Chicago Suggestions

[Mayk]

We are headed to Chicago for a few days in August with two teenage girls (17 & 15). I need a few resturant suggestions.. one for pizza and then one to celebrate a birthday. The girls want to dress up. (this mean no jean )

We are planning the boat tour (to keep the Architect in the family happy), The Art Institue, Mellennium Park and lots of shopping.
Open to other suggestions.

 

[Enerchi]

The girls brought us to Lou Malnotti's for pizza - YUM!! Highly recommend the deep dish pizza and we ate at 2 in the city.

DH & I took the Chicago First Lady ARchitectural river tour - it was incredible! 2 hours, I think, and very informative. I'd highly recommend that! ARe you going out to Oak Park to see any of the FLW homes? There is a tour available... That's on our agenda FOR SURE, when we go back.

What dates are you there? We are going Aug 18 - 22... any overlap?

 

[Mayk]

The girls brought us to Lou Malnotti's for pizza - YUM!! Highly recommend the deep dish pizza and we ate at 2 in the city.

DH & I took the Chicago First Lady ARchitectural river tour - it was incredible! 2 hours, I think, and very informative. I'd highly recommend that! ARe you going out to Oak Park to see any of the FLW homes? There is a tour available... That's on our agenda FOR SURE, when we go back.

What dates are you there? We are going Aug 18 - 22... any overlap?

Thank you Energy!!!!

I wish we were overlapping!!! Aug 8 - 11... The Tall Ships will be there.. not sure it will happen but it's an option.

 

[rubyshoes]

Go to Lou Malnati's for pizza and order The Lou!

Do the teens like tea? You could celebrate bday at the Peninsula Hotel for high tea. (plenty of chance to dress up and be fancy) http://www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/Dining/The_Lobby/default.aspx

If you like Greek food, Taxim in Wicker Park is great. http://taximchicago.com/

For a nice casual meal, Handlebar, also in Wicker Pk. http://handlebarchicago.com/HB/

If you like Asian fusion, Big Bowl (several locations all over Chicagoland) -- v popular for bdays/large groups btw

Middle-Eastern chain I Dream Of Falafel has several locations in the Loop. V yummy!

Great views (so-so food, so go for just a cocktail) at Signature Room (atop John Hancock) http://www.signatureroom.com/

You can stop at Ghirardellis at Water Tower Place for a sundae and people-watching (the architect will find Water Tower interesting too)

If I can think of more, I will post again. (Chicago resident last 13 years)

 

[Mayk]

Thank you RubyShoes!!!! Sounds like our Pizza decision is made!!! Checking out the other suggestions!!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

Mayk, I don't know where you're staying but based on the locations you mentioned it sounds like you'll be downtown. I would look at River North/Gold Coast for nice restaurants. There is some interesting people watching in the "Viagra Triangle" in the heart of the Gold Coast (Carmines, Tavern on Rush, etc. -- but if you want to eat outside those place are first come, first served for the patios, and even having reservation doesn't get you ahead in that waiting list). And even though I was of course making fun with the "VT," all of the restaurants there are quite nice and the food is good.

If you wanted to go a little farther afield there are all the restaurants on Randolph Street (called Restaurant Row). The Girl and the Goat, Nalcote (sp?), and several others.

Right along Michigan there is The Gage, across from the Bean, or the Park Grill.

There are also a ton of more focused restaurants (i.e., ethnic or eclectic in some way) so if you want something specific let me know and I'll throw out ideas.

 

[Mayk]

Thanks DeeJay.. I forgot to put where we are staying...

We are at the Doubetree on E. Ohio... says we are walking distance to shopping and the art museum... The VT area sounds right up our alley!!! Actually, Carmine's is a place I've been but it was a long time ago.. I didn't think of that!!

 

[Mayk]

Mayk, I don't know where you're staying but based on the locations you mentioned it sounds like you'll be downtown. I would look at River North/Gold Coast for nice restaurants. There is some interesting people watching in the "Viagra Triangle" in the heart of the Gold Coast (Carmines, Tavern on Rush, etc. -- but if you want to eat outside those place are first come, first served for the patios, and even having reservation doesn't get you ahead in that waiting list). And even though I was of course making fun with the "VT," all of the restaurants there are quite nice and the food is good.

If you wanted to go a little farther afield there are all the restaurants on Randolph Street (called Restaurant Row). The Girl and the Goat, Nalcote (sp?), and several others.

Right along Michigan there is The Gage, across from the Bean, or the Park Grill.

There are also a ton of more focused restaurants (i.e., ethnic or eclectic in some way) so if you want something specific let me know and I'll throw out ideas.

Looks like Friday night is "The Gage".. thanks for the reco Dee*Jay.. it's perfect for a birthday celebration.. and Lou's on Saturday night!

 

[Dee*Jay]

Mayk, I don't know where you're staying but based on the locations you mentioned it sounds like you'll be downtown. I would look at River North/Gold Coast for nice restaurants. There is some interesting people watching in the "Viagra Triangle" in the heart of the Gold Coast (Carmines, Tavern on Rush, etc. -- but if you want to eat outside those place are first come, first served for the patios, and even having reservation doesn't get you ahead in that waiting list). And even though I was of course making fun with the "VT," all of the restaurants there are quite nice and the food is good.

If you wanted to go a little farther afield there are all the restaurants on Randolph Street (called Restaurant Row). The Girl and the Goat, Nalcote (sp?), and several others.

Right along Michigan there is The Gage, across from the Bean, or the Park Grill.

There are also a ton of more focused restaurants (i.e., ethnic or eclectic in some way) so if you want something specific let me know and I'll throw out ideas.

