Chicago, Food, and Transformers?

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I might be in Chicago this coming weekend and I was wondering if anyone knew if Transformers was still filming on Michigan Avenue? Is this going to make it crazy busy around there and hard to get around?

Also, when we go to Chicago, we usually travel between Michigan Avenue all the way to Ghiradelli and Navy Pier by trolly or on foot. I'm willing to go off the beaten path for something good to eat though.

Any thoughts on Lutz Bakery or I Cream? I know there's always Bubba Gumps or Cheesecake Factory for some real food. Any other suggestions? We'll be with the kiddos.

Probably go to Navy Pier, Disney Store, American Girl, and a museum. Any where else along the way I'm forgetting that's worth a stop?

Thanks all!

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Have you tried Heaven on Seven? It's a southern/cajun restaurant, just off Michigan. It's on the 2nd floor of the 600 N. Michigan building, behind Eddie Bauer. Though some of the dishes are super spicy, there are plenty of flavorful-but-not-hot options. It is SUPER kid friendly with a great kid's menu. The brunch is fantastic on the weekends.

 

[Aunt Flancy]

We were just there last month and really enjoyed Lincoln Park Zoo for a budget friendly activity.

Portillo's and Giordano's are great places to eat.

 

[tinkmom2]

Last I heard on filming of Transformers is they were going to head back to Milwaukee to film some scenes at Tower Automotive. I thought Chicago was all done. You can check on IMDB.com maybe someone knows there.

 

[LaurenLC]

I *think* all the filming is done, or almost done... I always like to suggest Food Life at Water Tower Place for people with kids.... It's not horribly priced and everyone can get what they want.

 

[disneyfreak7]

From what I heard on our local radio station this morning, filming is goin on until this thursday and parts of Michigan Ave and Wacker Dr. are still closed.

 

[budbeerlady]

Good question as we are also taking the train in this weekend to visit. We are hoping to grab the free trolley back from Navy pier so the trip to Ed Debevic's isnt so far. That would be a heck of a walk for 4 kids.

I cream is AWESOME but you will need to take a cab to Wickerpark for it. Its not walkable. We stopped there on the Chicago Food Planet food tour, very fun. I would love to spend the weekend in the area but it will have to be at another time. This trip is the children's museum, Ed's and some water play time at Millennium park.

 

[FINFAN]

heres the link to the T3 site, there should be filming info

http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/
as far as Michigan/Wacker closures, it was no big deal, certainly easy enough to still walk anywhere. We walk from the train to Navy Pier all the time ( heck, we walk to North Ave Beach for the Air Show lugging all our stuff) anyway, if taking the train in you could hop a water taxi just outside Union, get off at the Trib Tower location. I also suggest Food Life, nice to have variety/options with the kids and right there for heading to Ghiradellis for that free chocolate sample!
If you want simple eats, but nice view, O'Briens on the riverwalk is decent...your walk is not bad at all from there to Navy Pier, AG etc. If you take the water taxi to teh Trib drop off, Obriens is across the river ( S side)you will see it, tons of green umbrellas...we also like Dicks last resort...not so much for *awesome* food, but the "friendly" atmosphere.
Looks like a nice weekend weather-wise..we went last Saturday specifically for T3 filming, it was great!

 

[SaraJayne]

We just got back from Chicago (DH was there for IFT) and while driving was a nightmare due to all the road closures because of filming, walking wasn't bad.

Since we were child-free for the trip, none of the places we ate were child-friendly, so I don't have any recommendations for that. lol

 

[Saffire]

Filming is still going on but like another poster said, i think it suppose to end by the weekend. Wacker is closed between Wabash and Michigan.

Places to eat: definitely Portillos or Al's Beef for chicago style hot dogs and beef sandwiches. Foodlife is a good option in Water Tower. there is also a food court in the Nordstrom building. You can enter on Michigan ave. and go up to the 4th floor. There's also a lego store there for the kids.
If you like Cheesecake factory, you should go to Grand Luxe. same owners but I think its better and it's on Michigan and Erie or Ohio. Giordano's pizza is not my favorite but i think the best near the Mag Mile.

If you're feeling adventurous, visit the neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy and Lincoln Park. all easily accessible with public transportation.

My kids love the water taxi. great way to get to different places. it also goes to navy pier and a stop near museums.

have fun!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Here's a link to the filming for this weekend: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/...-this-weekend-for-transformers-3-filming.html

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

*snip*

If you like Cheesecake factory, you should go to Grand Luxe. same owners but I think its better and it's on Michigan and Erie or Ohio.

Yes! Grand Luxe is in the 600 N. Michigan building. Entrance is on Ontario, 1/2 block west of Michigan Ave., behind Ann Taylor.

 

[windycitymom]

Ed Debevics is a fun place to go with kids (plus there is a coupon for it in the Entertainment Book).

Walking distance from Ed's is a cool McDonald's (two-story, Decades Theme upstairs) that is worth a stop if you've never been there before. They have great gelato type ice cream - but Ed's also offers cute $1.00 sundae's (you get to keep the small glass cup).