OT-Chicago

20stone

stonewh said:

.. I think she wants to do the Architecture River Cruise which is fine... Anyone have a bar/brewery that they really liked? Staying in the Gold Coast/Old Town area. Thanks

We lived in Chicago for seven years and loved it.  I will give you a broader tourist recommendation than asked for.  Not for nothing, provided you are appropriately insulated for the season, the architectural tour is one of those "I thought I would hate it but it was awesome" things.

Restaurants

• Steak - There are a million high end steak places in Chicago, most within a few blocks of each other, pretty near where you are staying.  Chicago Cut likely has the best steak, with Gibsons being the best "most likely to see an athlete out on the town" spot.
• Other (nice) - Lots of great restaurants.  A personal favorite is The Gage, down by the Art Institute. www.thegagechicago.com/
• Other (hot dog) - Portillo's is fine, but it is a little "chainy" for my taste.  The odd thing about Chicago style hot dogs is that just about everyone uses the exact same recipe and suppliers (Vienna dogs and Rosen buns).  Preference comes down to how different spots chop and slice.  Two pro tips (1) if it's an option, ask for a char dog (dog grilled a bit before being bunned), (2) ketchup is an inappropriate condiment for a hot dog, so don't even ask - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRJ0E06595U - For good reviews of the myriad of mom and pop dog spots - http://www.hotdogchicagostyle.com/chicagodog.php
• Pizza - I am a Lou Malnati's guy.  There are a number of great spots, but Pizzeria Uno is not one

Other

• The Spice House - I get it.  It's a spice shop.  But if you're in Old Town it is one of my favorites.
• Beer - +1 on 3 Floyds beer.  While you might not make it down to Muenster to their facility, it is available on tap in Chicago, and worth a try.  Much like @Foghorn with his Allagash Curiel, I would pay good money for someone to keister a few bottles down this way.  My go to was their Dreadnaught, though the Zombie Dust is another popular one from them.
• Art - The Art Institute is a demonstration of how we can eventually benefit from the largess of robber barons.  They have a massive, massive collection of impressionist art.
• Theater - The Goodman and the Steppenwolf are both awesome.  I'd go see whatever they have going

Avoid

• Mag Mile (if you want to avoid Wisconsinites shopping for Christmas
• Rush Street (if you want to avoid 50 year olds chasing 30 year olds)

GATraveller

Wolfpack said:

Was there a couple weekends ago- we went to purple pig for lunch and it was solid. Take a look into Second City- good way to spend an evening and something different. 

Purple Pig and Second City are both very solid suggestions.
Second City is AWESOME!

stonewh

Again, thank you all, some solid stuff in here.

dstearn

Wiener Circle would be my recommendation for a grilled Chicago Style hot dog. Just remember that if you order a Chocolate Shake it is not your traditional shake. :-) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iET6xmpiJ8

stlcharcoal

stlcharcoal said:

PURPLE PIG!!!!!

YES!  During the Ace Hardware convention order the summer, I ate there two nights in a row with Chad & Tracy from Kick Ash Basket, and my buddy that works for Big Green Egg.  We each ordered 3-4 dishes and just passed the plates around.  WOW!!!!!

My favorites were the bone marrow, broccoli, beef tenderloin, & beets.

We waited 90 minutes to get in there on Friday night, but it was worth it.  Highlight of the trip!!

If you can get a seat back by the chef's station, it's fascinating to watch them assemble......and funny to watch the chef yell at all of them!!

Forgot to mention that the first night we all went to Giordanos with Fred from MojoBricks.  None of us are deep dish people.....especially me being from St. Louis (cracker like thin crust with sweet sauce and gooey Provel cheese.)  It was pretty good, but I like Lou Malinatis better.  Both were better than Geno' s in my opinion though.  I hit an Al's  Beef on my way out of town.  It was also good, but I hadn't eaten anything in 24 hrs.....loved the giardinera and peppers.

A_Smalltown_Egg

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A_Smalltown_Egg

There have been some great recommendations so far.  Purple Pig is a great choice for food.  Montverde for fresh pasta is outstanding.  One of my all-time favorite Chicago restaurants is Naha.  A classic old school steak house suggestions would be Gene & Georgetti.  The best deep dish, in my opinion, would be Lou Malnati's.

For beer hop in a cab/uber and head just a bit north to Hopleaf.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a nice free little walk.

Definitely catch a show at Second City if you have a chance...it is always fun.

danv23

Go to a Blackhawks game if they are in town, and get there in time for and do not miss the National Anthem.  There is no other sporting event like it.

stlcharcoal

Chicago Chop House any good now??  We used to go there when I was a kid.  My dad's office was in Chicago, so my mom and I would tag along with him every other week over the summer.  I remember Gene & Georgettie's--that was really good.  We'd go to Carson's for the au gratin potatoes, but the ribs were good too!  I think all the other places are gone.

Focker

danv23 said:

Go to a Blackhawks game if they are in town, and get there in time for and do not miss the National Anthem.  There is no other sporting event like it.

No kneelers, that's for sure.
Even their goal song kicks a$$.   

Focker

Anyone dine at Alinea?

Our Lift driver to Revolution was a chef at Gibson's.  Was a fun ride picking his gray matter in the backseat.

We fit 6 in a prius cab barhopping.  Being the big guy, I was gifted shotgun, 4 in the back. Lol

stlcharcoal

Anybody ever go to Rick Bayless's restaurant??  Like his show on PBS......always wanted to check out the restaurant to say I've been there.  I hear Lydia's in KC is fantastic.....if you're into the TV show places.

Focker

stlcharcoal said:

Anybody ever go to Rick Bayless's restaurant??  Like his show on PBS......always wanted to check out the restaurant to say I've been there.  I hear Lydia's in KC is fantastic.....if you're into the TV show places.

