Chicago

[tagalong]

John and I are heading to Chicago this weekend for the first time.  Any must see suggestions?  Any sites we can't miss?  Any place we should skip seeing?  Any outstanding restaurants/bar on the Magnificent Mile?

Thanks for your ideas!

Tagalong

[Valkahuna]

If the weather is good, I would be sure to take an Architectural Cruise on the Chicago River. Take the one that boards at Dearborn and Whacker Drive.

If you are going to the Miracle Mile, bring your wallet. It's definitley up scale. There are many good restaurants on Michigan, but there are many others all over town. One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago is in the Swiss Hotel, and is called "The Palm". Their specialty is Lobster and some of the finest beef you'll ever sink your teeth into. It's on lower East Whacker Drive, east of Michigan. I'm especially fond of the combination of a half of a baked stuffed 3 - 5 lb lobster, served with family style Chateau Briand.

If you like Music, you must visit some of the Blues Clubs in town. Kingston Mines, Blues Chicago, House of Blues, etc. I also like going to Harry Carray's restaurant. Holy Cow! It's Chicago at it's rowdy best!

The Art Museum is fabulous to visit. If you are into museums there are many others, including the Museum of Science and Industry, Natural History, etc. There is a great Planetarium. I like walking in Grant Park, etc. etc.

I could go on and on. It's my favorite City. Hard to find a bad restaurant. If you are bored there it's your own fault. 

[Moonshot_1]

John and I are heading to Chicago this weekend for the first time.  Any must see suggestions?  Any sites we can't miss?  Any place we should skip seeing?  Any outstanding restaurants/bar on the Magnificent Mile?

Thanks for your ideas!

Tagalong

Love Chicagp!
Weekend ain't near long enough.

Willis Tower (Used to be Sears Tower) is a good sight. Great view of the city, if it's a clear day, even better.

The view from the John Hancock tower works well too and it's up on the Mag. Mile. There is a Cheesecake Factory there at the lower level. Always busy.

Any of the museums, Field museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Art Museum, or the Aquarium are good things to see. Problem is any one of these will take up the entire day. Actually with the exception of the Aquarium, they can each take up an entire couple days with out a problem. The Aquarium can easily be done in a long afternoon. These are all located in or relatively nearby the downtown area.

If I had an entire day to kill and had to pick one, the Art Museum would be the one. Cool works of art, body armour (Like knights of old) and weapons too. What is not to like?

The Macy's (formerly Marshall Fields) store on State Street (Big "Chicago" sign is there) is a great place to go. Lot of history in the building. Spend a whole day just there if you wanted to.

No end to the food. We like Giordano's Pizza. Stuffed pizza. But there are all kinds of Chicago pizza places.

If you're a Cubs fan, Harry Carry's on Kedzie and Dearborn is awesome. (Just north of Wacker Drive across the river) Full of Cubbies history. Casual bar, outstanding restaurant.



Check out the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) site and get to know the El system. (Loop) Best way to get around the downtown area. Pretty cheap too. Easy way to see the city as well. Will usually park in one of the park and ride stations outside of the city (parking is cheap) and ride into the city. Use buses to supplement your travels if you have to.

Skip the Merchandise Mart. Can't see most of the building unless you are a credentialed interior designer or contractor anyway.

There is a whole lot of stuff to see.
Hope you have a great time!

[F6CTrider]

 Kingston Mines  +1

[alph]

When I lived down town, my favorite places were the museums (science and industry).  I also loved the walking path along lake shore drive.  If you can, rent a bicycle and ride it, this time of the year there shouldn't be very many people on it. 

The shed aquarium is cool, if you like fish.  Its right next to soldier field were the bears usually lose to the packers!!   

I liked the "bagel nosh" on rush street, don't know if their still in business.  Many of the old time restaurants I use to visit are now gone. 

There use to be a trolley service that was free; it would take you around the city to the most popular spots.  If not, you MUST take the "L".

Don’t know if the Excalibur is still in business, that's a cool place! (restaurant/bar)

One of these day’s I’m planning on going down town with the cycle.  There are so many good photo opp locations down there!

Have fun, stay out of the dark alleys!  (long story)

[9Ball]

Gene and Georgetti's Steak House.....top 10 in US.

http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/

[alph]

Hey, what about the “95th club”?  Are they still around?  Maybe I’m not thinking of the right “floor” but there use to be a restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building.  There use to be another restaurant that would actually spin!  The whole top of the building would rotate giving a cool view of the city as you dined.  Don’t think they’re still around!!!

