Don't forget to wash it down with the great chocolate cake shake.

Hey people, this is awesome. I've decided to extend my stay to a week. Who needs to be at some boring conference in Madison anyway ;-)

By the way, I am trying to Priceline a hotel - someone recommended River North and North Michigan but I'm having trouble getting something. Would the Loop (current hotel rates there are much lower) be okay too?

Great thread all. Saved me a great deal of research.

Thanks,
I

IMO, 1492 blows both of these places away...unless you're looking for the party atmosphere that Iberico's reputation carries with it. If you want tapas but to be able to have a conversation with the other person(s) at your table, try 1492. It's on Superior, 2 blocks west of the Pen.

• Babareba was the best 25 years ago when it opened, but it has gone downhill.
• Iberico was the best 15 years ago when it opened, but it has gone way downhill.
• Some people like Emilio's, I don't, partially because they are very seafood-oriented.
• 1492 is very good, not as good as Iberico at it's peak, but still the best in the area.

Never tried 1492. Will put it on my list for my next visit.

With all the varied and very good restaurants in Chicago, Cheesecake factory would not be a recommendation of most Chicagoans I know. Get out and try unique Chicago eats.

Todai is not top notch and has gone downhill so beware. Other FT�ers reviews here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=todai

If in the mood for seafood and in the Schaumburg area, see this thread: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369736

I have not been to Pasteur but the other high end Vietnamese places like Le Colonial and Le Lan ( review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=415996 ) have not lived up to expected execution. Better IMO to simply eat cheap AND so good on Argyle Street on the northside. My fave Chinese BBQ spot in the city is there Hon Kee, review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308593 Silver Seafood is also up that way: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308625

StudentExplorer mentions Banh Mi (Viet sandwich), here is a place that I like (again near Argyle St): http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308534

Best Breakfasts thread: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308664

For some tapas places, many are mentioned here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=tapas

Best Sushi: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402204

Also make sure to try items unique to Chicago, such as Italian Beef (best debated here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308703 ), Chicago Style Hot Dogs (discussed here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334192 ). Hot Doug�s for unique sausage sandwiches: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308456

Also deep dish, being a person who chows pretty regularly on the stuff, Geno�s is not the best, Malnati�s used to be but currently Pizzeria Due�s at 619 North Wabash is executing an incredible deep dish. FYI, sausage is THE most common ingredient in the Chicagoland area, everywhere else it is pepperoni. Pizzeria Uno�s franchises stink, they are not even a shadow of how good the original Uno�s at 29 East Ohio or Due�s is.

BBQ in Chicago: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308690

Avec is one of my favorite restaurants as of now, review here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363329

Chicago has a large selection of Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican choices as well. I believe that Chicago has the third largest Hispanic population in the US.

Make sure you post in Community if you wish for some Chicago FT company; it has been awhile since the Chicago Crew has gathered to dine

Loop is fine, if not too late. Cabs & L are easy. While there, make sure and check out the museums - Art Institute is great. Catch a game at Wrigley - get bleacher seats.

And, never underestimate the greatness of a Chicago-style hot dog. Get the cheese fries too. My arteries ache just thinking about it.

God I miss Chicagoland. Never should have left.

No doubt! it has to be the spreadable kind of cheese, no squirty junk for me.

No mention of Harold's Chicken Shack in Hyde Park and throughout the southside?

Kidding aside, Tru is awesome, but Harold's is my first stop whenever I get back to Chicago.

Iberico has slipped a little, but I think it's still the best tapas joint I've been to outside of Catalonia.

Man, I miss Chicago food.

Very timely thread, as I've just gotten back from a recent stint in Chicago and could dust up on some of my favorite old places, as well as a couple new ones.

Topolombompo is fantastic. I'm a huge fan of discovering a lot of varieties of Mexican food -- it's one thing I really got into down here in Texas -- and I can assure you that Topo does it absolutely as well as any place in Texas (that is, for authentic Mexican food, not Tex-Mex).

On the other hand, Frontera Grill, which is more casual, is also fantastic. Their brunch, in particular, on Saturday is knockout. I was really impressed with the level of cuisine at both places. Rick Bayless rocks.

Everest has been a family favorite for many, many years. They have a tremendous young sommellier and a really top-notch wine list.

On the pizza front, I went back to Gino's East just last month, and I have to say that they're not operating at the same high level they used to. Don't get me wrong -- I have a huge soft spot for Gino's -- the sausage is still fantastic, and the crust is the best around. But there's one major problem: Gino's isn't using enough cheese these days. I talked to a waiter about it. He said they went to a new proportion a few years back and cut back on the cheese. It wasn't oozing out of the pizza like it should. Very sad. But maybe you can ask for extra cheese. At this point, however, I prefer Giordano's or the original Uno.

Anyway, sorry to drag on, but I had to give my take. I love Chicago's restaurant scene, and there have been many excellent suggestions made here. You're going to have a great time.

A couple other places I've heard raves about recently: Brasserie Jo and Les Nomades.

Gene and Georgeti's for a steak! ^

This is turning into a great thread!

As for hotels; I managed to PL the Millenium Knickerbocker. Sounds like a great location, but mixed reports on this place. In any case it'll be handy to all the eating places!! :-)

I've had some fantastic meals at Kevin and Crofton on Wells.
I'll typically eat at the bar at Kevin and get into conversations about wine with the staff and matre'd (the owner/chef's brother); from there the wine flooowwwws