Chicago - Dining, sights, logistics while connecting at ORD

In a couple weeks I will be flying DCA-ORD-CVG, taking the S5 E170 midday flight to ORD and then hopping an XJ E145 to CVG. On the return hop, it will be an XJ ERJ into ORD and a mainline 757 to DCA.

The flight numbers except for the mainline segment all point to different flights currently, so they're not much help here, but I want to get an idea where these flights will likely go so I can plan my route between concourses (or might I even have to get between T1 and T2?) and dining options while on my layover. I'd also appreciate thoughts on good spotting locations in the terminals (if any).

In a couple weeks I will be flying DCA-ORD-CVG, taking the S5 E170 midday flight to ORD and then hopping an XJ E145 to CVG. On the return hop, it will be an XJ ERJ into ORD and a mainline 757 to DCA.

The flight numbers except for the mainline segment all point to different flights currently, so they're not much help here, but I want to get an idea where these flights will likely go so I can plan my route between concourses (or might I even have to get between T1 and T2?) and dining options while on my layover. I'd also appreciate thoughts on good spotting locations in the terminals (if any).

Your UX connections will most likely be out of the E/F concourse, while your mainline flights will be out of the B/C concourses. There are a few UX flights out of the B concourse, but the smart money is on E/F.

Your UX connections will most likely be out of the E/F concourse, while your mainline flights will be out of the B/C concourses. There are a few UX flights out of the B concourse, but the smart money is on E/F.

So is the airport train on the sterile side, or will I just have to walk between terminals 1 and 2 to go between flights?

Your DCA-ORD will arrive in the C-lows (not to be confused with Cee lo). Some Transtates E145s used to arrive/depart in the B-20s, but I doubt the same is true for ExpressJet, and I'd wager you'll wind up in T2 hell. There's a shuttle from C9 to E2, but I'd recommend walking if you have time, which will take you through the B concourse. There's a new Rick Bayless in the B-teens that makes some good guacamole and margaritas.

What's a guess for walking time between the concourses? My outbound connection is about 90 mins, and the return flight is a hair over 2 hours, so I'd imagine the connection will be fine, but I want to allow sufficient time for the journey if I stop to grab a bite on the way.

What's a guess for walking time between the concourses? My outbound connection is about 90 mins, and the return flight is a hair over 2 hours, so I'd imagine the connection will be fine, but I want to allow sufficient time for the journey if I stop to grab a bite on the way.
I'd say no more than 20 mins to walk from the end of the C concourse to the end of F. It's all connected airside, so you won't have to reclear security.

Here is the list of all the food and beverage locations:

http://flychicago.com/PassengerInformation/CustomerService/OHare/FoodAndBeverages.aspx

I also suggest stopping by one of my favorite airport stores anywhere if you have the chance. Local artists, various mediums, quite eclectic.

Hoypoloi Art Gallery
Type: Store
Description: Accessories & Gifts
Location: After Security | Gate/Area: B6
Hours: 7AM -9PM

In a couple weeks I will be flying DCA-ORD-CVG, taking the S5 E170 midday flight to ORD and then hopping an XJ E145 to CVG. On the return hop, it will be an XJ ERJ into ORD and a mainline 757 to DCA.

The flight numbers except for the mainline segment all point to different flights currently, so they're not much help here, but I want to get an idea where these flights will likely go so I can plan my route between concourses (or might I even have to get between T1 and T2?) and dining options while on my layover. I'd also appreciate thoughts on good spotting locations in the terminals (if any).

For dining, I'd highly recommend stopping by Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera next to B11. The Tortas take 5-10 minutes, but the Molettes can be had almost immediately. Well worth the wait.

For dining, I'd highly recommend stopping by Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera next to B11. The Tortas take 5-10 minutes, but the Molettes can be had almost immediately. Well worth the wait.

That place must be good to come up twice in one thread! I was initially looking at Goose Island since I like their beer, but that tortas joint might win me over. Since the walk is apparently pretty short, I should have plenty of time to wait for the food.

That place must be good to come up twice in one thread! I was initially looking at Goose Island since I like their beer, but that tortas joint might win me over. Since the walk is apparently pretty short, I should have plenty of time to wait for the food.

The Rick Bayless place is new (1-2 months old) so there is a lot of buzz around it. I ate there my last time through ORD and it was quite good. It is sandwiches not fine dining so prices are pretty reasonable - for you itin it should be perfect.

The walk from the e/f concourse to the Rick Bayless rest will average about 15 minutes - if you walk fast 10 minutes easy. It is really the only way to go b/c otherwise you will have to go through security again.

Don't forget the bus between E/F and terminal C. Plenty of signs, but there is a bus that goes between E2 and C9. Much faster than walking if you're connection is in C...but that means you don't walk by tortas frontera...which is quite tasty.

Don't forget the bus between E/F and terminal C. Plenty of signs, but there is a bus that goes between E2 and C9. Much faster than walking if you're connection is in C...but that means you don't walk by tortas frontera...which is quite tasty.

Decisions, decisions.....:p I think tortas will win that round!

On a side note, I remember hearing about a Mileage Pro kiosk (or something to that effect) - is that worth checking out?

Just wanted to post a thanks to all the great info prior to my trip! Connecting in ORD was a breeze, Tortas Frontera was sublime, and the trip as a whole was smooth an uneventful. Having everything connected airside definitely makes connections easy and allows for easy strolling during layovers if I need/want to kill time and snap some pictures. I will look at the Goose Island Brewhouse, Blackhawks Grill, or the Wicker Park sushi joint next time through most likely.

Just wanted to post a thanks to all the great info prior to my trip!thanks for reporting back on your experience^

I just posted a trip report if anyone is interested:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1207786-cincinnati-kid-returns-dca-ord-cvg-ua-trip-4-6-4-10-w-pics.html