Chicago next weekend.....local advice?

Quint4

Quint4

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Oct 6, 2006
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Heading up to Chicago next weekend (Dec. 16 & 17). Looking at staying at The Crown Plaza on Huron st. I have only been there once on a wild, one day, Craigslist, dinghy deal (another story). Instead of the usual, the admiral and I are going up as joint Christmas gift to each other. Will definitely
hit Millinneum park and Willis Tower.

Any "must see, must do" advice?
 
I'm not Chicago, but I've been there several times, including last summer.

My wife convinced me to do the Hancock building over the Willis last time. It is closer to the shore, has a nice narrated tour of the city by a recorded device. There is a cafe up there as well. I think also a more formal dinner place that we didn't do.

The architectural tours are awesome. It appears that the boats do not run in the winter - we did the boat on a beautiful night, and you are back far enough from the buildings to really get a view. I've also done the land tours.

http://www.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=698

For a quick casual lunch, catch Portillo's

http://www.portillos.com/portillos/

The downtown location will make it seem "most Chicago." Awesome Chicago dogs.

Also, look into the Chicago "City Pass" options to see if the attractions included work for you and save you any money.

We've done the major museums and the aquarium a few times. They're fine. I enjoyed the aquarium most.

If you get there in the summer, horse racing was a lot of fun at Arlington park. Omaha was a big horse track town years ago, but Iowa casinos killed it. A reminder of a more gentle time.


Have fun!
 
Yes def Garretts pop corn and also there is a Ice skateing rink up top of Hancock building , for drinks ,appetisers at the Signature Lounge on the 96th Floor , It can get very crowded and hard to get a window seat ,, another alternative lake front /skyline view is the revolving restraunt/bar ontop of Lake Point Tower in front of Navy pier ,( MY Favorite) Its called Cite very nice place and great views from any seat !! the ferris wheel at Navy pier runs all year and is enclosed , great views and romantic , Shed Aquarium is always fun to check out , Ice Skateing at Milenium park , I believe thats 5 bucks to rent skates , if you have your own its free to skate ,I like the burgers at Billy Goat Tavern , depending on weather if its decent , a walk down State street is really nice , check out Water Tower Place , if its crappy out , you have Musiums and not sure how your wife feels about this , but to walk around in the lower level pedestrian tunnels in the loop , they connect many buildings , hotels and L platforms , even my g/f thought they were cool , you could even take the Blue line L to Rosemont to the new casino , so many options so little time , hope that helped with any ideas have a great trip
 
Uhg ,yuk, ? Portillos dogs?? for a true,tested and loved dog ,,,, find a Chicago Red Hots and ask for a Chicago style dog and if you ask for ketchup your ruining the dog ! , youll love it !!!! and if you like Italian beef find Al's #1 Italian Beef ! if your in the mood for some Za , stop at Unos
 
Howlin at the Moon on Hubbard Street !!! on most weekend nights they have the dueling pianists , singing, playing , crackin jokes , ,this is one of my favorites for "date night"
 
Thanks! .......keep 'em coming.
 
Quint4 said:
Thanks! .......keep 'em coming.
Click to expand...

You are welcome. One thing I have observed is the best tips come from other travelers rather than locals. The explanation I dreamed up is travelers have a similar need compared to locals there all the time. When people visit us we are often found replying "we have not been there in years" so I assume others may be like that as well. Many of the old unique restaurants are now chained out across the country. Check with yourconciergee for their advice, on our last visit theconciergee offered fantasticreferralss for just what we wanted. I gave her a $20 tip after a couple of days of suggestions only to have her send us a wine andchocolatee basket. Those folks we tipped gave us outstanding service before and after, a doorman I tipped $10 saved me $60 a couple of days later. MM
 
See post below.
 
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I somewhat agree with you Mm but like Portillos and many other restraunts that became chains , I believe they lost there charm and many lost there taste , and look of a true old time good place , Im from the NW burbs, , worked in the Loop for many years , gone on many family trips as a kid and I lived in the Loop for a year and a half , living there I learned alot about the city and learned where all the hidden gems are . being a traveler it is very overwhelming in a city this big and agree but as a traveler or local ,Id rather be in a hidden gem with locals rather then a crowded tourist joint , your doorman or conciergee is a great resource, might also check this out ive used it before and is helpfull

http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/chicago
 
If you are going to do pizza. Go to Pizzeria Uno 29 E Ohio St (between State St Wabash Ave) or Pizzeria Due 619 North Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60611-2713 (About 1 block away). They are the original deep dish pizza here in Chicago going back to 1943.

Portillo's although very good is a chain. My favorite hot dog stand is Gene n Judes out in River Grove. They have been serving hot dogs since the late 40's also. No ketchup in the place...2720 River Road; River Grove, IL 60171-1325... They also were named by the best hot dog in the country by Rachel Ray. http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/rrmag/everydayLiving/travel/MM7.pdf

The museums and aquarium are all world class.

For a very good meal you could go to the "Chicago Chop House" on Ontario street. Near the Hardrock, the Red Head piano bar and Excaliber - a few great night spots.

You will right off Michigan Avenue for all the shopping you could possibly want.

Right now you could go see "Donnie and Marie - Christmas in Chicago" - I understand that show is very good!

-Steve
 
Does anybody know "The Rose" steakhouse in Chicago. I've Googled it a few times, but can't get a positive find on it.

It seemed to be in a dicy part of town. I was taken there in the mid 1990's by Cadillac (of course) by a sales company that did 3rd party sales for a financial institution I worked for. There were guys in sports jackets and turtlenecks at the door, Sinatra was on the Muzak, and apparently had been there a number of times. It was a riot, I remember the experience better than the food.
 
fasttoys7619 said:
I somewhat agree with you Mm but like Portillos and many other restraunts that became chains , I believe they lost there charm and many lost there taste ,
Click to expand...

I do look for the best local places around for food, but entertainment for tourists is often best for tourists. Dave as a music lover check out the blues at Buddy Guys place. The Kingston Mines is a good place as well. I saw Eric Davis in January and he is a very good guitarist, look him up as well. MM
 
Try Kinzie's Chop House for a great reasonable priced meal
 
What a timely post...I am going to Chicago (first time) to meet a girl that i met last summer on nantucket on the the 28th and 29th........I am staying at The Elysian because they have fireplaces in rooms and have reservations at the Signiture Room for view and the N9NE Steakhouse.............
 
Hey John thanks for the tip. I am considering the Elysian Suite at $1500 a night (.....although I'm not crazy about about the Carrera marble in the bathrooms......kinda chilly on the feet!)
 
I just checked my rate....

Rate Description
SuiteR
Book a Executive Suite or above at published rate,and enjoy a second night free.
Nightly Rate
$795.00 on December 28

$0.00 on December 29
Local Tax
15.4%
Total Stay
$917.35
 
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