Hello,

we'll probably be staying at the talbott hotel and are looking for recommendations of moderately priced ($15-30 entrees)restaurants within walking distance (long walks ok)and ideally have outdoor dining.
Any suggestions?

OPinions on the Talbott itself are also appreciated since we could still change our reservation.
thanks

I wonder if I'm the only person here who doesn't have a clue where in the US the talbott hotel is.

chap4, even though you may click a state you're talking about, all topics will appear in line to anyone just looking at the US forum.

Neo...If it's not Chicago, you need to get out more...;-)

chap4-If it IS Chicago,
I stayed at the Talbott about 5 yrs ago and found it quite nice. GREAT location.

Nice staff and a very nice bar, inside and outside weather permitting.

We still stop by and have a cocktail at the bar even when not staying there and it seems to be holding up.
Since you don't mind walks, walking distance to just about most of the major restaurants, some close by.

It comes up when you click Illinois, so it must be Chicago. I didn't have a clue either!

another clue-less one!

Fornetto Mei is just down the street. Great food.

If Cru is open (closed for reno), I would highly recommend it for a glass of wine and appetizers.

Le Colonial is one of my favorites in the city. Also Bistro Zinc.

Hit Mike Ditka's for the Pot Roast Nachos!

ohmygawd aw7!!!
How can I forget Ditka's pot roast nachos!!!
Next to Waimea Brew Pub's Nui nachos, my favorite!!!

Had a good dinner at Carmine's and Blue Agave that are also nearby the Talbott.

Near Heaven on 7 too!

I stayed at the Talbott a couple of years ago and was somewhat disappointed. It's a small hotel, but there was nothing friendly about it as has been posted before. The small restaurant there was good. The hotel has an English feel, but it's nothing special. I wouldn't stay there again. There are quite a few restaurants within walking distance; unfortunately, I don't remember their names! There was an Italian place near that was good, as well as a Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating. If I can find out, I'll post again.

We just returned from a week at the Talbott. It was our second stay there and they upgraded us to an Executive King! We love the Talbott. It is our hotel of choice in Chicago and we have stayed at several.

Contrary to another poster, we always find every hotel employee extremely friendly and helpful. The rooms are very attractively decorated. The hotel is locally owned and the bar/restaurant is named after the owner, Basil. In addition, Basil visits the hotel almost daily to make sure things are going right.

It's a 4 + star in our book and highly, highly recommended. There are tons of restaurants in the close by area.

And yes, Ditka's Pot Roast Nachos are super! Of course we like Ditka's a bunch. He is usually at the upstairs bar in the evening. Nice guy. For a special treat at Ditka's, have a Bloody Mike. Best Bloody Mary you will ever have. It's basically breakfast with a beer chaser!

Curious

Curious

Thank you all for responding. I apologize for omitting a small detail--that I meant the Talbott in Chicago! It appears from your comments and from trip advisor that most people are positive about it--but it has a few who are less than enthusiastic. Sounds as if we won't lack for restaurants.

Curious!
I have to go check my Chicago notes because not only did I forget the pot roast nachos, I forgot the "to die for" Bloody Mike's!!!!

I had 2 with breakfast last year.
Mrs Kal drank one as part of her "cool down regime" from the Chicago (half) Marathon.

Was Da Coach there?
http://tinyurl.com/g698e

We stayed next door at "The Tired Old Lady-The Tremont".

In need of a face lift but great service and excellent location and about $115 on Priceline....adjoining door with Ditka's and you could take your drinks to your room if you'd like!

chap may look into The Tremont????
Save some $$$

Kal,

We have stayed the The Tremont before, like three years ago. It was tired then and they have done absolutely nothing to improve it. I know the Talbott is a little pricey, but we feel it's well worth it. While not next to Ditka's like the Tremont, the Talbott is only a block and 1/2 away. Nice walk to build up the hunger and thirst!

Curious

Curious,
They fixed up our room. Actually had a piece of duct tape arcoss the crack in the closet mirror.

I forgot how close the two hotels were. Just a short walk to the Talbot's sidewalk bar.

One caveat about Ditka's. Unless they changed the smoking laws since last Oct, cigar smoke runs rampant especially when it's crowded.

Kal,

I think you will find the cigar smoke mainly at night and confined pretty much to the upstairs bar. They do have good venilation.

Curious

While you don't need a fogcutter...It's not what I found last Oct. Even for Sunday b'fast but I got a supersensitive sniffer. ((&))

While I just can't take cigarette smoke, real cigar smoke is sooooo sweeeeet.

Now...back to day dreaming about pot roast nachos!