Visiting Chicago (Places to go? any suggestions?)

[uspcommuter]

Hey Y'all,

In the mist of working two jobs, I almost forgot about my trip to chicago which will happen in less than 5 hours. I will be in Chicago for 4day/3nights. I will be staying near grant park. everyone where do you suggest me to go for the following:

FOOD: Prices not a problem. Gotta try the pizza.

Bars: Any place that has a good selection of beer.

Museums: My boss suggested the science and industry museum. Anyothers?

Landmarks: Navy pier and Hancock Tower. Any thing else?

Baseball game: Wrigley I guess if the prices are not too high.

Anything else? Please post your suggestions. Speaking of which please also reccommend a cyber cafe too.

THanks much.

[applemacdude]

Apple Store?

[uspcommuter]

Hmm good point. Nice Smiley btw.

[gorman]

I've been to Chicago a good amount this year, and here are a few places I recommend:

Pizza:
Pizzeria Uno or Due (same place, just the name of two locations)

Lunch:
Big Bowl - Really great pan-asian place, multiple locations
Pot Belly - Awesome sandwiches, multiple locations
Mr. Beef - Gotta try their italian beef sandwiches

Breakfast:
Tempo Cafe - Open 24/7 - best breakfast food I've had

Dinner:
Wildfire - Incredible steaks, fantastic service

Stuff to do:
Museum of Science & Industry - I'd only go right now if you're interested in an exhibit about the human body. I didn't see it (I ended up seeing something else there, which wasn't so great), but friends said it was very interesting. Buy your tickets online, otherwise you'll have to wait in line for 45 minutes.

Sears Tower - If you're okay with sitting through a boring 10 minute movie and paying 15 dollars, the view up top is quite cool. Lots and lots of tourists, as you would expect.

I was there primarily for concerts, so I didn't get to eat at as many nice restaurants for dinner as I would have liked to. I sure found some great lunch spots though :)

Have a good time, and be prepared for either a lot of walking or a lot of money spent on transportation!

[uspcommuter]

Thanks Gorman

[neildmitchell]

Hey Y'all,

In the mist of working two jobs, I almost forgot about my trip to chicago which will happen in less than 5 hours. I will be in Chicago for 4day/3nights. I will be staying near grant park. everyone where do you suggest me to go for the following:

FOOD: Prices not a problem. Gotta try the pizza.

Bars: Any place that has a good selection of beer.

Museums: My boss suggested the science and industry museum. Anyothers?

Landmarks: Navy pier and Hancock Tower. Any thing else?

Baseball game: Wrigley I guess if the prices are not too high.

Anything else? Please post your suggestions. Speaking of which please also reccommend a cyber cafe too.

THanks much.
FOOD: ( THERE IS SOOO MUCH GREAT FOOD THERE, Polish, Russian, Checz..)
LaLos Restaurant (Mexican) 2747 West 63rd Street
Las Mananitas (Mexican)(Dont attempt if your a homophobe) 3523 N Halsted
Portillo's Hot Dogs (MUST! CHICAGO STYLE WITH EVERYTHNG!)100 W Ontario
Billy Goat Tavern (MUST) 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Famously portrayed on "Saturday Night Live" in the mid-'70s (cheezeborger, no fries - chips)

Museums: (all are great) I always visit the The Art Institute of Chicago Museum(its like my sancuary, cant explain it), Shedd Aquarium is great

Landmarks: The Old Water Tower Pumping Station in Chicago, Sears Tower

Have fun!
:( Can you bring me back some comfort food :( A Chicago style hotdog with everything will do, or a cheezeborger from the Billygoat :o Please!

[uspcommuter]

Thanks!
FOOD: ( THERE IS SOOO MUCH GREAT FOOD THERE, Polish, Russian, Checz..)
LaLos Restaurant (Mexican) 2747 West 63rd Street
Las Mananitas (Mexican)(Dont attempt if your a homophobe) 3523 N Halsted
Portillo's Hot Dogs (MUST! CHICAGO STYLE WITH EVERYTHNG!)100 W Ontario
Billy Goat Tavern (MUST) 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Famously portrayed on "Saturday Night Live" in the mid-'70s (cheezeborger, no fries - chips)

Museums: (all are great) I always visit the The Art Institute of Chicago Museum(its like my sancuary, cant explain it), Shedd Aquarium is great

Landmarks: The Old Water Tower Pumping Station in Chicago, Sears Tower

Have fun!
:( Can you bring me back some comfort food :( A Chicago style hotdog with everything will do, or a cheezeborger from the Billygoat :o Please!

