Two mother/daughter pairs are getting together for a "girls weekend" the end of the month in Chicago. The moms would like to step back in time and revisit Old Town. Can anyone advise us on restaurant options on Friday or Saturday night?

I like to take people to Topo Gigio - reliable northern Italian food in a Victorian-era building. They do get crowded, but handle groups well. It's on Wells Street, about a blck and a half south of Division.

Second for Topo Gigio. Bistro Margot is another great, cozy neighborhood spot (however very busy on weekends. Live music and fireplace upstairs!). Kamahachi (for Sushi).

You will not believe how the neighborhood has changed! Save some time to check out some of the great boutiques along Wells (my favorites are Sophie and Handle with Care). Another is Josephine...named best shoe store in country by Lucky magazine (very very high end).

Have fun and bundle up...little breezy this time of year

ttt

There is a great Mexican place on Wells north of North but south of the park-on the same side of the street as Second City. Can anyone remember the name?

Adobo Grill is right next door to Second City - just a couple doors north of North. I've eaten there twice and loved it both times. The house margarita is excellent, and they have a HUGE list of tequilas to choose from if you want to stray from the house variety.

They will also make the guacamole fresh at your table if you order the guacamole and chips appetizer.

Website is www.adobogrill.com and they have menus, etc.

Thank you for your helpful suggestions! Does any one else have other recommendations for restaurants that are walkable from the Royal George Theatre?

Try Trattoria Gianni, 1711 N. Halsted. It's casually elegant with very good food. Closed at lunchtime, though.

Do you know about metromix.com? You can plug in a destination and see what's within a selected distance. Nearly all the restaurant listings have reader reviews, as well as a professional Tribune review.

I find that Topo Gigio is overrated and overpriced, plus the maitre'd is snobby. However, Adobo is excellent on the other hand. Don't forget to try the Guacomole Cart, which prepares the dish in front of you. Enjoy

The best Italian in Old Town is Trattoria Dinotto. You will not be disappointed.

Get a quickie mani/pedi at Old Town Nails, you will feel like you live in the neighborhood.

Of alal the times I have been to Chicago I guess I haven't been to old towne. I always hang out on Michigan Ave or the Merchandise Mart. How far from Michigan Ave is Old Towne and should I make that my next stop when in Chicago?

Probably a $6 cab ride or 15-20 minute walk. In my opinion, definitely worth it. I love seeing where people live when I visit cities. Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Wrigleyville are fun places to see.

retired teacher:
Check out the web page for the Royal George, they sometimes have links to area restaurants. The other option is just to walk around, it is in an area full of restaurants, so you could just walk around and look at menus and peek in the window until you find one you like.

To vkb2:
The Merchandise Mart and Mag Mile do not give you the flavor of Chicago at all. You should really make it a point to check out one of the north side neighborhoods, like Lincoln Park, Old Town (they sort of run into one another) or points further north, or go to Little Italy (Taylor St. just west of the south end of the Loop) or Greek town (directly west of the Loop on Halsted St) for some great restaurants.

2 things- walk west to Segwick and north 2 blocks to Twin Anchors for ribs. Old established bar/restaurant with neighborhood feel. A Frank Sinatra haunt. Then, back to North ave. and one block west of Wells- the Old Town Ale House for their awesome jukebox! Check out the hand-painted mural of past patrons.

Thanks to all who responded! We have reservations and are looking forward to this weekend in the city. Don't expect to find the Old Town we remember from around the time of the '68 convention, but our twenty-something daughters should still enjoy....