Next March I will take my first trip to Chicago so I need help on where to stay & eat, what to do, ect. Can anyone help?

What do you like to do, Greg? We were in Chicago last summer in July. We stayed in the hotel at the convention center near Soldier's Field - can't remember the name, but I don't recommend it as it's too far from everything to walk, and don't particularly recommend wandering around the area at night. It was a very nice hotel though, we had a large room with a lake view - lovely spectacle when there was a thunderstorm one night. We loved the lakefront, it's truly beautiful and totally recreational. How nice that Chicagoans have their city waterfront for the people's enjoyment, rather than ugly commercial traffic. We rented bicycles and rode along it, walked along it most days. Unfortunately, it will be too cold in March to do that, but there's so much to enjoy in Chicago. There are zillions of restaurants in Chicago. You name the cuisine and they have it. We went to the Art Institute of Chicago art museum - currently my favorite "big" museum. Outstanding collection. That's the only museum we went to, I think, but there are plenty of others if you're into museums. We went to a couple of blues clubs, Buddy Guy's and Kingston Mines (sp?) - both were kind of touristy but we had alot of fun, and they have food. Had great red beans and rice at Buddy's and fried catfish poboys at Kingston. There are other, smaller blues clubs there to check out, if you like Chicago blues. I fully intend to check out some more clubs next time I'm there. There are some fabulous steakhouses in Chicago, I'm told, though we never made it to any! I left with all kinds of recommendations and never used any of them. We just ate when we were hungry wherever we were, and had good food the whole time. I know this isn't as specific as you could wish, but I hope it helps somewhat.

greg,

as i live in chicago and have never stayed at a hotel here (except a dump called the essex) i can't really recommend any hotels.

as far as food, you've come to the right person. i swear to god i will have eaten my way through chicago by the time i leave here. let me know what kind of cuisine you like and i'll whip out the suggestions.

same goes for going out. clubs, bars, blues bars, watering holes, and avoiding the tourist crowd.

how long will you be here lad?

danny

Thanks for your help-I want to listen to some Chicago blues.
I will be up on a weekend before I have to attend a work related conference the following Tuesday-let's say I have 3 unattached days. I would like to eat at a good Italian, seafood, and BBQ resturants. I would like to do see some of the historic places, do a little shopping, and go to a typical Chicago bar.
The thing I worry about is staying in a safe area.
Any suggestion wil be appreciated. Greg

Danny, did you misplace your shift key? I thought of you the other day as we were driving past the Beat Kitchen; I still haven't figured out if pizza that makes you angry is a good thing.

Greg, most visitors to Chicago stay on or near Michigan Avenue because of its proximity to shopping and tourist attractions. If you're on a budget, you might take a look at the Days Inn on Lake Shore Drive (close to Navy Pier) or one of the two Best Westerns on Ohio Street. The one on West Ohio is the furthest from what you'll probably be going to see. I haven't stayed at any since I live here.

The restaurants I'm most familiar with are in the downtown area, it sounds like Danny will be able to help you if you venture into the neighborhoods. For Italian, I like La Rosetta on Madison, owned by the folks who run Rosebud on Taylor Street also a good choice but be careful in the surrounding neighborhood, and Scoozi on Huron. I've also received recommendations from friends for Mia Francesca (near the theater that has Blue Man Group)and for Topo Gigio (near Second City) but haven't made it yet.

For barbecued ribs and pork chops I like Carson's on Wells Street.

My favorite seafood restaurant is in the suburbs, I've heard good things about Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab at 60 E. Grand, not to be confused with Joe's Crabshack which is a chain restaurant.

Some other recommendations include Cafe Iberico or Cafe Ba Ba Reeba for Spanish tapas and Louisiana Kitchen or Heaven on Seven for cajun. Cafe Iberico and Heaven on Seven are close to Michigan Avenue or Ohio Street, the other two are in Lincoln Park.

Most of the places I've listed are very popular so try to get reservations if possible. You can also check out reviews of most Chicago restaurants at www.metromix.com. The one review for Heaven on Seven on Wabash is very negative but judging from the lines there every day at lunch I'd say a lot of people really like it.

March sometimes brings lots of snow with it in Chicago so be sure to pack a good pair of boots. And just because its March, doesn't mean the hotels will be empty. Chicago has a lot of convention visitors so book your hotel early.

Greg,
I believe that I can help you with your requests. Hotels: There are a myriad of choices, depending on your budget. There are two Holiday Inns, and a Days Inn that fall in the mid price range, and offer good locations. There is also the Marriott, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Intercontienetal, and Swissotel, at a higher price, but also with great locations. If you have a specific price range, let me know, and I can give you a more personalized list.
Shopping: Two major areas will cover your needs, Michigan Ave and State St. Both offer unlimited shopping, no matter what your tastes.
Restaurants: For BBQ, head to either Smoke Daddy Rhythm & Bar-B-Cue(1804 W Division St. 773-772-6656), or Blackhawk Lodge(41 E Superior St. 312-280-4080). The former has great food, and live Blues, while the latter, although not a rib joint, per se, offers some of the best hockory smoked ribs. For Italian, the choices are staggering! I will highlight 3, covering inexpensive, moderate, and wow! Pasta Palazzo(1966 N Halsted 773-248-1400) and Trattoria Parma(400 N Clark St. 312-245-9933), are two very tasty, yet reasonably priced establishments. Scoozi!(410 W. Huron 312-943-5900) and Trattoria No. 10(10 N Dearborn 312-245-9933) fill the same bill in the medium range. Finally, on the top end, there is Bice(158 E Ontario 312-664-1474)and, the top of the top,Spiaggia(980 N Michigan Ave 312-280-2750). For seafood, the best downtown option is Shaw's Crab House(21 E Hubbard 312-527-2722).
Blues Clubs: Both Buddy Guys(754 S Wabash 312-427-0333) and Kingston Mines(2548 N Halsted 312-661-0100) are both well worth the visit, and are open till the wee hours. Buddy Guys will soome be moving to a new home in the House of Blues, and as this is the place I tend to take my guests, I will suggest BG's as the topper.
Although made famous by the John Belushi sketch on SNL, Billy Goats Tavern(430 N Michigan Ave, lower level 312-222-1525) is a great Chicago bar. I enjoy hoisting a cold one, while eating a "Cheeseborger!", quite frequently.
Finally, if you are looking to get a good perspective on the history of the city, I would recommend taking one of the many guided tours. As our weather is unpredictable at that time of the year, this is probably the best option. If, however, the weather good, many of the major sights are within a general walking distance from each other. If you have any particular historical interests, please let me know, and I will provide specific details.
I hope this info is helpful, and do not hesitate to ask further questions.

Kevin

Thanks for the advice. I made reservations today with the Hotel Burnam-near State St. so I will take advantage of your tips.
Greg