[leekohler]

Hey Y'all,

In the mist of working two jobs, I almost forgot about my trip to chicago which will happen in less than 5 hours. I will be in Chicago for 4day/3nights. I will be staying near grant park. everyone where do you suggest me to go for the following:

FOOD: Prices not a problem. Gotta try the pizza.

Bars: Any place that has a good selection of beer.

Museums: My boss suggested the science and industry museum. Anyothers?

Landmarks: Navy pier and Hancock Tower. Any thing else?

Baseball game: Wrigley I guess if the prices are not too high.

Anything else? Please post your suggestions. Speaking of which please also reccommend a cyber cafe too.

THanks much.

I live here in Chicago (yes, in the city NOT the burbs, about a mile and a half from Wrigley Field) and I would never want to live anywhere else, at least in the US.

Pizza- I agree with Uno and Due, but also try Gino's East.

Beer- There is probably no better place for beer than the Hopleaf Bar and Grill around the the corner from my apartment. The selection is amazing, with beers from around the world. The address is: 5148 N. Clark St. Go- you won't be disappointed. You may also want to try the Map Room: 1949 N. Hoyne.

Museums- DEFINITELY do Science and Industry! Also try the Art Institute or The Museum of Contemporary Art. The Field Museum is OK, but I'm always a bit underwhelmed there. Oh- and there's the Shedd Aquarium as well.

Landmarks- also go to Millenium Park. It's the most stunning public space I've ever seen.

Baseball- well, yes Wrigley Field (although I'm slowly defecting to the White Sox). :)

Cybercafe- Wow, there are so many now. The best are in the neighborhoods and non-Starbucks because Wi-Fi is free. You'll have to venture out of downtown for that. Filter in Wicker Park is a good one, as well as Cafe Avanti on Southport Ave (west of Wrigley).

Other than that, have fun and explore the city. Take public transportation- it's cheap, and driving/parking in Chicago is not fun. I haven't owned a car in years! Also, don't make the mistake of staying downtown the whole time. Try the neighborhoods, like Wicker Park and Chinatown. The city is HUGE. Even those are really only the tip of the iceberg.

[uspcommuter]

I live here in Chicago (yes, in the city NOT the burbs, about a mile and a half from Wrigley Field) and I would never want to live anywhere else, at least in the US.

Pizza- I agree with Uno and Due, but also try Gino's East.

Beer- There is probably no better place for beer than the Hopleaf Bar and Grill around the the corner from my apartment. The selection is amazing, with beers from around the world. The address is: 5148 N. Clark St. Go- you won't be disappointed. You may also want to try the Map Room: 1949 N. Hoyne.

Museums- DEFINITELY do Science and Industry! Also try the Art Institute or The Museum of Contemporary Art. The Field Museum is OK, but I'm always a bit underwhelmed there. Oh- and there's the Shedd Aquarium as well.

Landmarks- also go to Millenium Park. It's the most stunning public space I've ever seen.

Baseball- well, yes Wrigley Field (although I'm slowly defecting to the White Sox). :)

Cybercafe- Wow, there are so many now. The best are in the neighborhoods and non-Starbucks because Wi-Fi is free. You'll have to venture out of downtown for that. Filter in Wicker Park is a good one, as well as Cafe Avanti on Southport Ave (west of Wrigley).

Other than that, have fun and explore the city. Just don't make the mistake of staying downtown the whole time. Try the neighborhoods, like Wicker Park and Chinatown. The city is HUGE. Those are really only the tip of the iceberg.


Hmm Interesting...well I am from philly so hopefully the transition isnt that bad. Thanks for the suggestions. However I want to narrow down the cybercafe b/c I wont have a laptop or pda with me...would that help? :-)

Anyways two hours before I depart and enjoy some good ol deep dish. :-D

[leekohler]

Hmm Interesting...well I am from philly so hopefully the transition isnt that bad. Thanks for the suggestions. However I want to narrow down the cybercafe b/c I wont have a laptop or pda with me...would that help? :-)

Anyways two hours before I depart and enjoy some good ol deep dish. :-D

There is a cyber cafe called Screenz that will have everything you need. 2717 N. Clark in Lincoln Park. That's pretty close to downtown, but still a little bit of a trip. Take the #22 Clark bus north from downtown to get there. Sorry, but there are no cyber cafes downtown that I know of. Downtown is pretty much an entertainment/business district. Remember, you're coming to the 3rd largest city in the US (used to be second until LA annexed their burbs). It's a big place and things are kind of spread out.

