Been awhile since I have been to Chicago...what is hot in fine dining? Best steakhouse?

Charlie Trotter's is closing soon, so you might want to try experience it before it does. Another restaurant for fine dining: http://www.alinea-restaurant.com/ , or http://www.rickbayless.com/

For a steakhouse, Gibson's is local and very popular.
Alinea is tops in the city.

Next (if you can get tickets), Alinea, Tru, Mercadito, Henri, Avec, Blackbird, Topolobambo, Spiaggia.

Denisea, we really enjoy "Smith & Wollensky" overlooking the Chicago River. It's on North State at Marina City. Our most recent visit was August of 2011. Have fun in the city!

Anything close to the Loop? I'm also interested in other grade dinings, not just fine, preferably close to the Loop and something quintessentially Chicago. Thanks!

Greek town is close to the Loop with quite a few restaurants to choose from.

Best Steakhouse? - GIBSON's, GIBSON's GIBSON's on Rush St.

JMHO

Gibson's is the best for people watching. David Burke has great steaks.

Some in places are: Girl & the Goat, Publican, Purple Pig, Paris Club, GT Oyster House.

For great food: Blackbird, Boka, Gemini.


http://chicagovisitor.net/

Hi Denise:

Not a fan of Gibsons.

Take a look at Mercadito, Paris Club, The Pump Room at the new Public Hotel, Mastro's or Benny's for steaks. Always great people watching at Tavern on Rush.

I would suggest a drink at the Peninsula, go around the block to Ralph Lauren's RL restaurant, and then across the street to Nomi at the Park Hyatt for a nightcap.

Whether Gibson's or not - walking along Rush St is a trip. Trying to remember the name of the hotel that recently re-opened - and they have the famous bar - once a "speakeasy" where the Frank Sinatra's of this world hung out. They were also supposed to be opening with fine dining.

In googling away - found this place which may or may not be it. http://thedrchicago.com/

OMG: It was in the post before mine.
The famous Pump Room and here is a review: http://timeoutchicago.com/restaurant...-the-pump-room

Gibson's is the epicenter of the "Viagra Triangle" and for good reason.

Not fine dining but so good and so fun: Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. 2121 N Clark.

JC98, do you want a restaurant which is close to the Loop? Or one which is quintessiantially Chicago?

You have to get outside the most touristy area of the city if you want the latter. Anything close to the majority of where the hotels are located are geared towards the tourists.

Alinea is the BEST restaurant in the city!

Thanks, all, for your responses. exiledprincess, I won't have a car in Chicago, so anything accessible by public transportation and close to some sights would be considered.

Thanks!

JC98, you have to help out a bit more here...

Where are you going to be in Chicago and what are you going to be doing (in other words, how will you be dressed)? It's a big city.

What's your dining budget? What types of cuisine do you prefer?

My hotel is in the Loop area (Hyatt). I'll be there in the day for a meeting, but free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.

I can splurge once or twice if it's really worth. Looking for quintessential eats, preferably close to the hotel or reachable by public transport or taxi (not too expensive--no $50 ride).

While you're at it, please also recommend a place to listen to blues music and attend an improv. And also any concerts and festivals held at Millenium Park?

What's a good website that lists events in Chicago? I surfed around but haven't found anything easy to use or comprehensive.

Thanks