Chicago - need suggestions, please

[christineann]

I am meeting my daughter in Chicago on Thursday for a few days. She is attending a conference, and we are staying at the Sheraton at 301 East North Water Street. We will be on our own for dinner at night and possibly a lunch or breakfast. I have been looking at information on the internet and am a little overwhelmed.

What restaurants in the area do you recommend? We can't be too extravagant but would like to have a nice dinner since we will be celebrating her 21st birthday (she is a non-drinker and doesn't plan to imbibe). We like just about anything.

What transportation do you recommend - cabs?

We would love some suggestions, please. Thank you in advance

 

[golfgal]

I was just there for a conference. Eat at the restaurant at the Sheraton. The food was very good there and the service was wonderful. You can easily walk downtown from there too.

 

[JR6ooo4]

check out chicago metromix
onthe right side is a calendar of daily events.

pick out what you might like and check back here to see if anyone has opinions on if it was fun.

MIkeeee

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Within 3 blocks of your hotel there are two fantastic breakfast spots. Straight north on Columbus, you'll find West Egg Cafe -- eggs eggs more eggs -- eggselent One block north of the hotel and two blocks east, you'll find Fox & Obel. It's a gourmet grocery with a cafe. Once again, fabulous breakfast dishes.

Sheraton has some nice restaurants, including Shula's. Other good restaurants within walking distance are Bandera (approx 550 N. Michigan -steaks/American), Grand Luxe Cafe (corner of Michigan and Ontario - everything, owned by Cheesecake Factory), Coco Pazzo Cafe (between St. Clair & Michigan on Ontario -- upscale Italian), Volare (Grand Ave and St. Claire -- upscale but more traditional Italian), Heaven on Seven (Rush and Ontario -- cajun).

Transportation around this area is fairly easy: lots within walking distance or a cheap cab ride. Busses can be an efficient way around as well.

 

[christineann]

Thank you so much for the suggestions - these are very helpful

 

[FINFAN]

I love the Sheraton towers there! Hey, take time for a swim..( pools on the 7th floor I think, overlooks the river) You are walking distance ot Navy Pier..or just a 5 minute cab ride...Bubba Gumps is there, kinda fun, you're not too far from The Cheescake Factory at the base of the Hancock...you could do a quick walk to Ghiradhellis after that for a birthday sunday ( AFTER cheescake of course!) I TOTALLY agree with West Egg Cafe...really, if you can, eat there, AND Fox and Obel...I think nutty lawprofessor and I think very much alike! There is a movie thater and Emabassy Suites right there too...in case you want to check out ES dining options. Luckily is is going to warm up above freezing for you
May be over the budget, but I really like Chinn's....may not be too bad when no alcohol is involved. Foof and Service are great, we saw Russell Crowe there once!(complete w/entourage )
I would grab a cab if you are on a tight schedule,there are plenty always sitting right outside the Sheraton. Bellman will grab you one right away.
No refige in your room, I think, so don't plan on leftovers.
Happy Birthday to your daughter, sounds like a wonderful few dasy you will have together.

 

[christineann]

Thank you very much - I am googling the recommended restaurants (I like to plan ahead but will be flexible) and will print all of this before we leave. I hope we are going to have some spare time while we are there.

You all are SO helpful!

 

[geffric]

There is also Gino East for pizza and Ed Debovics for fun, and Carsons for Ribs.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Thank you very much - I am googling the recommended restaurants (I like to plan ahead but will be flexible) and will print all of this before we leave. I hope we are going to have some spare time while we are there.

You all are SO helpful!

planning ahead is the best way to be flexible. You know what is available and when.

Mikeeee