First Time Visitor to Chicago - Any advice is appreciated
Jul 29th, 2009, 12:58 PM
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First Time Visitor to Chicago - Any advice is appreciated
Hi!
I am a male 35 yo California native visiting Chicago for the very first time the day after labor day until Sept 12. This may be a solo trip for me, but it may turn out that a friend of mine is flying in with me. This has not been finalized though, so any advice, please for now just assume I am going in for solo traveler trip
Some info: I have already secured air fare and hotel (Hilton Magnificent Mile Suites) and also secured a ticket for the Sept 11th Cubs Game (can't wait! although I am an Angels Fan, I'll be a Cub fan for a day)
However i would like to know a few things before i go. I am mainly interested in the following...
1) are there any advantages to getting the "City Pass"? I would like to visit the new SkyDeck at Willis Tower but I am not sure if spending the $70 for the City Pass when all is said and done is economically sensible, since it appears that because my hotel is located on magnificent Mile the other stops on the City Pass card (Field, Shedd, MOSI and Adler) are far from my hotel. Or am I incorrect?
2) the hotel I am staying at is across from the Navy Pier. Being a California guy, this looks to me like a tourist trap. Yeah it says that its free, but before you know it, you're down at least $100 when all is said and done. Am I right to skip this altogether?
3) I am interested in taking a tour, possibly the boat to see all the architectural sites on the river. Are there any you would recommend?
4) Speaking of tours, one thing that has always atrracted me about Chicago are the notorious gangster underworld associated with the City. I did see a few tours available, one from a company called "Untouchable Gangsters" and another from "Weird Chicago". I saw some reviews for Untouchable Gangsters and they were less than favorable. While, Weird Chicago seems like maybe the way to go, I am still not sold on it. Is there anyone who has gone on either of these tours or would I just be better off skipping them? and finally
5) Any good restaurants you can recommend on Magnificent Mile or in the vicinity? I am not a picky eater but would like to sample a bona-fide Chicago style eatery before leaving. I want deep dish pizza too, but this is best relegated to maybe a lunch or whenever the mood strikes me
Thank you
I appreciate your comments and hope to hear from you soon!
I am a male 35 yo California native visiting Chicago for the very first time the day after labor day until Sept 12. This may be a solo trip for me, but it may turn out that a friend of mine is flying in with me. This has not been finalized though, so any advice, please for now just assume I am going in for solo traveler trip
Some info: I have already secured air fare and hotel (Hilton Magnificent Mile Suites) and also secured a ticket for the Sept 11th Cubs Game (can't wait! although I am an Angels Fan, I'll be a Cub fan for a day)
However i would like to know a few things before i go. I am mainly interested in the following...
1) are there any advantages to getting the "City Pass"? I would like to visit the new SkyDeck at Willis Tower but I am not sure if spending the $70 for the City Pass when all is said and done is economically sensible, since it appears that because my hotel is located on magnificent Mile the other stops on the City Pass card (Field, Shedd, MOSI and Adler) are far from my hotel. Or am I incorrect?
2) the hotel I am staying at is across from the Navy Pier. Being a California guy, this looks to me like a tourist trap. Yeah it says that its free, but before you know it, you're down at least $100 when all is said and done. Am I right to skip this altogether?
3) I am interested in taking a tour, possibly the boat to see all the architectural sites on the river. Are there any you would recommend?
4) Speaking of tours, one thing that has always atrracted me about Chicago are the notorious gangster underworld associated with the City. I did see a few tours available, one from a company called "Untouchable Gangsters" and another from "Weird Chicago". I saw some reviews for Untouchable Gangsters and they were less than favorable. While, Weird Chicago seems like maybe the way to go, I am still not sold on it. Is there anyone who has gone on either of these tours or would I just be better off skipping them? and finally
5) Any good restaurants you can recommend on Magnificent Mile or in the vicinity? I am not a picky eater but would like to sample a bona-fide Chicago style eatery before leaving. I want deep dish pizza too, but this is best relegated to maybe a lunch or whenever the mood strikes me
Thank you
I appreciate your comments and hope to hear from you soon!
Jul 29th, 2009, 01:08 PM
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DO take one of the architectural tours on the river. We took the Chicago Architecture Foundation's Tour last summer and it was wonderful. It was a great way to see more of the city and learn about many of the beautiful buildings.
