Personal trip to Chicago...
 

Hey Guys,

Unfortunately, I've rarely had a chance to visit the Midwest, since my work rarely takes me there. I've long since wanted to visit Chicago (aside from being at ORD!) and looking for some tips for a first-timer.

Some general questions:

1. Taking the Blue Line from ORD to Downtown Chicago generally safe? Or, only best to take it at certain hours?

2. Love steak and can't wait to have a Chicago style ribeye in Chicago! How does it compare to NY's? And, what are some of the best steakhouses to visit.

3. Will be staying in the Downtown (Chicago River) area and any recommendations to visit (aside from the obvious top 10 Trip Advisor suggestions)?

Thanks in advance!

The Blue Line runs 24-7. It's generally safe, but I probably wouldn't get off in the Loop and walk several blocks to my hotel at 3 am. Then again, I wouldn't walk alone at night in most major cities. No obvious safety issues, but I'd use common sense. Also, the first train car contains the conductor's booth and if you're worried about being on the train with sketchy people you should choose that car.

I'm not a serious steakeater, but my fiance is and Bavette's is our favorite. Make a reservation far in advance on Open Table. I believe you can sit at the bar to eat without a reservation, but you might want to double check that.

Interests? We could suggest a thousand things. You might want to peruse the other threads in this forum because it's a question often asked and answered.

1. Blue line is very safe between ORD and downtown. In fact, the L in general is pretty safe for visitors.

2. Tough question. Both cities have so many variations that you will probably find similarities and differences at every place. If you want a good steak, and an authentic experience, I suggest Gene & Georgetti's. I've sent co-workers there and they've loved it. Otherwise, there are of course all the fancier places. Another unique Chicago steakhouse experience is Gibson's.

3. What are your interests? Also, I assume you're going soon, when it could still be cold. You're in a central location for all the museums, aquarium (which may be the best in the country), planetarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Hancock, Willis (Sears) Tower. If it's nice, rent one of the Divvy bikes and bike along the lake from your hotel up to Lincoln Park. For restaurants, go to the West Loop. Also, my #1 recommendation for visitors is to take the river architectural tour. There are a couple locations right around River North.

I and others will be happy to give recommendations if you can be a little more specific.

[QUOTE=chgoeditor;26232152

I'm not a serious steakeater, but my fiance is and Bavette's is our favorite. Make a reservation far in advance on Open Table. I believe you can sit at the bar to eat without a reservation, but you might want to double check that.
[/QUOTE]

Bavette's is another great choice!

Steakhouses here in Chicago match up really well to those in NY and can be priced similarly. I second both Gibsons and Bavette's. I would also suggest Prime and Provisions especially for lunch. Portions are huge and pricing is more reasonable. Any visit to Chicago should incorporate the architectural tour - especially since you are staying by the river - as well as the Art institute. And a sporting event if you are a fan.

Thanks for the insights so far!

On my initial visits to a city, I generally prefer the following:

1. Love to walk around a city, assuming the area is relatively safe.
2. Interested in visiting Museums and experience the city's history.
3. Would like to attend a Symphony and/or Opera, if in season.
4. Experience some aspects (food and/or culture) that is unique to Chicago.

Of course, would love to check out a game at Wrigley's, but would have to wait to return during baseball season.

Will definitely try all the recommended steakhouses!

Bavette's is very good with excellent cocktails. Gibson's is old school but excellent. Chicago Cut, David Burke Primehouse, Gene and Georgetti, Smith & Wollensky, Michael Jordan's, and all the chains are also possibilities.

You might want to read some of the Eater and Chicago Magazine articles.

Two new places that I haven't had an opportunity to try yet are Swift & Sons and Maple & Ash.

Anywhere you're likely to go in Chicago as a tourist is pretty safe. Common sense is required of course, such as don't walk through a dark alley late at night, and there's no reason to do something like that.

I would suggest walking through Millennium Park, then the Art Museum, right next to each other. The architectural tour will give you some history, and it's fun.

