Rachel

Our family is meeting in Chicago for Thanksgiving. Since no one is from Chicago, we have not idea of what to do and where to go. Most importantly, we are looking for suggestions for where to go for Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday evening. We will be staying on the Magnificent Mile (I think that is what it is called). A few years ago we met in chicago and went to a place called Schuelins (sp?), an old german/american place (not downtown) that was great-the staff did magic tricks between courses, but we've heard they have closed. Restaurant ideas invited, as are other things to do. There will between 8-12 of us depending on who makes it, ranging from 12-65. Thanks for everyone's help.

Beth

There was a thread about this same topic about a month you might check for suggestions. Something like "Looking for traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Chicago" I think.

My first question would be are you looking for the traditional spread of turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes/yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie etc? If so, you're best bet is at one of the old established hotels in the mag mile area. Usually these hotels serve a lavish buffet on Thanksgiving but it is very pricey (maybe $40/head?) I think the Drake is the most well known, but many seerve similar dinners. If you are not looking for the entire feast, Lawry's is a good bet. Just off the mag mile, it is a steak restaurant specializing in prime rib, but on Thanksgiving they serve prime rib or turkey as the main entree with a side. Many other restaurants are open for Thanksgiving but don't offer the traditional dinner, only their regular menu. I would go to www.metromix.com It is a website that specializes in Chicago entertainment and restaurants. Good luck and happy eating!

Rachel

thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to the web site now. R

patg

The Signature Room (on the 95th floor of the Hancock building, 875 N. Michigan) would be a fantastic place, if it's open that day. As I recall, Thanksgiving Day is incredibly quiet on North Michigan Avenue.

Schulien's (the restaurant with magicians) closed about two years ago.

Frank

Rachel: Check out the Pump Room in the Omni Ambassador East Hotel. It is the classic Chicago restaurant and recently underwent a $2 million restoration. Very elegant in a 1930's kind of way with lots of history attached. It has had it's ups and downs over the years so check current reviews carefully.

Julie

Look up Blackhawk Lounge or Lawry's. Blackhawk Lounge is a very American upscale restaurantthat would be great for Thanksgiving - a few blocks off Michigan Avenue. Lawry's is a steak place but more clubby atmosphere than true steak house and they have a great carved Turkey also.

Zina

TRU is the place

carl

Remember we are not talking the normal so called "Mexican" most Americans are used to. If Mexican to you is a plate full of rice, refried beans, and greasy hamburger drowned in sticky stinky cheese then you have never had REAL Mexican food. Rick's places, as can be seen by the accolades and awards, are a unique venture into the REAL cuisine of Mexico, and do not present the bastardized slop that most so called Mexican places choose to pass off on an unsuspecting/ignorant public.

I can think of no better place for a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner than either of Rick's places. So, give it a rest and do not slam this food as your typical Taco Bell crap...