Can a Chicago local give me some hotel advice?

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by laura22

im surprised not to see the suggestion of the architecture boat tour

Originally Posted by AJF_41

it's fun, have done it a few times.

i think the one that stays in city (doesn't go on lake) is better.

I disagree. I think the one that goes on the lake is better. But that's just me.

[laura22]

Originally Posted by DMBWrigley2010

Wicker Park/Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview...can't go wrong. TONS of great restaurants/bars in those neighborhoods to keep you busy.

cool!! thanks

during the marathon I couldn't always keep up with which neighborhood I was running through, but old town looked really cute

Originally Posted by TimHonks

I suggested it!

Originally Posted by lockman21

I think I'd rank it almost in this order, too.

Stay in Wicker for places to eat and walk around to, take the blue line to Logan for Revolution/Emporium/Slippery Slope one night, etc.

I live in Wicker Park if you need recommendations for out here.

thank you

[Lee3691]

Thanks for the suggestion Lockman on this. Getting a lot of good stuff; too bad I won't be able to do it all for our 4 days. I think I want to stay at the Palmer House, since it's down the street from the theater for Hamilton.

[lockman21]

Palmer House is awesome. There's a really great coffee shop just a couple blocks away on Wabash and Jackson called HERO Coffee.

If it matters to you, the outside is super Instagram-able. But even more important is the coffee is really damn good.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/He...!4d-87.6266889

[TimHonks]

You'd also be really close to Cindy's, The Gage, Millennium Park, etc. Palmer House is great.

[Lee3691]

Originally Posted by lockman21

Palmer House is awesome. There's a really great coffee shop just a couple blocks away on Wabash and Jackson called HERO Coffee.

If it matters to you, the outside is super Instagram-able. But even more important is the coffee is really damn good.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/He...!4d-87.6266889

That looks like a different coffee place?

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by Lee3691

That looks like a different coffee place?

It used to be called Pickwick, but now is Hero. Same place.

[Lee3691]

Bringing this baby up again as my trip is near: Chicagoans or people familiar with the area, name your 3 favorite restaurants, bonus points if they are in the museum district.

[rconverse]

Are you going to be with a group? If so, Avec is always super popular.

[Lee3691]

Originally Posted by rconverse

Are you going to be with a group? If so, Avec is always super popular.

Nah, wife and I stopped swinging years ago. Need 3 restaurants from you buddy.

Also, anyone familiar with the Second City shows have a preference of Gaslight District vs Dream Freaks Fall From Space?

[Kevtalia]

Depends what you want to spend....Museum Campus is going to be tourist central on the weekends - the foot traffic will be out of control. Some stuff just north of the river that will keep you semi-close to the Museum District:

- Steak house that you will be able to get in within a few days reservation that I highly recommend: Smith & Wollensky - it's right on river (hint - request a window seat) near Trump Tower / Nuveen Building / Marina Towers. I think it honestly rivals Bavettes.
- You can't go wrong checking out Portillo's if you want a beef or hot dog
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is in the South Loop
- Burger Bar isn't bad. It's in the Museum Campus but there are better places if you go north of the river.

What kind of food are you looking for?

[TimHonks]

Theater District:

Cindy's - Chicago Athletic Club Rooftop for Food or just drinks Amazing view and in theater district, but very popular. You will have to reserve in advance or get there early.

Quartino - Lively/fun Italian place

The Gage - Cool old school bar restaurant

Near Second City: (Haven't seen either show)

Twin Anchors: Old school Chicago place for drinks, ribs, and fried chicken.

Boka - Fancy place that is really good

Topo Gigio or Orso's - Both solid Italian places. I think Topo has better food, Orso's a better atmosphere (back patio).

Gemini - Cool American Bistro

Honorable Mentions:

Tango Sur - Lively Argentinian steakhouse that is BYOB (Wrigleyville)

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba - Spanish Tapas - (Lincoln Park)

The J. Parker (Hotel Lincoln Rooftop) - One of the best views in Chicago, great spot for a drink and app.

Lou Malnatis or Pequods for Chicago pizza. Piece for brewery/pizza.

[AlexK79]

Allow me to throw in Vinci for good italian in the theater district as well.

Girl and the Goat is phenomenal if you can get a reservation.

Seriously, there are a ridiculous amount of great restaurants in Chicago for all cuisines and budgets, everyone is going to have their personal favorites. Enjoy your trip!

[rconverse]

People asking where to eat in Chciago is one of the most difficult questinons, especially in the higher rent areas. It's like, they're all amazing. They wouldn't be able to be open if they weren't.

[mdel21]

My votes are UrbanBelly and quartinos

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by Lee3691

Nah, wife and I stopped swinging years ago. Need 3 restaurants from you buddy.

