HELP! Chicago this weekend - shops/restaurants?
 

Hi there - Taking hubby to Chicago this weekend for a big birthday. We've been before, but I've never asked experts here about restaurants, etc. I got a deal on Priceline, so we're at the the Hilton Suites off Mich on Delaware. It's farther from the metro than I'm used to and farther north than we usually stay (not that much, but a bit). So - I'd like to find some interesting home decor/design shops that are in the area or reasonably reached by metro. Only have 2 nights. I'm interested in unique textiles, lighting, etc. But would like to find locally owned places, not Crate & Barrel....

Then I'd like recommendations on eateries. Husband is Italian, so would like to find a nice place for Sat. night, but please, not too stuffy. We'll be wearing jeans but nice tops... :-)

I've eaten at Rose Angelis in the past and liked it. Is it still good? Any ideas would be most appreciated. Italian for one night and ??? for the other? We tend to like healthier foods, funkier places... I know, it's all relative. Lay it on me. And thanks!

Forgot to ask - is the Broadway Antiques Mall worth a trip?

For restaurants, check www.metromix.com or www.chicagoreader.com. You can search by cuisine, price or neighborhood. Coco Pazzo always gets high marks and isn't far from your hotel.

For design places, head to the Merchandise Mart and the area immediately around there.

I've never been in the Broadway Antiques Market, but pass it daily. It's not a large building and would take you about an hour to reach via the Red Line. It's only about two blocks from the Grandville stop. If you have only two days, I'd say to save it for another trip.

The transit system is The L. It's sometimes called the subway but even the underground portions are commonly referred to as The L. And in Chicago, Crate & Barrel <i>is</i> a locally owned place.

Thanks, Citylights. Yes, I do know it's the L, my apologies. And hopefully you know what I mean regarding Crate and Barrel. I'm looking for places I can't shop myself online and that are unique to Chicago.

It's really an hour by the L, huh? I'm surprised - may to to give it a miss.

I looked into those web sites you mentioned, but the reviews, esp. from the reader are old. I was looking for newer places, reviews, etc, as things do change.

Anyone else out there in Chicago land? Er, Chi-Town? ;-)

Also meant to ask - any thoughts on Andy's Jazz club - for a true jazz fan and former musician? Thanks.

Im curious. I always thought the chicago transit was the "EL" as in elevated. Is it really written as "L"?

"Healthier" foods (yes, I DO understand the concept) when you have Gibson's steakhouse and that turtle pie dessert so close? Nooooooooooo waaaaay.

lcuy, I asked the same question about a year ago when I wrote a Chicago trip report - I had thought the same as you. A kind poster asked a journalist friend of hers in Chicago, and he said it could be written either way (I think the Trib uses one and the Sun-Times the other?). Go figure!

Rocket - I really enjoyed Xoco, Rick Bayless's newest restaurant, when I was last in town. It's next to his others on Clark, but more casual and less expensive. If you stay away from the churros and chocolate, it could be healthy. :)

>>Im curious. I always thought the chicago transit was the "EL" as in elevated. Is it really written as "L"?

They're interchangeable.

Rocket79: Two restaurants perhaps farther than you want to go and one place near your hotel:

I'm not so familiar with Italian restaurants here, especially not "traditional, spaghetti-and-meatballs" restaurants, but you may try A Tavola in Ukrainian Village. It's a 30-minute bus ride on Chicago Avenue from your hotel. If you want to venture farther afield, Ante Prima in Andersonville might be an option. It is about 30 or 45 minutes on the Red Line. Much closer to your hotel is Quartino, known for Italian tapas/shared plates.

Ideas for the other night:

Sunda: Fun, hip, modern Asian fusion restaurant

The Purple Pig: small/shared plates, "modern European." In my opinion one of the few bright spots right on the Mag Mile. Very cool place, and near your hotel, about 15 minutes walking.

One more thing: Try Yelp.com for personal reviews of restaurants and shops.

Thanks everyone. TwoFatFeet: I will look into those you mentioned, although 30-45 minutes to get to a restaurant probably isn't in the cards this time around. I'll tuck them away, though....

Jent103: The last time we were in Chicago, the line for Xoco was around the block! Maybe we can try again. I've had the pleasure of eating at Frontera a couple times, but now it's been near impossible to get in!

Dukey1 - healthy just means, to us, fresh food, well prepared, Not deep-fried, pre-packaged junk. And we don't eat cow, so Gibson's wouldn't be on our list anyway... :-)

Thanks again - anyone have a thought about Andy's? I think we may head there because the husband is a jazz aficionado.

We waited for about two hours (we happened to be there opening week). It was totally worth it.

I will say that we were really hungry and too tired to think of anywhere else to eat. :)

TwoFatFeet - The Purple Pig looks right up our alley - thanks!

Another question - where to have lunch near the Art Institute? Not too fancy, but not fast food? Thanks again!

jent: maybe we could try it for lunch one day!

It's been a few years but I took my son and his friend to Andy's once when they were 18 year olds. They are both musicians and they loved it. It's not much to look at though. Just good music and decent beer. If I remember right, the boys drank green tea.

edeevee - we are actually planning to eat there. Wonder if that's a bad idea....

Hopefully lunch would be better than dinner!

I don't know where you should eat near the Art Institute, but I do *not* recommend the Artists' Cafe across the street. We ate there sort of out of necessity (short time frame before a concert), but food wasn't great, they don't take any cards except Amex, and the service wasn't awesome either.

Rocket - can't say anything about the food. We went to the midnight show.

Try the restaurant in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute -- great food!


All of the following are a short cab ride from your hotel and worth the effort:

Go over to Greektown for dinner -- not too far. Lots of restos but Athena and Santorini's (seafood a specialty) are best.

Italian if you aren't willing to go up to Anteprima in Andersonville: go to Taylor Street -- http://chicago.menupages.com/restaur...7d3e73c28beff6

Province: http://provincerestaurant.com/

Piccolo Sogno: http://piccolosognorestaurant.com/

You can eat at Shaw's next door instead of Andy's. Not too expensive if you eat at the raw bar. Keep in mind that not too expesnive for seafood doesn't mean cheap!

If you head up to Andersonville early for Anteprima, there are quite a few stores that meet your needs as well! Make it a two-fer.