Chicago: Magnificent Mile Restaurant Recommendation
 

Fodorites,

Can you recommend couple good restaurants that you like in the Downtown/Michigan Ave area/ in Chicago? I am staying for just two nights, and am mostly looking for local landmarks (so no specific cuisine preferences). Thanks in advance.

There are literally hundreds of places depending on your budget.

Some great Italian places are Rosebud on Rush or Italian Village. If you're looking for steak, the Chicago Chop House or Gibson's are good. There are also at least three Brazilian-style steak houses. Reza's is Persian and has huge portions for very reasonable prices. Then, there are the pizza places.

Otherwise, check www.metromix.com. You can enter a neighborhood, price range and cuisine and receive a list of suggestions.

ComfyShoes,

There are so many restaurants in Chicago Mich.Ave/River North area and restaurant threads also here on Fodors, that you will get much better information if you give details and also do a search re those details.

For instance, we need to know your price range, as it is immense. There are $1000 dinners that people here may routinely suggest. You see what I mean.

Many also in that area are really tourist driven and/or gimmick to me. But it MAY be what you like. Do you have trendy yen preference. Or historic trend preference. Age group of the clientel matter? Dress up/ dress down place?

You see what I mean. People will give you lots of information if you set them in the right direction.

www.metromix.com is great for this area of Chicago re food.

Also if you like Greek, Italian, Pizza, Steak House etc. you can do a search here on the search feature:
Chicago pizza and see that you will get immense threads filled with the same kind of arguments all the time. Same for steak, and sushi, IMHO.

If it was I, I think I would like a tapas place and also would love to go to Fronteria Grill or Topolabamba if you have the $$$.

Many restaurants require reservations, but many of the most mentioned do not.

Local landmark ones I can think of are Mike Ditka's on Chestnut. I like the chop salad especially and there are some good chops. Grand Lux is mentioned, as is Ed Debevick's. (I do not like that at all, but others love to be insulted.)

Have fun and remember that if you go just "OFF" of Michigan Ave. you usually get away from the mobs in summer. And I find that I always have a much better meal overall when I'm a bit away, myself.

Water Tower Food Court at lunchtime is not a fast food choice, but has many different restaurants within for a fast shopping break or whatever.

Are you going to want a view?

People will answer if you give more detail.

Citylghts and JJ5,

You have already given me plenty of ideas (Yes, we could dress up or "down" :), greek/italian/whatever, see the problem?:) ).

So, Thanks, I pick Mike Ditka's and Chicago Chop House. They look like local landmarks to me because I have heard of them before.

What's with Ed Debevick's being "insulted"? Didn't understand that.

It's a restaurant where the gimmick is that they insult you instead of serving you with affability. The joke seems continually hilarious to some. For instance they will "spill" on you and make side remarks like "move over lady etc." My one aunt nearly freaked out and wanted to leave immediately.
Underwhelming food, IMHO.

You sound like you want the tourist feel places. What is your price range for instance for a dinner per person and are you interested in wines/ beer/ cocktails?

The 4 Seasons has a bar tender that wins "awards" for that field all the time. There are places for drinking with piano bar etc. etc.

Price range for dinner per person would get you more pertinent information.

Okay, JJ, $75-100 a person, excluding wine. Wine yes, beer/cocktails no. The Chop House is definitely one of them because the menu looks good and it seems pretty reasonable. On second thoughts, Ditka is out because the menu, not surprisingly, sounds more like a slightly pricey sports bar.

What do you think of Signature Room at the 95th? Good view? Ambiance?

I am sort of uptight so no, don't think I would like to be insulted :) Just kidding about being uptight.

If you want a amazing view, then the Signature Room is for you! I hear the food is good, but nothing spectacular and pricey. Maybe doing Sunday brunch would be a good option or even just drinks if you want the view.

Here's another huge recommendation for Mike Ditka's. The food is very good and reasonably prices. Service is friendly and exceptionally efficient (they don't rush you, they just show up as needed and the food is delivered quickly).

We had reservations at the Chicago Chop House, but happened to visit Wildfire (a couple of blocks away) first. We had a look at the Chop House menu, peeked inside, and cancelled our reservations in favor of another visit to Wildfire - where the wood burning grills and ovens are intoxicating, the food is wonderful, and the prices are much lower.

I went to Mike Ditka's last October and apparently, Da Coach comes in almost every night. So you can get a photo too! Big portions, though.

