Chicago Trip

[southsider2k5]

Would be just me and my girlfriend, SS2K. We're 40ish.

 

The Field for sure. You might even think about getting a City pass for the day and checking out the Aquarium and Planetarium which are all right there walking distance apart.

[Rex Hudler]

Here is our thinking at this point. We'll be in early on Thursday July 1. We'd like to squeeze in a half day at one of the museums, an architecture tour and then the Art Institute that night. The Art Institute is open late on Thursday nights. She has a membership to the McWane Center here which is a local interactive science museum. That membership will get us into either Field of S & I.

 

Friday and Saturday we have tickets to games that afternoon, so it might be difficult to do any of the above on those days around the games. We fly back Sunday.

 

Also, are there any Frank Lloyd Wright homes (or anything related) within reasonable distance? At this point, one of the architecture tours seems to be our compromise, but that was one of the first things she mentioned when we discussed going.

[bmags]

Here is our thinking at this point. We'll be in early on Thursday July 1. We'd like to squeeze in a half day at one of the museums, an architecture tour and then the Art Institute that night. The Art Institute is open late on Thursday nights. She has a membership to the McWane Center here which is a local interactive science museum. That membership will get us into either Field of S & I.

 

Friday and Saturday we have tickets to games that afternoon, so it might be difficult to do any of the above on those days around the games. We fly back Sunday.

 

Also, are there any Frank Lloyd Wright homes (or anything related) within reasonable distance? At this point, one of the architecture tours seems to be our compromise, but that was one of the first things she mentioned when we discussed going.

 

I've never heard anyone say something bad about the architecture boat tours.

[southsider2k5]

Here is our thinking at this point. We'll be in early on Thursday July 1. We'd like to squeeze in a half day at one of the museums, an architecture tour and then the Art Institute that night. The Art Institute is open late on Thursday nights. She has a membership to the McWane Center here which is a local interactive science museum. That membership will get us into either Field of S & I.

 

Friday and Saturday we have tickets to games that afternoon, so it might be difficult to do any of the above on those days around the games. We fly back Sunday.

 

Also, are there any Frank Lloyd Wright homes (or anything related) within reasonable distance? At this point, one of the architecture tours seems to be our compromise, but that was one of the first things she mentioned when we discussed going.

 

Go for the Field then. A lot of very cool stuff.

 

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

[nitetrain8601]

I've always been a fan of Science & Industry. They have their new storm exhibit up too.

[jasonxctf]

I'm heading up to Chicago for the first time in 6 years or so for July 4th weekend. We'll get in Thursday morning and leave on Sunday the 4th. I need some suggestions on things to do. Time will be somewhat limited. We'll have all day Thursday, but are going to Cubs-Reds games (yes I know its a Sox board, but the Sox weren't in town!) My questions are:

 

1. Tell me about Taste of Chicago. Is it worth spending time there? Worth catching after one of the afternoon games? What kind of entertainment will there be? Total waste of time. It's way too crowded to even enjoy yourself.

 

2. Does anyone know of any other events going on that weekend? Has anyone ever done any of the boat tours? There is an architecture tour and a skyline tour? Any input? Are there dinner cruises at night? Boat tours of the Arch Tour along the River are neat as are some of the boat cruises from Navy Pier. Some have dinner others are just 1 hr tours. Can be pricey.

 

3. Will there be a big fireworks show downtown on Saturday the 3rd or will we miss out having to fly back on the 4th? Cancelled the fireworks show this year due to costs.

 

4. Suggestions for places to eat? We'll be doing pizza one night for sure. Mostly likely Giordano's or Lou Malnati's. We like dive type places, but wouldn't mind a nice dinner one night either. Definitely not looking for chain or corporate places. Want something unique to Chicago. Pizza= Ginos East. Pasta= Tufano's in Little Italy Steaks= Tavern on Rush (near Oak St) Fondue= Geja's in Lincoln Park Lunch spot= Manny's Other Dinner Places= Harry Carry's, Ditka's Italian Ice= Marios on Taylor Street

 

We're staying at the Sutton Place Hotel which is a few blocks north of the Hancock Tower and west of Oak St. Beach. Is Oak St. Beach going to be packed that weekend. I figured on walking to it at least one morning, but not staying long. Thoughts? Oak Street Beach is always packed. That's ok. Try and eat at Oak Street Beachstro. Especially if its nice outside. I used to live about 2 blocks from there. Try going early in the morning. Maybe check out the old Playboy Mansion which is nearby too. Do the Michigan Avenue walk too.

 

Any input on the above or any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. We're using public transportation and time would be limited, so unless something would just blow us away, it needs to be pretty convenient to downtown. Thanks!

 

Subway system is great in the City. Can take you all over the place. Other ideas would be eating on the 95th Floor at the Hancock, taking a Chicago Food Tour. Lincoln Park Zoo (its free).

 

Have a great time. Chicago's the best.

 

[jasonxctf]

seriously if its you and your girlfriend, looking for a romantic dinner go to Geja's.

 

It's not too far from Wrigley either.

 

http://www.gejascafe.com/

 

I'll agree with everyone else here... Field Museum for sure. Enjoy "Sue."