Jul 29th, 2009, 01:30 PM
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1) when I was going to Chicago, read recomendations on Fodor's, and many people said skip Sears go to Hancock. I didn't go to the bar, but went to the observation level instead. Loved it!
There is a plaza by Hancock below the street level (stairway from the sidewalk) and a small Italian place - go there for ice-cream if you like it. Unusual flavors.
2) if you are interested in stained glass, there is a free museum at Navy Pier
There is a plaza by Hancock below the street level (stairway from the sidewalk) and a small Italian place - go there for ice-cream if you like it. Unusual flavors.
2) if you are interested in stained glass, there is a free museum at Navy Pier
Jul 29th, 2009, 02:22 PM
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You will love Chicago. Great city!
1. Forget the pass. I doubt you will have time or energy to go to all the places to add up to $70. Plus I believe those attractions all have a free day. Find out when that is and go then. The Hancock building has an amazing view. The Signature Room on the 95th floor has a bar that you can get to for free. It is usually packed, so you might not be able to get a drink, but you can look around all you want. The drinks are pricey, but the elevator is free.
2. Navy Pier is touristy, but there is no cost to walk it. It does have a great view out into the water. There is nothing you are made to buy at inflated prices. The restaurants on the pier are normal prices. I would check it out if you have a free evening.
3. Definitely take an architectural boat tour. They are great and do show you some Al Capone places.
4. ?
5. Definitely get a meal at Ghiradelli's pizza. And there are also great/famous hot dog places all over. Do a google search. The Chicago dog is famous. And if you are a beer fan, check out Goose Island Brewery near Wrigley.
1. Forget the pass. I doubt you will have time or energy to go to all the places to add up to $70. Plus I believe those attractions all have a free day. Find out when that is and go then. The Hancock building has an amazing view. The Signature Room on the 95th floor has a bar that you can get to for free. It is usually packed, so you might not be able to get a drink, but you can look around all you want. The drinks are pricey, but the elevator is free.
2. Navy Pier is touristy, but there is no cost to walk it. It does have a great view out into the water. There is nothing you are made to buy at inflated prices. The restaurants on the pier are normal prices. I would check it out if you have a free evening.
3. Definitely take an architectural boat tour. They are great and do show you some Al Capone places.
4. ?
5. Definitely get a meal at Ghiradelli's pizza. And there are also great/famous hot dog places all over. Do a google search. The Chicago dog is famous. And if you are a beer fan, check out Goose Island Brewery near Wrigley.
Jul 29th, 2009, 02:31 PM
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BetsyinKY: Well it sounds to me from your comments and others like the architectural tour is definately a no-brainer. Just based on these early comments I think I will take the advice.
Kelliebellie: I agree, $70 while it sounds like a good deal for five places sounds steep, and the only one on the list that attracts me is the tower but I may forgo the pass and visit on my own.
Kelliebellie and Dayenu: The Hancock sounds great (and not too far from the Hilton) although in Sept I don't know what kind of view I would get. I am leaning towards going to hancock, although the newly installed see thru floor at SkyDeck does sound trippy.
Anyone else with comments and/or suggestions is welcome to post! Thank you!
Kelliebellie: I agree, $70 while it sounds like a good deal for five places sounds steep, and the only one on the list that attracts me is the tower but I may forgo the pass and visit on my own.
Kelliebellie and Dayenu: The Hancock sounds great (and not too far from the Hilton) although in Sept I don't know what kind of view I would get. I am leaning towards going to hancock, although the newly installed see thru floor at SkyDeck does sound trippy.
Anyone else with comments and/or suggestions is welcome to post! Thank you!
Jul 29th, 2009, 02:45 PM
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1. My guess is that CityPass will be most wisely bought if you want to see most or all the attractions it covers. I would recommend going to the various attractions' websites you want to visit, seeing how much their admission charges are, then seeing if it saves you money to get CityPass. It does cover your choice of the Sears or Hancock Towers and allows you to skip the admission line. The Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and Adler Planetarium are all close by each other at the bottom end of Grant Park and can be reached via subway or city bus. The Museum of Science and Industry is further south yet, best reached via city bus or commuter rail. I did not much care for the Adler but enjoyed the rest. Whether you'll like them depends on your interest in the subjects they cover.
2. Another recommendation here to take the Chicago Architectural Foundation's boat tour -- first-rate. It's probably wise to reserve ahead of time online.