Also, anyone familiar with the Second City shows have a preference of Gaslight District vs Dream Freaks Fall From Space?

Both are fantastic. If I had to pick one, I’d pick Dream Freaks.

Originally Posted by mdel21

My votes are UrbanBelly and quartinos

Eh, Quartino is nice and all, but if I only have 3 restaurants to give someone, it’s no where even near the list.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by rconverse

People asking where to eat in Chciago is one of the most difficult questinons, especially in the higher rent areas. It's like, they're all amazing. They wouldn't be able to be open if they weren't.

Exactly. Like, I love Table, Donkey and Stick, but realize it might not be for everyone. For some of my friends, it would be toward the top of the list. For others, not even close to it.

There's a reason it won this: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/chi...-the-year-2017

Gotta give us an idea of what exactly it is you're looking for, man. What's your itinerary?

[Lee3691]

Here are some places that seem of interest to me that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet:

Grillroom
The Bar Below in Chicago (not for a meal)
Lockwood Restaurant
The Gage
Cogon Volant Brasserie
Twin Anchors
The VIG

Staying at the Palmer House, and want a nice restaurant very close on Thursday
Friday is most likely going to be an architecture boat tour during the day, and then Hamilton at night (which is close to the Palmer House). We're not the type of people who prefer to eat at 5:30 pm, so would love to find a great place to eat after the show.
Sat night is probably going to be Second City (hence Twin Anchors and the VIG) 11:00 pm show.

I'm sure my wife will want to do some deep dish for lunch one day.

[mdel21]

Hamilton is awesome. Going for the third time in September. Have fun.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by Lee3691

Here are some places that seem of interest to me that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet:

Grillroom
The Bar Below in Chicago (not for a meal)
Lockwood Restaurant
The Gage
Cogon Volant Brasserie
Twin Anchors
The VIG

Staying at the Palmer House, and want a nice restaurant very close on Thursday
Friday is most likely going to be an architecture boat tour during the day, and then Hamilton at night (which is close to the Palmer House). We're not the type of people who prefer to eat at 5:30 pm, so would love to find a great place to eat after the show.
Sat night is probably going to be Second City (hence Twin Anchors and the VIG) 11:00 pm show.

I'm sure my wife will want to do some deep dish for lunch one day.

OK cool.

The Gage is fine. It's one of those that I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there, ya know? You won't have a bad time here or have a bad meal, but it's not something you will be raving about to your friends.

Twin Anchors I feel like has been mentioned in this thread a couple times? If not, maybe I'm just confusing my Chicago threads. Anyway, it's amazing just because of it's history. If you're anything like me, these hole-in-the-wall type old school joints feel even better just because of the history, and there's few in the country like this one. Frank Sinatra, Al Capone, etc. all used to be frequent visitors at one point in their lives. Boardwalk Empire filmed there, The Dark Knight (this scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V1nzwPWxVc - in fact, if you pause it at 0:12 you can see the anchors in the window) filmed there, etc. It's really cool. The food is good. But the history is what makes this place.

If you want a steakhouse, Grillroom is kinda far down the list for me. Chicago Cut is my favorite. Prime and Provisions is really good. Bavette's is amazing, but they don't have the standard steakhouse menu, so just take a look and see if it's for you before you go.

I would not recommend Lockwood at all.

The Vig is, uh, interesting. If you're talking about Second City night, I'd hit Twin Anchors for dinner, then walk over to Old Town Ale House for a drink or two before the show. It's a must, in my opinion. It's such a cool "Chicago" night to do Twin Anchors, Old Town Ale House and then Second City. Old Town Ale House is another place that just feels Chicago. It's a dive bar, but there's lots that makes it famous, too. This picture (https://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/com...itting_at_old/) went viral a couple months ago, for example.

I feel like that covers it all? I'll take a look again a little later. My favorite places in the city are in the Wicker/Logan area. I love the stretch down Armitage with Scofflaw, Moonlighter, Best Intentions, etc. Best Intentions is my favorite bar, and a bartender there is 1000000% Dave Matthews doppelgänger. Which is always hilarious.

[chadizzy1]

I'm speaking at a conference in Chicago on Saturday and some of my associates want to know of a good karaoke place for that night. It's in Wicker Park. Any suggestions?

[AlexK79]

Originally Posted by chadizzy1

I'm speaking at a conference in Chicago on Saturday and some of my associates want to know of a good karaoke place for that night. It's in Wicker Park. Any suggestions?

