OT: Where to stay, what to do in Chicago?

by adam316 on Jul 11, 2008 2:24 PM CDT

My wife and I finally scored 2 tickets to see the Cubs at the end of August. We are going to stay 3 nights in Chicago. We are from out of state and we are pretty much clueless about what general area we want to stay at, so maybe you can help us.

All we know is that we will see the Cubs game and we want to eat at Giordano's. We also want to hit up the Wrigleyville bars after the game. Any suggestions where we should go?

We will not be driving, so train or bus would be our preferred method of travel. We have been to the Sears Tower and Navy Pier etc. several years ago. We want to know what is a "must see" or "must visit" in Chicago, as well as what general area we should get a hotel at. Any tips or advice for us to help us have the best stay in Chicago would be very appreciated.

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Check Out This Link on BCB

BCB Tourist Guide to Chicago

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jul 11, 2008 3:04 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks

I checked that out already, found some good ideas, but I guess nothing that jumped out at me.

by adam316 on Jul 11, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

What's your focus?

Are you looking for music, art, culture? Are you looking for the best places to eat (if so, I reccomend you skip Giordano’s)? Are you looking for more baseball related things? Are you foucsed on history? Shopping?

Let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll be happy to help.

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jul 11, 2008 3:05 PM CDT reply actions

Well, the wife and I love baseball

History, not so much, we are more of sightseers though, so that might work. She loves shopping, but I don’t, so lets avoid that. The Hard Rock Hotel suggestion below sounds awesome, I love rock music. Also If not Giordanos, what restaurant do you suggest. I also heard Lou Malnati’s is good, but we want some of that delicous stuffed pie.

by adam316 on Jul 11, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

I prefer Due's/Uno's to both of them. But Lou Mal's is 2nd. Uno's and Due's are downtown

"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente

by cubbybear on Jul 11, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

For great food

check out Lou’s or Gino’s East over Giordano’s. I’d also try to hit Superdawg, Mr. Beef, or Portillo’s for some more great Chicago food.

I’d also recommend hitting the museum campus – aquarium, plantearium, Field museum – they’re right along the lake just south of Grant Park, so you can spend a nice summer day in the park and by the lake – then head inside when it gets steamy.

Good music at Kington Mines – my favorite place to go after a Cubs game.

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jul 11, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh man I forgot...

Superdog and Mr. Beef! Awesome suggestions! Hey, I’d even drop by Harry’s place for the chips! Mmmm beer and those chips!

by socalicubsfan on Jul 11, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Hard Rock Hotel

You can get awesome rates online… check out one of the suites… I got bumped up to the “Extreme” suite a few months ago and it was INCREDIBLE. Massive suite with conference table, plasma, 2 bathrooms, and a steller view in 3 directions… 35th floor or better for those, but even the regular rooms are awesome and you’re in the middle of everything with a spectacular view of the magnificent mile.

by lswaidz on Jul 11, 2008 3:10 PM CDT reply actions

Museum Suggestions

The Museum of Science and Industry is great. You can also go the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum, which are all in very close proximity to each other.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jul 11, 2008 3:52 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I want to check out all of those I think.

That should keep us busy one of the days. Can I take the L to most of these places, or what would be the recommended travel method?

by adam316 on Jul 11, 2008 3:54 PM CDT reply actions

#10 for MSI, #12 for Others

The #10 bus connects with the red line of the L. The #10 goes to the Museum of Science and Industry. The #12 also connects at a different place further north with the red line of the L. The #12 goes to Adler, Shedd, and Field. Here’s the trip planner link.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jul 11, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Buddy Guy's Legends

South end of DT – presuming it’s still there. (I have not been in DT Chicago for a few years.)

This, of course, presumes you like blues.

In any case, pick up a Chicago Reader and they have a lot of listings of various nightlife-type things.

by MN exile on Jul 11, 2008 3:59 PM CDT reply actions

Other great places to eat

Portillo’s is great. They have great hot dogs. Malnati’s is also very good but if your staying in the city, you’d have to go out to Lincolnwood, so I would suggest Due’s. If your going shopping, anything on Michigan Ave. I like going to the Watertower. They have a pretty bug Cubs store at the top. Shedd Aquarium is interesting.