3. I found the Navy Pier to be fun in an outdoor carnival sense, and you can see it all without spending a dime. It's a popular place, so be prepared for crowds. And I too loved the Stained Glass Museum there -- it's free, too.
4. Chicago is world-class restaurant town. If you want unique-to-Chicago munchies, consider a Chicago hot dog (an all-beef steamed or boiled dog on a soft poppyseed roll with yellow mustard, onion, relish, tomato, dill pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt garnish), Italian beef sandwich (preferably with hot giardiniera garnish and then dipped in juice), and deep dish pizza. There are no such restaurants directly on the Magnificent Mile stretch of North Michigan Ave., but just a few blocks west walking distance you will find Portillo's (hot dogs), Mr. Beef or Al's No. 1 Beef (Italian beef sandwiches -- I preferred the former, but both are very good), and Gino's East or Lou Malnati's or Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due (deep dish pizza -- I preferred the first of these but all are good).
2. Another recommendation here to take the Chicago Architectural Foundation's boat tour -- first-rate. It's probably wise to reserve ahead of time online.
3. I found the Navy Pier to be fun in an outdoor carnival sense, and you can see it all without spending a dime. It's a popular place, so be prepared for crowds. And I too loved the Stained Glass Museum there -- it's free, too.
4. Chicago is world-class restaurant town. If you want unique-to-Chicago munchies, consider a Chicago hot dog (an all-beef steamed or boiled dog on a soft poppyseed roll with yellow mustard, onion, relish, tomato, dill pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt garnish), Italian beef sandwich (preferably with hot giardiniera garnish and then dipped in juice), and deep dish pizza. There are no such restaurants directly on the Magnificent Mile stretch of North Michigan Ave., but just a few blocks west walking distance you will find Portillo's (hot dogs), Mr. Beef or Al's No. 1 Beef (Italian beef sandwiches -- I preferred the former, but both are very good), and Gino's East or Lou Malnati's or Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due (deep dish pizza -- I preferred the first of these but all are good).
Jul 29th, 2009, 03:37 PM
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You will get all types of opinions and ideas here. My take:
- You can skip Navy Pier, it is a tourist trap
- Find time to visit some of the museums if you can. The Art Institute is incredible and they just opened the new Modern Wing.
- Architectural boat tour is a must. It's a lot of fun. I have been on many and enjoyed them all.
- Pizza - I prefer to go local and avoid chains. My favorite is Pequod's in Lincoln Park.
- Hot dogs - Weiner Circle or Hot Doug's, both on the North Side. Expect long lines at Hot Doug's but worth it.
I always say, please try to visit the neighborhoods. They are what make Chicago special. IMO, the best eateries in are the neighborhoods. A good site to check out is yelp.com if you want a lot of restaurant ideas.
Have fun!!
- You can skip Navy Pier, it is a tourist trap
- Find time to visit some of the museums if you can. The Art Institute is incredible and they just opened the new Modern Wing.
- Architectural boat tour is a must. It's a lot of fun. I have been on many and enjoyed them all.
- Pizza - I prefer to go local and avoid chains. My favorite is Pequod's in Lincoln Park.
- Hot dogs - Weiner Circle or Hot Doug's, both on the North Side. Expect long lines at Hot Doug's but worth it.
I always say, please try to visit the neighborhoods. They are what make Chicago special. IMO, the best eateries in are the neighborhoods. A good site to check out is yelp.com if you want a lot of restaurant ideas.
Have fun!!
Jul 29th, 2009, 04:44 PM
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majestik101, you are coming to Chicago at what is, IMHO, the best time of the year. Are you sure you want to spend the majority of it inside at museums? Wouldn't you rather be spending it on a bike tour (you can DYI or go on a guided one such as Bobby's Bike Hike); lay on the beach; walk through the parks or along the lakefront; etc.
Chicago's Celtic Fest will be happening on September 12-13 in Grant Park (don't know what time of day you will be leaving). I swear that there have been some days during the past years when I've been at the Fest and the weather has been downright perfect.
1. IMHO, with having only 2 possibly 3 days (1 day of your vacation will be spent at the Friendly Confines), you'd really have to work at it to make the City Pass pay for itself, but it's entirely possible. The Museum of Science and Industry is a *huge* museum (one of the few surviving structures from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 held in Chicago, only 22 years after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 - which I'm mentioning for a reason, but more on that later) which would take you a better part of the day to get through. (NOTE: Do go on the U505 for the extra fee - well worth it.) I agree that you need to do the math to see if it is less expensive going that route.
