Welove blues and architecture so we figure we are going to the right place. Need some tips on GOOD clubs (not tourist traps), good food and good tours. Also, what to do on a Sunday?

Your question is very broad. What kind of clubs, and food? What's your budget? Almost all tours are going to be tourist-y. Are you interested in ethnic diversity? Chicago is comprised of many different "neighborhoods" which feature ethnic shopping, food, etc., which can be very interesting. In the immediate downtown and Michigan Avenue areas, there are many, many choices.

The lakefront is a gathering place of sorts on Summer Sundays. Depending on when you are coming into town, the Air and Water Show is usually the 3rd weekend, you might want to catch that. Navy Pier is a bit tourist-y, but makes for a nice afternoon. Great view of the skyline from the east end of the pier.

There are too many buildings to list, but the architecture is great here. I am especially fascinated with some of the older buildings in the Loop and some of the homes on north State Street. Check out the Harold Washington Library. Newer building, and nice to look at.

Hope this helps, for a start.

Cathy

I live in Chicago and when family or friends come in we try to hit some of the following:
-Gino's East Pizza for the original Chicago Deep Dish
- Kingston Mines for Blues
- Navy Pier, wander out to the beer garden on the tip of the Pier, see the statues, big ferris wheel
- there are two great architectural tours. There is a walking one but the one we enjoy more is a boat that goes down the Chicago River, a boat ride and interesting info in one.
- Wander along Michigan Avenue and check out the shops.
- Oak Street Beach - free beach with walking path
I would be happy to give more info if you have a specific type of food or other activity in mind.

Lin, try the Chicago Architecture Foundation's website at www.architecture.org. There's a boat trip listed, which I believe is the one that Amy mentioned and also a bus trip and some specialized tours.

A lot of my favorite buildings are on Michigan Avenue-the old water tower, the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Tribune Tower, which if you go up close to you can see the pieces of famous buildings that McCormick gathered from around the world.

Hi Lin,

Go to Rosa's for blues. It's off the beaten path and worth it - if you go, get a good map.

Good food!!! Oh boy, too much to choose from. For pizza, the original Pizzeria Uno or Pizzeria Due, or Giordano's (try the spinach). Carson's for ribs. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for Spanish food (tapas). There's a little place I love for Italian called Medici. A really cool wine bar is Webster's -- you can sample wine in "flights" -- e.g. a flight of three Chilean reds, or three New Zealand whites. There is a great champagne bar called Pops which has the hugest menu of champagne & sparkling wine that I've ever seen (plus terrific live jazz). A fun restaurant/bar/club/live music joint is Green Dolphin Street (but call to see what the music is that night). I assume Kingston Mines is still around -- anyone? I second the nomination for the architecture boat tour. If you like art, Chicago's art museum is wonderful (especially strong on impressionism -- I love the Seurat there that inspired "Sunday in the Park with George"). Take a walk along the lakefront. Shop Michigan Avenue.

I lived in Chicago for 22 years,but it wasn't until last year when I took the architectural tour by boat down the Chicago River that I finally appreciated the architecture of the city. It leaves from the pier at Michigan Ave. and the river,and I couldn't recommend it more highly. My husband is a native Oak Parker, so would have to recommend getting out there to see FLW's home/studio, Trinity Church etc. I think there are special Frank Lloyd Wright tours if you do a search. So much architecture in that city! Blues clubs are plentiful, but I'm not that knowledgeable about the music. Art Institute on a Sunday would be super. Just returned this week and it was super humid---plan on it being hot/humid if you're going this summer.

Lin, We took the boat/architecture tour and have never looked at the Chi-town skyline the same again.

We also took the boat tour that takes you through the lock out onto the lake and then up north past the Gold Coast then down by the museums, Buckingham Fountain,Grant Park, etc then back again.

Thumbs up on Gino's East. It has moved to a new location. It's in the old Planet Hollywood across the street from Ed Debevic's.

Tried a new steak house when I was there about 3 weeks ago. Sullivan's. Great food, deserts and service. Good cigar bar up stairs.

While commercial, the House of Blues still has some good blues/rock and roll bands (HOB.com) and decent food.

If you do go during the "Air and Sea" show in August, be prepared to get buzzed by the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds or whoever shows up. We got the bejeebers scared out of us while watching a game at Wrigley Field when they flew by, unannounced, about what seemed to be a few inches above the light towers. Knocked the pitcher off the mound!
We were coming out of the House of Blues in the early afternoon and heard that same noise again so we plugged our ears and sure 'nuff, here comes one of them down the Chicago River and then hung a sharp left and "beamed" out of there! Cool but SCAREY.

Kingston Mines is cool..take a taxi.
Blue Chicago is OK and convenient.
Buddy Guy's...take a taxi.

On Sunday, a long walk down Lakeshore bike/walking path, cut into the downtown area and take the walking tour to see the sculptures of Calder, Picasso, Miro, Chagall and a few others located out on the sidewalks.

A trip to the top of the Sears or Hancock on a clear day is worth it. As long as there isn't a long line. The lines are usually shorter at the Hancock.
Have fun..one of my favorite cities.
Kal

Thanks so much for the responses. OK - here is the list of restaurants I am choosing from: Cafe Absinthe, Blackbird, Shark Bar, Frontera Grill. ANY INPUT? How about Narcisse for a drink or two? How is BLUES (on Halstead) for blues? Corner Bakery for snacks?