jubilee's Profile
Coming to Chicago Area in May... where to eat?
Welcome to Chicago!
Assuming you have at least 2 days, here's what I would do if I was a food tour guide for friends on a budget. Many ideas have been already recommended, so I've incorporated them with ideas of my own. Notice, no deep dish pizza...please.
Breakfast - Fox & Obel, then you can visit Navy Pier and then Trolley or walk to Michigan Ave.
Lunch near Michigan Ave - Bistro 110 (Casual French) or Coco Pazzo Cafe (Casual Italian and sandwiches) there are some chains like Friday's too- all have patios for people watching.
Dinner - 6:00 PM margaritas and snacks at the bar at Frontera Grill - a good way to enjoy this busy, busy place without waiting 2 hours. Then head across the street to Naha a lovely fusion restaurant for your dinner very pretty and peaceful and the chef was just nominated for a James Beard Award.
Day 2
Breakfast - Bongo room or old Lou Mitchell's both fun and funky. You can head to Millenium Park or museums by a short cab ride from both.
Lunch - The Gage or Park Grill both near Millenium Park and Art Institute
Dinner - Coco Pazzo in River North, great Italian, seafood and steaks, best risotto in Chicago (Chicago Mag) and you can order 1/2 portions of risotto and pasta.
Then after dinner, drinks at the newly opened Rebar at Trump International Hotel for a glass of bubbly. (The restaurant Sixteen is open but very expensive.)
Have a great time...let us know
3 Brothers w/ Wives in 3 nights (6 'Hounds)
I have read all the suggestions (16 reply's so far) and I would be confused if I were you at this point. I think I understand that you want to mix things up a bit, eat at the best of Chicago, and be able to enjoy your family's company. I am very familiar with all of your list and other people's helpful suggestions. So I would like to give you a definitive "list" where you won't go wrong enjoying our great city. Notice there are some new reco's on my list.
Best of new in Chicago:
1. Table fifty-two - make reservations now! It only seats 37 people.
2. Sepia - good reviews, great service
Best Pizza all are super causal
1 .Crust - all organic
2.Spacca Napoli - out of the way, even though it's it walking distance from the el.
3. Giordona's or Lou Malnati's tie for deep dish
Italian:
Note: Spiaggia is very expensive and men must wear a coat. It is always good but I have never felt "comfortable" there. So I would recommend:
1. Coco Pazzo or it's more casual sister Coco Pazzo Cafe - (not related to the Coco Pazzo in New York.)
2. Riccardo Trattoria on N Clark
Breakfast:
1. Ina's - very fresh
2. Lou Mitchell's (downtown)- Chicago institution very crowded but always good and fun
Always great:
1. Alinea - the best! I'd make this number one on your list.
Weird Food:
1. Moto
Pub fare:
1. The Gage on Michigan Ave.
2. Park Grill in Millenium Park
Burgers
1. Boston Blackies (super casual and fast if you have someplace to go)
2. NAHA - upscale atmosphere, great food and burgers. Maybe you can go for a margarita after at the bar at Fronterra Grill first which is across the street.
Seafood:
1. Blue Water Grill
2. Shaw's Crab House - We prefer the Oyster Bar, but it's hard to get a table for six.
Hot Dogs:
Portillio's - can't go wrong and it's downtown
Hot Doug's - very unusual, try the duck fat fries
Pick - up picnic fare:
1. Bari's Italian market on Milwaukee ave. - great sandwiches in the back of this market
2. Fox and Obel market near Navy Pier
Fusion: agree with your choices - Love Red Light
Cocktails:
1. NoMi - in the Park Hyatt
2. Tsunami upstairs Saki Lounge with a fireplace (great fresh sushi, too!)
3. RL in the Ralph Lauren store on Mich. Ave.
Agreed with everyone's comments on Mexican.
Enjoy and please let us know what you choose!
under the radar and anti-scene in River North
Was at Kiki's last Friday and wasn't enthralled. My friends had the halibut, which I tasted, and it was pretty good, but I could make better roasted chicken and steak frite at home. The crowd was 50+, which is fine for us, but not if you are looking for something younger.
Report on Chicago trip 1 (long)
Since you are in River North, don't miss Coco Pazzo! The best Tuscan Italian food in Chicago and an all Italian wine list with some reasonably priced ones. BTW, Tsunami for sushi and other regional Japanese cooking is great. Also good for people watching.