The one museum which is not included is the Art Institute, arguably Chicago's greatest. The Art Institute is also a structure associated with the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Their new Modern Wing, designed by world-renown architect Renzo Piano, just opened this past May. Do take some time and go there, if you can.
Millennium Park, BTW, is immediately to the north of the Art Institute.
2. The reason why Navy Pier has that carnival atmosphere is to give homage to the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. "The White City" was actually located in Jackson Park, miles to the south, but so much of it remains in our everyday language. For example, a fair or carnival's "midway" - down in Hyde Park, the first midway was at "The White City" and is today the street "Midway Plaisance", but we call it just "Midway". The Ferris Wheel was first unveiled at the Exposition. That's why there is one at Navy Pier - but the ferris wheel at Navy Pier is only a fraction of the size of the original.
But enough about history - Navy Pier has its very good points too. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is located there - excellent troupe and venue. As mentioned, The Smith Museum of Stained Glass is also there and free to the public. The lake tour boats boarding is located there. There are interesting expositions held from time to time at Navy Pier. And the Beer Garden at the very east end of the Pier has free entertainment during the summer months which you can enjoy while viewing the city's skyline.
And there is one other thing that might be of interest to you, if you are going to Museum Campus (where the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are located). The Shoreline Harbor Taxi travels on the lake to and from Navy Pier and the Museum Campus many times daily. You might take advantage of that if you are going to the museums there.
3. Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise. BTW, the ArchiCentre, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's main location, is in the historic Santa Fe (aka Transportation) Building practically right across S. Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute. They have many tours daily.
4. It's pretty funny. When I went to Paris several years ago (pre-Obama days), what several people I met associated Chicago with were - jazz and Capone, in that order.
No comment about the tours - except there aren't a lot of locales still left in existence. There are a few which you could easily visit, though.
One of the premier jazz clubs in the city is The Green Mill. Take a look at the history on their website, specifically about the partial ownership by "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn (Capone gang) and how they "persauded" the previous owner to sell.
There isn't any structure left where the St. Valentine's Day Massacre occurred in 1929 but right across the street is the building where the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is located, of which the top floor was purportedly used as the lookout for the (alleged) Capone gangmembers to signal the event.
How it ended for one: Jack McGurn, the member of the Capone gang who beat the St. Val's rap, was gunned down February 15, 1936 at the Avenue Recreation Bowling Parlor at Milwaukee and Chicago, left with a not-so-funny valentine and a nickel (which was "Machine Gun's" calling card).
The Biograph Theatre recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and is prominently featured at the end of the recent Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies", because Dillinger was shot down in the adjacent alleyway.
5. I'm glad you are visiting the "Friendy Confines". You might want to stop off at Murphy's Bleachers at the corner of Waveland and Sheffield a brat and brew.
If you wanted to sample a bona-fide Chicago institution with a great following before the game, I suggest going over to Hot Doug's - but *ONLY* if you go first thing as soon as it opens. As your game is on a Friday (at 1:20 p.m.), you can sample the duck-fat fries - they are only served on Fridays and Saturdays. And you go for the specialty sausages, not just the plain chicago-style hot. You could also pick up one of his snazzy t-shirts to make your friends at home envious.(Suggest that you take the Red Line up to Addison and catch a cab going over there, if you find this interesting.) www.hotdougs.com
Chicago's Celtic Fest will be happening on September 12-13 in Grant Park (don't know what time of day you will be leaving). I swear that there have been some days during the past years when I've been at the Fest and the weather has been downright perfect.
1. IMHO, with having only 2 possibly 3 days (1 day of your vacation will be spent at the Friendly Confines), you'd really have to work at it to make the City Pass pay for itself, but it's entirely possible. The Museum of Science and Industry is a *huge* museum (one of the few surviving structures from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 held in Chicago, only 22 years after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 - which I'm mentioning for a reason, but more on that later) which would take you a better part of the day to get through. (NOTE: Do go on the U505 for the extra fee - well worth it.) I agree that you need to do the math to see if it is less expensive going that route.
The one museum which is not included is the Art Institute, arguably Chicago's greatest. The Art Institute is also a structure associated with the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Their new Modern Wing, designed by world-renown architect Renzo Piano, just opened this past May. Do take some time and go there, if you can.
