SallyB

Hi

Staying at the Omni Chicago soon (from UK), can anyone offer recommendations for restaurants that are walkable from this hotel?

We don't want 'fine dining', just mid-range, casual but good, and perhaps something to suit a teenager.

Many thanks.
SB

obxgirl

Chicago is food nirvana. There are plenty of excellent dining places near the Omni but don't limit yourself to a couple of city blocks. These places are walkable or a short taxi ride:

Redfish (State St.) Cajun
Brasserie Jo (Hubbard) French
House of Blues (N. Dearborn) Cajun
Cafe Luciano (N. Rush) Italian
Frontera Grill (Clark) Mexican

All have a casual atmosphere and take bookings, except I believe for Frontera (where the lines can be a real turn off). Do a site search as this topic comes up fairly often. It's hard to have a bad meal in Chicago!

Rachel

You will have no lack of restaurants. Teens will like ESPN Zone, Cheesecake Factory (very close), Grand Lux Cafe (one block away), Ed Debevics (about 8 blocks away-walkable unless very cold), Pizza Uno, Billy Goat Tavern (for cheeseburgers), Hard Rock Cafe. The concierge at the hotel will be able to provide advice and directions

Kristi

One of my favorite restaurants is Cafe Iberico for Spanish tapas at 739 N. LaSalle. Quite a wait on Friday or Saturday night but you can walk right in at lunchtime and probably also week nights, about a 6-7 block walk from your hotel. Also within 6-7 blocks is Wildfire at 159 W. Erie, a little more expensive but good steaks, Big Bowl also at 159 W. Erie for mid priced Thai food, Carson's Ribs at 612 N. Wells for great ribs and pork chops.

A little closer to Michigan Avenue is Lawry's if you are interested in prime rib (pretty much all they serve). Also Heaven on Seven on Rush at 600 N. Michigan Street for cajun.

Some more casual options would include The Cheesecake Factory, in the John Hancock building 875 N. Michigan, usually a pretty long wait for a table, Portillo's for hot dogs/sandwiches at 100 W. Ontario (good for a quick meal), Ed Debevic's at 640 N. Wells for burgers, shakes and sassy waitresses, Potbelly Subs at 520 N. Michigan (good for a quick meal), California Pizza Kitchen in Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan or Giordano's Pizza at 730 N. Rush for stuffed pizza.

You can check out most of these restaurants at www.metromix.com and also do a search for restaurants near the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue).

Robin

These are a few places where a teen would maybe like to eat (fast food type)in Chicago, many are in walking distance from the Omni Chicago Hotel:

Hard Rock Cafe (we have eaten here with our two teens on vacation, it was great!)
Rainforest Cafe
Cheesecake Factory
ESPN Zone
The Original Gino's East (pizza)
American Girl cafe

There are many places on the side streets and on the Magnificent Mile to choose from. Ask at the hotel for suggestions also. Some of the restaurants above may not be close enough to walk to, depends on the person and the weather when you go.

patg

Boston Blackie's for a great burger (on Grand Avenue, one block east of Michigan)
Oak Tree Restaurant (in 900 N. Michigan Avenue Building) very large menu of classic American food,
Thai Restaurant at Dearborn and Delaware,
Heaven on Seven on Rush (in 700 N. Michigan building) fun cajun place.
Also, I have taken many visitors to lunch at the Signature Room (95th floor of John Hancock Building) and all have enjoyed it. Not as expensive as it sounds.

patg

Sorry, above should read Amarit Thai Restaurant at Delaware and State Street.

SallyB

A big Thank You to you all for your restaurant recommendations, I appreciate the time you have all spent in responding to my posting. No doubt we will try several of your recommendations - just wish we could do them all!

Thanks Again.
SB x