Piece Pizza & Brewery on North Ave. does live band karaoke every Saturday night from 11p-2a. It's right in the neighborhood.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by chadizzy1

I'm speaking at a conference in Chicago on Saturday and some of my associates want to know of a good karaoke place for that night. It's in Wicker Park. Any suggestions?

Louie's Pub on North & Paulina or Shoe's Pub on Armitage.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by AlexK79

Piece Pizza & Brewery on North Ave. does live band karaoke every Saturday night from 11p-2a. It's right in the neighborhood.

As much as I love Piece, I HATE that Saturday karaoke thing.

[AlexK79]

Originally Posted by lockman21

As much as I love Piece, I HATE that Saturday karaoke thing.

Well I'd generally agree with you, but he specifically said he was looking for karaoke.

I dislike karaoke in general, though I've definitely had more fun at the live band ones than your standard bar karaoke. When I lived in the city we used to do it at Quenchers on Western (which is sadly closing down!) and always had a good time.

[chadizzy1]

Originally Posted by lockman21

Louie's Pub on North & Paulina or Shoe's Pub on Armitage.

Shoe's sounds awesome - lots of good reviews, apparently "the best dive bar" according to lots of sites.

[lockman21]

Originally Posted by AlexK79

Well I'd generally agree with you, but he specifically said he was looking for karaoke.

I dislike karaoke in general, though I've definitely had more fun at the live band ones than your standard bar karaoke. When I lived in the city we used to do it at Quenchers on Western (which is sadly closing down!) and always had a good time.

Totally get that. I just think it's insanely awkward how people are trying to enjoy their pizza while that karaoke thing is wailing in the corner

Originally Posted by chadizzy1

Shoe's sounds awesome - lots of good reviews, apparently "the best dive bar" according to lots of sites.

I mean, that's a bit extreme for Shoe's. But it's a good karaoke bar. Most nights people are REALLY into it. Four Farthing's is good too, but it's kinda far away.

Best dive bar award would have to belong to a place like Old Town Ale House, Happy Village, Richard's, The Empty Bottle or Green Door Tavern. But if karaoke is what you're looking for, Shoe's is your place.

[Lee3691]

Besides possible rain (), looking at the weather for this weekend. Low 60s to Low 70s - is that short sleeve or long sleeve or jacket/sweater/sweatshirt weather in Chicago? We'll be close to the lake obviously. Not making plans for the architecture tour, until we know its dry. Other than that, weekend is coming together.

Dizzy, we'll be at the 2nd city for one of the late shows on Saturday - see if your group wants to go.

[Lee3691]

Wanted to thank everyone’s 2 cents in helping plan a special trip to Chicago, and give my review.
• This was my first time in Chicago as a tourist. Went a few times for business in the dead of winter, and once flew into before renting a car. What a fantastic city, can’t believe I have never visited like this before.
• Couldn’t believe I was in an American city in June with how cold it was.
• Architecture Boat Tour was great (one of the things my late mother loved, so it was great to be able to do that and think of her), and the one I went on mentioned the DMB incident. Wish I had worn by DMB hat and shirt I had brought on the trip.
• Stayed at the Palmer House, which is a great hotel in the loop, and about a 5 min walk to Hamilton (which is why we chose it). The hallways were real short, and rooms were tiny, so if you are tall / big, consider that.
• Hamilton was fantastic. The theatre seats were too small. Chicago is very lucky to have it in residency – we heard that it will be leaving towards the end of 2018, so I’d encourage anyone who wants to see it in Chicago to do it as soon as possible.
• The food was good, not great. For the anniversary dinner, we chose Prime & Provisions due to their dessert menu. Never had bacon as an appetizer before that. Beyond that, there weren’t any out of this world meals.
• If you work or live in the loop, sucks to have to see “TRUMP” everyday.
• I will say that Chicago sports fans were so defensive, which I didn’t expect from what is considered a great sports city. I posted this as well in the NBA thread, but I had probably 10 conversations where when someone found out I am from Houston, they explained to me they really wanted Houston to win the championship because they didn’t want Lebron getting any more rings, so people wouldn’t call Lebron the GOAT, and they didn’t want Golden State to win, so people didn’t think they were better than the 90s Bulls teams. That said, every Chicagoan was rooting for Golden State over Cleveland.
• Second City was cool. The best part was Act III, the improve. Not as good as the Groundlings in Los Angeles though.
• Did a super touristy thing at the last minute “The Gangster Tour”. It was cheesy, but gave us a way to see more of the city.
• Will definitely stay in the Magnificent Mile area next time. The Loop was perfect for Hamilton, but obviously better restaurants in the Magnificent Mile area.

[rconverse]

• If you work or live in the loop, sucks to have to see “TRUMP” everyday.

Not when you know how he got over on Rham for that to be built.