Chicago On the Cheap
 

Dear, dear fodorites,

Twelve 17-19 year olds + me + Chicago + an almost empty wallet = What to do? What to do?

We'll be there March 27th and 28th. We have rooms at the Millenium Knickerbocker via priceline. We have tickets for a rock show at House of Blues on Monday (27th).

We will be arriving early afternoon by train (South Shore - Randolph and Michigan station). I'd like to feed them something as soon as we check into the hotel -- maybe Foodlife at Water Tower? Or fast food on the walk uptown?

Then it's the show, and afterwards ... pizza? Any good/cheap/latenight pizza spots near House of Blues?

Tuesday morning (and 'morning' is a relative term to teenagers, remember?) we'll have to eat again. Any suggestions?

After that, we'll probably window-shop a bit, then hear to either Lincoln Park Zoo (good weather) or the Art Institute (cruddy weather). Then one more meal and I load them all back on the train.

Questions:

Will the free trolley be running then? If not, I'd like opinions on taxis vs els/buses for getting 13 people around town inexpensively.

Lincoln Park Zoo is still free, right? And so is the Art Institute on Tuesdays?

Food. Ugh. This bunch is pretty eclectic in their tastes but most of them prefer standard teen fare. My budget for the entire trip is $500 (hotel and show tix are paid for already). After getting them there and back on the train, I'll have around $350 to feed 13 people (some of them teenage boys) for four meals plus water/sodas and in-twon transportation.

Most of the kids should have some money with them, but not all, so I'd prefer to plan for the worst case scenario (I foot the whole bill).

Can you help?

Thanks,
darcy

I am not above commenting on my own thread to bring it to the top ;^)

Any ideas?

-d

My first thought is that you ought to plan on a lot of walking! That budget works out to $27 per person for four meals, snacks and transportation. Another option would be to get the 1-day fun pass for everyone on Tuesday, depending on what your ultimate plan will be. It's $5 each for unlimited rides on the el and bus.

Lincoln Park Zoo is still free, and you could check the Art Institute website for their info on free days and student pricing.

For Tuesday morning food, you might consider Cereality. I don't know how expensive it is, but it sound like fun. www.cereality.com

I'm fairly certain that if there is any free trolley running at that time, it will only be the Navy Pier one, but I could be wrong. As I mentioned before, plan on a lot of walking vs. train or cab if you want to save money. Chicago is a great walking city, and you can always stop into a shop or two to warm up if the weather is brisk.

I don't have any great ideas for cheap food, but do think that if you are out of the Michigan Ave. area you'll be more likely to find cheaper options. So, if you do head to the zoo, maybe search around to find options in that area to eat on Tuesday afternoon. And since this trip will be a bit of an adventure, would the kids consider branching out their eating habits? Maybe find a quick ethnic place to grab a cheaper bite to eat?

I don't know where the Millenium Knickerbocker is but I would call them and ask if there is a McD's within walking distance for breakfast on Tuesday or any fast food place or a bakery where you could walk and purchase bagels and donuts to bring to the room.

If you want cheap food, don't miss Billy Goat Tavern. A Chicago institution for cheeseborger! cheeseborger! Pepsi No Coke!

There are two pizza places on Wells street which is right around where you will be. Lou Malnati's is smaller but can accomodate your group. They are probably a bit less expensive. Very casual.

Downtown - Chicago, IL
Gino's East
633 N. Wells St. (Ontario and Wells)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 943-1124
Fax: (312) 943-9589

Lou Malnati's
439 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610

Phone 312.828.9800
Fax 312.828.0746


I dont think they are open much past 10 so it might not be the place for after hours but for another meal.

I knew I could count on you guys ;^)

Here's what I'm thinking -- send a couple of people with the bags to check into hotel (in a cab and back - $10-ish, r/t, right?) while others people watch/windowshop. After they get back, hit up Portillo's for a dog and a drink, then head to House of Blues for teh show -- doors open 5:30. Show starts 6:30 so should end 9:30 or earlier. Go to Lou Malnati's for pizza - open until 11, then nice walk back to hotel.