Millennium Park, BTW, is immediately to the north of the Art Institute.
2. The reason why Navy Pier has that carnival atmosphere is to give homage to the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. "The White City" was actually located in Jackson Park, miles to the south, but so much of it remains in our everyday language. For example, a fair or carnival's "midway" - down in Hyde Park, the first midway was at "The White City" and is today the street "Midway Plaisance", but we call it just "Midway". The Ferris Wheel was first unveiled at the Exposition. That's why there is one at Navy Pier - but the ferris wheel at Navy Pier is only a fraction of the size of the original.
But enough about history - Navy Pier has its very good points too. The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is located there - excellent troupe and venue. As mentioned, The Smith Museum of Stained Glass is also there and free to the public. The lake tour boats boarding is located there. There are interesting expositions held from time to time at Navy Pier. And the Beer Garden at the very east end of the Pier has free entertainment during the summer months which you can enjoy while viewing the city's skyline.
And there is one other thing that might be of interest to you, if you are going to Museum Campus (where the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are located). The Shoreline Harbor Taxi travels on the lake to and from Navy Pier and the Museum Campus many times daily. You might take advantage of that if you are going to the museums there.
3. Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise. BTW, the ArchiCentre, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's main location, is in the historic Santa Fe (aka Transportation) Building practically right across S. Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute. They have many tours daily.
4. It's pretty funny. When I went to Paris several years ago (pre-Obama days), what several people I met associated Chicago with were - jazz and Capone, in that order.
No comment about the tours - except there aren't a lot of locales still left in existence. There are a few which you could easily visit, though.
One of the premier jazz clubs in the city is The Green Mill. Take a look at the history on their website, specifically about the partial ownership by "Machine Gun" Jack McGurn (Capone gang) and how they "persauded" the previous owner to sell.
There isn't any structure left where the St. Valentine's Day Massacre occurred in 1929 but right across the street is the building where the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is located, of which the top floor was purportedly used as the lookout for the (alleged) Capone gangmembers to signal the event.
How it ended for one: Jack McGurn, the member of the Capone gang who beat the St. Val's rap, was gunned down February 15, 1936 at the Avenue Recreation Bowling Parlor at Milwaukee and Chicago, left with a not-so-funny valentine and a nickel (which was "Machine Gun's" calling card).
The Biograph Theatre recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and is prominently featured at the end of the recent Johnny Depp movie "Public Enemies", because Dillinger was shot down in the adjacent alleyway.
5. I'm glad you are visiting the "Friendy Confines". You might want to stop off at Murphy's Bleachers at the corner of Waveland and Sheffield a brat and brew.
If you wanted to sample a bona-fide Chicago institution with a great following before the game, I suggest going over to Hot Doug's - but *ONLY* if you go first thing as soon as it opens. As your game is on a Friday (at 1:20 p.m.), you can sample the duck-fat fries - they are only served on Fridays and Saturdays. And you go for the specialty sausages, not just the plain chicago-style hot. You could also pick up one of his snazzy t-shirts to make your friends at home envious.(Suggest that you take the Red Line up to Addison and catch a cab going over there, if you find this interesting.) www.hotdougs.com
Jul 29th, 2009, 05:12 PM
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Some information and another correction (Darn it! Sorry!).
The correction: Jack McGurn was killed on February 13, 1936 - St. Valentine's Day eve.
The information: You can get to the Green Mill by taking the Red Line to the Lawrence stop. www.greenmilljazz.com
The correction: Jack McGurn was killed on February 13, 1936 - St. Valentine's Day eve.
The information: You can get to the Green Mill by taking the Red Line to the Lawrence stop. www.greenmilljazz.com
Jul 29th, 2009, 09:03 PM
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majestik101- Check out this website re free walking tours in the City, by "greeters" with the Chicago Board of Tourism. I'm fairly sure they can accommodate your desire to see places related to "gangster" happenings:
http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
You will fall in love with Chicago and kick yourself for not staying longer on your first visit.
Wrigley is still magical (lights or not), and you are visiting at the best time of year. Weather should be wonderful. Take a sweater.
Have a great trip!
http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
You will fall in love with Chicago and kick yourself for not staying longer on your first visit.
Wrigley is still magical (lights or not), and you are visiting at the best time of year. Weather should be wonderful. Take a sweater. Have a great trip!
