Visiting for a day
 

Hey all,

I'm gonna be in Chicago for a day. Landing early AM on Feb 3, departing the next morning.

It'll be my first time in Chicago, and I'm looking for some suggestions as far as attractions to visit, and places to eat.

As far as accomdation, from my research, staying at a hotel on the Magnificent Mile would be the best choice. Any recommendations which hotels are the best value as far as service and rooms?

Taking the train to the hotel seems to be the best option, which I will probably end up doing.

As far as attractions, the only things on my list are the bean and visiting the hancock building. I was thinking of taking a river taxi to take some pictures of the city, is that worth it?

What else would you guys suggest in that same area for me to check out?

Now the food. I'm a huge food nut and would love to try what Chicago has to offer. I'm looking to stay in the area from where I'll be staying. Any suggestions for the best hot dogs? deep dish pizza (should I bother?) and also Italian Beef Sandwiches.

I'm also a huge dessert fan if there are any suggestions.

I wanted to dine at Alinea, as I would be traveling alone, do any of you guys know if they have any accomdations for a single diner?

Sorry about the long post and thanks in advance for any help!

PS: I did search a few old threads but they seem to be a little outdated.

Welcome to Flyertalk, Arrows!

Re hotels…they are a bunch of ‘em in the Mag Mile / River North area so giving a price range and type of hotel (big chain, boutique, etc.?) would help in terms of the advice you get.

Re transport: Definitely take the train. If you’re coming from ORD, take the Blue Line – it’s the only train that runs from ORD to downtown (approx 40min). If from MDW, take the Orange line – the only train that runs from MDW to downtown (approx 30min). Which stop you get off (on either line) will depend on which hotel you choose.

Hot dogs and Ital Beefs near Mag Mile…not sure. Deep dish…only if you really like pizza. Alinea takes solo diners though it may be tough to get a res on such short notice.

Re Hancock…save the $$$ you’d spend on the observatory and spend it on a drink at the Sig Lounge (95th flr), one floor below the observatory, I think. Go around sunset – probably 5pm.

As for what else to do, if you like architecture w/some history: http://www.architecture.org/tours.

And if you're at all into art, the Art Institute is adjacent to Millenium Park (where the bean is).

Thanks for the response.

As far as the hotels, I was hoping something under $150, which seems to be a decent budget from quick searches. As far as type of hotel, I'm not too picky. Basically looking for something conveniently located so I wouldn't need to grab a taxi to go around.

In downtown Chicago, you'll never need a taxi to get around. The Loop and Magnificent Mile areas are very walkable, and you can always take either the L or a bus if you want.

As to pizza, I'd recommend Gino's East (DO NOT go to Gino's West, Gino's North, or Gino's Any Other Direction or Permutation - these are unaffiliated places that play off the name to lure unsuspecting patrons.) They're one of the most well-known Chicago pizza places, and their specialty is stuffed pizza with cornmeal in the crust. Expect to eat one slice - max two - and take the rest in a doggie bag. Don't worry - it's delicious cold :D

Hot dogs - honestly, I think the best ones come from a truck or a concession stand in Lincoln Park, but I don't think they'll be around at this time of year. You'll probably come across a few places as you walk around - if they have a Vienna Beef sign and don't look too disgusting, you might want to check them out.

Did aquick search on Kayak for 2/3. Dana Hotel would be my personal choice as I like smaller hotels. I've stayed there before too. Central location. 10-12min walk to Hancock and maybe 15-20min to Mil Park. And for only $100, I think that'a good deal.

Or if you like the big chains, then the Mariott (540 N. Mich) is about equi-distant from Hancock and Mil Park.

Tons of choices really....

Hilton Garden Inn - 10 E Grand or Hampton 33 W Illinois usually have good rates, and are very central.

Dana Hotel is a good choice. But the Hard Rock Hotel is also reasonably priced (as are most hotels that night) and is centrally located on Michigan Ave between Millenium Park and the mag mile. For Deep Dish Pizza, I agree with Ginos East, but even a stuffed pizza at Giordanos or Edwardos are good. Not a fan of Uno's even though they are supposedly the original DD Pizza. for hot dogs portillos is ok, but the best is Hot Dougs but unfortunately they are closed on Sundays. For Italian Beef in the city, I would go to Mr Beef on Orleans. But if you are really into places like Alinea, I would not waste my time with the pizza, hot dogs or italian beef. Chicago is a fine dining city. Not sure where you are from Arrows, but that will be superbowl sunday, so you might be able to get in some restaurants that normally will be booked months in advance. Not sure about getting into Alinea. Ruxbin on Ashland is an excellently priced well received restaurant but they do not take reservations. they are about a $10 cab ride from downtown. I would definitely consider going to a steakhouse in chicago - Gibsons, Mortons, Saloon, etc. You really can't go wrong. for things to do - definitely hit the art museum. Safe travels!

one more thing that i just remembered. you will be here during restaurant week. Special fixed menus for lunch and dinner at various restaurants in the city. i would suggest doing this for both meals. http://www.choosechicago.com/things-...staurant-week/

Opaque Priceline/Hotwire often gets you the Hyatt Regency on Wacker cheaply.

Search this forum for whatever you like, using keywords. There is a ton of info already posted.

Theater
Museum
Tour
Shopping
Architecture
Art
Science

etc.

I would suggest the Art Institute, since you'll be at the Bean next door. People come here from around the world to see it. Also Millennium Park (where the Bean is) is considered a great example of urban landscape architecture and worth exploring if the weather is decent.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Really appreciate it.

I'm from the San Francisco area. I'm a huge fan of street foods, which is why I asked about hot dogs and stuff. I wanted to get a taste of Chicago.

As far as Alinea, they had tables for 2/4/6 open, however none for a table of 1. I left them a voicemail but have not heard back from them yet. But I'll definitely look up the other places you mentioned.

I looked into that but from my experiences with Restaurant Week, it's either a hit or miss. Any suggestions from that list?

It's my understanding that you can't book solo tables at Alinea online but they will consider phone/email requests if space is available.

In regards to a River Taxi I'd do it but check and see if the Archtecture river boat tour is running.

Neither will be running on 2/3. They don't start until at least March, if not April or May.

My recommendations for Italian beef would be Mr. Beef (although, unless it's a beautiful warm day, you'd probably need to take a cab) and for the pizza, Lou Malnati's or Pizzeria Uno (or Due - same pizza, a block apart). If you like sweets, you might want to try Glazed and Infused (their maple bacon doughnut is special).