Evenings in Chicago
 

Hello,
I'll be in Chicago this week on business (tues.-thurs.), and will only have my evenings free. Any ideas on nice, mid-range, fun restaurants/bars? Other evening activities? I appreciate any advice you may have for me...

You might want to check out www.metromix.com for ideas.

Metromix is a good place to start. Depending on where you're staying, the Rush Street area has tons of bars, restaurants and can be quite a scene. Specifically, Gibsons, Tavern on Rush, Jillys, Hugos Frog Bar. There are also Asian and mexican restaurants right there. A little further away is Cafe Iberico on LaSalle and Chicago which I always recommend for tapas and great sangria. Lincoln Park and Old Town has tons of small neighborhood restaurants. If you have a taste for anything, in particular,post back.

Thanks so much for the leads! I checked out the metromix website, which was great. Cafe Iberico sounds like fun, and I've found a few other possibilities on metromix. I'm staying in the Loop area and was hoping to find a friendly spot to eat & maybe have a drink as I'll be on my own. I don't mind a short cab ride.

Have a great trip.

Cafe Iberico is a great suggestion but best to do with others if possible - food is great and reasonable. If you like Mexican, Frontera Grill is good and you could have a drink and eat at the bar by yourself and not feel uncomfortable. Where are you staying in the loop? What kind of food do you like?

There isn't as much theatre on weekdays as on the weekends but you can check out www.hottix.org to see if there's anything there that might interest you. You can pick up tickets at several different locations in the city which are listed on that website.

If you are staying near the loop, you can always grab a cab and head over to Greektown, I've recently eaten at Santorini and Greek Islands are both were good.

Cafe Iberico has good food but it is more fun with others since you can try more dishes.

Carson's Ribs, Lou Malnati's (pizza) and Wildfire (steak, chicken, ribs) are a couple of my other favorites in the River North area (just north of the loop). You might also have a look at the Atwood Cafe in the loop at 1 W. Washington, I have not tried it yet but I've heard good things. Make a reservation though, it might be popular with the theatre crowd http://www.atwood.citysearch.com/

Or Russian Tea Time, also in the loop
http://www.russianteatime.com/html/index1.html

Atwood Cafe is a good suggestion, especially if you are staying in the Loop or want to get some shopping in at Marshall Fields or on State Street.