Jul 30th, 2009, 08:25 AM
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WOW great advice everyone. I never imagined that there was so much to Chicago, it definately sounds like a repeat trip is something I should plan on.
Great information, exiledprincess, the one thing you do mention is something i am glad was brought up and that is the shoreline harbor taxi from navy pier. In order to save time I will DEFINATELY take advantage of that.
I don't see the harm in visiting the navy pier just to see what it's about. I was not sure what was there or if it would be something that would "grab" me. But heck it's free and what is there to lose it may be a worthwhile diversion and the stained glass museum and shakespeare theater do sound interesting plus it's just steps away from my hotel.
Love the jazz club idea too, I might just go to one or two clubs while I'm in Chicago. I am a fan of Chicago house music too so dance clubs are not out of the question either...
Great Food advice too, yes the game is at 1:20 so the idea is to get one either at SuperDawg or Hot Dougs beforehand and then go to the game
Keep the comments coming, I am looking forward to the comments as it is all very good helpful information! Thank you!
Great information, exiledprincess, the one thing you do mention is something i am glad was brought up and that is the shoreline harbor taxi from navy pier. In order to save time I will DEFINATELY take advantage of that.
I don't see the harm in visiting the navy pier just to see what it's about. I was not sure what was there or if it would be something that would "grab" me. But heck it's free and what is there to lose it may be a worthwhile diversion and the stained glass museum and shakespeare theater do sound interesting plus it's just steps away from my hotel.
Love the jazz club idea too, I might just go to one or two clubs while I'm in Chicago. I am a fan of Chicago house music too so dance clubs are not out of the question either...
Great Food advice too, yes the game is at 1:20 so the idea is to get one either at SuperDawg or Hot Dougs beforehand and then go to the game
Keep the comments coming, I am looking forward to the comments as it is all very good helpful information! Thank you!
Jul 30th, 2009, 09:25 AM
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You're very welcome - but, I gave you some faulty information.
The Harbor Taxi service now ceases after Labor Day and you are coming just after. The River Taxi - the commuter service - would be still running (until September 30, maybe a little later, depending on the weather). I'm so sorry I didn't realize that they have a short season for this.
Re: Hot Doug's vs. SuperDawg - SuperDawg is quite a distance from Wrigley Field and you really need a car to get there. I *only* suggest Hot Doug's if you get there right at the opening because you will be waiting in a line for a while. Cash only basis.
The Harbor Taxi service now ceases after Labor Day and you are coming just after. The River Taxi - the commuter service - would be still running (until September 30, maybe a little later, depending on the weather). I'm so sorry I didn't realize that they have a short season for this.
Re: Hot Doug's vs. SuperDawg - SuperDawg is quite a distance from Wrigley Field and you really need a car to get there. I *only* suggest Hot Doug's if you get there right at the opening because you will be waiting in a line for a while. Cash only basis.
Jul 30th, 2009, 09:44 AM
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Re: Jazz. One of the closest venues to your hotel is Andy's Jazz Club on Hubbard. Happens that one of Chicago's very best will be playing there, September 11 & 12. Von Freeman Quintet. www.andysjazzclub.com
The next closest would be the Jazz Showcase, which is located in the South Loop's Dearborn Station. I don't see that they have their calendar posted yet for September, but I'd keep an eye out for the information on the talent. www.jazzshowcase.com
The next closest would be the Jazz Showcase, which is located in the South Loop's Dearborn Station. I don't see that they have their calendar posted yet for September, but I'd keep an eye out for the information on the talent. www.jazzshowcase.com
Jul 30th, 2009, 12:19 PM
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Yes, there is a TON to do here. I have lived here my whole life (in the actual city) and still have a lengthy list of things I have yet to do. Everyone has such wonderful ideas!!
You'll really enjoy Wrigley. Like every says, get there early and enjoy the bars, restaurants and ambiance.
True it won't hurt to visit Navy Pier. May I suggest Fox and Obel as a food option right by Navy Pier? Yes it is still pricey, but you can get a great meal in their cafe which is quite a bit more tasty than anything I have tried on the pier. Plus it's a neat place to check out.
www.fox-obel.com
Have fun!!
You'll really enjoy Wrigley. Like every says, get there early and enjoy the bars, restaurants and ambiance.
True it won't hurt to visit Navy Pier. May I suggest Fox and Obel as a food option right by Navy Pier? Yes it is still pricey, but you can get a great meal in their cafe which is quite a bit more tasty than anything I have tried on the pier. Plus it's a neat place to check out.
www.fox-obel.com
Have fun!!
