Chicago Restaurant Suggestions

[tabby1881]

Hi,
we're going to Chicago soon and are excited as we've never been there before. I know that there are many Chicago disers on these boards. Would anyone be able to offer suggestions on nice places to eat? Here is some info about us. It will just be my husband & myself on the trip. We are staying in the downtown area just north of the river near Michigan Ave. While in Chicago we would like to eat at a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a pizza place. We are not into fancy or gourmet meals. We like local favorites if there are any in the downtown area of Chicago, north or south of the river. We won't have a car there, but we will be fine using the transit system. So, any suggestions for Italian, pizza, steakhouse? There is a crab restaurant near our hotel area, but I can't remember the name. I want to call it Fultons but I know that is not right! Thanks!

 

[piglet too]

You will get several different "bests" for pizza, so be prepared for that. My family prefers Giordanos, but I have heard Lou Malnaltis is real good too. For Italian, I like going to Italian Village. http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/ As for steak, I have heard Ruth Chris' is outstanding, but very expensive.

 

[DMickey28]

You HAVE to go to Harry Caray's. The best Steakhouse in the world and we have been to a TON of them. DH used to be a steak expert!

It's also an Italian Steakhouse so you get to have both!! YUMMY ...

http://harrycarays.com/

 

[wdwiala]

Morton's Steakhouse. They are all over downtown. I don't know what it is like at night but we walked right in for lunch. I had an awesome hamburger. Mmmm. I would love to go back.

My personal advice: Plan ahead for where you want to eat. I always feel like I am near to starving by the time we find a restraunt. Feels like we walk forever without seeing one. Then, once you get there, there almost always seems to be a wait.

Last year, I ate a half raw hamburger at the Art Institute because I felt like I was going to pass out after walking, walking, walking, and then waiting. I told my sister to just write "She was REALLY hungry" on my tombstone if the burger killed me.

 

[KiminChicago]

Definitely Italian Village for Italian food. The atmosphere there is so nice -- we love getting one of the little private tables. My DH took me there to propose.

 

[tabby1881]

Thanks for the great suggestions! They all sound wonderful. I appreciate your help.

 

[Minnie824]

Petterino's. Awesome food there! Also, Gibson's for steak.

 

[eeyore65]

Osteria Via Stato & Enoteca is my very favorite Italian restaurant. The food is served family style and is delicious. It is not fancy and is in the Embassy Suites Hotel. (I used to live next door.)

Not a huge Steak fan but I loved Harry Carey's Chicken Vesuvio. If you get a chance - Chicago Hot dog's and Italian Beef sandwiches are also a local treat.

Pizza - I'm not going to go there! Everyone has their favorite. I don't love Chicago Pizza - to thick for me - but you should try it.

 

[dawson5]

Doesn't Buddy Guy have a steak restaurant in Chicago? Or is it B.B.King? Possibly both? I don't remember for sure, I've always been a blues fan, so one of those would get my vote.

 

[christineann]

I went to Chicago for the first time in February, and the responses on this board to my request for suggestions were GREAT. One of our favorites was the Grand Lux Cafe. We tried to go there a second time, but it was Valentine's Day, and the line was too long. We really enjoyed this restaurant.

http://www.grandluxcafe.com/locations.htm