Let me amend my previous answer-areas west of Halsted in Old Town/ Lincoln Park/ Lakeview/Wrigleyville are great--I meant in the Loop/downtown area.

You mean East of Halsted

I should specify. You are safe almost anyplace East of Halsted.

Yes Rocky, time for me to start the weekend, sorry EAST of HALSTED is what it meant to say... Have a great trip to our fair city! ((d))

thanks you guys for all your help. i'm looking forward to a fabulous time in chicago! have a great weekend :)

Star of Siam is good reasonably priced Thai in the River North area (Illinois St.). Also I think the Oprah studios are near the Greektown area, which is a great experience (and that's right on Halsted) If it's still there, hit Iberico for good tapas and sangria (around LaSalle and Chicago Aves). If it's nice out, try to take a boat ride

Cafe Iberico is still here and still the best tapas in the city. It's at Chicago and LaSalle-just don't drink too much sangria!!!:)

mm-mmm...tapas. thanks swalter. p.s. after reading more reviews on the cass...ummm...i think i'll try harder to find another :)

We stayed at a relatively new hotel-Hotel 71 on Wacker and Michigan. Got a great rate through either expedia or Priceline (my husband booked it so I'm not sure which one) but it was only $79.

Don't miss Giordano's. I also agree with the recommendations for the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Shedd Aqaurium. The Hancock observatory is awesome. There is a lounge up there where you can get drinks and savor the view. It's best to do that around sunset.

Thanks to all for more suggestions...I'll definitely check out the Hancock Observatory.

Has anyone tried the new restaurant called 1492 Tapas? I hear it's very good -- hope to try it for myself soon!