Restaurant Help in Downtown Chicago Please
 

We will be at the Hyatt Regency at 151 East Wacker Drive for 12 days in July, would like some "good value" suggestions. As we will be eating between 5 and 7PM , if anyone knows of any "early bird specials", that would be even better. Thanks

ttt

What sort of food do you like?

To find something nearby, go to metromix.com and type in "Hyatt Regency Chicago" in the Find it Fast section. It will give you a new screen with an option for finding things in the area - in this case, within .25 miles.

The Hyatt is located within a large, high-rise office and hotel development, between Grant Park, the river and the lake. That doesn't leave a lot of room for inexpensive restaurants, but they can be found.

There is a food court in Illinois Center, the office complex that is attached to the Hyatt. There are some lower-cost restaurants in the 200 block of North Michigan Avenue. My personal recommendations would be a few blocks farther: Cosi's or Boston Blackie's on Grand Avenue (take the stairs down from Michigan Avenue) or Star of Siam on Illinois Street.

Can someone tell me what ttt is?

I stayed at this hotel in 2004. Click on my screen name and you will find my trip report and some very helpful postings I received about places to eat while in Chicago. Have fun!

I've stayed at the Hyatt. The food court at the Illinois Center is decent -- it's a bit of a hike (though indoors and through a tunnel) and a bit spread out, but they do have a Cosi, a Burrito Beach and a Potbelly Sandwich works. Also -- this food court closes after 6 pm on weekdays and isn't open on weekends.

There's Corner Bakery very close by on Wacker just E. of Michigan. Good breakfast option; also good sandwiches, etc for lunch.

You might consider South Water Kitchen at the Hotel Monaco. It's fairly close to the Hyatt - East on Wacker, then north on Wabash. Good comfort food and atmosphere, and not too expensive as far as Chicago restaurants go.

I also recommend the food court at Water Tower Place. It's a cut above most food courts, and has options you won't find at other mall food courts. Quick, too!

"to the top" - if you submitted a question and no one has answered, it goes to the bottom of the list - the person who posted the question types "ttt" to bring it back to the top.

One of my favorite Chicago restaurants is an old, independently owned Italian place called "volarie" - it's under Michigan Ave & Rush - great place! Sorry I don't have the contact info, but you can look it up on Metromix.

Thanks for the info on ttt. I thought it was someone being a wise guy.

No, Spikeit, I was just trying to help! I didn't have the info but knew there are plenty of other Fodorites who would. Didn't want to see thndrstm's post sink before they had a chance to see it.

Looks like somebody else going to the National Bridge Tournament?

VM

Any more? I will be leaving in about a week. Thx

You should really try the "metromix" recommendation or type "chicago restaurants" on this forum - there have been TONS of threads for this subject.

The Italian Village rest. is three restaurants all together, so you can pick the different kinds of food and the prices are really reasonable. It is at the old downtown area of Chicago like a block from Marshall Fields dept store on N. State Street.

Liz

The lower level of Marshall Field's on State STreet has a cafeteria. Busy and noisy, but inexpensive. Also, the 7th floor has a variety of options and more peaceful than the basement.

Try Quartino's on State Street for a hip but not expensive Italian dinner. If the weather is nice, they have great ouside dining.

My wife is going to the Bridge tournament that week as well.

Wishing you lots of 2-clubs opening hands!