We're planning a 3-day weekend 2/16...VERY needed! Flying into O'Hare, staying at the Sheraton. We'll pretty much walk or trolley or bus our way around once we're in the Loop, but have never cabbed from the airport to hotel before.

Will we be able to afford to eat/drink if we catch a cab to the Sheraton?!

Also need suggestions on evening entertainment...we're in our mid/late-40's, so single "hot spots" don't quite pertain. Is House of Blues a good idea? Any Jazz places downtown that cater to an older crowd?

Thanks in advance....

It will probably run you about $30 for a cab from O'Hare. As far as things to do: you might want to check out Andy's Jazz Club on Illinois or one of the two Blues Chicago on Clark. You can look these up on metromix.com to see what is going on. I would only recommend HOB if you are going to a concert or Sunday brunch. It is a gospel brunch and a lot of fun. You should make a reservation right away if you plan to do that.

I don't know about the Taxi's, but a fun place to go at night is The Second City or possibly some of the other comedy clubs.

You could be adventure some and take the train from the airport to downtown....but why not! Take a cab so you can say you have at least done that!

The Yellow Cab website says $30-35 for a cab into the city. The CTA is $1.50 per person but I think you'd have to take a cab or bus from the downtown station to your hotel.

Try www.metromix.com for listings of things to do in Chicago, www.877chicago.com for discounted stuff and www.chicago.il.org for Chicago's tourism bureau.

If you want to see theater, you can try the Hot Tix booths for 1/2 price tickets once you get here, there's one near Michigan Avenue. You can get Second City tickets sometimes or tickets to one of the comedy improv shows. Go to www.hottix.org for more info.

Libby: Does the Sheraton offer rides to and from the airport?? Give them a call.

The Second City night club is a must. Many comedians from Saturday Night Live start here.

Libby--By all means, consider taking the L train from the airport into the city. It is soo convenient--once you go down to the baggage claim area, there are signs everywhere that say "Train" and point to where to go. It is super safe, cheap ($1.50 per person, I think), and kindof a fun way to go into the city. It's also about the same time-wise into the city (about 45 minues), unless you are coming into the city when there is traffic, in which case you could easily be stuck in traffic in a cab for about 2 hours. The L stop you'll probably want to get off at is Lake St.; however, call the hotel--they might suggest a different stop.

Libby: I second L's suggestion for Second City - call NOW for reservations and keep your fingers crossed. Re: The House of Blues - all depends (obviously) on who is performing. For a jazz atmosphere, check out the bar on Hubbard Street (near Shaw's Crab House). For the life of me, I cannot recall the name - having a senior moment - I am also in my late 40's.

Libby: On my lunch hour I bought a paper & looked under Jazz - the name of the club is Andy's - 11 E. Hubbard 312-642-6805 - give them a call & see who is playing next weekend. I think you'll like the place. Also try the Jazz Showcase 59 W. Grand 312-670-2473.

The 'el' train - public transit - really is the way to go....As one poster mentioned, traffic on the expressway in the city can come to an absolute standstill, and you'll be sitting in the cab, watching the meter tick away. No fun! A cab from the Loop station where you de-train (Poster was right - Lake Street probably is best) will run a couple of bucks. It's only a few block, but I'm guessing you'd rather not schlep your luggage. Another alternative between the train and the taxi is Continental Express, which runs airport limos (small buses) twixt the airport and downtown hotels. Try a net search for info on them.....Have a great time!
(And think about eating at Heaven on Seven, cajun restaurant at Michigan and Ontario (same building as Eddie Bauer). It's excellent!

http://www.airportexpress.com/home.htm

This is the website for the airport limo I mentioned. Of course...you're still risking a traffic snarl by this route..and by the time you pay for the two (?) of you, it may be close to the cab price. "L" is definite the better way.

If you want the REAL Heaven on Seven, you have to go to the one on Wabash. I don't know the address, but your hotel concierge will. The food is a lot better and it's not so Rush Street touristy.

I've heard good things about the Red Head Piano Bar. I think it's on Ontario. Our "older" (ha! ha!) friends seem to really enjoy it.

I'm pathetic. I've lived in Chicago for 14 years and still can't think of anything fun to do ... lame, lame, lame.

Gwen

Another vote for taking CTA---however, if you're not arriving at rush hour, the guys managing the cab line at O'Hare are great about finding someone else to share a ride w/you-- they'll negotiate a flat fare w/ the driver (at least that's my experience). Of course, that depends on how many people are with you---
You might want to check out The Green Mill up North on Lawrence and Broadway for good music... great place, an old speak-easy. Check out metromix.com for what's going on here.
Enjoy Chicago!!

Taking a cab to Clark/Lake stop and grabbing a cab to the Sheraton is a good way to go; it's about 1 mile to the Sheraton from that el stop. You could also go 1 stop further, to Washington, and transfer (for free) to the Red Line towards Howard, and then get off (quickly) at Grand Avenue. It will save about half the distance, although the walk from Grand/State is kind of dingy at first - you'll actually go under Michigan Avenue.
From my mid-forties perspective, House of Blues loses points because paying for a ticket there doesn't guarantee a seat, only a place to stand. Bin 36, in the same building, is a neat dinner place with all kinds of wine pairings and a very approachable staff. Jazz Showcase is a great club, serious about the music and artists. (Sat at the next table from Ramsey Lewis last time we were there). Blues Chicago is a good time - try Cafe Iberico in the same area for tapas before or after.

Gwen -

You may think it was fashionable to bash someone's Heaven on Seven Rush suggestion and recommend the original, but you failed to point out some important things about the one on Wabash, and anyone who knows the place would: 1) It's on the 7th Flr of the Garland Building (an office building) at 111 N. Washington in the Loop - can't just wander upon it walking down Wabash; 2) most importantly, it's not even open for dinner (lunch only) except 2 Fridays a month, and closed entirely on Sunday; 3) it's cramped, and almost always crowded, so be prepared to wait - a line forms down the hall to the elevator - no bar area to wait at. I've eating there a lot over the years, and I love it. I've also been to the one on Rush St a couple of times with out of town guests - and the food is pretty much the same. I think the one on Rush may make more sense for tourists here over a weekend.

P.S The Redhead Piano Bar is a heinous tourist trap - stay away.

Most hotels downtown offer a shuttle bus from the airport for about $15 per person. It MIGHT be cheaper in a cab depending if they give you a flat rate. Beware of metered rates if you're caught in traffic (which you will be).

Take the L train to get downtown.
If you get stuck in traffic, you will end up paying alot more than $30 and wasting alot of time.

HEY! Libby - are you out there?

topping for Mary