Next day, Mickey D's for breakfast (Water Tower), then browse H&M, Virgin Mega, and Lego store. My kids can't get enough of those places -- they were first suggested by fodorites -- THANKS! Cereality for lunch, wow, that looks like a fun meal ;^)

Art Institute after that. Hopefully the sugar highs won't get us in trouble there, and btw, I checked -- still FREE on Tuesdays. Pick up snacks/drinks for the train somewhere on Michigan, then head home.

Perfect? Or can you tweak it some?

Thanks again,
-d

Hmmm ... still thinking. Portillo's vs Billy Goat? Opinions, please?

-d

It would be easier to eat Tuesday's second meal at the Art Institute - they have a decent cafeteria-style eatery downstairs on the Columbus Avenue side. If the weather is nice, you should visit Millennium Park next door to the Art Institute - this is also close to the train, as you know. LP Zoo is fun but even I, tour guide extraordinaire, have lost kids there.

Good luck - you sound like a great parent/friend!

Only the Navy Pier trolley runs before Memorial Day weekend.

As for McDonald's, the closest would be Water Tower, Chicago Place or Clark & Ohio. There's an Einstein's Bagels at Rush and Walton.

Cereality is about 1.5 miles away from the hotel. If you don't want to walk, you can catch the 151 bus southbound at Michigan and Delaware and take it to Wacker and W Adams, then walk 1 block north to Monroe.

You can also try www.metromix.com. Enter a neighborhood, price range and cuisine and you'll get a list of restaurants.

I hope you've told each of those teens to bring along a sack lunch and some snacks both for on the train and that night in the hotel. Your budget is pretty tight. Make sure those teens (esp. the ever hungry boys) understand the hotel minibar is a big NO NO NO. And that means not even touching anything in case it's one of those minibars that automatically charges you as soon as you move an item even slightly (if you don't think the teens can resist that easy, late-night snack temptation, try asking the hotel to clear out the minibars before you arrive--some will do it, some won't).

Don't be worried. Check out www.metromix.com, plugging in your hotel's address. There's always low cost eating available- and to tell you the truth- a lot of is good, fresh and better than some of the tortured food rec's that you see a lot on Chicago Fodor's threads.

The ones listed above are all good. Don't forget that if you get a deep dish pizza anywhere that you will only be able to eat 2 pieces (even the hardiest 19 year olds can hardly stuff down the 4th)- so you don't need to over-order. A small is good for 2 people with leftovers- so figure with your numbers from there.

I think you are close to the the Watertower itself. At Watertower Place, there is a food court that should be just perfect for differing tastes with your numbers as well. I find their food is good portions and teen ager friendly beyond the budget restraints.

There's also a place within your rhelm called Golden Buddha that would work for either a lunch or a dinner. Look that one up. Very good, and within your budget- plus has the plus of possibly having some items not available at home.

And I love Portillo's- but compared to what I've mentioned already- I doubt that they would be what you consider "cheap". Billy Goat's might run you less $. But I like Portillo's better myself.

When I go there with the kids and get beef sandwiches etc. I always spend more than if I went to a good and reasonable sit down. Those restaurants and diners are there. But most are connected to bars and I don't think you'd want to be near a bar with your group. You've already gotten good rec's for the time you are here though.

Make sure ALL your people have good walking shoes on and coats that cover their butts.

Would pizza in the room work for one of the meals? It'd certainly be cheaper to pick it up, or even have it delivered, and have it with drinks you've brought along, than to eat in a restaurant.

Also agree with having the kids bring along a bag lunch.

Yes, that's a great idea. Order one of the deep dishes to the room and it will cost you less. But don't forget lots of napkins if you go this route, because they aren't easy to eat as a thin crust is.

Giordano's, at 730 N. Rush, is MUCH closer to your hotel than Lou Malnati's, and has more varieties of pizza. I love Lou's but know several kids who aren't crazy about it - they make a cornmeal crust for their deep dish which not everyone likes. You can pre-order at Giordano's and eat or pick up the pizza on your walk back.

Also, I don't know if you are still considering the Billy Goat, but you do know that it's a tavern, right? It wouldn't be my choice for this age group.

