Restaurants
Fine Dining
Chicago Chop House
Located in an immaculately restored, century-old Victorian brownstone, they offer an awe-inspiring 64-oz porterhouse, 16-oz and 24-oz New York Strips and 24-oz prime rib. The wine list features over 650 selections, including over 30 wines by the glass.
60 W. Ontario St.
312-787-7100
www.chicagochophouse.com
Gibson's Bar & SteakHouse
A big city dining experience with big flavor steaks and chops, fresh fish daily, and enormous lobster tails — all matched with an extensive wine list.
1028 N. Rush St.
312-266-8999
www.gibsonssteakhouse.com
Harry Caray's Chicago
This legendary Italian Steakhouse serves prime, aged steaks and chops in a truly warm Chicago atmosphere. Zagat had this to say about them: "Outstanding chicken vesuvio and terrific steaks."
33 W. Kinzie St.
312-828-0966
www.harrycarays.com/home.html
Mike Ditka's
Da' restaurant of da' coach. The stylish melodies of the big band era and familiar voice of "old blue eyes" can be heard live in the cigar bar Tuesday through Saturday night 8:30pm to 11:30pm.
100 E. Chestnut St.
312-587-8989
www.mikeditkaschicago.com
Alinea
Named best restaurant in America by Gourmet Magazine in 2006, Alinea is a dining experience. The tasting tour is 12 courses, and the menu tour is 24 courses. Every taste on the menu is designed to be presented in a unique way, to bring out flavors or pairings of flavors in ways you'd never have imagined. Be sure to call for reservations as far in advance as possible.
312-867-0110
1723 North Halsted St.
www.alinearestaurant.com
The Signature Room at the 95th
Located atop the John Hancock Center, in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Signature Room at the 95th offers contemporary American fare with sweeping views of the city.
875 N. Michigan Avenue
312-787-9596
www.signatureroom.com
The Chicago Firehouse
The building was erected in 1905, and it is believed that this unique firehouse, constructed with yellow brick and limestone, was specially built to blend in with the new high-end house built by socialites who moved into the area following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The building stands in much of its same splendor today. The tin ceiling, the glazed tile walls, the two fire poles located in the bar, and the chief's wall passed when entering the bar are all original. The Chicago Firehouse Engine Company 104 still serves the neighborhood, but in a slightly different capacity, with its American Classic menu.
1401 S Michigan Ave.
Speak to Vanessa @ 312-786-1401 to book a banquet room
http://www.mainstayhospitality.com/index.php?section=3
Catch 35
The range of seafood choices is so deep and interesting that you get the feeling you should pull up a deck chair to aid further study. The Chicago Sun-Times called it "one of the classiest and most innovative seafood restaurants around." Luckily, Catch 25 is located less than a mile from the hotel, because you're not going to want to move much after you're done here.
35 W. Wacker Drive
Call Andy @ 312-346-3500 to arrange for private and semi-private rooms
www.catch35.com
Morton's Steak House
Thick, juicy USDA prime-aged steak, fresh fish and seafood, hand-picked produce, delicious appetizers and elegant desserts, all in an environment of rich mahogany, crisp linens and superior service. Mmmm.
65 East Wacker Place
Call Mauricio @ 312-201-0464 for reservations
www.mortons.com
The Hardrock Hotel
It's a classic. And the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago looks like a nice one, offering a variety of cultural dining experiences to tempt your pallette. Enjoy a taste of the East from their famed China Grill. Or try The Sipping Room Bar in their lobby, serving your favorite libations from early to late night hours, seven days a week.
230 North Michigan Avenue
866-966-5166
http://hardrockhotelchicago.com
Casual Dining
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Portillo's Hot Dogs, started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer, is now operating in 45 locations. One of the best places for a hot dog, Italian Beef, Maxwell Street Polish, burger and fresh salad. (Just kidding, we have no idea what the salad tastes like)
100 W. Ontario St.
312-587-8910
www.portillos.com/portillos
Lake Side Café
Serves high-quality organic delights and was voted best vegetarian restaurant of Chicago two years in a row by Citysearch.com and VegDining.com.
1418 W. Howard St.
773-262-9503
www.lake-side-cafe.com
Sopraffina Marketcaffe
A quick and easy vegetarian-friendly spot near the hotel.
200 E. Randolph St.
312-729-9200
www.sopraffina.com
Uno Chicago Grill
Started in 1946, this is the home of Chicago deep dish pizza.
619 North Wabash Avenue
312-943-2400
49 East Ontario St.
312-943-4041
29 East Ohio St.
312-321-1000
www.unos.com
Ed Debevic's
A no-nonsense diner. Real beef burgers, homemade chili, fresh-baked bread, pies and plenty of good, hot coffee.
