Duh--I never thought about it this way since I live here, but those who don't have time to go all the way downtown can probably spend an hour or so in Wicker Park. Much better food, lively street vibe, trendy boutiques that wealthy tourists must like (since I sure can't afford them), and it's only 30 minutes away by train. A return ticket on CTA is indeed $2, but time your trip exactly: your two hours begin the moment you enter the station.
http://www.centerstagechicago.com/vi...are/damen.html