This is thread I started a few years back when I was making my first trip to Chicago. I bumped it as I was going through my old threads and wanted to talk about my most recent trip.
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Chicago Trip suggestions
- Thread starter CycloneRulzzz
- Start date
We did the Chicago's First Lady architectural boat tour and it was great. Also did the Hancock building.
Au Cheval had probably the best hamburger I've ever had.
Checked out a few craft beer bars like Map Room, Marias Packaged goods, Sheffield's, etc.
Au Cheval had probably the best hamburger I've ever had.
Checked out a few craft beer bars like Map Room, Marias Packaged goods, Sheffield's, etc.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Giordano's is a fun pizza, and it's a local chain, so you can stick it to the chain haters while eating great food.
The Hancock building has the best views. If you go to the Signature lounge on the 96th floor, its a 1 drink minimum but its free other than that. If you don't get a table by the window, just wait for one to open up and then grab it before somebody else. Or, you can spend $20 and go to the observatory.
For Pizza, I would recommend either Lou Malnati's or Gino's East.
For Pizza, I would recommend either Lou Malnati's or Gino's East.
Pizzeria Uno and Pequod's are my favorites from when I've visited Chicago. A lot of suggetions in here, so you'll just have to eat them all I suppose.
I would call it a semi national chain now. I know of ones in Orlando and on the Vegas Strip. Still great pizza. Gino's and Pizzeria Uno are also very good.
Very touristy, but Harry Carey's restaurant is on the navy pier. I enjoyed looking at the memorabilia.
Other first time stuff....Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Alder Planetarium, Science Center, Lincoln Park Zoo. There are a bunch of boat rides available. I would pick one while you are there depending on your time and energy level. There is a shorter one that goes along the lake shore then up the river a bit. There is also a ~3 hour one that focuses on the architecture along the river.
Other first time stuff....Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Alder Planetarium, Science Center, Lincoln Park Zoo. There are a bunch of boat rides available. I would pick one while you are there depending on your time and energy level. There is a shorter one that goes along the lake shore then up the river a bit. There is also a ~3 hour one that focuses on the architecture along the river.
Portillo's is an absolute MUST when I visit Chicago...Everything is great but Italian beef is my favorite
The only thing fun about Chicago is packing your **** up and leaving.
Assuming you are staying downtown near the Magnificent Mile right? The Museum of Science and Industry is worth the price of admission. Navy Pier in the evening is fun, they usually set off fireworks from a barge some nights. If you are a Cubs fan visit the Billy Goat Tavern too. Every time we did a weekend trip for a Cubs game we stayed downtown, took the Red Line to the game and could find all kinds of entertainment and food within walking distance from our downtown hotel.
Great advice. They used to have a nice lunch buffet at the Signature Room that was about the same cost as the observatory.
There are multiple Gino's East locations even in Chicago. Go to one on E. Superior.
@CycloneRulzzz
Pay attention to the quoted post. It's the absolute truth.
Also, for great Chicago-style pizza, try Lou Malnati's. Giordano's is good, but Lou's is better.
You can pack your **** up and leave this thread anytime, pal! Don't talk **** about my city.
Are you staying just outside "north Chicago," as in Evanston or Skokie?
Or are you staying just outside "North Chicago" as in Waukegan?
Big difference. If you are staying in Evanston, there are tons of great restaurants there (with almost no tourist traps). If you are staying in Waukegan, take the train to Evanston or Chicago. The Magnificent Mile and River North areas are loaded with great places.
Attached is something I wrote for fans going to the NCAA tournament a few years ago. I'm an old-time Chicago guy, so others may have more up-to-date info for you.
Nearest town to where we are staying is Schaumburg, IL. Sounds like there is a bus near us that will take us right to Wrigley for $4 so that will avoid parking for us.
So far for Pizza I've heard Pizano's, Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Pizzeria Uno, Gino's East. If We have to pick one which one do we go will (I feel a need to create a poll)
Do you or anyone know who early in advance you have to get tickets for that boat tour. We want to do that one but not sure if we will be able to get them a week in advance.
Schaumburg is northwest (beyond O'Hare). Not sure about the bus. Is it a special that only goes to Wrigley Field? Or a regular suburban bus that will make stops along the way? Also, make sure you know the details about getting back on the bus, particularly if you want to go downtown to do things.
You may want to take a CTA train to downtown from near O'Hare, take a bus to Michigan Avenue to do your tourist stuff, and then transfer to another train that will take you north right to Wrigley Field. And after the game, take the train back downtown and then take the other train back to O'Hare.
Also, don't know about advance tickets for the boat ride, but it sounds like a really good idea. You never know when a group will walk up and take the boat you wanted. The boat tours are fantastic (and I don't think there is much difference between them). The history and architecture on a boat ride on a river whose current was reversed is fantastic.
You may want to take a CTA train to downtown from near O'Hare, take a bus to Michigan Avenue to do your tourist stuff, and then transfer to another train that will take you north right to Wrigley Field. And after the game, take the train back downtown and then take the other train back to O'Hare.
Also, don't know about advance tickets for the boat ride, but it sounds like a really good idea. You never know when a group will walk up and take the boat you wanted. The boat tours are fantastic (and I don't think there is much difference between them). The history and architecture on a boat ride on a river whose current was reversed is fantastic.
Not sure how many people are in your group, but if its 1-4 people, I would just use Uber, except to and from Wrigley. In that case, just use the redline train.
Don't use taxis, they are such a ripoff especially after the tip and if you get stuck in traffic.
That $4 bus from Schaumburg to Wrigley is express I think. So, you can't beat that.
Don't use taxis, they are such a ripoff especially after the tip and if you get stuck in traffic.
That $4 bus from Schaumburg to Wrigley is express I think. So, you can't beat that.