<<< Chicago for 4 days recommendations >>>

[brandrea]

Andrea and I are headed to Chicago in mid November and looking for locals or others who have experience, to chime in with favorite places to eat and attractions.

We love good food, but to us, it’s not about being at THE hottest restaurant, it’s about authentic experiences and delicious food. We aren’t afraid to pay up, but not for the latest trendy experience.

We also love live music, (we have one night at Buddy Guy’s booked) architecture, art, and history to name a few.

Would really appreciate what you have to recommend. We are staying downtown (magnificent mile) so walking distance to most attractions would be ideal.

Thanks folks

[piratfisk]

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/the-b...film-locations

I will give an emphatic YES to EVER if you can get a table. I liked it better than Alinea.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/the-b...film-locations

I will give an emphatic YES to EVER if you can get a table. I liked it better than Alinea.

Thank you

[RolexPD]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/the-b...film-locations

I will give an emphatic YES to EVER if you can get a table. I liked it better than Alinea.

Smyth is also worth the coin.

[Carguy87]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Andrea and I are headed to Chicago in mid November and looking for locals or others who have experience, to chime in with favorite places to eat and attractions.

We love good food, but to us, it’s not about being at THE hottest restaurant, it’s about authentic experiences and delicious food. We aren’t afraid to pay up, but not for the latest trendy experience.

We also love live music, (we have one night at Buddy Guy’s booked) architecture, art, and history to name a few.

Would really appreciate what you have to recommend. We are staying downtown (magnificent mile) so walking distance to most attractions would be ideal.

Thanks folks

Chicago in mid November “walking distance” could turn into “cheap Uber ride” real quick lol. But you’re Canadian so you’ll probably fair better than most. The wind can be very real and when it’s already cold out you really feel it.

As for things to do you have to go to the original Giordano's deep dish pizza. So delicious and worth the wait! Also Portillos is a cool spot with proper Chicago dogs, beef sandwiches, and they are famous for their chocolate cake!

It’s touristy but it’s also super cool to go to the Willis tower (formerly known as the Sears tower) and do a tour. The views are incredible!

Hope you guys have a blast!! I’ll attach some pictures in Tapatalk in a sec; Chicago was super fun when I got to go for work a few years ago.

[Carguy87]

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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Carguy87

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Thanks for those pictures and the recommendations. It looks incredible.

As for the temperatures in Chicago at that time of year, it sounds absolutely balmy

[2ltdjorn]

I had an old thread a few years back and the forum came through huge.

One of the neater things we did was go through the federal reserves museum, I am coin collector hobbyist but it was great museum with some really rare and unusual coins and currency from the us federal monetary system.

We of course googled some of the more well known artists that have art displayed at the local museum and saw that as well. Van Gogh has a view pieces on display and that is really neat to be that close to that pedigree.

One food recommendation was Au Cheval - fantastic burger and great root beer on tap.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

I had an old thread a few years back and the forum came through huge.

One of the neater things we did was go through the federal reserves museum, I am coin collector hobbyist but it was great museum with some really rare and unusual coins and currency from the us federal monetary system.

Harlan J. Berk Ltd. on Clark St. near there is a great coin store.

I remember buying my first $5 gold piece in the Loop when I was a kid for $45.

[2ltdjorn]

We also did an architectural boat tour that was fun.

And saw a show at the comedy club that is well known starting point for several snl alums. Maybe second line?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 2ltdjorn

We also did an architectural boat tour that was fun.

And saw a show at the comedy club that is well known starting point for several snl alums. Maybe second line?

Thank you for this … looking at the boat tour now as a matter of fact. We are also seeing that there is a Frank Lloyd Wright tour as well

[2ltdjorn]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=537835

Link to original thread I posted in 2017.

[Knappo 1307]

Best pizza in town, hands down. Cool history, across the street..

https://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/

[77T]

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[hambone1983]

I've spent maybe 50 nights in Chicago, mostly on business, although not recently. But I would be remiss if I didn't chime in because I really enjoyed my time there.

The restaurant in the Four Seasons is excellent & the best brunch I ever had was there.

The Berghoff has good German food and has been a Chicago landmark for over 100 years.

not sure if you're into art, but the Art Institute has some of the most famous/iconic paintings & is a top notch art museum. the Science Museum & Field Museum are also excellent.

[1st amg]

Definitely do the Sears Tower. I would also try and take in a Chicago Blackhawks game or Chicago Bulls game. Do some shopping on the magnificent mile as well.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Andrea and I are headed to Chicago in mid November and looking for locals or others who have experience, to chime in with favorite places to eat and attractions.

We love good food, but to us, it’s not about being at THE hottest restaurant, it’s about authentic experiences and delicious food. We aren’t afraid to pay up, but not for the latest trendy experience.

We also love live music, (we have one night at Buddy Guy’s booked) architecture, art, and history to name a few.

Would really appreciate what you have to recommend. We are staying downtown (magnificent mile) so walking distance to most attractions would be ideal.

Thanks folks

Love Chicago. My band played at Buddy Guy's Legends many times back in the 90's. You'll enjoy that. We would have 50 to 60 people from home follow us up to enjoy watching the Reds vs Cubbies during the day at Wrigley and then off the Buddy Guy's to hear us play some blues.

The city seems in constant change and really miss some of our favorite old haunts like Monday's Diner [great Belgian waffles] and The Pump Room at The Ambassador East Hotel. Alas, nothing lasts forever.

Have a great time, Brian!
dP

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

Best pizza in town, hands down. Cool history, across the street..

https://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/

Originally Posted by 77T

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Originally Posted by hambone1983

I've spent maybe 50 nights in Chicago, mostly on business, although not recently. But I would be remiss if I didn't chime in because I really enjoyed my time there.

