Shasta7143, just a clarification of a previous post...

Wrigleyville is in Chicago proper. It's just not located in the downtown area ("the Loop"). The Magnificent Mile is just north of the Loop as well.

Have you looked at Flemish House B&B (apartment-like) in the Gold Coast? Close to the Magnificent Mile, River North and downtown, yet nicely situated close to other northside neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview further to the north). You can see the reviews on TripAdvisor.

With respect to the restaurants, it's still too early to give recs, IMHO. The economy is going to be none too kind to restaurants; and (of course) you have chefs moving on to other establishments often. I'd ask again maybe 2-3 months ahead of your trip on that issue.

IMHO, though, you would do well to explore the neighborhoods. You will get much more interesting (many better, too) options for dining and entertainment.

There are lots of restaurants in Milwaukee that are better than Karl Ratsch's--I think it's mediocre food at high prices.

For lunch, $20 per plate is generous; for dinner, it's not. Which did you mean?

Plenty of good advice here. As for where to stay, I'm going to cast a vote for near the ballpark even though the major hotels are in the loop or river north. You won't be as close to the museums, but you will be in one of the best neighborhoods in the city, mingling with the locals. There are tons of good, reasonably priced restaurants in that area.

A few that quickly come to mind: Mia Francesca on Clark for Italian, a few blocks from Wrigley; Giordano's on Belmont and Leona's on Sheffield for pizza; Goose Island Brew Pub on Clark; Stella's and Melrose diners on Broadway; The Bagel deli on Broadway; Orange on Clark for brunch if you can get in; Penny's Noodle Shop on Sheffield, Duck Walk on Belmont or Bamee Noodle Shop on Broadway for Thai; Philly Steak on Belmont for cheesesteaks (with a side of clogged artery).

Also, arguably the best bakery in the city -- Bittersweet on Belmont -- is in the neighborhood.