Bucca De Beppo behind the Nordstrom building would be fun and they have HUGE portions. Perfect for large groups. Prbably wouldn't be anymore than pizza!

Second (or third?) for Giordanos back at the hotel. You might want to check out Gold Coast Dogs as an alternative to Portillo's.

Corner Bakery is good for a group breakfast and there are at least a few downtown. I'd suggest letting the kids know about the budget and on Tuesday morning give each of them $15 or whatever you have left. That way you'll finish on budget and the kids with cash can spend a little more if they want to.

Sounds like you'll have a great time.

Kevin

Yep, Gold Coast Dogs and Corner Bakery- good and simple. The kids would probably love the dogs. And try to stick with pizza. If you go the Bucca route you'll end up with the split between the fussy eaters and the third who will eat everyone else's portion when you split those big dishes. And you will have to spend much more money because people will not like the "same" things. Teen agers eat pizza and the choices are reduced.

ChiDad knows kids, teens and Chicago.

Pizza in the room is a great idea. Can you do the same for breakfast? How about a variety of muffins, donuts or bagels, drinks and fruit (apples & oranges)? Any leftovers can be taken along for snacks later in the day. The thought of feeding twelve 17 - 19 year olds on $350 would terrify me. Hope you have a great trip!

I once ate 6 pieces of Giordano's at one sitting around 1 pm; saw an old friend from medical school for dinner at Catch-35 at 9 pm that nite and had room for only a cocktail for dinner.

Cereality is pretty out of the way for the things you're doing (I didn't know the location when i recommended it.), but it could work as lunch on the first day when you get in. You could still send a couple people to the hotel in a cab with bags while the rest walk from the train station to the restaurant. It will probably feel good to stretch your legs after a train ride. It should be under a mile walk.

It's not a far walk, then to the concert from there. You can sight-see a bit along the river as you go.

It's far from your hotel for breakfast the next morning, but if you wanted to hit a McDonald's, the rock and roll McDs at Ohio and Clark is really cool. They completely rebuilt it a year or two ago.

If you grabbed snacks or a breakfast somewhere closer to your hotel, you could make your way down Michigan Ave. to hit the stores you mentioned, then head 5 blocks west from Virgin till you hit McDonald's for lunch before the Art Institute. You could probably catch a bus from there to the Art Institute, or walk if you're feeling up to it.

Just a thought for a reworked itinerary - hopefully others can help you refine things more.

eRnO, you're capacity is legend. My youngest ate 6 once too when he was 21 or 22 and hadn't been home in a long time. Don't do that again!

Don't worry, edeevee- you can do it. I did it once with about 9 kids and the oldest was about 18 and it was in December. At least in March you can see a lot more- walking outside and Millenium Park etc. now. You'll have fun yourself, as well- I know you will.

Come back afterwards and tell us how the House of Blues show went and how much the kids actually ate. LOL! I mean it- because I might do it with a younger group soon and I want to know, circa 2006.

Circa 1959-1962 or thereabouts, my Mom used to do this with my Girl Scout Troup etc. We used to go into the Woolworth's on State, buy their delicious roasted chickens and potatoes, bring them up to the Marshall Field's Employees Dining Rooms (my Dad worked there part time at Christmas but they insisted we use it any time we wanted to- and shoppers were welcome too) and we would picnic there with what we had bought.

Then we would end up going to Fannie May and Garrett's. You can still get the Garrett's carmel corn- I think.

My Mom is really sick right now, and I'll tell her about your 12 teen venture. She will laugh and think about the legacy of some one else carrying on.

Don't forget. Bring this up and put on a trip report when you return for me, please. THANKS.

Buca di Beppo's family-style menu may be a solution. If you're leaning in that direction, Maggiano's at Clark & Grand is another option.

I haven't read through all the replies so forgive me if this has been mentioned.

We loved the Corner Bakery. They have great breakfast and lunch items and are reasonably priced. Be sure to stop in for some pretzel bread -- it is very good (and filling) for everyone, including teens!

Have a great trip. :)

Holy Cow! You guys have been busy!