[uspcommuter]

Thanks Leekholer.

[leekohler]

Thanks Leekholer.

You're welcome and come back soon. Don't be afraid to ask for directions either. People here are very friendly and will be more than happy to help. If you've been to NYC, you'll find this a very different experience-in a good way.

[uspcommuter]

DUE? uh...kinda missed that...is that another branch of UNO or another place?

[leekohler]

DUE? uh...kinda missed that...is that another branch of UNO or another place?

Same thing, different location.

[uspcommuter]

Well I dont care much for NYC, thats why I stayed in Philly. I must say they are pretty similar but Philly people are slightly (very marginaly) nicer than NYC people. :-) I guess its a Northeast thing. :-)

[leekohler]

Well I dont care much for NYC, thats why I stayed in Philly. I must say they are pretty similar but Philly people are slightly (very marginaly) nicer than NYC people. :-) I guess its a Northeast thing. :-)

Then you'll have a great time here! My friends who visit from NYC are always shocked at how nice people are here. I find New Yorkers rude, but I still like to visit quite a bit. :)

let us know how your trip is! I'm going to bed.

[OnceUGoMac]

FOOD: Giordanos or Edwardos for stuffed pizza. UNO or DUE for deep dish.


Museums: Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum.

Landmarks: Water Tower, Sears Tower, Millenium Park.

Baseball game: If you wanna watch a team lose, go see the Cubs. If you wanna see the best team in baseball, see the White Sox.

[uspcommuter]

Baseball game: If you wanna watch a team lose, go see the Cubs. If you wanna see the best team in baseball, see the White Sox.

Hahahahahahaha

[Stampyhead]

Whoever said Gino's East for pizza, I second and third that! But don't order a large one unless you are with a big group of people. Half of a small one is the most I was ever able to eat at once.
Man, I used to live in Chicago, and reading this thread is making me nostalgic! Make time to walk along the lakeshore. There is a nice park there with a jogging/cycling track.

[uspcommuter]

Whoever said Gino's East for pizza, I second and third that! But don't order a large one unless you are with a big group of people. Half of a small one is the most I was ever able to eat at once.
Man, I used to live in Chicago, and reading this thread is making me nostalgic! Make time to walk along the lakeshore. There is a nice park there with a jogging/cycling track.

Walking on the lakeshore? What street?

Nice Park? Grant or Licholn or ???

[leekohler]

Whoever said Gino's East for pizza, I second and third that! But don't order a large one unless you are with a big group of people. Half of a small one is the most I was ever able to eat at once.
Man, I used to live in Chicago, and reading this thread is making me nostalgic! Make time to walk along the lakeshore. There is a nice park there with a jogging/cycling track.

Why in the world did you leave? The only way you could get me to leave is in a pine box (or offer me a job in Berlin, Germany complete with German lessons :) ).

[gernb]

Food:

Chicago Oven Grinder and Pizza Co. at Clark and Armitage in Lincoln Park. Greek salad, Mediterranean bread, pizza...amazing.

[dxm113]

I've just moved to the chicago area in May, so for what it's worth. . .

Buy a "city pass" , you get access to the museums, acquarium, John Hancock Observatory, etc for ~$50 (good deal!)

You MUST dine at the Capital City Grille (on St. Clair). Best damn food I ever had! Great service. Great atmosphere.

The architecture boat tour is awesome. Located on the Chicago River near Navy Pier.

Rent a bike from navy pier, bike / walking path is right along the lake (cant miss)

Check to see if anybody is playing at the House of Blues, great place to see a concert, pretty good bar otherwise

I prefer Giordano's Pizza

Catch one of the Second City comedy shows up in "old town"

ask the concierge at the hotel to clarify any of these suggestions liste by the MR members, I must say they are all quite good!

The hancock observatory at night is amazing, great view of the city. . .absolutely stunning. In fact, I just asked my girl to marry me there on Saturday night (luckily she said yes!)

[uspcommuter]

I've just moved to the chicago area in May, so for what it's worth. . .

Buy a "city pass" , you get access to the museums, acquarium, John Hancock Observatory, etc for ~$50 (good deal!)

You MUST dine at the Capital City Grille (on St. Clair). Best damn food I ever had! Great service. Great atmosphere.

The architecture boat tour is awesome. Located on the Chicago River near Navy Pier.

Rent a bike from navy pier, bike / walking path is right along the lake (cant miss)

Check to see if anybody is playing at the House of Blues, great place to see a concert, pretty good bar otherwise

I prefer Giordano's Pizza

Catch one of the Second City comedy shows up in "old town"

ask the concierge at the hotel to clarify any of these suggestions liste by the MR members, I must say they are all quite good!

