One night - Chicago: Where to dine?
 

My husband and I (30's) will have to stay overnight in Chicago, due to a flight connection to Canada.<BR><BR>We will arrive 7:00pm.<BR><BR>If you had one night, where should you dine? Nice place.. nice view.. good food.. <BR>Something that we can find 'only in Chicago'..<BR><BR>I heard that we should not miss the Chicago Pizza.<BR><BR>Navy Pier is a good idea? What restaurant?<BR><BR>Thanks a lot,<BR>Patricia

I live in Chicago and couldn't even begin to tell you. Far too many options depending upon your preferences. I wouldn't go to Navy Pier, however. I suggest going on Metromix.com under dining. Search through restaurants and individual reviews.

Hello, If it were me, I would go to the Pump Room for a drink. And then off to Rush street for a fun evening at Carmines. But their are so many places to go. I would not bother with Navy Pier, and Pizza????? Let me know more about what you like. Kris

For great Chicago pizza go to Giordano's on Rush Street

Ahhh. The window seat at Carmine's on Rush with the seafood pasta special!<BR><BR>Giordano's is good but Mrs Kal now prefers the nearby Pizzaria Uno while I'm still a Gino's East pizza man.<BR>Lou Malnati's is usually a decent compromise. <BR><BR>For one night only maybe the &quot;95th&quot; at the top of the Hancock Bldg. Great views. Cocktail lounge afterwards. <BR><BR>Riva's on the Navy Pier has a great view of the city too.<BR>Kal

How far is Navy Pier from Rush St?<BR><BR>I'm thinking of having dinner at Carmine's and then go for a stroll at the Navy Pier.. Is that doable for a Friday night?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Patricia

NoMi is a wonderful, upscale restaurant on Michigan Avenue in the Park Hyatt. It is on a higher floor (10th?) overlooking the Water Tower and Michigan Avenue. Ask for a seat by the windows, you will not be dissapointed. Depending on weather, they also have a great terrace for drinks! Good suggestion mentioned above to check out www.metromix.com. <BR><BR>You would probably want to take a cab to Navy Pier, no matter what restaurant you go to, it gets a little confusing if you walk (and rather far). Very touristy, but does have great views of the city. <BR><BR>How about also checking out some famous Chicago Blues clubs as well!<BR><BR>Hope this is helpful!

When are you going to be in Chicago? You won't want to go strolling Navy Pier any time before late April. There are some indoor enticements there, but in general it is much more enjoyable in warm weather. Strolling Michigan Avenue, however, is fabulous any time, and an easy walk from Carmine's. Go to <BR>http://www.chicago.il.org/<BR>for lots of tourist information.

March 7th... 2003

If I could dine anywhere in Chicago, it would be either Charlie Trotters or Everest.

I agree with one of the posters that Giordano's is the place to go for Chicago style deep-dish pizza.<BR><BR>If you want a nice view of the city, you can go to Riva (seafood restaurant at Navy Pier).<BR><BR>I agree that Everest has a great view of the city. It is very pricy and jackets are required.<BR><BR>The Signature Room at 95th (John Hancock Building), also has good views. I probably wouldn't take guests there, but would instead take them there for an expensive drink.

Giordano's for sure -- just to make sure you get &quot;real&quot; Chicago-style pizza (which is &quot;stuffed&quot; -- has several layers and two crusts, topped with more layers) and not just ordinary &quot;deepdish&quot; pizza, which isn't the same.<BR><BR>Navy Pier isn't what you want for March, and not for a restaurant. Consider &quot;Greek town&quot; and one of the restaurants over there (across the river from the Loop, Halsted St.) for something truly Chicagoan -- order the saganaki and have the waiters yell &quot;OOopa&quot; when they flambe it. Or go to the Berghoff on Adams in the Loop for German food with their own beer. Have a drink (not a meal) at the top of the Hancock Building (better view than the Sears Tower anyway).

