My husband and I (30's) will have to stay overnight in Chicago, due to a flight connection to Canada.

We will arrive 7:00pm.

If you had one night, where should you dine? Nice place.. nice view.. good food..
Something that we can find 'only in Chicago'..

I heard that we should not miss the Chicago Pizza.

Navy Pier is a good idea? What restaurant?

Thanks a lot,
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!

Giordano's is good but Mrs Kal now prefers the nearby Pizzaria Uno while I'm still a Gino's East pizza man.
Lou Malnati's is usually a decent compromise.

For one night only maybe the "95th" at the top of the Hancock Bldg. Great views. Cocktail lounge afterwards.

Riva's on the Navy Pier has a great view of the city too.
Kal

How far is Navy Pier from Rush St?

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?

Thanks,
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.

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.

How about also checking out some famous Chicago Blues clubs as well!

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
http://www.chicago.il.org/
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.

If you want a nice view of the city, you can go to Riva (seafood restaurant at Navy Pier).

I agree that Everest has a great view of the city. It is very pricy and jackets are required.

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 "real" Chicago-style pizza (which is "stuffed" -- has several layers and two crusts, topped with more layers) and not just ordinary "deepdish" pizza, which isn't the same.

Navy Pier isn't what you want for March, and not for a restaurant. Consider "Greek town" 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 "OOopa" 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 "nice" and certainly no views. It will be cold here in March, I agree to probably skip Navy Pier.

I posted previously about NoMi... promise me you will at least look it up! Great views!

I saw some posters recommend Carmine's, also great--in the middle of everything!

Let us know what you decide!

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. "Nice place" and pizza are mutually exclusive.

No Carmines. Typical italian you can get in any city.
Go to Topolabampo or Frontera grill both at about 400 N Clark and can easily train,cab or walk to N Michigan.
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!!
We decided to go to the restaurant at the John Hancock..

When we come back I'll let you know how was the experience..

Thanks again!
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.

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..
Thanks!!