Navy pier is cool in the summer time.  If you don’t mind crowds go to “the taste of Chicago” in July.  You’ll see Buckingham fountain, you might get flash backs of “married with children” if you do!! 

I use to love living down there!  Miss it terribly. 

[ChromeDome]

A lot of great ideas have been posted but the bigger question is what are you looking to do? If all you want is to people watch then just walk up and down Michigan Avenue. However there are several world class museums, live theaters, movie theaters, music venues (rock, blues, country, classical, etc.), resturants (asian, american, italian, greek, polish, german, etc.), zoos and just about anything you want to see or do. So the question then becomes .... what is it you would like to do?

[mario]

everything's been pretty well hit.  be sure to get a gyro's, an italian beef and some deep dish chicago style pizza.  mmmmmm,  dangit i'm hungry now. 
and do lake shore dr., if you're able.

[bassman]

As ChromeDone stated....what are going to do?  Also, what are your interests? Likes?  Dislikes?

Chicago is a great place with LOTS to do, see, visit.....should be able to find something that appeals to every taste....

Ed Debevics....read the reviews before you go to see if this appeals to you....many like it and some don't.....

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g35805-d427762-Reviews-Ed_Debevic_s-Chicago_Illinois.html


Buddy Guy's Legends.....you like Blues?  This is hard to beat especially when Buddy is in town and playin'

http://www.buddyguy.com/



ENJOY !!

[barbarianthemadserb]

Navy Pier-kinda touristy but a neato walk. This pier just out into the ocean about a mile. There are some eating places there and some touristy stuff to buy.  From what I am told, Mayor Daily , I think, spent about $100 mil to completely redo the Navy Pier some years back and it has been a good investment for CHicago.
Lots of other interesting places withing walking distance from the Navy Pier.
If you are into roller blading/skating, then roll along the track that runs parallel to both Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. This bike/roller skating paved path goes on for miles.
Chicago is my favourite city to visit both winter and summer and lots to do there.

[catfish]

Water tower for shopping.

[Sergeant D]

I'm originally from Chicago before joining the Air Force.  Down town has had a facelift since then, but I was just there back in August.  I'd do Liberty Park, nice, scenic and FREE other than parking.  It's worth the $20 for all day parking in the underground garage right off Lake Shore Drive.  From there it is a short walk to the Willis Tower, Magnificent Mile, Wacker Drive and the EL (elevated Train) as well as the Chicago River and the boat tours, Navy Pier, and the Theater district.  Field Museum, Art Museum and Shedd Aquarium are all near Liberty Park, also known as the Loop.  I'd do lunch at the John Hancock center, great view of the city and again free except for your lunch.  The Willis Tower is the tallest building, but it's like $20 to go to the observation deck.  You need to eat anyways, so go to the John Hancock building and eat at the restaurant at the top.  World's Largest department store (Macy's) formerly Marshall Fields is right there too.  Basically, head downtown, grab a guidebook (FREE) at Liberty Park and have a blast.  You'll run out of time and money before it's all done.  If you want/need specific information, just PM me and I'll be happy to guide you right.

[fudgie]

Italian Village resturant is not as good as it sounds. Palmer House is really cool to stay at.   If you like old buildings. Stayed there a couple times. Small diner on the back side of the PH is great for normal priced food. Chicago is neat but not my cup of tea for to long. If Kit went, she would get into a fight. To many snooddy folks for her. We did work on a condo in Trump Tower on the 33 rd floor. Awesome view. Esp as the fog and snow rolled in off the lake. Hold on if you take a cab ride.  
Driving on Lower Waker Drive is cool, if you seen the Blues Brothers.  

[Flat6Valk]

Try Ditka's on the "Mile".  Great food..........reasonable prices...............great service............and you may see Mike.  He lives close by.

[VALKIFIED]

Navy Pier-kinda touristy but a neato walk. This pier just out into the ocean about a mile. There are some eating places there and some touristy stuff to buy.  From what I am told, Mayor Daily , I think, spent about $100 mil to completely redo the Navy Pier some years back and it has been a good investment for CHicago.
Lots of other interesting places withing walking distance from the Navy Pier.
If you are into roller blading/skating, then roll along the track that runs parallel to both Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive. This bike/roller skating paved path goes on for miles.
Chicago is my favourite city to visit both winter and summer and lots to do there.

Great city but no ocean, it's Lake Michigan. Just sayin