The restaurant in the Four Seasons is excellent & the best brunch I ever had was there.

The Berghoff has good German food and has been a Chicago landmark for over 100 years.

not sure if you're into art, but the Art Institute has some of the most famous/iconic paintings & is a top notch art museum. the Science Museum & Field Museum are also excellent.

Originally Posted by 1st amg

Definitely do the Sears Tower. I would also try and take in a Chicago Blackhawks game or Chicago Bulls game. Do some shopping on the magnificent mile as well.

Thanks guys, taking notes of all of these suggestions, really appreciated!

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Love Chicago. My band played at Buddy Guy's Legends many times back in the 90's. You'll enjoy that. We would have 50 to 60 people from home follow us up to enjoy watching the Reds vs Cubbies during the day at Wrigley and then off the Buddy Guy's to hear us play some blues.

The city seems in constant change and really miss some of our favorite old haunts like Monday's Diner [great Belgian waffles] and The Pump Room at The Ambassador East Hotel. Alas, nothing lasts forever.

Have a great time, Brian!
dP

What a great picture! That’s so awesome that you played Buddy Guy’s!

Definitely looking forward to it

[AzPaul]

I'll give you a second on the Museum of Science and Industry.
Been many years since I was there but it was one of my favorite things about my visit.

And it doesn't hurt that they currently have a 007 exhibit

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/w...-of-james-bond

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

I'll give you a second on the Museum of Science and Industry.
Been many years since I was there but it was one of my favorite things about my visit.

And it doesn't hurt that they currently have a 007 exhibit
https://www.msichicago.org/explore/w...-of-james-bond

Done: Bond sealed the deal

[Redfoot]

The Field Museum is pretty amazing-you could spend a few hours or a few days there, depending on your interest level.

Museum of Science and Industry has a full German U-Boat from WWII that you can walk through. Found that to be a sobering experience. Read "Shadow Divers" before your trip, and it will give you a really cool perspective.

Art Institute has some really special stuff- definitely worth a trip.

Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and a great walk around on nice day.

The Wit has a really nice rooftop bar. Sorry, no other food recs, I have not been there in a few years.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Redfoot

The Field Museum is pretty amazing-you could spend a few hours or a few days there, depending on your interest level.

Museum of Science and Industry has a full German U-Boat from WWII that you can walk through. Found that to be a sobering experience. Read "Shadow Divers" before your trip, and it will give you a really cool perspective.

Art Institute has some really special stuff- definitely worth a trip.

Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and a great walk around on nice day.

The Wit has a really nice rooftop bar. Sorry, no other food recs, I have not been there in a few years.

Thank you Ryan, we will definitely visit the Art Institute

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Thank you Ryan, we will definitely visit the Art Institute

You can spend a couple days at the MSI and still think you missed a lot. The U-505 is a must see and you'll probably like the Coal Mine exhibit and Art of the Bicycle as well. Definately peruse their website before you arrive.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Maleg

You can spend a couple days at the MSI and still think you missed a lot. The U-505 is a must see and you'll probably like the Coal Mine exhibit and Art of the Bicycle as well. Definately peruse their website before you arrive.

Fantastic, it’s definitely on our list


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[SADDLE]

My wife and I just spent a long weekend in chicago. We had a great time. A few of our highlights.

Hotel: Nobu
Meals: Au Chival, Girl and Goat
Drinks: Lazy Bird (speakeasy inside basement of Hoxton Hotel)
Fun Shopping: Armitage & Halstead district

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by SADDLE

My wife and I just spent a long weekend in chicago. We had a great time. A few of our highlights.

Hotel: Nobu
Meals: Au Chival, Girl and Goat
Drinks: Lazy Bird (speakeasy inside basement of Hoxton Hotel)
Fun Shopping: Armitage & Halstead district

Nice Drew … thank you for these

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by SADDLE

My wife and I just spent a long weekend in chicago. We had a great time. A few of our highlights.

Hotel: Nobu
Meals: Au Chival, Girl and Goat
Drinks: Lazy Bird (speakeasy inside basement of Hoxton Hotel)
Fun Shopping: Armitage & Halstead district

The Girl & Goat is amazing.

Also try Le Colonial for lunch (if it's still there. i haven't been there in about 5 years).
It's at 937 Rush Street.

[MrGoat]

The Field Museum is pretty amazing.

There is a little dive bar just North of the river named Rossi’s (it’s on North state street). I loved it for a day drink.


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[twitch54]

Lots of good recommendations here ! Having traveled to Chgo since the seventies I too have my favs as well........... for sure a boat architecture tour(be sure to book one that encompasses a loop out onto the lake), Chgo deep dish pizza(my fav-Pizzeria DUE on Wabash St), Chgo hot dogs(blah, but then I'm from Western NY), fav restaurant (wow, many, but Gibsons on the North end of Rush St has always been my go-to since it opened in the late eighties). I will say this having been there earlier this month, the place can be cram packed and our waiter was sub par but the food was a '5' !

Also stop into Harry Carry's restaurant for a unique gangster experience in the cellar !

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by twitch54

Lots of good recommendations here ! Having traveled to Chgo since the seventies I too have my favs as well........... for sure a boat architecture tour(be sure to book one that encompasses a loop out onto the lake), Chgo deep dish pizza(my fav-Pizzeria DUE on Wabash St), Chgo hot dogs(blah, but then I'm from Western NY), fav restaurant (wow, many, but Gibsons on the North end of Rush St has always been my go-to since it opened in the late eighties). I will say this having been there earlier this month, the place can be cram packed and our waiter was sub par but the food was a '5' !

Also stop into Harry Carry's restaurant for a unique gangster experience in the cellar !

Thank you fir these

I’ve actually been to Harry Carry’s before and we definitely plan to have dinner there one night