Just an FYI, pizza is truly Chicago, but very touristy and not &quot;nice&quot; and certainly no views. It will be cold here in March, I agree to probably skip Navy Pier. <BR><BR>I posted previously about NoMi... promise me you will at least look it up! Great views! <BR><BR>I saw some posters recommend Carmine's, also great--in the middle of everything!<BR><BR>Let us know what you decide!<BR>

I have to agree that Navy Pier would be a waste if the weather was not nice. You can do alot better than eating at the pier. Go to www.chowhound.com and look at the Chicago board for ideas. A drink on the 95th floor at the Hancock before dinner is recommended, but don't eat dinner there. You don't say what type of food or if you want a fancy or casual place. &quot;Nice place&quot; and pizza are mutually exclusive.

No Carmines. Typical italian you can get in any city.<BR>Go to Topolabampo or Frontera grill both at about 400 N Clark and can easily train,cab or walk to N Michigan. <BR>Both are Rick Bayless restaurants, he's often on the food channel. High end mexican but worth it! See reviews at www.metromix.com Need reservations for a wkend night a few wks in advance. Also have a drink at the top of the Hancock bar. Welcome!

Back again. I'm very fond of www.citysearch.com to look for good restaurants -- try it, and click on Chicago.

Thanks for all posts!!.. You all helped a lot!!<BR>We decided to go to the restaurant at the John Hancock.. <BR><BR>When we come back I'll let you know how was the experience..<BR><BR>Thanks again!<BR>Patricia

Pat, have a drink at the top of the John Hancock building but don't eat there. Waste of money.

Hit post too soon.<BR><BR>If you want dinner with a view, go to Everest. Do not eat at the top of the John Hancock building. Be forwarned, Everest is $$$$$.

Ok.. drinks only at Hancock.. :o)<BR>Thanks!!<BR>

For a great steak dinner, consider Gibsons.

What about the Chop House?

How far from Hancock??<BR>Are they open late?<BR><BR>Patricia<BR>

This is another vote for DRINKS at the 95th floor of the Hancock. Go there after your dinner and enjoy the views. For dinner...it all depends on what you have a taste for and how casual you want your dinner. Metromix.com is probably your best bet to narrow your search. If you are interested in steaks or prime rib Gibson's on Rush or Lawry's on Ontairo are great choices. Both are about 5 miles or so from Hancock. Gibson's has been the restaurant of choice for many famous people...Anyway,I hope you enjoy your trip to our wonderful city...

I LOVE Spiaggia restaurant and , if it is still open, Yoshi's Cafe--<BR><BR>

Pat, all of the steak places mentioned are less than a mile from the Hancock. Gibson's at 1028 Rush Street is the closest at about 1/3 mile, Lawry's at 100 E. Ontario is about 1/2 mile and the Chop House at 60 W. Ontario is about 3/4 mile.<BR><BR>I would recommend reservations for any of these if it is a Friday or Saturday. Only go to Lawry's if you both like prime rib as that's pretty much all they serve.<BR><BR>Gibson's is open until 2 am and is the closest to the Hancock so that might be your best bet. It's not inexpensive though (none of the steakhouses are inexpensive), you might have a look at their menu at www.gibsonssteakhouse.com.

Pat, according to your other posts, you have only a limited time in Chicago. Don't let the nay-sayers talk you out of eating at the Signature Room at the John Hancock if that is what you want. The last time I ate there I was pleasantly surprised at the improved food and the special desserts. You can do a search for the menu, if the prices or selection concern you. The view is a big hit with visitors, every time. Another worthwhile point is that the staff are friendly and helpful to tourists. Do make a reservation wherever you go on a Friday or Saturday night. Enjoy your stay, wherever you dine!

No one goes to Chicago for one night to go to the Signature Room. You have no idea what you are talking about. Get a drink there after dinner. Dine at Cafe Spiaggia or Blackbird or Tuscany on Taylor street, just to name a few. Stay away from the tourist traps!

