Going to Chicago- suggestions?

I wasn't sure where to stick this...

I'm going to be in Chicago for a conference in mid-May, and I gotta find some cool places for dinner since I'll be on my own...Also, maybe something fun I could do once the conference ends for the day on those days (I think it's done at like 5-6pm most days). I'll be on the Magnificent Mile, if that helps.

There seems to be a lot around my hotel, but I was hoping maybe some of you live there or have been there and can suggest some places? I trust people before I trust a hotel guide, and I like to get what I can out of the places I visit.

So, suggest away!

 

Well you're pretty much where you need to be on the Magnificent Mile. Everything you want's near there. You can also check out Navy Pier, that's not too far. Also catch the Michigan Avenue bus to Millenium Park, it's only one bus and it's not far.

Don't know too much touristy stuff 'cause I live here.

I'd do some Google searches on stuff if I were you. It's not too hard to get around.

 

i'm not much help to you at all. when i went there for work (our head office is in chicago) i just lived at the hyatt hotel because there was meeting after meeting...did get to see what it was like to land a space shuttle from the pilots view though. spent my last day on all the tour buses taking pics from there...such a shame. hope you have a great time. joanie, gz or fresh should be able to help you out though

 

Thanks!

Well, I get in a day before everything starts, and the revised schedule ends earlier each day than I originally anticipated, so I thought I might see what's around if I could.

And karma, that's the thing- I'm not too much of a tourist. When I go places, I like to see what the locals are up to, so that's why I figured I'd pose the question. The hotel has a bunch of suggestions, but I also know there's the list the hotel suggests and then there's where everyone else goes, usually.

 

Gino's Pizza....awesome Chicago style deep dish, very well known, been around for years...

 

I know all the cool places for dinner. What types of food are you into?

General stuff:

If you're on N Mich, it's worth it to go to the Hunt Club for a drink, even if you don't drink. It's lovely at an outside table there this time of year, and there's a great mix of a crowd for people watching. Also you may want to grab a drink at the C-House on the roof of the hotel Allegro. It's a beautiful view up there.

Chicago Chocolate Tours gives little walking tours of the best chocolate shops in town. They've got different tours in different neighborhoods, and they've got one for Mich Ave.

 

You are correct, btw, that your hotel list will be wrong.

Example: without knowing what hotel you are at, I can almost guarantee that it has Star of Siam on it for nearby Thai food around the Magnificent Mile.

This is wrong.

You want Dao Thai, which is just as close by, far less crowded, and much more consistently tasty.

 

Thank you!!

I love all kinds of food- Indian and Thai are among my faves. I will check out the Thai place and the pizza place!

They're putting me up at the Allerton. It seems really nice there- I'm really excited. I've always wanted to go to Chicago as it is!

 

You cant go wrong in Chi-town at all.. love love love Chi-town.
A place I love there is Blackbird, if it is still around and good - I dont know. But its expensive and needed reservations.
The north loop has some good restaurants also and like Karma said, the pier... there is this neat restaurant nearby, Ill see if I can recall the name.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the tips! If there's one thing I hate when I travel it's eating at hotel restaurants (unless they are absolutely amazing). I appreciate the tips!

 

Nah, Giordano's has the best deep-dish pizza. :smt043

You basically can't go wrong going to Giordano's or Lou Malnati's for fantastic pizza, imo.

See if the Art Institute is open late one of the nights you're going to be there. If you're into museums, that is.

The Bean in Millenium Park is pretty cool. Walking along the lakefront is nice.

If you can get to the Shedd Aquarium, you can see the best view of the city from there. It looks magnificent!

Navy Pier is a lot of fun.

 

It is amazing. That's one of the few things I did outside the hotel when I was there for business. It was most certainly worth it.

 

oh also: what day is enty free at the museums? Is it Wednesdays?
Its awesome.

 

They all have different days. I'm not sure they're free one day a week anymore. But you can check their websites:

www.fmnh.org

http://www.artic.edu/aic/

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/

Those museums are close to where you'll be.

 

Holy cow, you guys are awesome!

I actually love museums, so I can't wait to check it out. Hopefully, I'll be able to go when it's open late.

 

I didn't want to say anything, but Bookworm's right.

 

Yesterday there was a sign outside the Art Institute that said "open late Fridays". I dunno how long that will continue, but I figured I'd mention it.

 

I would second that about Giordano's, if you like Thai I've been to a place called Arun's, that's pretty good--it's clean, good service, food was good. I personally like burgers, and my favorites are DMK, Five Guy's, and Portillo's.

I think on certain days during the week, some of the museums have free admission, I think Thursday. I know the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) used to on Tuesday.

I have to think about some good non touristy attractions.

 

Freh- I am happy to read something from you again- hope you are doing fine?

 

Christine, i'm great. I been back on the boards a little bit the last couple of weeks. Sometimes it gets little hectic in my MBA program. My health is good, my spirits are high, money is good, so I'm content. How are you my dear?