I will be attending the asco (oncology) conference. I have never been to Chicago before and am disappointed I can't stay longer. I will have some time late afternoon and evening and would love to see some sites. Walking about a half mile is about all I can do and then must rest. I was planning to get a pass and to try to do a river cruise, if possible. I will be staying at the Hampton inn on Illinois ave. ( I found better hotels, but this is provided for me). The conference is at McCormick. I have read these threads but would appreciate any additional advice. Would also love to know any places near my motel to eat. I'll be alone and would like to keep my meal under $20, if possible. I'm not a big eater, mainly want to try your city's pizza and other food. I really appreciate your help.

I'd appreciate your feedback as to why no one is responding?

Suggest you narrow down or specify if you have a food/cuisine choice (as well as any price point) as there is a heck of a wide variety of dining choices in Chicago.best boat tour in my opinion: www.architecture.org/tours/boat-tours

depending upon what day you are here, there might be a free movie or concert at Millennium Park: http://chicagofree.info/2013/04/02/s...#axzz2TsKe2GKX

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There are many hundreds of posts in this forum answering your questions. Search on keywords representing whatever interests you ("pizza," "theater," "river cruise," "museum," "shopping," etc.).

We are pretty nice around here, but it does get annoying repeating oneself year after year.

Thanks. I am sure it does, that's why I asked for feedback. I had read all past posts before posting and thought I was being specific (example, I put my desired meal price and specifics on walking). I have ALWAYS found this forum full of friendly, helpful members.

Since walking is limited and you're staying in the River north area, I did a yelp search to give you an idea of places within a mile of the hotel as a start.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...o::River_North

Chicago's really a walking city, so I would suggest getting a 3 day CTA pass to help get around instead. Other option would be to cab it from place to place.

http://www.transitchicago.com/travel...ridecards.aspx

Your budget and distance restrictions really limit you from a dining perspective. There are a ton of places I'd suggest that are > 1/2 mile away or cost > $20 a meal. That said, I'd recommend Xoco (Mexican) or Slurping Turtle (Japanese noodles).

If you look here you'll see that restaurants within 4 blocks of your hotel that are priced at $ or $$ consist primarily of chains. And you're staying in a more expensive, tourist-oriented neighborhood, so prices are higher across the board.

I don't eat Chicago pizza so I can't recommend any Chicago-style pizza places.

Sweet Willie's suggestion about the architectural cruise is spot on.

Regarding Chicago pizza my personal favorite is Giordano's (http://giordanos.com/) which has excellent pizza. Yes it is a little pricy but it's worth it.

Pizzeria Uno is closer to your hotel and one of my stand-bys. Also nearby is Lou Malnati's on Wells.

http://www.unos.com/
http://www.loumalnatis.com/Locations/

Second the recommendation for Xoco!

For a local chain with good (if not good for you) food. There is a Portillo's not too far away as well. You can try a Chicago-style hotdog or a Maxwell Street Polish.

http://www.portillos.com/portillos/locations/

These sound great! I can't wait. It will be very different from tonight's meal of blackeyed peas, collard greens and biscuits.

I don't know, those sound pretty darn good to me.:-:

You should definitely check out Meli's Cafe (locally sourced delicious breakfasts and brunch foods. And if you love coffee, then Bowtruss Coffee near the Merchandise Mart.

Speaking of repeating oneself, I spend a lot of time here telling folks that Giordano's isn't Chicago deep dish pizza - it's stuffed. If you want that, it's cool, but I hate to think people come to Chicago for the original deep dish and don't realize that they haven't gotten it.

Also, Lou Malnati's is on Wells and both it and Uno's (or Pizzeria Due - same thing) are great for the real thing.

thank you ILP^, I keep repeating this as well.