[Rex Hudler]

What is there to see at the old Playboy mansion?

[BigSqwert]

What is there to see at the old Playboy mansion?

Used condoms?

[Dick Allen]

I'm heading up to Chicago for the first time in 6 years or so for July 4th weekend. We'll get in Thursday morning and leave on Sunday the 4th. I need some suggestions on things to do. Time will be somewhat limited. We'll have all day Thursday, but are going to Cubs-Reds games (yes I know its a Sox board, but the Sox weren't in town!) My questions are:

 

1. Tell me about Taste of Chicago. Is it worth spending time there? Worth catching after one of the afternoon games? What kind of entertainment will there be?

 

2. Does anyone know of any other events going on that weekend? Has anyone ever done any of the boat tours? There is an architecture tour and a skyline tour? Any input? Are there dinner cruises at night?

 

3. Will there be a big fireworks show downtown on Saturday the 3rd or will we miss out having to fly back on the 4th?

 

4. Suggestions for places to eat? We'll be doing pizza one night for sure. Mostly likely Giordano's or Lou Malnati's. We like dive type places, but wouldn't mind a nice dinner one night either. Definitely not looking for chain or corporate places. Want something unique to Chicago.

 

We're staying at the Sutton Place Hotel which is a few blocks north of the Hancock Tower and west of Oak St. Beach. Is Oak St. Beach going to be packed that weekend. I figured on walking to it at least one morning, but not staying long. Thoughts?

 

Any input on the above or any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. We're using public transportation and time would be limited, so unless something would just blow us away, it needs to be pretty convenient to downtown. Thanks!

 

1. I hate Taste of Chicago. Too crowded and its actually cheaper to go to the restaurant and be served.

 

2. Check out the seadog on Navy Pier. They do an architectural tour with a speed boat ride which is really nice if its hot. It will cool you off instantly. They also have coupons on line sometimes for a discount.

 

3. There will be fireworks at Navy Pier on July 4th. The 3rd used to be the big one, but has been a victim of the budget. You will miss them.

 

4. Frontera Grill if you like Mexican. Margueritas are awesome. Its Rick Bayless's place, and has won a lot of awards including best restaurant in the US a couple of years ago.It will be crowded but its my favorite restaurant in the world, also is reasonably priced and casual attire. Sutton Place Hotel is across the street from Gibson's and across the street from Tavern on Rush right in the Viagra Triangle. Good people watching and the Original Pancake House which is right next to Tavern on Rush and across the street from your hotel serves up a nice breakfast. Oak St. beach will be packed, but in the morning it should be OK.

Edited June 19, 2010 by Dick Allen

[Pants Rowland]

I've never heard anyone say something bad about the architecture boat tours.

 

The architectural cruise is one of the best options for touring in the city. The CAF also has two or three loop walking tours that are really cool. The historic (south) one starts at the Art Institute and if I recall correctly, ends near the CAF home on Michigan. They run about two hours so it is a nice midmorning walk around the loop that ends near potential lunch spots. Here is a link to their walking tours (http://caf.architecture.org/Page.aspx?pid=600). BTW, you won't be too far from the Field Museum when you finish. Also, the beach at 12th street is a great quiet alternative to the beaches further north (which could get you in trouble with the GF for staring at talent). It is a nice walk from the field museum and very tranquil for enjoying the lakefront.

 

I love Tango Sur on Southport for steak. Another fantastic restaurant that the wife and I used to frequent in our days in the city is Maza, a lebanese spot at 2748 N. Lincoln (just south of Diversey).

 

Enjoy your visit.

[DukeNukeEm]

I work for Shoreline, we run the Architecture tours up the river. Im usually doing water taxi stuff, but people come up to us every once and a while saying how much they enjoyed it. As a fellow STer I can hook you up with a discount or maybe even a freebie, PM me if you're interested.

 

Go to the taste, I've worked there the past 2 seasons (we run a taxi out of buckingham to the pier) and the stories of gangs and ridiculous crowds are way overblown. Its a bit pricey, but still worth it.

Edited June 19, 2010 by DukeNukeEm

[He_Gawn]

I'll be there for the 3rd and 4th as well. We hotwired a hotel and ended up getting Club Quarters. I also booked reservations at Flatwater, it looks pretty cool so I gave it a shot. Anyone had any previous experiences there? Any suggestions for a "romantic" type dinner on the 3rd?

[flippedoutpunk]

I'll be there for the 3rd and 4th as well. We hotwired a hotel and ended up getting Club Quarters. I also booked reservations at Flatwater, it looks pretty cool so I gave it a shot. Anyone had any previous experiences there? Any suggestions for a "romantic" type dinner on the 3rd?

 

 

The new iron chef has a restaurant on Michigan Ave between Harrison and Balbo. Its a pretty spectacular Tapas place and every date ive taken there loved it especially for the wine selection and Sangria and also the whole "Its an Iron Chef's restaurant" appeal. The dishes themselves are great from top to bottom and every time Ive gone there, Iron Chef Garces actually will go to your table and greet you which was a nice little gesture. Btw the place is called Mercat a La Planxa.

