OT: Chicago

[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 ).

 

[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 ).

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 )

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 )

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 )

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" - 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" - 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!