We could pack sandwiches for the train and have pizza in the room! *smacks forehead* Why didn't I think of that? If I remember right, there's a Walgreens close by where we could pick up drinks (and napkins).

We learned our lesson about mini-bars 10 or 20 trips ago. Now I threaten to cut off the fingers of anyone who touches ANYTHING in there. It almost always works ;^)

Gold Coast Dogs, huh? Better than Portillos? Really?

About Corner Bakery -- the first time I took a bunch of kids to Chicago we ate at the one inside the Field Museum. One boy complained it was the worst pizza he'd ever tried. "Uh, that's not pizza," I said. "It's foccacia bread with sun-dried tomatoes." -- "Well," he answered, "in that case, it's pretty good." Kids. Gotta love 'em ;^) Is there a Corner Bakery near our hotel? We're close to Water Tower.

Y'know, if we do sandwiches on the train in, pizza in the room, Corner Bakery for breakfast and Gold Coast Dogs for lunch the next day -- there just might be -gulp- money left over!!!

I'd never thought of it before but, handing each one some cash and making THEM responsible for budgeting it is a great idea too.

I think I just might be able to pull this off, thanks to all of you!!

-darcy

P.S. JJ5 -- hope your mom feels better

P.P.S. eRnO -- *urp*

No offense to those who suggested Buca di Beppo and Maggiano's. I happen to like Buca myself (altho'I know many people don't), but neither it nor Maggiano's are my idea of budget restaurants. Our family of four never gets outs of Buca for under $100. Which is why we only go there for birthdays and such! Of course, my husband and I always get wine and we always go home with lots of leftovers. But still...

I wonder if Buca's have raised their prices over the years? We'd gone there a few times with groups and it was always really reasonable, but then I took my brother there in January and the bill for the two of us was $84. Maybe it was the wine?

Ask the hotel to clean out the mini bars ahead of time.

Some now only give you the key on request.

Darcy - You are one brave woman!! Good luck to you. And do come back with a report.

Darcy,

You'll only need to get two liter bottles from Walgreens or White Hen Pantry. Giordanos will set you up with all of the paper goods you'll need. Go for the stuffed pizzas, world class and lots for your money. I think a large weighs in at 4 pounds plus. I'm a meat lover myself but the stuffed vegetarian special is my all-time favorite.

With an order your size, I'd call ahead and talk to a manager before your trip and see if they have any special deals. To me, Chicago can't be beat for friendliness and you might get a 3 for the price of 2 deal that would really help out.

Good luck,

Kevin

Go Travel -- thanks for the mini-bar tip.

Tuckerdc -- not so brave. I've been doing trips like this (with a few less kids and a little more money) for a few years now. They are a good bunch of kids and I always thoroughly enjoy myself. Ahem, so far. Knock on wood. Cross your fingers and all that jazz ;^)

Chidad -- Thanks for jumping in with the pizza particulars -and everything else. Really, it's people like you who make these trips possible.

-d

I would second Chicago Place at 700 N Michigan. They have a food court on the top floor filled with fast food restaurants and other cheap eats. Very popular with the office crowd during weekdays. Fastest way up there is to use the express elevators on the Rush street side.

Another area is the concourse level at 111 E Wacker building (Wacker and Michigan) Bunch of cheap eateries there also.

Marshall Fields used to have a GOOD basement cafeteria where you can get meat and sides - example rosemary pork loin, new potatoes, asparagus. They also had fantastic pasta salads. It is a cozy place to sit down and eat real food and the prices were cheap for the city.

Current Chicagoans - is this still an option?

Well, nothing in Marshall Fields was as reasonable as those choices mentioned above-when we visited after we went to Wicked last fall with granddaughter. I was shocked at the prices on the "bargain" level you mention. Especially in their candy section, it was more than Cupids or about a Fannie May equivalent. Marshall Fields is really already not a fraction of what it was, IMHO. They used to have an employee cafeteria and lounge or picnic area that was tremendous, and before the era of spacious and wonderfully elegant women's washrooms in high end stores- theirs was the original epiphany. Now, barely holding status quo. Food, not expensive, but not cheap for a group.