Grand Lux a local landmark? Lol...it's the Cheesecake Factory with a different name.

ComfyShoes, just so we are on the same page, "downtown" Chicago refers to the Loop area. Doesn't include the Magnificent Mile (N. Michigan Avenue), River North or Streeterville, etc.

IMHO, it would be better for you to get off the Magnificent Mile for dining. With a few notable exceptions (most outside of your dining budget range), I think you'd get more bang for your buck.

That being said...

If you wanted a restaurant in a landmark building, then I'd recommend Atwood Cafe in the Hotel Burnham (the historic Reliance Building). This is in "downtown" Chicago. Trattoria No. 10, at 10 N. Dearborn, is as well.

If you wanted a restaurant next to a landmark, then I'd suggest the Park Grille (at Millennium Park - adjacent to Cloud Gate aka "The Bean"). Not in "downtown" Chicago but pretty darn close. Eat inside - not out; however, if there is a free concert occurring at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion when you are here, definitely take advantage of it and have a picnic (either with or without wine/champagne) on the great lawn while enjoying it. You can get prepared picnic baskets at Park Grille, Fox and Obel, and other places nearby.

If you wanted restaurant suggestions near or on the Magnificent Mile in your budget range: Cafe Spiaggia (Oak/Michigan). Le Colonial (French Vietnamese) on Rush (1 block west of N. Michigan Ave.) just north of Walton. Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab for seafood or steak - and, I'll add, their seafood salad is amazing. Freshest I've ever eaten.

If you wanted another seafood place near evening entertainment, then go to Shaw's Crabhouse on Hubbard. (Hubbard is 1 block north of the Chicago River.) Then go to Andy's Jazz Club, two doors east afterwards. By the way, if you were looking for lunch with entertainment, Andy's has the Jazz at Noon option on Fridays only now. No cover for the entertainment and they serve sandwiches, salads, etc.

However, if you wanted a place which has great cuisine and a lovely water view (not a lake view, though)in a peaceful setting, I'd recommend going to North Pond in Lincoln Park. About a 10 minute cab ride from downtown.

Hope you have a good time while here.

May I suggest having a daytime cocktail in the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock building? Ask for a window view and just enjoy! Wonderful views of the Lake and downtown Chicago.

Aria and North Pond have had huge recommendations in other threads.

I only gave him the Grand Lux because he sounded like he wanted tourist stops and that is the one that tourists seem to love, over and over again on these threads.

Bring up the other threads, ComfyShoes for your price range and you will get DETAILS.

Ditka's does have good food. I know a well traveled couple who went there once and go back every time now. But you may want to try North Pond or Aria- see other threads.

Wow! Chicago has many fans!

isabellasu, djkbooks, melissahi, cd, JJ5, hill27, exiledprincess: Thanks! Really appreciate your responses. Yes, exiledprincess, I do plan to have a good time.

Okay, you know what guys, I know exactly where I am going but I am keeping it to myself or someone will try to talk me out of it :) When I am back, I will tell ya where I went, and if it was worth the "dough" (or for hills27, the "cheese" ;) or for cd, the view ;) ).

Thanks so much.

signature room DAY and NIGHT for drink. worth every penny.

wildfire is great.

we also enjoyed lunch at blackbird.

the chicago culinary academy ( now downtown somewhere)that used to be in kendall college should be good. anxious to try it next trip.

lin, I merely wanted to ask if you reside in Europe or States?:) You seem to have advice for me, no matter where I go!

i live in spain, but have lived in chicago, and usually go back there every year only to have fun and see family.

I was watching Oprah one day and someone in the audience asked for a restaurant recommendation and she recommended RL's. It is the Ralph Lauren restaurant attached to his signature store on Michigan Ave. The next time I was in Chicago I had a fabulous meal there. Great atmosphere as well. I have been to both Rosebuds restaurants and they were good. All time great Chicago meal was at Charlie Trotter's. Enjoy !

I like exiled princess' advice. North Pond is really special--the decor is gorgeous--very Prairie School--and the setting is lovely. Good food, too. I'd only go to the Signature Room for a drink. For really great food at reasonable prices, we like Avec--it's a scene, tho. A small tapas bar, no reservations, and often a long wait. Very good food score on Zagat's. Blackbird is fantastic and big with the design crowd. Millenium Park is definitely a Chicago landmark, and the Park Grill is great. You can eat outside--just be sure to eat at the restaurant terrace and not the hamburger joint next door--food is not nearly as good.