Jul 30th, 2009, 02:37 PM
#16
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thanks, I will look into the alternate river taxi service instead. I appreciate you looking into that for me.
In regards to SuperDawg vs. Hot Dougs, (THE BIG TOPIC lol) I am intrigued by either one of them. I am leaning towards making some time on the 11th before the game to head over to Hot Dougs and take advantage of the early 10:30 opening. Since SuperDawg now has a restaurant inside the Midway airport terminal, that may be visited by me before making the trip back home.
Jazz is not really my forte', I know very little about the music outside of the limited jazz bands I grew up listening to all I really know about Jazz is that it plays an important part in Chicago's diverse history. For a change of pace I might look into it just to get a feel for what Chicago Jazz truly is. If nothing else, it would be a great diversion to the hustle bustle of the city and give me an excuse to mix in with the locals.
One thing is for sure, is that if you're hungry Chicago is the place to be. Great input so far
In regards to SuperDawg vs. Hot Dougs, (THE BIG TOPIC lol) I am intrigued by either one of them. I am leaning towards making some time on the 11th before the game to head over to Hot Dougs and take advantage of the early 10:30 opening. Since SuperDawg now has a restaurant inside the Midway airport terminal, that may be visited by me before making the trip back home.
Jazz is not really my forte', I know very little about the music outside of the limited jazz bands I grew up listening to all I really know about Jazz is that it plays an important part in Chicago's diverse history. For a change of pace I might look into it just to get a feel for what Chicago Jazz truly is. If nothing else, it would be a great diversion to the hustle bustle of the city and give me an excuse to mix in with the locals.
One thing is for sure, is that if you're hungry Chicago is the place to be. Great input so far
Aug 11th, 2009, 12:45 PM
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Majestik, I don't think I can add much to all the excellent advice you've received here.
Only that you can do a lot of walking along the waterfront, Navy Pier, the Millenium Park, and downtown area. It's all great.
We did enjoy the double decker bus tour. It gave us a good overview.
As for hot dogs, do try Portilla's Hot dogs on Ontario Street. Supposed to be one of the original Chicago hot dog places. It's a cool place to go for lunch.. they have huge glasses of beer too.
Have a great time.
Oh and as I mentioned in my trip report, the food court at Water Tower Place has some great food for lunch. The pizza there was good.
Only that you can do a lot of walking along the waterfront, Navy Pier, the Millenium Park, and downtown area. It's all great.
We did enjoy the double decker bus tour. It gave us a good overview.
As for hot dogs, do try Portilla's Hot dogs on Ontario Street. Supposed to be one of the original Chicago hot dog places. It's a cool place to go for lunch.. they have huge glasses of beer too.
Have a great time.
Oh and as I mentioned in my trip report, the food court at Water Tower Place has some great food for lunch. The pizza there was good.
Aug 11th, 2009, 01:16 PM
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Why has no one mentioned Wiener Circle??? It's this dump in Lincoln Park that is crazy busy late in the evenings, so if you're out and about (and a little drunk) it's a riot. The people scream at you when you order but it's part of the schtick. It's on Clark just south of Wrightwood. Do you like blues? Is Kingston Mines still around? If so that's also a fun place to visit. I lived in Chicago for 8 years (Lincoln Park)-it ROCKS!!!
Aug 11th, 2009, 01:33 PM
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Just returned from Chicago and one piece of advice I can offer that no one else has is getting a "Fun Pass" which costs $7, and which is good for unlimited rides for 24 hours on the elevated trains and buses. We found it to be really useful for getting around the city.
Also, someone else mentioned "Ghirardelli's" deep dish pizza. Did you perhaps mean Giordano's? Had great pizza at the one on Rush Street.
Also, someone else mentioned "Ghirardelli's" deep dish pizza. Did you perhaps mean Giordano's? Had great pizza at the one on Rush Street.
Aug 11th, 2009, 01:45 PM
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I was in Chicago in September, the weather was t-shirt and sunblock.
Also I got a 3-day pass that covers El and all buses, took El once, didn't like to be underground. The buses are slower, but you can see everything and get off if you see something you like.
Also I got a 3-day pass that covers El and all buses, took El once, didn't like to be underground. The buses are slower, but you can see everything and get off if you see something you like.