Looks like Friday night is "The Gage".. thanks for the reco Dee*Jay.. it's perfect for a birthday celebration.. and Lou's on Saturday night!

The Gage is one of my favorite places and I hope you love it! When my best traveling girlfriend still lived here we used to do happy hour there on Thursday nights and the CB and I often walk over for brunch on the weekends.

 

[Dee*Jay]

One more suggestion (and take this for what it's worth): At Lou's you might want to get a Chicago style and a thin crust pizza. The Chicago style is interesting, but it is a massive BRICK of cheese. I'm not saying don't do it--because who can come to our fair city with giving it a go?--but Lou's thin (made with the cornmeal crust) is also just marvelous, so it might be a good balance to have both.

 

[Mayk]

One more suggestion (and take this for what it's worth): At Lou's you might want to get a Chicago style and a thin crust pizza. The Chicago style is interesting, but it is a massive BRICK of cheese. I'm not saying don't do it--because who can come to our fair city with giving it a go?--but Lou's thin (made with the cornmeal crust) is also just marvelous, so it might be a good balance to have both.

so glad you said that.. I'm a total thin crust girl.. (NY style...) so I'll be happy and the girls will be happy!!!!

 

[asscher_girl]

Last year when I was in Chicago for a work/client trip we went to NoMI. OMG, it was amazing. A bit on the pricer side but for the "fancy" dinner it's worth checking out. And when I was there a month ago we went to Jose Garces's restaurant called Mercat a la Planxa, which was awesome too. Have fun! I haven't been to Chicago for a pure vacation yet, but I love that city! Next business trip I'm going to make sure I tack on a few extra vacay days to explore.

 

[Mayk]

Last year when I was in Chicago for a work/client trip we went to NoMI. OMG, it was amazing. A bit on the pricer side but for the "fancy" dinner it's worth checking out. And when I was there a month ago we went to Jose Garces's restaurant called Mercat a la Planxa, which was awesome too. Have fun! I haven't been to Chicago for a pure vacation yet, but I love that city! Next business trip I'm going to make sure I tack on a few extra vacay days to explore.

Thank you Asscher Girl! I actually looked at NoMi and decided DH and I would love it but the girls might struggle with the menu. the Gage seemed to be able to keep them happy. I will check out your other suggestion!

 

[Rosebloom]

MayK - you've gotten wonderful advice here! Lou and The Gage are excellent choices.

Sounds like your trip will be filled with family time but if you find yourself bling shopping and want some PS company, there are many of us in Chicago ready and willing!

 

[Rosebloom]

Last year when I was in Chicago for a work/client trip we went to NoMI. OMG, it was amazing. A bit on the pricer side but for the "fancy" dinner it's worth checking out. And when I was there a month ago we went to Jose Garces's restaurant called Mercat a la Planxa, which was awesome too. Have fun! I haven't been to Chicago for a pure vacation yet, but I love that city! Next business trip I'm going to make sure I tack on a few extra vacay days to explore.

These are two of my other favorites!

Asscher Girl - when you come back to Chicago, I would love to organize a PS GTG. I would absolutely adore to see your perfect-amazing-breathtaking-did I mention perfect?-ring!

 

[Mayk]

MayK - you've gotten wonderful advice here! Lou and The Gage are excellent choices.

Sounds like your trip will be filled with family time but if you find yourself bling shopping and want some PS company, there are many of us in Chicago ready and willing!

Oh how I wish!! Those girls cut me no slack! Where DH is all in with my obsession, my teens are all about shopping for themselves and no window shopping for mom Unless I'm doing shoes or purses then they are interested. Go figure!

 

[Rosebloom]

MayK - you've gotten wonderful advice here! Lou and The Gage are excellent choices.

Sounds like your trip will be filled with family time but if you find yourself bling shopping and want some PS company, there are many of us in Chicago ready and willing!

Oh how I wish!! Those girls cut me no slack! Where DH is all in with my obsession, my teens are all about shopping for themselves and no window shopping for mom Unless I'm doing shoes or purses then they are interested. Go figure!

Well, at least your sweet DH is onboard with your hobby! Have a wonderful trip!! We were at Millennium Park today - it really is amazing.

 

[monarch64]

May I suggest Rosebud on Taylor? Fabulous Italian dining, dress up but not formal. For pizza, any of the proposed places in this thread would do just fine.

Have fun!!

 

[asscher_girl]

Rosebloom - I would love that! I'm sure I'll be there next June for an annual convention that I attend. I would love to come in a day early and do a PS GTG! And I would love to show you my ring, hehe I'll be sure to create a thread a month or two before I head out there so we can plan something.

 

[Nyc2chigal]

Living in Chicago for the past 7 years, I can say it's a nice city to explore! It has all the perks of a large city rolled into one!
Comes very close to NYC, IMO.

I love food, so the following places are what I would recommend (for food, and ambiance):

Old Town: Nookies Diner (great food, great price, historical area!)

Gold Coast: Cru Wine Bar

Greek Town: Artopolis

 

[Nyc2chigal]

Enjoy your time in Chicago! I doubt you will be disappointed!

 

[Rosebloom]

Rosebloom - I would love that! I'm sure I'll be there next June for an annual convention that I attend. I would love to come in a day early and do a PS GTG! And I would love to show you my ring, hehe I'll be sure to create a thread a month or two before I head out there so we can plan something.

Yay!! I'm looking forward to it already!

 

[MaddyRock]

Lou Malnati's for pizza
Architectural tour - Fun for all ages
Sable - fancy pants dinner but with youthful and mature tastes!
Shopping in Wicker Park or Bucktown for cool boutiques.