Also, please do not miss out on Chicago style pizza. Even if you've had imitations of it elsewhere, it really is better here.

Have fun!

Spiagga, The Grill on the Alley are good choices. Consider having a drink at Nomi (in the Park Hyatt).

If you are into gourmet...then you should try Tru or Charlie Trotters, both well known in Chi Town. Spiaggia for Italian also top notch. If you like Mexican, Fontera Grill by Rick Bayless is well known and just great for casual dining. But I second having a drink at the Signature Lounge to get a beautiful view of Chicago or NoMi at the Hyatt. Wouldn't agree with Oprah's choice -- RL is good for a cocktail after shopping, not dinner. If you want a unique bar and dining experience, check out Tizzi Mellul for middle eastern food (check spelling). Great atmosphere and food. Again, use www.metromix.com for your location and they will provide numerous options for any cuisine you like.

Folks, the OP indicated above that they want to spend in the range of $75-100 pp, excluding wine.

Comfyshoes, the recommendations of Spiaggia (but not Cafe Spiaggia), Charlie Trotter's, and Tru would give you a bill several times that budget.

RL is one of our favorites and a great location just off Michigan Avenue at the Water Tower. Even nice for a Sunday brunch. They have outdoor dining but inside is beautiful. We like the new Quartino's for Italian food, great for children and adults.

The DH and I have a new favorite, Carmine's. It is one of the Rosebud restaurants and it is on Rush St. One of the specials the last time we were there was skate (a fish), it was fabulous. We will eat at this restaurant every time we are in the city.

Lots of good suggestions here. I'd also recommend Gene & Georgetti's for steak -- one of the legendary "old school Chicago" restaurants.

Can I also get some recommendations for the same area for $20-40 per person? We are travelling with 2 teenagers, one lunch will be a pizza place I'm sure & looking for suggestions for the other lunch and one dinner. We like a place with a view though its not a must-have.

I think you as a family will enjoy Ed Debevic's for lunch. It is a 50's place where the staff sasses you in very funny ways! Read here: http://search.cityguide.aol.com/chic...cs/v-108550331

Also let me recommend Uno's for pizza. The orginal Chicago pizza. If it were me, I would go to the Pantheon in Greektown for dinner. http://chicago.citysearch.com/review/3740432

My Dear Fodorites,

After this amazing thread of a ton of advice, I chose Chicago Chop House (it is the only one around.... Wildfire is great but a chain... to me...) http://www.chicagochophouse.com/ for a wonderful filet mignon dinner coupled with calamari and oysters for appetizers with two colleagues who ate steak as well. The next night, we went to the Signature room located at the top of John Hancock building (http://www.signatureroom.com/). Yes, the food was pricey and good enough, specifically good presentation but nothing spectacular. I tried their "signature" wedge salad of romaine hearts, crispy pancetta and tomato with Maytag Blue cheese; and seared duck breast with curried lentil and basmati rice pilaf, tat soi, and some kind of chutney. One of my colleagues tried the same entree while the other chose Scallops with morel mushrooms, asparagus, topped with soy glaze. Anyway, Signature Room's main selling point is the location and the views. Took half a dozen great picture of Chicago downtown with diminishing light as the sun was setting, with Lake Michigan, dozens of sail boats, and couple large schooners in the background.

Combined with a stay at http://www.swissotel.com/, a great short, enjoyable business trip if you ask me.

THANK you all so much. :)

Thanks ComfyShoes for the update!

I'm for the less expensive neighborhood type restaurants: we lived on Walton for 15 years. I'd suggest Amarit Thai on State and Delaware/less expensive and much better food than Le Colonial. Bistro 101 on Water Tower Park (an old standby but still reliable), Big Bowl at Oak and Rush, Bistro Zinc on Rush, lunch at the Food Court in Water Tower Place Mall, Wildfire, Sunday buffet at the Signature Room on top of the Hancock or at the Four Seasons. Reza's on Erie(?) was mentioned and is a good suggestion. Also in the area behind the Merchandise Mart there is good Indian at Klay Oven. I forgot about Blackbird maybe because we were so underwhelmed - try Marche on Randolph instead especially for their Monday night Price fix (I never was good a French)

Thanks. May be next time.

Nevisian, I tried Amarit Thai last thursday. Thanks for a good suggestion.

Is there a restaurant at the top of Sears Tower? Thanks!