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OT: Where to Eat in Chicago OT

2

Comments

  • blind99
    blind99 Posts: 4,971
    @caliking sadly, hot doug's closed.  boy was that good, one of the only places i'd stand in line for.
    as @yemtrey mentioned, piece is a fun place, right in the middle of bucktown/wicker park.  take an uber there and walk the area, it's a lot of fun. Taxim is nearby, Greek, very well regarded.

    the area you're staying will be fairly touristy but there's a lot of good stuff a short ride away.

    Tapas at Emilio's would be nearby, it's good, very easy

    another area to check out would be old town and lincoln park.  
    anything lettuce entertain you is dependable.  mon ami gabi - a bit dated, but always reliable french bistro, up near the zoo.  BTW the lincoln park zoo is free, small, and next to a free conservatory.

    sky is the limit as far as nice meals. Chicago Magazine will have pretty up to date reviews. I really like North Pond's fireplace room. For 'fancy' food I think it's a lot of bang for the buck.

    if you have a chance, get a drink after sundown on a clear night at the bar at the signature room.  it's the 95th floor of the hancock.  fantastic views.

    Safety wise you would have to get in a cab or uber and tell them to take you to an overly dangerous place. 

    feel free to PM me for more details or recs.
    Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
  • Jcacavias
    Jcacavias Posts: 137
    To add on to what others have said...

    green river has great cocktails with a view.  Sunda is good if you're in an Asian fusion/sushi kind of mood.  Bavette's is one I haven't seen mentioned yet and it's probably on my top 5 best ribeyes ever.  Avec is small, but if you snag a seat at the bar you can watch the open kitchen.  Au cheval is good as well.   

    Oh and probably anything on the Eater 38 in addition to the ones folks here have already mentioned...

    http://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-chicago-restaurants-38

    Alinea if you're looking to knock your socks off (and kill your bank account).

    Seriously cant go wrong, so many good options.  Enjoy!


  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,880
    For nearly 15 years I had a Monday morning meeting every month at our bank's home office in Chicago down in the Loop. I always drove up Sunday afternoon and checked in to The Palmer House which at least at that time was exquisite! On the lower level was a superb stately old traditional steak house. Despite the hassle of the monthly meeting trips I looked forward to those - and of course on the company's dime!
    I have no clue if The Palmer House is even still standing as my last time there would have been like in 1992.
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 18,727
    We used to watch this show regularly, and really enjoyed some for the places that were featured:
    http://checkplease.wttw.com/

    I think you can watch episodes online (if you have time before your trip). 

    Also, Navy pier used to have fireworks on Wed and Sat nights during the summer.

    If you like Chinese food, this hole in the wall place used to be killer. Northern Chinese fare. They used to make a cumin lamb dish that was amazing - 
    http://www.potstickerhousechicago.com/

    For Schezwan, this place in Chinatown (need to take a cab or Uber, so may not make it to your list)-
    http://www.chicagolaoszechuan.com/

    And if you like Malaysian food, Penang in Chinatown used to be very good.

    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 18,727
    @blind99 - man I'm sad to hear that Hot Doug's was closed. Loved going there. 

    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
  • dennis661
    dennis661 Posts: 8
    All great suggestions, but Gino's East is a must if you have never been.  The best site for Chicago crime is this site:  heyjackass.com.  It gives each area and the amount of shots fired/homicide incidents.  We stay in the Navy Pier area frequently and are not worried when walking.  Just be careful if you use the trains, it can get confusing and you can wind up in places you would rather not be.  
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    Last time was for a national Toyota meeting and enjoyed the food. 
    Loved the original Gino's east pizza with the corn mill crust and the restaurant that used Weber grills downtown. Had a plate with everything and outstanding. 
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • saluki2007
    saluki2007 Posts: 6,354
    edited July 2016
    My parents have a condo on the east side Hancock building so we spend a lot of time up there.  You can't really go wrong eating or drinking in Chicago.  I would recommend reading the Yelp reviews of any place you want to go and also check out www.opentable.com  I won't pile onto the list of restaurants as there are too many great ones, but I will say that you must go to Garrett's Popcorn and get the Garrett Mix.  You will thank me later.
    Large and Small BGE
    Central, IL

  • blind99
    blind99 Posts: 4,971

    @saluki2007 boy am I jealous!  the Hancock is my favorite skyscraper - such a great looking modern building. Used to love going to the top when I was a kid.


