to -20 the weekend that we're there!

[Soupermom]

Thanks everyone! I've eaten at the Italian Village before and remember it being quite yummy. How far is it from the theatre? I get the theatres confused...

I know there is a Garretts next to one of them, but is it the one I'll be at?

Thanks again!

[MelAnderson]

There is a Garretts in the loop and it also just re-opened on Michigan Avenue. The lines at the Michigan Avenue store will be MUCH, MUCH, MUCH longer. I would advise at going to the other one since it's close to the Cadillac Theater and I've rarely experienced lines.

Since you're going to be in the loop, I highly recommend Sugar Bliss (SINFULLY WONDERFUL) Cakes which sells cupcakes, located at 115 N Wabash (East side of the street next to Lane Bryant). Large cupcakes are $3.50 and minis are $1.50. You can even get a frosting shot! This week's special is Peach Cobbler cupcakes - I do not work there, but have been really enjoying them since I discovered them.

You've gotten some great restaurant recommendations. I would like to add Coco Pazzo which is on St. Clair and is not to far from your hotel.

Have fun!

[girlygirl]

I really like the Elephant and Castle pub and restaurant. It is located on N. Wabash. Another idea would be the Walnut Room on the 7th floor of Macy's on State St.
Have fun! Chicago is such a great city!

[Sandy321]

it sounds like you have quite the weekend!! (so my suggestion wouldnt help you with this trip - the play sounds so fun!)

IF you have time - or come back another day - I have to give a shout out to Quartino's Italian Restaurant - I first saw it on an episode of Check Please
http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?erube_f...il=1&cp.id=238

(we Priceline hotels - and its just a walk off Michigan Ave - Ontario Street - by the Crate and Barrel - go down Ontario Street - pass a Trader Joe's actually (I stop in and get a bottle of Preseco and dd picks up some snacks after dinner!) across the street is the old Masonic Temple - now a Bloomingdale's its nice to take a look inside at the glass windows etc...

http://www.quartinochicago.com/

The thing about Quartino's that is unique its like an Italian "tapas" - they have these stack of little plates, and you share EVERYTHING - they have great thin crust pizza, and lots of antipastas - plus even their "main courses" are share worthy! (only skip Ravioli - you only get 6 or 7 of them!! but they taste fantastic!)

Dessert - Zeppoles - OMG - dip in chocolate... yes, chocolate fondue with fruit! and enough to share!

I think for the 4 of us - the tab with a liter (half liter?) of their awesome Sangria was around $65 (apps, pizza, main course, dessert and wine, tax and tip! and we were FULL!!) YUM

[BBGraph]

Don't forget sat is the mag ilelights parade with mickey and friends

[Mom2Ben02]

Petterinos...mmmmmmmm.

If you click on "print friendly", it shows prices...
http://www.petterinos.com/menus/dinner.html

[Soupermom]

OP here...

Does anyone know the exact time of the parade? When might we be able to leave our hotel to drive home Saturday afternoon/evening?

If I purchase some Garretts and keep it sealed in a bag, will they allow me to take it into the theatre? (I won't eat it inside, just want to purchase it while we are that way). Do they search bags?

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[Chicago526]

Originally Posted by vsimeone

I second Wildfire!!! FABULOUS steaks and wonderful service and atmosphere!

I also second - get reservations as soon as possible. The last time I was there, the wait was 90 minutes if you didn't have reservations!

Have a wonderful time in Chicago! I have a trip planned for Feburary - I can't wait! I just hope the windchill doesn't go to -20 the weekend that we're there!

Third vote for Wildfire!!!! I'll be there tonight in fact for my boss's birthday dinner (one of the suburban locations though).

Their entrees are on the pricey side (totally worth the money though!) but they do have sandwiches and salads for the price range you're looking for.

They can have a wait, especially on weekends. I don't mind, I usually enjoy a yummy drink at the bar and enjoy the atmosphere and the company of whoever I'm there with, but if time is a factor you really should make reservations. You can do that on their website or just give them a call.

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Oh, the irony (and you can bet I will be trying cupcakes there on my next visit!)

Originally Posted by MelAnderson

Since you're going to be in the loop, I highly recommend Sugar Bliss (SINFULLY WONDERFUL) Cakes which sells cupcakes, located at 115 N Wabash (East side of the street next to Lane Bryant). Large cupcakes are $3.50 and minis are $1.50. You can even get a frosting shot! This week's special is Peach Cobbler cupcakes - I do not work there, but have been really enjoying them since I discovered them.

[CoP Luv]

Originally Posted by MelAnderson

There is a Garretts in the loop and it also just re-opened on Michigan Avenue. The lines at the Michigan Avenue store will be MUCH, MUCH, MUCH longer. I would advise at going to the other one since it's close to the Cadillac Theater and I've rarely experienced lines.

There are a few Garrett's in the loop, but the closest one to your theater is next to the Oriental Theater (Randolph and State).

Volare is a fabulous Italian restaurant that is very close to your hotel. I believe it is on Grand & St. Clair. I don't know if you will get away with the $15-$20 pp range, but it is very yummy!

The Walnut Room at Macy's might not be a good idea since they don't take reservations and you have to wait in a line to get seated. No pagers, no list of names...a line. That weekend it will probably be close to a two hour line for lunch.