Edited June 19, 2010 by flippedoutpunk

[southsider2k5]

I work for Shoreline, we run the Architecture tours up the river. Im usually doing water taxi stuff, but people come up to us every once and a while saying how much they enjoyed it. As a fellow STer I can hook you up with a discount or maybe even a freebie, PM me if you're interested.

 

Go to the taste, I've worked there the past 2 seasons (we run a taxi out of buckingham to the pier) and the stories of gangs and ridiculous crowds are way overblown. Its a bit pricey, but still worth it.

 

How much are the tours? I have always wanted to do one, and never have.

[bmags]

You know what Rex? I think you'd really enjoy going to Xoco, it's one of Rick Bayless' restaurants, it's reasonably priced and everyone I know loves it. It probably would be a cool addition to your trip to go to one of Chicagos most renowned chef's restaurants.

[flippedoutpunk]

You know what Rex? I think you'd really enjoy going to Xoco, it's one of Rick Bayless' restaurants, it's reasonably priced and everyone I know loves it. It probably would be a cool addition to your trip to go to one of Chicagos most renowned chef's restaurants.

 

ill also vouch for Xoco

[JPN366]

Rex, you gotta come hang out with me at Regions Park sometime. I've got waitress service in my section.

[DukeNukeEm]

How much are the tours? I have always wanted to do one, and never have.

Around $25 depending on the company. Everybody has tiered pricing though, so it goes up on Saturdays and Sundays.

[Chi Town Sox]

ill also vouch for Xoco

 

That place is amazing, don't be shy about getting the Caldos (soup) either, especially the Short-Rib as they are gigantic and will fill you up. Definitely better in the winter though along with the best Churros ever

[Rex Hudler]

Any thoughts or more Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives type places? Any decent places for lunch or dinner around the museums?

 

I think at this point we're going to eat pizza one night (probably Giordano's or Lou's if I can find one), and steak another. I've heard The Bongo Room is great for breakfast so we'll likely try that. Also saw a bit on the Food Network about cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather so we may check that out one morning.

 

We'll likely only do one "nice" dinner so we'll probably do Gibson's or Morton's. I know Gibson's is across the street from the hotel.

 

Lastly, any word on bars on/around Rush Street? Not really looking for dance clubs, but more a nice bar with a nice atmosphere.

[Chi Town Sox]

Any thoughts or more Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives type places? Any decent places for lunch or dinner around the museums?

 

I think at this point we're going to eat pizza one night (probably Giordano's or Lou's if I can find one), and steak another. I've heard The Bongo Room is great for breakfast so we'll likely try that. Also saw a bit on the Food Network about cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather so we may check that out one morning.

 

We'll likely only do one "nice" dinner so we'll probably do Gibson's or Morton's. I know Gibson's is across the street from the hotel.

 

Lastly, any word on bars on/around Rush Street? Not really looking for dance clubs, but more a nice bar with a nice atmosphere.

 

Triple D has had quite a few that you can find on the website, I have been to a couple and they have been OK to very good. I would check out Glenn's Diner (up north) for great seafood, Cemitas Pueblas for some interesting Mexican food and I was at a BBQ joint in Pilsen which was just OK. I have been to Ann Sathers a few times, they have been really good but never fresh out of the oven (try to avoid going on a weekend where they are easily making hundreds per hour - probably why they were never fresh.)

You can actually just get these to go as the actual food there is just OK

 

If you are going to do a nice dinner, I would suggest The Signature Room on top of the Hancock. It is possible to walk out of there spending the same amount of money as Gibson's or Morton's and you will have a great time looking out on top of the city.

 

As for pizza, I have never really been able to decide who I like better between Giordano's and Lou's, partly because it was always a "what do i have a taste for today." Giordano's is a heavier that I like better with Sausage, Lou's is a little lighter for a deep dish and is very good with veggies on it. The supposed best in the Chicagoland area is Bert's Place in Morton Grove which I have not tried yet. It is supposedly really difficult to get a table as you have to call in the day before to tell them what pizza you want, they then shop for the ingredients the morning of and wait for you to show up. Why not just try both Pizza places? LOL

 

[southsider2k5]

Any thoughts or more Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives type places? Any decent places for lunch or dinner around the museums?

 

I think at this point we're going to eat pizza one night (probably Giordano's or Lou's if I can find one), and steak another. I've heard The Bongo Room is great for breakfast so we'll likely try that. Also saw a bit on the Food Network about cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather so we may check that out one morning.

 

We'll likely only do one "nice" dinner so we'll probably do Gibson's or Morton's. I know Gibson's is across the street from the hotel.

 

Lastly, any word on bars on/around Rush Street? Not really looking for dance clubs, but more a nice bar with a nice atmosphere.

 

The museum campuses have nothing in the way of food. You have to go downtown to get grub.

[DBAHO]

As a 1st timer Lou's was very good. Would recommend that,

[DukeNukeEm]

The museum campuses have nothing in the way of food. You have to go downtown to get grub.

Except for the Harold's on Wabash and White Palace on Roosevelt. A walk, but not too far.