The hancock observatory at night is amazing, great view of the city. . .absolutely stunning. In fact, I just asked my girl to marry me there on Saturday night (luckily she said yes!)

Alright I am here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally... well first stop is to get me some Pizza. Secondly, Congrats on the proposal :-) I wish mine will go just as well :-). Anyways, where can I get a city pass?

And where is "old Town", newb here....dont know where everything is....Help!!! alrighty...back to my deep dish. Cyaz all in a few hours.

[leekohler]

Alright I am here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally... well first stop is to get me some Pizza. Secondly, Congrats on the proposal :-) I wish mine will go just as well :-). Anyways, where can I get a city pass?

And where is "old Town", newb here....dont know where everything is....Help!!! alrighty...back to my deep dish. Cyaz all in a few hours.

Old Town begins at North Ave and Wells. Then walk south and enjoy. :) Remember, you won't get to see even a fraction of the city in 4 days. That's why you'll have to come back.

[dxm113]

city pass (http://citypass.com/city/chicago.html)


chicago neighborhood map (http://www.dreamtown.com/services/chicago-neighborhood-map.htm): Here is a link to info of all the "neighborhoods" of chicago

Here is a link to the Second City (http://www.secondcity.com/?id=theatres/chicago/whileintown) comedy

also, here (http://www.chicago.il.org/events.html) is a good resource for what / where / when stuff is happening in Chi-town

hope that helps you some . . .

Chicago kicks a$$!

[nw43]

I visited Chicago a couple of weeks ago and liked the place a lot so thought I'd offer some advice as well, although obviously not the same as someone who lives there..:

We ate at Pizzeria Due where the pizza was good although it seemed as if it was constantly busy - we had to wait about an hour for our table and then quite long after that for the food to arrive. One large pizza was about the perfect amount to share between three people with healthy appetites! :D

As far as skyscrapers go, take the lift up to the 95th floor in the John Hancock tower and you won't have to pay anything for the brilliant view as it is a bar up there (drinks were pretty expensive but you don't even need to get one.) They don't advertise this at all but just tell the secuirty man and you'll be directed towards the lift. I've heard the view is better than the Sear's tower too.

We visited the Art Institute which was very good although a bit tiring and took up the best part of the day! Some pretty famous pieces in there, including Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" and Grant Wood's "American Gothic". I was also impressed by Millennium Park although the Cloud Gate sculpture ("The Bean") was covered up at the time.

If you like live comedy, then check out ImprovOlympic which is located just by Wrigley Field. As the name suggests, they do improv there and are very funny.

[neildmitchell]

FOOD: Giordanos or Edwardos for stuffed pizza. UNO or DUE for deep dish.

Landmarks: Water Tower, Sears Tower, Millenium Park.


FOOD: Giordanos (YES!)
Landmarks: Millenium Park (Didnt get to see it last time there, looks nice though)

[uspcommuter]

Alright Lets see where should I start:

Museum of Sci & Industry: Wow....There was even a freaking Video Game exhibit. Four words guys: Life Size Pac Man. Nuff Said. Bodyworld was good as well.

Hancock Tower: Nice View, very nice view. Btw when you are on the sky walk anyone notice it smells like deep dish? :-D

Pizza: Went to Lou Malnati's and Gino's East both very very good deep dish.

Food: The Berhoff, Weber Grill, Billy Goat. All very very good places.

Museum of Art: I highly reccommend it b/c of the # of pieces available. Highly Recommend it.

Well in conclusion: If Philly Doesnt exist, I will be moving to Chicago hands Down. however, Since I do plan on doing a residency... Chicago wont be a bad place. :-D The pizza alone is a good choice for moving.

P.S: Public Transit of Chicago is AWESOME!!!!

[neildmitchell]

Whats the name of the pizza place in Wrigleyville that is on the 2nd floor with an outside patio? It may not even be there anymore. Is/was it Connies?

[bemylover]

for nightlife go to Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway. it always has great live music playing untill 4-5am on Friday and Saturday nights. it has 12$ cover though.

[leekohler]

Whats the name of the pizza place in Wrigleyville that is on the 2nd floor with an outside patio? It may not even be there anymore. Is/was it Connies?

Leona's maybe? That's the only one I can think of.

[PlaceofDis]

Leona's maybe? That's the only one I can think of.

can't believe i missed this thread 'till now.... i would agree, more likely Leona's than Connie's...