Upscale Dinner/Lunch/Drinks in Chciago
 

We are in Chicago for a single day/evening and want to make the most of the culinary and cocktail scene. I'm looking for recommendations for an upscale lunch, fun spot for good cocktails, and one of the best places in town for the overall fine dining dinner experience (food/service/atmosphere, etc).

We considered Trotters and Alinea but would like to try to not spend QUITE that much, although we are willing to pay well for a worthy experience. Always interested in a good tasting menu, French or Italian influenced, etc, but open.

Thoughts??

I had lunch at Topolobampo and really enjoyed it.

Lunch = RL in the Ralph Lauren store, right on Michigan Avenue in the middle of it all. Great people watching.

Dinner = NOMI in the Park Hyatt on Michigan overlooking Michigan Ave. Excellent food and views

Cocktails = The bar at the Peninsula. OR The Signature Room in the John Hancock.

All are near each and right on Michigan Ave.

I like Frontera Grill / Topolobampo too. If you want to be on Michigan Ave, Spaggia is lovely for lunch or dinner. "Seven" at Trump Tower is fun and upscale and you can have cocktails at "Rebar" before or after. I've also always enjoyed "Tavern on Rush" - lots of fun walking around that area.

Hope you enjoy yourself! I hope you are avoiding Chicago tonight, weather tonight here is ghastly.

Went to True for dinner last year and it was quite the wonderful dining experience.

Tru is beautiful - but I'm boycotting it after being hushed there by a snotty Maitre d'. It's upscale - but not always fun.

One of our very favorites for a wonderful dinner, service and wines is BOKA. It is on North Halstead and is has a warm and sophisticated ambiance and an award winning chef (see Bokachicago.com)

What day of the week will you be in Chicago and how soon? Is it on a holiday - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or NYE?

It might be a little difficult for you to get reservations for some of the better places, especially if you are trying to get them pre-NYE.

Look into The Violet Hour in Wicker Park. Thought by many to be the best bar in the US.