Have a great time!

Devin Hester, you are rediculous! -Jeff Joniak

by ARAM FOR MVP on Jul 11, 2008 4:26 PM CDT reply actions

Portillo's Is A MUST

So good that they opened one out here, close to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 11, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I miss the food!!!!

Eat it all… Portillo’s, Wrigleyville Dogs, Giordano’s, Uno’s Via Carducci, Wildfire, Heaven on Seven…. AHHHH – I think I just put 10 lbs thinking about all my favs!

by socalicubsfan on Jul 11, 2008 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Millennium Park and the Bean are must sees

The Cultural Center is lovely and has a variety of exhibits always worth seeing, the tiffany dome is spectacular. Take a walk along the lake front, rent a Segway and take a tour that way, the architectural boat cruise is perfect on a hot summer day…

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 11, 2008 4:27 PM CDT reply actions

Always Wanted To Myself

The architectural boat tour, that is.

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 11, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

A Fellow Out-Of-Towner Recommends

The Chop House on Ontario Street for fine dining and steak that melts in your mouth. Malnati’s is very good too. Wasn’t really thrilled with the Billy Goat Tavern, so you might try Harry Caray’s instead.

We wanted to check out the Board of Trade but it was closed to the public (that was in 2002). Don’t know if they’re letting tourists in again or not. Still it’s fun to just walk around with a camera and get photos of the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower and the “spaceship” inside Soldier Field.

Lincoln Park was nice to walk through. There’s a zoo, an arboretum, and of course the Trixies with their power strollers. We had a good time walking up and down Rush Street at night too.

Eat More Katsui

by CaliCub on Jul 11, 2008 4:56 PM CDT reply actions

So many choices

Food: Pizza, we like Gino’s East, Due is very good as is Lou Malnati’s, I have to make our own pan pizza in CO Springs, actually it is not hard but it is hard to find good mozz cheese. Giordano’s is okay as well.

Staying hotel depends on the budget, location and doings. I like the Hilton Towers, across Grant Park, walk to Art Institute, can get to the EL or the subway take the Red line to Wrigley…easy cab to 1st Ward….other museums Natural History is good in Grant Park Science & History is far south but worth it. Modern Art is good as is the Broadcast musuem. We also stay at the Knickerbocker only because it was our honeymoon, very traditional near the Oak Street Beach. Maybe you can get a deal at the Fairmont or Four Seasons.

Night life is depending on who is playing that weekend…..we like jazz and good headliners, but my father in law played with Dorsey during WWII (he is still playing and knows all of the players), another item is try Ravina and take the train up to Highland Park.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Jul 11, 2008 5:28 PM CDT reply actions

For the best Thin crust Pizza

It’s Home Run Inn - with many locations. My favorite is the one near Midway, on Archer - perhaps a mile or more west of the airport. I try to time my flights in & out so I can get there.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jul 11, 2008 8:27 PM CDT reply actions

For thin crust

I recommend Vito and Nick’s. They have a few locations and are the best thin crust in Chicagoland in my opinion. Actually, I just ate there yesterday.

This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.

by HectorVillanueva on Jul 11, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions

+1 on Vito and Nicks.

for thin crust and Geno’s East for stuffed.

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jul 11, 2008 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Best hot dog IMO is Gene and Judes in River Grove...

Can’t beat it!

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on Jul 11, 2008 11:08 PM CDT reply actions

hearts of chicago

nice and cheap little dive motel, you can take the bus to the ballpark.

by nathew on Jul 11, 2008 11:30 PM CDT reply actions

I too coming to Chicago

with family July 28-Aug 3, I have researched, looked at the orginal post in 2007, so any ideas of food, fun and entertainment will be greatly appreciated.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Jul 11, 2008 11:30 PM CDT reply actions

the best way to scope out the city

is to go to The Chicago Reader. This is a weekly that lists everything that’s happening that week, including an extensive list of restaurants rated by readers (bit alliterative there). You can then pick up a hard copy when you’re in town, along with Time Out Chicago.

We never give up -- Aramis Ramirez

by Emelie on Jul 12, 2008 4:36 AM CDT up reply actions