We're going to a wedding in early Feb., staying at the Omni Chicago Hotel on N. Michigan Ave, the wedding is at the Holy Name Cathedral (N. State & Superior), and the reception at the Chicago Cultural Center. All seem to be walking distance, except the fact that it will probably be freezing. Will cabs do it? Also, is there enough to do in that area without a car? We'll have from lunch Friday to lunch Saturday on our own, and time for a nice Sunday brunch before heading home. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Do not get a rental car. Parking is expensive and hard to find. Cabs are easy to get and your fares will be less than downtown parking charges would be.

It is grand to wave down a cab on the Miracle Mile and climb in with your shopping bags.

Agree with the previous poster - you don't need a rental car. Assume that poster meant the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue). Cabs are usually all
over the place. There is tons of shopping, there are tons of restaurants and hotels where you will be. Also the
Art Institute, theaters. Plenty of things to keep you busy. Enjoy. Just bring warm clothes.

OK, if we leave out shopping, how about getting to a good restaurant and blues club for Friday night? Should we cab to the hotel from the airport, too? Is there some sort of public transport to consider? Thanks again!

Grin, yes I meant Magnificent Mile. That is what happens when you get transferred so much!

There are numerous shuttles going to downtown from either airport. Here is a sample link of options:
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chica...sportation.htm

What type / price restaurant do you want to experience?

You can take mass transit from either O'Hare (Blue Line) or Midway (Orange Line) 24/7 or Airport Express Coaches run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The following website should help you plan your free time www.metromix.com

For a restaurant, I'm looking for a Chicago experience that I can't get elsewhere - perhaps a top chef or a great combination of food and fun. Price isn't terribly important, (up to a point), but value is - I have been to 2 places recently in DC that weren't worth the $ they charged. Thanks again for the leads!

ohstate
If you want something in Chicago that you absolutely can't get any place else, go to the Hancock building 96th floor to the Signature Lounge for a drink and wonderful views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The Signature Room (restaurant) in on the 95th with equally great views. The restaurant seems to have mixed reviews but I love the lounge! floor to ceiling windows with Chicago at your feet.

Hancock Building is a great idea.

Chicago is also known for its ethnic areas and eateries. You might call the concierge to see if a restaurant crawl can be arranged for you. We had one planned for us at a Chicago convention. We were escorted from area to area and sampled the ethnic food and alcohol at each place. It was a great time.

Don't rent a car. Your hotel is only a couple of blocks from Holy Name, and I'd be willing to bet the wedding planners have arranged transportation from the cathedral to the reception. (it's about 1.25 miles)

Good blues and jazz can be found within a mile from your hotel at Andy's, Jazz Showcase, and Blues Chicago.

For a fun evening that's a bit different, I recommend Cafe Iberico for authentic Spanish tapas, or Red Light on Randolph Street for updated Thai food. A hot, new restaurant called SushiSamba might be fun to try - I haven't gotten there yet, but you can find reviews on metromix.com or chireader.com

ohstate: As others have said - don't bother with a car. To get to the hotel from the airport (either) you will have to take at least 2 trains. Not that difficult, but might be a pain if you have a lot of luggage.

For food, I love Everest, Alsatian cooking with wonderful views of the city; Frontera Grill, Rick Bayless's amazing Mexican restaurant (which shares a space with Topolobampo, his more upscale restaurant; Blackbird; Arun's, perhaps the top Thai restaurant in the U.S. (not cheap, but wonderful); and North Pond (gorgeous location in Lincoln Park. For brunch, maybe Chinatown? The Phoenix has great dim sum. North Pond also has brunch I think. As patg stated, metromix.com and chireader.com are good sources for choosing restaurants.

I second supercat's suggestion of Everest. It is our favorite Chicago restaurant. Old world elegance with knowledgable waiters who cater to you, the deserving guest. Very expensive, but the finest meal you can ever imagine. Splurge and get the tasting menu. Get the Alsatian wine they recommend. Oo la la.

ohstate,

Don't rent a car, it's too much hassle in Chicago to park, esp. in that area.

As for restaurants, it all depends on what you like. But if you're coming to Chicago, you have to try the Deep Dish Pizza. Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Pizzeria Due, Gino's East are all pretty good. One of my favorite places is Heaven on 7 (cajun). There are several locations, but the original location at 110 N. Wabash is the best.

Have fun and stay warm.