Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Long weekend in Chicago, need suggestions

RE: Piano Bars/Live Music
The Redhead Piano Bar has been around forever but I’ve never been as it’s not really my thing. The Zebra Lounge also has live music but is tiny. I’ve only been there a couple times when they used to have an amazing magician. Also, Howl at the Moon is around but it seems a bachelorette party place. I’ve heard it’s fun and I think that’s live music. I’m not interested in jazz so can’t advise.
https://www.thezebralounge.net/gallery
https://redheadpianobar.com/

RE: Museums
The Art Institute is world-class museum, and I put all others in second place, like the Field Museum, or Museum of Science and Industry. The Driehaus Museum has an exhibit of Tiffany glass and something on the Wizard of Oz if you have a particular interest. There are Tiffany ceilings in both the Macy’s on State Street (formerly Marshall Field’s) and the Chicago Culture Center Building.

RE: Theater & Dining Before/After "Windfall" at Steppenwolf (Lincoln Park; this is a fast uber)
Steppenwolf has a day-of discount called "Twenty for $20" available by calling the box office at noon of the day you want to attend. And their new play, Windfall, is in previews, from a great playwright and cast. Will be easier to get discount tickets now than after opening. https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/discounts/

Also, that stretch of Hasted has some great restaurants. Vinci is close by (wonderful, established restaurant), as is Boka (great, but pricier; almost more of the event itself). Or Summer House Santa Monica (casual American, popular but loud and crowded), or Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (popular, established restaurant for tapas).

RE: Near Hotel
Your hotel is east of Michigan and close to the Northwestern Hospital campus. Hopefully, you'll not hear much ambulance noise. Know that there’s not much east of you so you’ll be headed west to Michigan Ave.
It's good that breakfast in included to get you started. I’d center your lunch/dinners elsewhere as there’s nothing terribly interesting right in the vicinity. You’ll likely be in other parts of the city, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

But if you wanted an early night and a meal in the hotel, I’d order a deep dish pizza ahead at Pizzeria Uno and pick up to bring back to the hotel. I think the restaurant is sort of grim/dark and the waits are long for deep dish. Also, there’s a Trader Joe’s a couple blocks eat of your hotel on Ontario for you to pick up snacks, bottled waters, and maybe a Chicago/Illinois themed shopping bag.

If you have younger people to buy for, there's a new Uniqlo on Michigan Avenue X Ohio that features exclusive tee shirt designs from Chicago artists. These make for nice gifts. If they don't have your size, they can custom print them in about 15-20 minutes. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/special...BZg5TstovJL76l

There’s a Harry Potter shop and the big Starbucks Roaster just a block or two east of you on Michigan Ave. Not terribly interesting but if you needed to buy souvenirs/gifts, they’ll have plenty.

RE: Teen Takeover Mobs
A word of warning about staying out late for your family. When the weather gets nice, the city has trouble with mobs of teenagers in areas where tourists often go: State Street (Loop), Streeterville/Navy Pier. Just be mindful and if you see large clusters of young people, avoid the area or go into a business. If coming back after dark from dinner or a show, I'd uber door to door.

RE: Other Ideas

Navy Pier has an immersive ride called Flyover which is supposed to be really spectacular. Maybe a recommendation for your children if it’s too dizzying. My coworkers have done this and enjoyed it.
Lincoln Park Zoo & Lincoln Park Conservatory: The zoo is free and is nice to wander through if you're interested in Apes, Monkeys, Lions. The Conservatory is also very nice and also free, but you do have to book in advance. There are restrooms and places to sit in the animal houses. If energetic and able to walk longer, there is both South Pond and North Pond to walk around, but beware of getting too tired.

My reco:
Saturday. A 5:30 dinner at Vinci with a 7:30 show at Steppenwolf (uber or lyft to/from)
In the morning/afternoon

the Architecture Foundation Cruise
or a walk from Washington X Michigan Avenue through Millenium Park to the Art Institute; maybe lunch at the Gage or Cindy’s or someplace casual like Shake Shack if you’re not a big eater or just need a place to sit and revive yourself
or uber to Gemini for brunch followed by Lincoln Park Zoo/Lincoln Park Conservatory. https://geminichicago.com/

Sunday. Your Dinner at Bavette’s
In the morning/afternoon, same options above but as you’re now more loop/mag mile centered...

(this is more of a walking tour to see the lake, if energy allows) grab some snacks, a coffee/water, and bus or walk to Oak Street underpass to see the lake. Walk north on lakefront path to Division underpass to go west under Lake Shore Drive to (local) north lake Shore Drive. Then walk west on Division or Elm, over to State Parkway, and wander south on Rush to Chicago and over to Michigan Avenue.
or, tour the loop architecture and see the public art, like the Picasso in Daley Plaza. Can be combined with the river walk and architecture cruise.

Whatever you decide, stay hydrated and carry some healthy snacks. Use the restroom when you can. If the weather is nice, there will be crowds, so bring your patience. Have fun! Post back if you have questions as you start to refine your plans.