GR

My husband and I visited Chicago last June and loved it. I'd liked to take him back this June to celebrate his 30th birthday. We liked the Lincoln Park area but didn't get to explore it thoroughly. Are there any good places to stay around there? I also would love tips on a restaurant for a dressy night out. We loved the Green Mill. Any tips on other good spots for jazz, blues, or drinks?

coach4448

There is the Stratford-Belden, which is right across from Lincoln Park. Have never stayed there, but it looks very nice.
There is also the Omni Ambassador East, and that is also very nice. I have stayed at the Omni several times and have always been please.
For a dressy dinner out, the Pump Room at the Omni would be great. They used to have live Jazz there.It's been over a year since I was last there, but would hope that it's still as nice.
Can't help you out on the good spots for jazz etc, but given the area I am sure that you will find plenty to do.
Both hotels are in a great location. I think that the Omni was about a 5 or 10 minute walk to Lincoln Park.

http://www.beldenstratford.com/

http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=12

DanB

I used to live in Lincoln Park but unfortunately know nothing about Jazz or Blues. There are a couple of blues clubs around 2500 North Halstead, or at least there were. One was called B.L.U.E.S and the other Kingston Mines. I'm not sure I'd classify either as dressy though.

Kristy

I live in Lincoln Park, and love you are coming here for a big celebration! Where do you live? A really happening hotel is the Sutton Place, in the heart of the Rush St. area. Not quite Lincoln Park, but a lot of fun for our age crowd. A great restaurant for a birthday celebration is MK (had my 30th dinner there.) Ask for a table on the second level on the railing, overlooking the restaurant, a very cool scene. Another place if you like seafood is Shaw's, which is next door to Andy's Jazz Club. Shaw's isn't necessarily my favorite restaurant, but can't beat location to Andy's. So many great restaurants here! Gibson's Steak House is also great for a celebration-very Chicago (and across the street from hotel.)
You also have to check out if the Cubs are in town, and get seats in the Bleachers, truly a Chicago experience!

GR

Thanks so much for all of the tips! Kristy, we're from Boston; Lincoln Park reminded us a lot of Cambridge, where we actually prefer to do most of our dining and shopping.

Is it hard to get tickets to a Cubs game? They were out of town when we were there last summer, so Cubs tix are a must this time around. I checked the Web site but it didn't look like they were on sale yet. My fear is that tix will sell out as fast as they do for the Red Sox.

Kristy

Hi GR-
You can always scalp tickets for the bleachers day of game. Depending on weather/opponent/day of week, go anywhere from about $30-$100! Go to Murphys Bleacher Bar before or after game (the owner-Murphy- actually just died 2 days ago, very sad!) It is a must if they are in town!!!
As far as hotels in Lincoln Park, there really are none that are nice, except the one mentioned in a previous post--Belden Stratford. I don't know of anyone that has stayed there. It does have two great restaurants in it, Ambria (very upscale, romantic) and Mon Ami Gabi (lively, tasty french with great wines. If weather is nice, great patio overlooking part of park!). The other hotels mentioned (Omni Ambassador) are in the Gold Coast, GREAT area, where Sutton Place is as well. Personally, I would stay at one of the great hotels around there, cabs are plentiful, no more than $7 to get to LP. Other Lincoln Park restaurants... If you want to really do it up, world-famous Charlie Trotters is right smack in the middle of Lincloln Park, on Armitage. Make your reservations now! (773-248-6228). Depending on weather, Charlie's Ale House on Webster is right by DePaul campus and has great outdoor seating in a quiet neighborhood. Cafe Ba Ba Reeba lively atmosphere, tasty tapas (also great outdoor dining). Mia Francesca is another favorite, always packed (don't take reservations).
Anyway, areas t really explore Lincoln Park...Armitage/Halstead for shopping (Cafe Ba-Ba Reeba is right there), obviously the lakefront/park/zoo, Wrigley area. Another area to explore is Bucktown, great shopping and restaurants. Check out www.metromix.com for more detailed info! Hope this helps!
Kristy

ram522

Have you considered perhaps a Bed and Breakfast? I think there are some right in the heart of Lincoln Park. Unfortunately, I can't really comment on how good they are as I haven't stayed in any of them. However if you're interested in following up, here are some links I found (some have little information but you can probably try to contact the owner for additional info or brochure):

Windy City Urban Inn
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/frame.aspx?pLink=http://www.chicago-inn.com

Bed & Breakfast Lincoln Park/Sheffield
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/property/ppf/id/210522/index.aspx

Centennial House of Lincoln Park
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/property/ppf/id/608172/index.aspx

China Doll Bed & Breakfast
http://www.bedandbreakfast\com/property/ppf/id/625140/index.aspx

City Scene Bed & Breakfast
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/property/ppf/id/602789/index.aspx

Kristy

GR-
I just saw that single game tickets for the Cubs go on sale Feb 21. They are available on their website--www.cubs.com.
Good Luck!