There's five of us fun loving 50yr old's going to Chicago in mid Sept for a long weekend. We're staying at the Talbott. Plan on doing a fair amount of shopping (mag mile) I'm looking for advice on restaurant's and/or other shopping area's not to miss. Looking for casual,good food restaurants within walking distance of Talbott's.We're not into fine dining-like to have a few drinks, good food and fun time. Any recommendations? Thanks

No special cuisine - $10-$15/entree price range. Also interested in pizza places and happy hour places close to hotel. Not roudy places, but not too stuffy either....Thanks. (The bar at the Talbott may be the place?)

There are so many that it will be hard to pass all the ones along the way when you're going to the one someone recommends here.

Having said that, we had a ball once at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (a tapas place)that is really fun for a group as you suggest.
But that is at 2024 N. Halsted and too far from where you are.

My suggestion is to go tapas (everyone orders a couple and shares)and go to Cafe Iberico or Emilios or any good tapas place. It is fun with a group, in your price range, with pitchers of Sangria for all- and you are not rushed.

Try looking up metromix.com or google the address of Emilios, Cafe Iberico or a good tapas place and see how close that is to the Talbott. Tapas for five is fun, picky eaters etc. whatever.

The Watertower itself has a great restaurant court floor which has a delicious stir fry grill stop. It's excellent. Also I think the Cheesecake Factory for lunch has some of the best salads and entrees for lunch that you can get downtown or near shopping for that price range.

Ooh, I second the Cafe Iberico suggestion! You can easily walk there from Michigan Avenue, and it's a scenic stroll through the Gold Coast.

Besides the Mag Mile and the department stores on State, you could consider hitting the shops and boutiques on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park. Just a short train ride from downtown (take the Brown or Purple Line). It's a lovely area up there, with some good spots for drinks/food, too.

Other thoughts - 1) afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel, Ritz-Carlton, or Four Seasons 2) an evening drink at the Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock building, 3)dessert at Ghiradellis (close to Water Tower Place) 4) depending how "young at heart" you are - you may want to consider lunch or afternoon tea at The American Girl store. Wonderful to see all of the girls, their moms and dolls. 5)RL (Ralph Lauren restaurant) off the Mag Mile is a very nice restaurant. Very clubby, looks like you are walking into a Ralph Lauren ad. Enjoy!

Trattoria #10 has a 10 dollar buffet in the bar every Friday night. It's fabulous! This is one of the best deals in Chicago; you will love it!
http://www.trattoriaten.com/