640 N. Wells St.
312-664-1707
www.eddebevics.com
Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern
Located in an historic Old Town building that dates back to 1881, this ribs house is one of the oldest restaurants in the city of Chicago. During Prohibition a speakeasy known as "Tante Lee Soft Drinks" provided refreshments for the "thirsty" in this location. "We aren't just running a restaurant. Every night, we are throwing a party for 300 people in a living museum! That is what makes it such a pleasure."
1655 North Sedgwick St.
312-266-1616 (does not accept reservations)
www.twinanchorsribs.com
Carson's Ribs
"Insanely rich au gratin potatoes and hickory-smoked ribs — that's the deal at Carson's. It's what people order, and it's why Chicagoans have loved Carson's since the doors swung open in 1977." — Chicago Magazine
612 N. Wells St
312-280-9200
www.ribs.com
Gino's East
Gino's East story began in 1966 when two taxi drivers and a friend, frustrated with rush hour traffic, decided to open a pizzeria just off Michigan Ave. and Superior St. Each pizza is made by hand with a golden crust, fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, and loaded with your choice of fresh ingredients. Available for dine-in, carryout and delivery.
162 E. Superior St.
(312) 266-3337
633 N. Wells St. (Ontario and Wells)
(312) 943-1124
www.ginoseast.com
Garrett Popcorn
Garrett Popcorn Shops has been "A Chicago Tradition" since 1949. They are dedicated to using the finest and freshest ingredients folded into a secret family recipe, passed down through three generations. It's worth the wait in line. (Bored? Check out their website for a video of Halle Berry freaking out over their popcorn)
670 N. Michigan Ave
www.garrettpopcorn.com
Gold Coast Dogs
Gold Coast Dogs is the only place to get authentic Chicago-style char dogs (don't ask for ketchup!) in the Loop. This is definitely not a place to go for healthy eating.
159 N Wabash Ave
312-917-1677
www.goldcoastdog.net
BackStage Bistro
The Backstage Bistro is an extension of the Illinois Institute of Art's culinary department. Great food and, because they're poor students, they work cheap. It's a good idea to call for reservations if you're going for lunch.
180 N. Wabash Ave.
312-475-6920
www.artinstitutes.edu/chicago/backstagebistro.asp
Lao Szechuan
We have it on good authority that this is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Chicago. Szechuan food is known for its hot and flavorful peppers, and this restaurant imports all their spices directly from the source. After dinner you'll be just steps away from the archway entrance to Chicago's Chinatown.
2172 S Archer Ave.
Call 312-326-5040 and ask to speak to a manager to arrange for a private banquet room (6 to 120 people)
www.laoszechuan.com
Dunkin' Donuts
Spend too much time at the Old Timers Lounge last night? No need to worry! Dunkin' Donuts, our favorite morning-after cure, is just around the corner from the Hotel.
233 N. Michigan Ave
312-938-0400
Entertainment
Sports
The Chicago Cubs
They're playing at the Friendly Confines all week, with matchups against the Diamondbacks, Padres and Pirates.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?
c_id=chc&m=5&y=2008
Whirly Ball
We don't know what it is either. It combines lacrosse, hockey and basketball with bumper cars (and assumedly a large dose of liquid courage). They don't even let in anyone under 21 after 5pm. You've been warned.
1880 West Fullerton Ave.
1-800-894-4759
www.whirlyball.com
Music
Symphony Hall
It looks a bit like a Disney stage since it was redone. Regardless, the CSO is top notch. Shostakovich 4 is being performed on Sunday and Tuesday.
220 South Michigan Avenue
312-294-3000 (Ticketing Department)
www.cso.org
Buddy Guy's Legends
Owned by the five-time Grammy Award-winning and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Bluesman himself, Buddy Guy's Legends has been booking some of the best blues bands from all over the world for almost 20 years.
754 South Wabash Avenue
312-427-0333
http://buddyguys.com
Kingston Mines
Kingston Mines is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2008 and has been voted Chicago's best blues club eight years in a row by the Chicago Music Awards.
2548 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL
773-477-4646
http://www.kingstonmines.com
B.L.U.E.S.
B.L.U.E.S. features primarily local artists (e.g. Son Seals, Eddie Shaw, Magic Slim, Eddy Clearwater). The atmosphere is friendly and intimate. Stretching along its right side is a long bar, and along its left side a riser for overflow seating. The first set is usually around 9:30, and they play until 10:30 or 11:00.
2519 N. Halsted
www.chicagobluesbar.com
Tours
Exploring Chicago's Yeast Side: A History of Beer
Before Milwaukee claimed the title of beer capital of the Midwest, there was Chicago! Discover the city's golden age of brewing on this sunset tour complete with beer tastings provided by Berghoff Brewery.
This boat tour along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is presented by the Chicago History Museum and Chicago Line Cruises.
Sunday, May 18, 6:30-9:00pm
www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/tours/
exploring-the-city-3#beer
You can find additional boat tours that run throughout the week here: www.chicagotraveler.com/boat_tours.htm
Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour
Starts in the heart of Downtown and explores the Near North neighborhoods of Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park. On this guided, narrated walking food tour, you'll learn about Chicago's rich history and treasured architecture while sampling authentic flavors from ethnic eateries and food shops. Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours typically sell out quickly ahead of time.