Topolobampo we couldn't get in to at a good time, 2 months out on reservations, James Beard Outstanding Restaurant 2017, no runner up honorable mention finalist BS some here are so fond of.  We did get in to brunch at Frontera, and he did deliver an outstanding meal.  I'm a huge fan of Rick, his philosophies, his style.  An egghead himself, a true master fuego.

I love Lydia too.  She is so graceful, like Pepin, and can flat out cook.
I'm sure her restaurant is top notch, would easily go there over traditional KC Q.

Nick Stellino is another, I love his passion and finesse.  I wouldn't want to pi$$ him off. 

20stone

Alinea - I have been, and was fascinated by what they did, but found myself very self concious, like we, as the diners, were being mocked. It has, however, been a long time since I've been. 

Topolobombo - Love it, and am embarassed that I forgot that.  It is worth trying to sweet talk your way in. 

dmourati

I'm from Chicago. We have a standing rule, Portillo's within 1 hour of touching down for any flight.

I'd check out the Art Institute while you are there. World class museum.

caliking

dmchicago said:

stonewh said:

The wife and I (late 20's early 30's) are headed to Chicago next weekend for a quick getaway, we both are not very touristy people however are open to suggestions on must do's. I think she wants to do the Architecture River Cruise which is fine, we have heard about The Girl and the Goat and The Purple Pig, any other suggestions? Anyone have a bar/brewery that they really liked? Staying in the Gold Coast/Old Town area. Thanks

By the way, the Architecture River Cruise is a great way to see the city. It's what we always did with visitors. 

Make sure you take the tour by the Architectural Society. The docents are passionate about the city's architecture and give great tours. Avoid the ones run by the tour companies. You can buy tickets online beforehand.

GrillSgt

I personally enjoy the food on the Frontera Grill side better. 

gdenby

There are an immense number of great places to eat. Many of them do get booked up, so you might want to look for reservations now. There are usually some seats available at the Michelin 2 stars, and the food is worth the price.

While hot dog's and deep dish are signature foods, Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse is considered one of the best places for beef.

While my wife and I do go for the dog's and pizza, the ethnic style places are wonderful, and usually quite affordable. Look at the LTHforum.com Great Neighborhood Restaurant list. Its a member voted list, updated annualy. They have location maps, and also sort them by style/type.

Bayless's operations are all really good. They are kitty corner from Naha, which is also really good. Very classy service. And about a block from Lou Malnatti's pizza.

Its a little farther north than you might want to go, about 7 miles north of thew loop, but Big Jones has some fine traditional south-eastern style food.

The Art Institute, which is right next to Millennium Park, has a good restaurant in it.

Either the Hancock or the Skydeck have great views. On a good day, one can see about 40 miles across the lake.

Wolfpack

20stone said:

Topolobombo - Love it, and am embarassed that I forgot that.  It is worth trying to sweet talk your way in. 

Their duck dish looks amazing. 

Focker

dmourati said:

I'm from Chicago. We have a standing rule, Portillo's within 1 hour of touching down for any flight.

I'd check out the Art Institute while you are there. World class museum.

Word on the street from a buddy who's family runs one, is that we're getting a Portillo's here soon in the QC.  

blind99

stlcharcoal said:

Anybody ever go to Rick Bayless's restaurant??  Like his show on PBS......always wanted to check out the restaurant to say I've been there.  I hear Lydia's in KC is fantastic.....if you're into the TV show places.

I ate at topolobampo a looooong time ago and it was awesome.  i remember thinking - this was some WEIRD stuff, like braised duck heart seared in the rendered fat of free range mexican adobo dingo - but it was great.  (who knows maybe it was just a chicken burrito and i thought it was exotic???)

his other shops make some really great food, like frontera fresco

stonewh

danv23 said:

Go to a Blackhawks game if they are in town, and get there in time for and do not miss the National Anthem.  There is no other sporting event like it.

This was one of the first things I looked at, we will just miss them.

saluki2007

Focker said:

dmourati said:

I'm from Chicago. We have a standing rule, Portillo's within 1 hour of touching down for any flight.

I'd check out the Art Institute while you are there. World class museum.

Word on the street from a buddy who's family runs one, is that we're getting a Portillo's here soon in the QC.  

Bloomington has one and Peoria has one on the way.

saluki2007

Forgot to mention best burger and beer joint is Kuma's 2 especially if you like heavy metal music.

WeberWho

The nostalgia of Billy Goat Tavern is cool for a quick burger. 

buzd504

WeberWho said:

The nostalgia of Billy Goat Tavern is cool for a quick burger. 

Lol, I was just going to suggest that one.  (For those that don't know, it's the restaurant that the Belushi Samauri SNL skit was based on (cheeseburger, cheeseburger, no Coke, Pepsi)).

I've done Alinea twice (amazing, if you're into that sort of thing) and Next once.  I've also had drinks at Aviary once.  (All Ashcatz places).  All were incredibly unique and amazing experiences.

We also did Topolobampo years ago for my birthday, and it was very good as well.

I love Chicago.

Stuss

Terrace at Trump hotel for a cocktail.    Great view of downtown.   Going to be cold this weekend, bring your coat.   

ksmyrl

Was there 2 weeks ago and had a work dinner at Rosebud Prime. You aren't too far from it..maybe a mile or so. Was your "basic" high end steak house. Food was delicious and had a killer bourbon selection. 

ksmyrl

Oh yeah. The lobby of The Palmer House hotel was happening. Huge bar with really cool old school decor. 

ksmyrl

If you'e artsy then Hamilton is playing at the CIBC Theater