    @caliking Love lao Szechuan. never been to the one in Chinatown but there's one in the burbs near me.... now I want lunch there... funny enough the owner recently got arrested for tax fraud.  restaurants are all still open thank goodness

    Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
  • Another vote for the Ginos East South Loop. You wont regret it. Go early.
    The Purple Pig had a line prior to opening, so we skipped it.

    @RRP .. We stayed at The Palmer just a week ago. Fancy place. The lobby bar  makes a fantastic bloody mary ... A++

    It's like a cross between a hurricane and a ship that's run aground
  • RRP
    RRP Posts: 25,880


    @RRP .. We stayed at The Palmer just a week ago. Fancy place. The lobby bar  makes a fantastic bloody mary ... A++

    Thanks! Being a flagship Hilton I didn't think it would have lost any luster. Since posting last night I did some research and I see where that stately old steakhouse I referenced is no longer open though.
    Re-gasketing America one yard at a time.
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    Just thought of the worst meal in both visits to Chicago. 
    To me and Linda we wished we had a good Chicago hot dog better than Don Shula's Steak House (not a happy memory). 
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • caliking
    caliking Posts: 18,727
    Mickey said:
    Just thought of the worst meal in both visits to Chicago. 
    To me and Linda we wished we had a good Chicago hot dog better than Don Shula's Steak House (not a happy memory). 
    What you need is a good ol' Maxwell Street dog. Deep fried until they split ( rippers?) then topped with fried/caramelized onions, and other stuff.

    Of course, they taste best at about 2am and with a certain BAC level. 

    #1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February  2013 • #3 Mini May 2013
    A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    caliking said:
    Mickey said:
    Just thought of the worst meal in both visits to Chicago. 
    To me and Linda we wished we had a good Chicago hot dog better than Don Shula's Steak House (not a happy memory). 
    What you need is a good ol' Maxwell Street dog. Deep fried until they split ( rippers?) then topped with fried/caramelized onions, and other stuff.

    Of course, they taste best at about 2am and with a certain BAC level. 
    Sign me up coach. 
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • I've stayed in that hotel many times. It's awesome. There are a ton of restaurants around there but I never found a great one. I'm sure there are many great places though so I'll let others with more knowledge of the area chime in there. I will just say to pack a bottle or go to the nearest liquor/wine store and stash some in your room. I'm not cheap but they are like $15 for a single drink and $20 for a **** glass of wine in that joint. I haven't been there in 7 years but I'm sure the prices have not gone down! There was a super cool grocery store within walking distance last time I was there that had great wine and maybe booze too (don't remember liquor laws in Chi-Town). i remember that place being the most expensive hotel bar we have ever been to. 
    Keepin' It Weird in The ATX FBTX
  • northGAcock
    northGAcock Posts: 15,164
    Heading there myself today on bitness. Looking forward to some good eats myself.
    Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax

    Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
    Run me out in the cold rain and snow
  • EggObsessed
    EggObsessed Posts: 786
    Thanks so much to all of you for all the great advice.  I've taken some extensive notes.  I really appreciate it!

    Kelley 
    Egging with No Joke Smoke (Bruce), enjoying small town life in Brenham, TX., the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  BGEs: XL, Medium,  1 MiniMax. 36" CookRite Commercial Griddle, and a Shirley Smoker.
  • JRWhitee
    JRWhitee Posts: 5,678
    Heading there myself today on bitness. Looking forward to some good eats myself.
    Where are you staying Robin?
                                                                
    _________________________________________________
    Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!
    Large BGE 2006, Mini Max 2014, 36" Blackstone, Anova Sous Vide
    Green Man Group 
    Johns Creek, Georgia
  • northGAcock
    northGAcock Posts: 15,164
     Out in Bloomingdale....not in the city.
    Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax

    Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
    Run me out in the cold rain and snow
  • JRWhitee
    JRWhitee Posts: 5,678
    I suggest playing golf at Medinah....
                                                                
    _________________________________________________
    Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!
    Large BGE 2006, Mini Max 2014, 36" Blackstone, Anova Sous Vide
    Green Man Group 
    Johns Creek, Georgia
  • Bill_Swerski
    Bill_Swerski Posts: 59
    edited July 2016
    have lived in Chicago all my life, and I go out to eat at least twice a week.  honestly, there's way too many good places to list.  so many good new places in the West Loop, and obviously a lot in River North.  I'll throw out a few of my favorites.

