chris

Hi,

My husband and I will be visiting Chicago this weekend, and staying at the Swissotel. We need some suggestions for restaurants (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). We don't want to spend too much (around $50 for dinner for two, less for breakfast and lunch). Would like some places within walking distance from the hotel, but will have a car, so can also go a little ways. Also, how expensive are the restaurants in the Swissotel?

Thanks

karen

Chris,
The restaurants at the Swissotel are probably pretty expensive--it is an upscale hotel, where generally it is common to pay too much for a meal. In terms of its location and "walking distance" restaurants, it is in the financial district so the closest places will be Au Bon Pain, Bennigans, etc. There aren't really any notible dinner restaurants in that neighborhood, besides The Bergoff (The Berghoff Restaurant
17 W Adams St), and Italian Village
(71 W Monroe St) which is a fun italian spot that I would recommend (neither, by the way, is too pricey). Other than that, you will have to drive, take a cab or bus, or put on your walking shoes!

pj

Do yourself a favor and leave your car parked!! Way too expensive to park at all the sights you plan to see. Take a cab or hoof it. Frontera Grill is always good [they have a more expensive place next to the grill] Bistro 110 is always good too.

marilyn

I'm not too sure of what restaurants are really near the Swissotel, but did want to correct a previous poster, who said it is located in the financial district. Unless it has moved, the Swissotel is on East Wacker Drive, east of Michigan Avenue and south of the Chicago River. Fifty dollars for two for dinner is a little low in that area, but you might try the Big Bowl, for panAsian fare, on the other side of the river and Michigan Avenue but in walking distance. Niccolina's, in the NBC building, is a great mediterranean restaurant in that general area, but a little more expensive. If you are going to be out and about, you could look for restaurants at your destination. You would probably not want to use your car unless you were going to a neighborhood with a chance of finding on-street parking, like Lincoln Park or Chinatown. If you were going to the Loop area, you might try Ada's Delicatessen, on Wabash between Monroe and Madison. Otherwise, check www.metromix.com for restaurants, they have a great search function and are pretty reliable on descriptions and price range. Have fun this weekend, they are predicting sunny and 20 degrees above normal. It will be crowded, though, with the Festival of the Lights, marking the start of the Christmas shopping season on Michigan Avenue.

x

Chris,

My wife and I and two boys, ages 10 and 8, always stay at the Swissotel, and love it.

But we never eat at the restaurant, The Palm, sister to the famous New York restaurant. Very expensive.

We, too, like Frontera Grill, 445 N. Clark, and for breakfast, Lou Mitchell's, 565 W. Jackson. It's reasonable and desrvedly legendary.

One other place we always go for simple burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and beers: O'Neill's tavern in the 100 block of E. Ontario, about a half block off Michigan near the Orvis outdoor store. Nothing fancy, but inexpensive and fun.

kim

Marilyn's advice is very good. Assuming you do not drive , there are places you can walk, especially with the nice weather expected. There is a Giordanos (stuffed pizza) next to the Prudential Building. If you decide to shop at the Marshall Fields on State Street, they have a decent food court & other places to eat (when I say food court, I don't mean McD's & BK, but rather Field's own menu of choices, like stir-fry or burgers or salads). This is pretty close to Ada's Deli (on Wabash). I personally don't like the Italian Village's food, so I wouldn't go there. However, there is another Italian restaurant not far from your hotel--Nick & Tony's on Wacker Drive. Govnor's Pub on State has pretty good bar food. If you cross the river into the Michigan shopping district, there are more selections. WaterTower Place has a big food court (again, not the traditional mall stuff, but a quality selection). Do try the metromix site--it should be helpful.

chris

Thanks so much for all the replies. We won't plan to eat at Swissotel since it is expensive. Big Bowl, Frontera Grill, Nicolina's, O'Neils sound good. I went to metromix and checked out some of these. I was wondering if there are any place to eat breakfast around the Field Museum? We will be there Saturday morning (timed tickets) to see Cleopatra and Sue.

pj

There is a corner bakery right in the Field Museum. Actually very good and you can sit right by Sue!!

lisa

I just want to second the recommendation of a previous poster - Lou Mitchell's is not to be missed for breakfast or brunch. Greek omlettes and waffles to die for, not to mention the festive diner atmosphere and the donut holes!

thereuare

FYI,

I ate at Frontera Grill in May and although it was excellent, it wasn't inexpensive (by my standards at least, but not super expensive either). Dinner for two ran about $80w/tip (with 2 appetizers, 2 drinks, 2 entrees)

I WOULD recommend this restaurant, but just wanted to let u know my experience since it didn't fall within the price range i thought you were looking for from how i interpretted your original post.

Cindy

For pizza I would definitely recommend
Pizzeria Due's on Ontario and Wabash, I believe. Best pizza in Chicago.

Deb

For a truly unique and romantic experience, you cannot miss Geja's at 340 W. Armitage. www.gejascafe.com

My husband and I ate there when we were dating and I just fell in love--with him and the food. Now we live in Los Angeles and nothing compares! I can't wait to go back when we're home for Christmas.

Fondue at it's finest! Don't miss it!

asr

The Field Museum also has a McDonalds on the lower level. There aren't really any other restaurants close-by. The Museum Campus is sort of isolated. The Shedd Aquarium (right next door) also has a food-court and a restaurant.