Weekend Getaway to Chicago
 

My husband and I are heading to Chicago this spring for a much needed getaway. Would love suggestions of restaurants and must see places. We have reward points to stay at either the Fairmont, the Four Seasons, or the Ritz. Any opinions on these hotels and the location? Thanks so much!

We loved The Purple Pig and thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast at Yolk when we were just there.

There is a huge amount of information on Chicago available on the "Search the forums" box at the top of the page.
Are you coming to Chicago by plane, train or auto?
Where are you coming from?

The Four Seasons and Ritz face each other at the north end of the Magnificent Mile, the main shopping district on Michigan Avenue. The Fairmont is across the river, just beyond the south end of the Mag Mile.

For info on what to see, check www.choosechicago.com. For restaurants you can search www.chicagoreader.com or www.chicagomag.com by cuisine, neighborhood or price. For transit info www.transitchicago.com has maps, a trip planner and how to track trains and buses using a smart phone. If you're arriving by air or train, you can purchase transit passes at either airport or Union Station that allow unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. A 1-day pass is $10 and a 3-day is $20.

The West Loop area is becoming home to an increasing number of hip restaurants. Consider taking a look there when you're searching around the web.

Try a Chicago style deep dish pizza at either Lou Manati's or Pizzeria Uno or Due. Gino's East is another choice if you don't mind a corn meal crust. Gibsons or the Chicago Chop House are nice options for steak. We did lunch at Lawry's Prime Rib and it was very good.

Are you wanting recommendations for non-chain restaurants? If so, please note that those recommended above do not meet that criteria.

Also, please advise your dining budget range.

We just loved the tour we did through the Chicago greeter program. We had the most wonderful host for the day who took us around the loop area and then to the Gold coast area.

http://chicagogreeter.com/

I think I've commented on similar inquiries recently, admittedly being a bit of a broken record, so I don't want to comment here, but please do a quick forum search and then maybe drill down on what you see. thanks!