Hello all,

Looking for a weekday lunch recommendation near the Palmer House. Will be heading towards the Mart after lunch.

Also, does anyone know anything about the Taste of Lincoln Ave. happening this w/e? We can't decide if it's worth our while to check it out. Our time is tight but we can fit it in if we need to.

Thanks, Julie

By the way, I know Rhapsody is close but I don't hear very good things about it. Same with the Russian Tea Room. So, I will be avoiding those.

There's a very famous German restaurant withing walking distance to The Palmer House. I'm sure someone else can remember the name. It was excellent; historic, big, busy, and advertureous - with great beer, btw.

You're probably referring to Berghoff's at 17 West Adams Street.
John

What type of food are you looking for? Llyods is a nice seafood restaurant on Madison/Wells.

We'll eat pretty much anything Isn't the Berghoff expensive and somewhat fancy? We are looking for casual but good food.

Julie

jb29,

I couldn't find Llyods on metromix. I also tried Lloyds in case there was a typo but no luck. Does this restaurant maybe go by another name??

Julie

Yup, Berghoff's is what I was thinking of - thanks John.
I did not find the place expensive nor 'fancy,' in fact I thought it was rather reasonable. Their menu offers quite a few choices/prices. The lunch atmosphere is busy, business, and some people even stand to eat at the long bar (there are plenty of tables too).

Who told you that Rhapsody and Russian Tea Time are not so great ? If it's the same person who told you that the Berghoff is "expensive and somewhat fancy", then his/her credibility is zero. The Berghoff is casual,less expensive than Russian Tea Time or Rhapsody, and not as good as either of them. It's known for great beer and rye bread, lots of historic Chicago pictures, and famously brusque service.

You might look into Trattoria No. 10 or Atwood Cafe. Expect to spend $15-20 with tip. For more moderate fare, try Ada's Deli.

Sounds to me that patg is right on, jam35.

Sounds like I've been given some misinformation. Good thing I stopped by here before we leave on Friday!

Thanks!

If you like New Orleans food like gumbo and jambalaya, try Heaven on Seven for lunch. The food is all homemade (the soups are especially delicious) and there are a few locations, two of which are close to the Palmer House. Your concierge will point you in the right direction. The restaurants attract a big lunchtime crowd since the food is so good, mostly local business people who know a tasty meal at a reasonable price. Only cash is accepted, though.

I loved Berghoffs and look forward to eating there every time I'm in Chicago. Besides the food I also like the efficiency of the service. Try the Weiner schnitzel with the creamed spinach.

dln beat me to my suggestion, Heaven on Seven at 111 N. Wabash is a good casual place to have cajun food. It's on the seventh floor and is not well marked on the building so make sure you have the address. There will likely be a line but it moves quickly. Heaven on Seven purists tell me that this location, which is the original, is the best.

I've never heard of or eaten at Lloyd's but if you type it in Metromix with the ' it comes up. It's at 200 W. Madison.

Thanks Kristi for your reply--that's the Heaven on Seven we ate at. I also remembered about Big Bowl restaurants. Several of them, too, all featuring Asian style food at good prices. Goes without saying, delicious.

Good luck on your trip tomorrow, jam35. I'm sure you and your friend will both have a great time. It is plain to see that Chicago is LOADED with great restaurants. You've had many good recommendations. One parting comment however, and that is to tell you that Berghoff's is a Chicago institution (Food Channel, Gourmet Magazine, Best of This & That lists, etc.). You may want to check it out - although all of the suggestions sound very nice.
Have a great time at the Mart too - hope your day is full of great deals!
Paul

What's the "Mart"

The 'mart' is the HUGE building on the river that houses Commercial and Residential furniture, furnishings, shops, convention space. It is so big, it has it's own zip code. I am an interior designer, and it's our "convention" each June here, called NEOCON. You walk until you drop over, then get a furniture rep to buy your dinner at a great Chicago restaurant....HA! Good times..

It's full name is the Merchandise Mart, was owned by the Kennedy family until a few years ago, located between Wells and Orleans on the river.

Unless the rules have changed, only the first couple of floors have retail shops (and not very good ones at that) open to the general public and the rest is mostly for designers/contractors. They do open it up for sample sales during the year.

You might want to try The Italian Village which is another Chicago institution. It is good, reasonable and cozy.