Pat, don't know if you are still reading posts and suggestions, but I've echo e_roz and suggest drinks in Hancock and dinner at one of Bayless' restaurants. Then, walk Michigan Avenue up-down-across the bridge, see the sights and maybe meander over to BLUE Chicago (Superior &amp; Clark) to catch some Chicago Blues (there's a pretty good band there at 9pm on 03/07). Later, stop at Cru (Wabash &amp; Delaware) for relaxed atmosphere and good wine. Or, hop in a cab and head up to Pops for Champagne for ... well, champagne ... and usually decent live jazz (piano or 1-3 person combos). Good creme brulee, too.<BR><BR><BR>My favorite place for pizza is Chicago Pizza &amp; Oven Grinder on Clark close to Dickens. Not &quot;typical&quot; Chicago-style at all, tho.<BR><BR>Also, Chicago does breakfast really well. If you're going to be around, you might try Wishbone (1000 block of W. Washington), Original Pancake House (off Rush @ Bellevue), the original Heaven on Seven (Garland Bldg. on Wabash &amp; Washington), Twisted Spoke (Ogden @ Grand - they also make a mean bloody mary), or lots of other good places.<BR><BR>There's a lot on tap (no pun intended) for St. Patrick's Day around the city, too, so should be loads to do. I wouldn't hit Navy Pier ... scads of other things to see walking the Michigan Avenue area.<BR><BR>Hope you enjoy your brief visit!

Also, Signature Lounge has horrible food, don't eat there, just order a drink.

Oh my.. so many options!!<BR>Thanks everybody.. <BR><BR>But what should be your option.. for a nice dinner.. walking distance from Hancock?<BR><BR>Food: Italian.. Steak House.. or Mexican.. (I loved the idea of Frontera Grill)...<BR><BR>Thanks again!

Pat, Frontera &amp; Topolobampo, NoMi, and Spiaggia all are easy walking distance from the Hancock. Here are the addresses:<BR><BR>Hancock: 875 N. Michigan<BR>Frontera-Top.: 441 North Clark<BR>NoMi: 800 N. Michigan<BR>Spiaggia: 980 N. Michigan<BR><BR>I'm not a steak-eater, so can't really recommend a place but I would pick either Frontera or Topolobampo anyway. Have fun!

&quot;Steak and Italian&quot; rang a bell.<BR>We usually stop at Harry Carey's for a beer and a dog and those great chips but for some reason or another, we wound up eating dinner in the bar one night and found the pasta and the steaks to be very good. <BR>A pleasant suprise.<BR><BR>We've also had good steaks at Sullivan's and The Weber Grill. <BR><BR>But for one night in Chicago...???<BR>Kal

There are lots of good suggestions and it's a hard choice. Charlie Trotters is the number one ranked restaurant in the city--but not central to the other areas. Frontera an Topolobomba are great suggestions (the first is the more casual, less expensive restaurant by the same chef--in the same location). Spiaggia is also an excellent choice and right on Michigan Ave.<BR>I'm going to throw out something different which I think will be a really unique dining experience: Biggs Steak House is located in a historic townhouse. Almost every room has a fireplace and it is the most charming and beautiful dining room you could imagine. It shut down for renovations and recently re-opened to great reviews, so it may not be listed on a lot of the charts people were recommending. If you want something very Chicago--it's known for it's steak.<BR>My favorite Chicago pizza is My Pie on Clark in Lincoln park. I think Lou Malnati's is totally over-rated.<BR><BR>I agree with the recommendation for the original pancake house for breakfast. Totally different than the Int'l House of pancakes.<BR>

JES, your suggestions of Biggs is great! I live a block away and never even thought to suggest it (blonde moment).<BR><BR>Pat, don't forget to post feedback on your big night in Chicago.

My husband will love Jes's suggestion...<BR><BR>I'll definitely post my experience when I come back..<BR><BR>Thanks everybody.. You guys really helped me A LOT!! :o))<BR><BR>Patricia<BR><BR>