chip

In town for business and meeting up with friends in Chicago. Staying at Embassy Suites Lakeside. Saturday night, looking for casual dining where we can linger, have drinks and talk... so not loud crazy bar or packed seating. Also need to accommodate gluten free friend. Any ideas?

Drinks with a view suggestions?

Also would like suggestions on a nearby restaurant to take our nephew out for a nice lunch/brunch on Sunday.

Thanks!

HappyTrvlr

Brunch..look at the House of Gospel Brunch. We had a very nice brunch at NoMi, in the Park Hyatt, overlooking the Water Tower.
Trying hard to think of a restaurant with a lakeview siince the lakefront is designated "forever free and clear." i.e. no building on it. Perhaps in the Drake Hotel or at Spiaggia? Can't remeber if we had lake views from them .
Embassy Suites /Lake is very near Volare, a good Italian restaurant a few blocks south. There is a
PJ Clarke's in the hotel building where you have drinks. Signature Lounge at top of Hancock Bldg would have views. On a Saturday night it's not going to easy to find a place that isn't paxked.

Chicagofan

Cafe Olivia is on Ohio Street Beach. The W hotel has outdoor seating. Lizzy Mcneils is on the river on the north side. The south side has several bars on the river walk.

http://chicagovisitor.net/

TravelGlutenFree

Hi,

I can't speak for views or ambience but we do have a few listings of restaurants in Chicago that are good for GF that you can find here as a starting point:
http://www.travelglutenfree.co.uk/TG...,%20IL%2060611

Hope this helps!

cd

IMO there is no better place for drinks with a view than the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock building, it's on the 96th floor with all of Chicago at your feet: http://www.signatureroom.com/TheSignatureLounge

ChgoGal

Hmmm... tricky. Saturday nights, downtown, most places are packed and loud. And the better restaurants, IMO, are west loop or in the neighborhoods, but there are lots of options in Streeterville/Mag Mile (where your hotel is).

DRINKS WITH A VIEW (on a Sat., will be a bit bustling but you might be in the mood for that if weather is nice... these shouldn't be ear-splittingly loud if you go somewhat early):

Rooftop bars w/city view = ROOF, Vertigo, Dec Bar, NoMi Lounge (NoMi is the one I'd recco over others)

Bars w/lake view = Signature Lounge, any Navy Pier restaurant (but I can't recommend Navy Pier... lousy with kids)

Bars with nice views = Howells and Hood (attached to Tribune Bldg.; large selection of beers); D4 Pub is nearby... big restaurant/bar with outdoor seating.

DINNER NEAR HOTEL (that shouldn't be so busy they're hustling you out)
- Volare (Italian, good food, limited outdoor seating but views is not great anyway)
- Emilio's Tapas (Spanish, outdoor seating, shouldn't be too busy)

BRUNCH/LUNCH SUNDAY:
- Grand Lux Cafe (casual, lively, would offer lots of options)
- The Purple Pig
- The Gage on Michigan Ave (across from Millenium Park)

But if you're willing to travel by tax ($6-7-8), there's many more options for better atmosphere, food and views.