Chicago: Sunday afternoon planning?
 

I'm off to Chicago for some Christmas shopping and relaxation this weekend.

I'm planning on doing brunch, shopping, and then a relaxing dinner on Sunday.

Would it make sense to do brunch at the Atwood Cafe, then do shopping (is there shopping around the cafe, or within a reasonable distance), head back to my hotel (the Chicago Hilton), watch the West Wing, and then have dinner at the Goose Island Brewery?

The only definite things in the day are the West Wing and shopping, so I'm open for opinions and other options.

Are you planning to shop the Mag Mile, State Street or both? Your hotel is fairly far south of the mag mile shopping areas so look into the trolley if its still running as that's just fun to do. You're quite a distance from the Goose Island restaurants if I remember correctly - wil you have a car? If not, consider going to Navy Pier for dinner. The atmosphere will be great for the holidays and there are a number of restaurants. You're also a little over a mile from the atwood (assuming you're at the hilton and towers on south michigan).

Probably both -- this is the major shopping trip of the year, and I'm bringing along a suitcase to handle it!

I'll look into the trolley. I know the Hilton has a shuttle, but it's nice to have options besides that and CTA.

No, no car.

What are the variety and price range of of restaurants at Navy Pier?

I wouldn't recommend Navy Pier for a nice meal. There's a wonderful, huge, food court about halfway down - where we enjoyed Chicago dogs, Starbucks (for hot chocolate), ice cream, etc, which we found just perfect when it was chilly out for enjoying the magnificent views of the skyline.

We LOVED the Atwood Cafe in every way. Be sure to reserve...

Marshall Fields (if they haven't changed the name yet) is right across the street. Be sure to pick up some Frango Mints and check out that DOME!

To our astonishment, we also very much enjoyed Mike Ditka's. One would believe this to be "touristy" (we didn't find it so in the least) sports bar sort of place (which it definitely is, but nicely understated). Extensive menu, wonderful food, moderate prices, very comfortable, exceptional service. We really enjoyed the food. GREAT for brunch!

If it were me, I'd set up the VCR before leaving home for "West Wing" and not plan my dining/shopping day in Chicago around it.

And, you may want to consider doing some of your shopping on Armitage between Racine and Halstead, and on Halstead between Armitage and W. Webster, where you'll find wonderful offerings in small shops and boutiques, not available in the "chains".

Riva at navy pier has great food and a view - on the pricey side but worth it.

There's a thread on lunch/brunch shopping stops for Michigan Ave. /North of the river. To me that's easy than Navy Pier in this weather. It was to my questions as I'll be down there earlier during the week.

All these are good recommendations, also on State St. near the Atwood is Carson Pirie Scott (south) another big department store, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy and others-wander south down state a few blocks, once you hit Carsons, turn around and come back as there isn't much south of it.

I forgot, if you do shop in the Halsted/Armitage area, there is a fun, cheap Italian restaurant, Pasta Palazzo, on the southeast side of the corner of Halstead and Armitage is a great cheap, fresh stop.

The food at Goose Island has gone down hill in the past few years. Yes, the beer is great but as a destination spot for dinner, not my choice. Maybe go to Goose for a few beers and head elswhere for dinner. Metromix.com is the best place for dining options.