    Sunda (Japanese)
    Siena Tavern
    Bavette's (steak)
    Chicago Cut (steak)
    Maude's Liquor Bar 
    Gilt Bar
    Au Cheval (no reservations.  get there early (a few mins before open) for brunch
    Publican
    Frontera is outstanding Mexican, but they don't take reservations and it's regularly ~2 hour wait.  a fast casual alternative from Rick Bayless right on the corner that's awesome is Xoco
    RPM Italian

    also, if you're looking for pizza, don't go anywhere but Lou Malnati's.  the rest of the places give Chicago pizza a bad name (i.e. Giardano's)

    btw, on the crime, it's all on the south side.  a long long distance from anywhere that a tourist would never go.  I've lived here 32 years and never witnessed any crime.  part of the problem is that it's so isolated from the affluent areas, so it hasn't received the attention it's due over the years.
  • saluki2007
    saluki2007 Posts: 6,354
    FYI, this is the Sumo Bloody Marys from Sunda.  You have to ask for it as it's not on the menu.


    Large and Small BGE
    Central, IL

  • northGAcock
    northGAcock Posts: 15,164
    JRWhitee said:
    I suggest playing golf at Medinah....
    What about eats? Hoping for at a minimum a Portello's.
    Ellijay GA with a Medium & MiniMax

    Well, I married me a wife, she's been trouble all my life,
    Run me out in the cold rain and snow
  • JRWhitee
    JRWhitee Posts: 5,678
    There is a Gibsons in the Embassy suites airport, that is the best around there. Also, a casino a mile from there as well, black jack, craps...
                                                                
    _________________________________________________
    Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!
    Large BGE 2006, Mini Max 2014, 36" Blackstone, Anova Sous Vide
    Green Man Group 
    Johns Creek, Georgia
  • blind99
    blind99 Posts: 4,971

    Have you been to Eataly?  If not it's a fun place.  Two huge floors of all sorts of Italian food and wine.  Upstairs has a bunch of places you can eat at (casual, sort of a cross between cafeteria style and made to order). Lavazza coffee on the ground floor is OK but the espresso stand on the 2nd floor is fantastic.


    Yikes that Sumo thing looks awesome!  Right near there is another favorite of mine, Slurping Turtle.

    Chicago, IL - Large and Small BGE - Weber Gasser and Kettle
  • Grillmagic
    Grillmagic Posts: 1,600
    I have always had great food at Carsons on Wells Street.
    Charlotte, Michigan XL BGE
  • DaveRichardson
    DaveRichardson Posts: 2,324
    My friend from high school runs 2 places....  Fountainhead and Coverdell. Don't know where they are located, but it's an all natural place. If you go, tell Darby hi for me.....  I had such a crush on her in high school!!!!!

    LBGE #19 from North GA Eggfest, 2014

    Stockbridge, GA - just south of Atlanta where we are covered up in Zombies!  #TheWalkingDead films practically next door!

  • Jstroke
    Jstroke Posts: 2,600
    I have not had many experiences eating in Chicago, however I have had the Pizza at Giardano's and I was fairly unimpressed. Not bad, just that my deep dish in a cast iron pan on the egg is better in my humble opinion. But then again I am making one pie with loving care and they are making who knows how many. 
    Columbus, Ohio--A Gasser filled with Matchlight and an Ugly Drum.
  • YEMTrey
    YEMTrey Posts: 6,829
    My friend from high school runs 2 places....  Fountainhead and Coverdell. Don't know where they are located, but it's an all natural place. If you go, tell Darby hi for me.....  I had such a crush on her in high school!!!!!
    Been to Fountainhead many of times on my visits.  Love the rooftop patio.  Time gets lost on that rooftop patio.  Glorious day, weather and beer?!  Heaven on Earth!
    Steve 
    XL, Mini Max, and a 22" Blackstone in Cincinnati, Ohio

  • nth78
    nth78 Posts: 154
    Lou Malnati's Pizza
    Portillo's Hot Dogs