For a great steak dinner, consider Gibsons.

What about the Chop House?

How far from Hancock??
Are they open late?

Patricia

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--

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.

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.

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 & Clark) to catch some Chicago Blues (there's a pretty good band there at 9pm on 03/07). Later, stop at Cru (Wabash & 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.


My favorite place for pizza is Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder on Clark close to Dickens. Not "typical" Chicago-style at all, tho.

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 & Washington), Twisted Spoke (Ogden @ Grand - they also make a mean bloody mary), or lots of other good places.

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.

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!!
Thanks everybody..

But what should be your option.. for a nice dinner.. walking distance from Hancock?

Food: Italian.. Steak House.. or Mexican.. (I loved the idea of Frontera Grill)...

Thanks again!

Pat, Frontera & Topolobampo, NoMi, and Spiaggia all are easy walking distance from the Hancock. Here are the addresses:

Hancock: 875 N. Michigan
Frontera-Top.: 441 North Clark
NoMi: 800 N. Michigan
Spiaggia: 980 N. Michigan

I'm not a steak-eater, so can't really recommend a place but I would pick either Frontera or Topolobampo anyway. Have fun!

"Steak and Italian" rang a bell.
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.
A pleasant suprise.

We've also had good steaks at Sullivan's and The Weber Grill.

But for one night in Chicago...???
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.
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.
My favorite Chicago pizza is My Pie on Clark in Lincoln park. I think Lou Malnati's is totally over-rated.

I agree with the recommendation for the original pancake house for breakfast. Totally different than the Int'l House of pancakes.

JES, your suggestions of Biggs is great! I live a block away and never even thought to suggest it (blonde moment).

Pat, don't forget to post feedback on your big night in Chicago.

My husband will love Jes's suggestion...

I'll definitely post my experience when I come back..

Thanks everybody.. You guys really helped me A LOT!! )

Patricia