Tours depart daily between 11am and 2pm.
800-979-3370 (Ticket Office)
www.chicagofoodplanet.com
Chicago Architectural Tours
Architectural and historical boat tours that run many times a day, seven days a week. The Chicago Sun-Times said they are "without question the best architectural tours available in Chicago; witty, informative, engaging."
465 N. McClurg Ct.
www.chicagoline.com/archcruise
Shows
The ComedySportz Theatre
Want fast, funny and smart improv comedy that is appropriate for all ages? The ComedySportz main stage show is playing Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays at 8pm and 10pm, and Saturdays at 6pm, 8pm and 10pm. Family friendly not your style? Then come back Saturday at midnight to witness The Hot Carl. You'll gasp, you'll shriek, and you may even be offended in those rare moments where you aren't laughing hysterically.
929 W. Belmont Ave.
Tickets: 773-549-8080
www.comedysportzchicago.com
Downtown Theater District
Get seats to the most exciting shows in Chicago's bustling Downtown Theater District. Among the current offerings is Wicked, named the best musical of the year by Time Magazine.
The Annoyance Theater and Bar
Offering up a variety of improv shows all week long. Check out the show descriptions and reviews at their website.
4830 N. Broadway St.
773-561-4665 (Box Office)
www.annoyanceproductions.com/index.shtml
Sites
Sears Tower SkyDeck
Voted one of the 7 Wonders of Chicago by Chicago Tribune Readers, the Sears Tower is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. Visit the SkyDeck to check out the views.
www.the-skydeck.com
Millenium Park
At Millennium Park you'll find, in the words of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, "beautiful architecture, landscaped and protected parklands, and the ongoing celebration of the arts."
John Hancock Observatory
The Hancock Observatory is open daily from 9:00am to 11:00pm. Experience spectacular views spanning up to 80 miles and four states.
875 N. Michigan Avenue
www.hancock-observatory.com
Old Chicago Water Tower District
A historic district along the Magnificent Mile shopping district, it includes the Chicago Water Tower, Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, and Chicago Fire Department Fire Station No. 98. The old Water Tower and Chicago Avenue Pumping Station are the only public buildings to survive in the area destroyed by the Fire of 1871. The tower represents a fanciful interpretation of a medieval fortress or, in a quote attributed to Oscar Wilde, a "monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it." Nonetheless, both buildings have come to symbolize Chicago's fierce drive to continue, as well as rare monuments to the 19th century.
806 N Michigan Ave (@ Pearson Street)
312-744-2400
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Chicago_Water_Tower_District
The Bucktown/Wicker Park Neighborhood
Chicago's version of East Village and maybe San Francisco's Mission district. Started as rough, then artists, now it is gentrifying a bit. You can take the Blue line (or a cab) to the six corner intersection of North/Damen/Milwaukee, get out and explore coffee shops, bars, shopping, galleries, and restaurants.
Here are just a few highlights of the neighborhood:
Bin Wine Café
Pleasant sit-down dining
1559 North Milwaukee Ave
773-486-2233
www.binwinecafe.com
Piece Pizza and Brewery
Good thin-crust pizza and beer.
1927 W. North Ave.
773-772-4422
www.piecechicago.com
Una Mae's Freak Boutique
A must for any shopper. One of the original vintage clothing stores. It now has mostly new stuff.
1528 North Milwaukee Avenue
http://unamaesclothing.com/chicago/files/about.htm
Caffe de Lucca
Nice Café a few blocks from the six corners. Pleasant walk and shopping to get there.
1721 North Damen Avenue
773-342-6000
www.caffedeluca.com/bucktown/index.html
Double Door
Rock music venue.
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave
773-489-3160
www.doubledoor.com
Shopping
Chicago Fashion Resource
Interested in fashion? Learn about shops, events, tours and more designers than you ever knew existed.
www.chicagofashionresource.com
Magnificent Mile
With four shopping centers, 460 exclusive stores and boutiques, and over 200 restaurants, Chicago's Magnificent Mile area is a shopper's paradise.
Bars
Old Timers Restaurant & Lounge
A friendly little dive bar right downtown. They have $6 pitchers of Bud Light on Tuesdays and are a four-minute walk from the Hotel. What more do you need to know?
75 E Lake St. (between Dearborn St. & Garland Ct.)
312-332-3561
The Hideout
Wilco, Andrew Bird, and other Chicago artists got their alt-country start here. A dive bar with consistently great music.
1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
773-227-4433
www.hideoutchicago.com
Metro
A Chicago rock venue conveniently located across from Wrigley field.
3730 N. Clark St.
773-549-0203
www.metrochicago.com
Museums
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
312-922-7827
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
John G Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Dr
http://www.msichicago.org/
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
http://www.artic.edu/aic/index.php
Participate in BEA.Participate.08
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