There is so much snow today the airports are pretty much closed.

Lawry's is an old-time famous steakhouse, though I have not been there in years. There is an Amex discount right now for many cards of $30 off $100, good through 3/31/16.

For a hotel, I kinda like the old-school atmosphere of the Palmer House. It used to be a huge deal price-wise, but now it's often not much more than some Hampton Inn in the middle of nowhere. For example, this Saturday it's just $79!

Art Institute for the Van Gogh exhibit right now. Also Museum of Science and Industry especially if you are technically inclined. Can walk from there to Robie House, top-5-rated Frank Lloyd Wright residence. See some theater. hottix.org for half-price tickets. Must try these classic Chicago dishes procured at the right spots: genuine Chicago-style hot dog, an Italian beef sandwich, and deep-dish pizza.

If you are a beer drinker, a pilgrimage to Three Floyds in Munster, IN would not be amiss. One of the very best breweries on earth; people come thousands of miles to visit. Their Zombie Dust is considered the #1 pale ale in the world. If you take the commuter train from Millennium Park to Flossmoor, it's about 25 minutes by car and I can generally be persuaded to be designated driver.

Some good information in here, I love the Three Floyds idea, it's a fun place.

One correction -- unless it's changed in the last few years, Lawry's is prime rib, not steak. It's old school...think Sunday dinner at Grandma's house!

Right, it's Lawry's The Prime Rib. While I've never been to Chicago's, I've been to the one in Beverly Hills on La Cienaga more times than I can count. It's probably one of the best Prime Rib I've ever had anywhere; better than SF's House of Prime Rib, in my view.

Wow, so many great suggestions on this thread, really looking forward it!

Some of us know it's possibly the best "real" city in the US...All we ask is you don't tell anyone. :D

Rest assured, I have long suspected!

Being an avid Baseball fan (have been waiting to catch a game at Wrigley's since childhood) and music enthusiast (Chicago symphony is the best in America and one of the top 5 in the world, in my view), visiting Chicago has been on my "to-do" list for the past 10 or 15 years! Many have told me the best steaks in Chicago rival even the best in NYC, which I can't wait to try for myself!

Just haven't had a chance to take some personal time, until now.

The storm was such a dud in the city. I'd be surprised if we got an inch, max. Maybe it will all come down overnight, but there's no accumulation on South Loop streets and sidewalks.


Worth noting that you can find Three Floyds beer within the city, too. There are great beer menus at many bars and restaurants. Chicagoist recently published a list of their 9 favorite beer bars, and it's a pretty good one.

There are many good breweries in the city (Original Goose Island location, Revolution, Half Acre, Forbidden Root, Begyle, etc) that you can get to easily. I don't think it's worth it to schlep down to Indiana for Three Floyds.

My favorite steak in the city is at David Burkes Primehouse (they have varying degrees of dry aged ribeyes up to 75 days) but I've heard good things about Bavettes too.

100% agree. I like the new Breakroom Brewery in Albany Park as well.

Good point. Half Acre is an excellent choice. I wouldn't say Three Floyd's isn't worth it, but it's certainly a matter of taste. Their beers are unique.

Yes, they are. I've been there and it was a great experience, but maybe not worth it for someone who is in town for a limited time. Also the fact that you have to drive instead of taking a train/Uber meaning someone has to DD.

I forgot to mention Local Option as another excellent Chicago brewery.

Three Floyds has been ranked #1 brewery in the world a number of times. People make pilgrimages there from Europe. You do not go to Three Floyds for "a beer."

Entirely different level from the guys you mention. Not comparable.

If I were traveling and an hour away from the world's #1 arboretum or winery or distillery or dog show or sunset or hamburger or anything, even if only marginally interesting to me, I would consider going.

I would advise against Bavette's for an authentic Chicago steakhouse experience. It's not truly a steakhouse in the true sense - the steaks are decent, but I've definitely had better elsewhere. I would assume you want to avoid the chain restaurants (i.e. Capital Grille, Morton's, etc.) but it might be worth your while to go to the Original Morton's on State Street. David Burke's Primehouse is good too if you like dry-aged beef (too gamey for my personal taste).

While not in the downtown area - I highlight recommend Boka. I love the food here.

Blue Line is quite safe. During very early or late hours, when there is little traffic, it can look a little creepy because of all the homeless / beggars who take shelter in it, but just go to the front compartment and you'll be fine.

As others have pointed out, you should think more carefully about the area where you are going to get off or walk to, if it makes sense at that hour. However, I would not hesitate to take Blue Line to downtown and Uber it from there anytime to anywhere I needed to go.

Yeah, Three Floyds is in the Legend category while some of the others are just good beers.

On another topic, I hope the OP wasn't disappointed by the lack of snow (and generally warm weather) this year. I know I wasn't. :D