Chicago Trip

**iccyfan** · 05-24-2010, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by clonetil01

I would say Giordano's over Gino's east any day. Lou Manetti's is also better but I don't think you are close to one down town.

JMHO, but Bacino's is far and away the best of the Chicago "establishment" pizza restaurants. It's a short cab ride from your hotel; walk up the street and have a Guiness at Glascott's while you're in the neighborhood.

Bacino's of Lincoln Park - Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL

**CycloneChris** · 05-24-2010, 01:01 PM

If you like wine, head over to Eno in the Intercontinental. Great wine, cheese, and chocolate flights. If you want a great dinner that isn't outrageously expensive, try mk.

The weather is supposed to be great, so make sure to take some time and hang out along the lake.

**Brentwood** · 05-24-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

We have bleacher seats for that game. Only been to 2 other games at Wrigley before so excited to finally get to see one from the bleachers this time. Friday have some on the 3B side right under the overhang I think.

We are in the bleachers also. This will be my second trip to Wrigley. Last year went to a Friday afternoon game, sat on the first base side under the overhang.

**Cycsk** · 05-24-2010, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

Wife and I are going to a couple Cubs games at the end of this week and 1 day to do whatever there before we leave. Staying downtown right off of Michigan Ave. Any suggestions on places to see/eat?

Already on the agenda: Navy Pier, one of the piano bars, Gino's Pizza, Harry Caray's, ESPN Zone.

Gino's East is a great choice. Stuffed pizza made with corn meal crust is my favorite of all time. And I used to live right downtown!

I don't know if they still do it, but there used to be a reasonably priced lunch buffet at the top of the Hancock Building. It is really expensive at night, but not bad for lunch. Great views of the city, shoreline, and Lake Michigan. It is cool even in bad weather with no view because you feel like you are in the middle of the clouds.

There are lots of great walking tours of Chicago architecture, as well as a great architecture tour by boat (like the one on PBS).

Go to Millennium Park. It is a great improvement over the old Grant Park. Good museums just south of the park.

**JP4CY** · 05-24-2010, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

Wife and I are going to a couple Cubs games at the end of this week and 1 day to do whatever there before we leave. Staying downtown right off of Michigan Ave. Any suggestions on places to see/eat?

Already on the agenda: Navy Pier, one of the piano bars, Gino's Pizza, Harry Caray's, ESPN Zone.

I don't want to shoot your list down but I don't know if I'd really go to any of those. I think Navy Pier is over rated, Gino's is ok but there is better.
If you are in the neighborhood of Caray's there is a place close by that has good wings-Mother Hubbards and its reasonably priced.
Boston Blackies it pretty reasonably priced and pretty old school place for burgers.
I like Shaws for seafood.

Every December I go to that area of town (I stay at the Hyatt) for work and pretty much have hit up every restaurant in the area. If you are considering somewhere expensive and swanky PM me, I've snmoozed clients everywhere.

PM me if you want

**CYdTracked** · 05-24-2010, 02:45 PM

I've been to Gino's, Caray's, and Navy Pier before and want to go again so I already know about those places. More looking for places I haven't been to yet.

Once place I would love to go to but it's too much be be spending about $50 a person after all the money we already commited to the trip is Fugo De Chao. Heard that place is delicious but again, too pricey to justify the $100+ we'd likely drop for just 1 meal.

**guitarchitect7** · 05-24-2010, 02:53 PM

It's not super exciting, may only take up 30 min of your time, but if you're a Cubs fan, you have to go to the original Billy Goat....

I recommend the Science museum for sure - still a favorite. And to be right next to a U-boat, it brings chills to me every time.

We're heading around the 4th of July weekend, and do plan on the architecture boat tour

**4429 mcc** · 05-24-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

I've been to Gino's, Caray's, and Navy Pier before and want to go again so I already know about those places. More looking for places I haven't been to yet.

Once place I would love to go to but it's too much be be spending about $50 a person after all the money we already commited to the trip is Fugo De Chao. Heard that place is delicious but again, too pricey to justify the $100+ we'd likely drop for just 1 meal.

If you're looking for cheap, cool and fun, you are going to the wrong city. Maybe try Peoria or Joliet...google works well too.

**CycloneChris** · 05-24-2010, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by CYdTracked

too pricey to justify the $100+ we'd likely drop for just 1 meal.

Okay, cancel the recommendation on Eno and mk.

Always recommend a Chicago Style Hot Dog. Portillo's is always a safe bet.

If you want interesting burgers, try Kuma's Corner.
Kuma's Corner | About Us | Harshing our melow since 2005

**Cyfan4good** · 05-24-2010, 04:13 PM

Just got back from the Windy City this past weekend. We did the "Wendella" lake and river tour. It was $24.00 per person for a 90 minute boat ride. The tour was guided so we learned about all the Chicago skyscrapers/architecture downtown along the river. it was very interesting and IMO worth the money. Get there early to get the best seats on the boat.

A couple years ago we went to the Original Billy Goat Tavern just for the experience. It's kind of quirky cause the guys still take your order just like the SNL skit by Murray, Belushi, and Akroyd. Fun to see where and how that originated.

While not what I'd say is the best Chicago pizza is, Pizzaria Uno is an experience and good pizza not too far off Michigan Ave on Ohio St. I thought I'd had the best pizza in Chicago at Lou Malnotti's until I read the earlier post about Bacino's. Our daughter lives in Lincoln Park so we'll have to try Bacino's on our next trip.

Have fun.

**4429 mcc** · 05-24-2010, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by CycloneChris

Okay, cancel the recommendation on Eno and mk.

Always recommend a Chicago Style Hot Dog. Portillo's is always a safe bet.

If you want interesting burgers, try Kuma's Corner.
Kuma's Corner | About Us | Harshing our melow since 2005

Dont try Portillo's World Famous Italian beef, its not that good.

**CyCrazy** · 05-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

If you're looking for cheap, cool and fun, you are going to the wrong city. Maybe try Peoria or Joliet...google works well too.

Manilus, Illinois would also be cheaper I think they have 2 bars there too. Its 30 miles east of Geneseo.

**Broodwich** · 05-24-2010, 04:43 PM

Get the Sunday Buffet at Shaw's Crab House. It's $39.99, but it's fantastic. We went there a couple of weekends ago.

Some of the best seafood I have had, and a lot to choose from.

**ricochet** · 05-24-2010, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

103 stories.

(1,353 feet)
1.5" thick glass. Extends 4.3 feet out. Designed to hold about 5 tons.

Engineer #1: Aren't we using metric?
Engineer #2: Ooops.

**jtd9046** · 05-24-2010, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by 4429 mcc

Dont try Portillo's World Famous Italian beef, its not that good.

I've had it a few times and thought pretty highly of it. Where should I be trying it? I live in the city so location is not an issue.

To the OP: If you want to get out into the neighborhoods, two of my favorite Italian spots are Ricardo Trattoria and Sapori Trattoria. Both are in Lincoln Park and have a great atmosphere and great food. I would suggest Lou Malnati's and Bacino's as well for pizza.

For fun, try one of the gangster tours around the city.