As far as food:

- Get a real Chicago hot dog or an Italian beef sandwich for lunch.
- Gene & Georgetti's or Gibsons, as I mentioned earlier.
- Check out the West Loop (restaurant row). Chicago has become famous for having an innovative restaurant scene with diners more open to new experiences. See if you can get in for drinks at The Aviary (it's been a while but you used to be able to email them for a 6 pm reservation). Then try Girl and the Goat or Publican for dinner, which are both about a block away. Or Google any of the other West Loop restaurants. Generally much better options than most of what you'll find in River North and the Loop.

1. Walking: Daytime you're fine walking in any neighborhood that a tourist might find him or herself. The Chicago Greeter program offers free drop-in walking tours of the Loop area (only on weekends, last I checked) and have a location on the ground floor of the Cultural Center (Michigan & Randolph). You can also book free private tours with greeters if you have a particular neighborhood or interest.

I'd highly recommend the Chicago Architectural Foundation tours. They offer many using many modes of transportation (walking, bus, boat, etc.).

2. Museums: Whether you're interested in art, history, natural history, science, animals, surgery, you name it, we have them all. Personally, my favs are the Museum of Science and Industry, the Chicago History Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. But all are world class. You'll also get a lot of Chicago history on many of the Chicago Architectural Foundation tours. The Cultural Center is free and open to the public, and often has mini-exhibits.

3. Symphony/Opera: Check out the Chicago Lyric Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. We also have a great selection of theater, ranging from storefront theaters to places that mount Broadway-style musicals. If you check out the Lookingglass, Steppenwolf and Goodman, you'll probably see some familiar names on the list of company members.

4. Food & culture: Chicago has some of the world's top restaurants, and you probably wouldn't be disappointed at either of Rick Bayless's restaurants (Topolombampo and Frontera), Grant Achitz's spots (Next, Alinea and Aviary) or Stephanie Izard's (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat). If your tastes run more toward ethnic spots and holes in the wall, check out the Great Neighborhood Restaurant list on LTHForum.com.

We're doing Swift & Sons for my fiance's birthday. I'll try to remember to report back!

I'll be looking forward to your report!

We should probably try to resurrect the steakhouse thread which hasn't had any posts for a year or two.

Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.

Depending on where you live, Chicago can be good for upscale shopping.

It's also good for food, with some less common options such as Greektown.

Thanks for the input!

This is extremely helpful and will give me a good idea of make the best of my trip. By the way, being from the West coast, I'm looking forward to the cold; one of the reasons I've chosen Chicago this time of year is to experience some cold weather or even some snow.

Be sure to tell them you are celebrating something. My husband and I went for a promotion-related celebration, and they made it a wonderful experience!

Thanks for the tip! We love Balena and Formento's, so have high hopes for Swift & Sons.

If you like history and wandering around, you'll probably enjoy the Architectural Boat Tour (which I am sure is on the Tripadvisor list). Very enjoyable.

Steak houses -- My favorites are Chicago Chop House

http://chicagochophouse.com/

and the afore-mentioned Gene & Georgetti. Have not tried Bavette's. Will have to do so on my next trip in April.

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

Many excellent suggestions in this thread. Hope I get to try them out next time I'm in Chicago area.

I, for one, do not even begin to understand the obsession with Three Floyds, but that's just me.

Yep, beer is definitely subject to personal preference. In the category of hoppy, full-flavored beers (or whatever category you choose to use :)), Three Floyds is one of the best brewers in the US. But it's certainly not for everyone. And for me, it's not a beer I want to drink every day.

As far as obsession goes, I don't understand why anyone would be obsessed with any beer, but it still does.

Thanks for the many wonderful suggestions!
 

Just wanted to express my appreciation for all the wonderful suggestions and recommendations on this thread.

After couple of trips where I had some personal time, I've got to say that love Chicago and its people. Unlike NY, everyone is so friendly! In every sense, it is truly a world class city that I'll visit often whenever I have time.

The architecture, museums (was there for the Van Gogh exhibit), Chicago symphony and steaks were incredible! All world class. Tried several of the steakhouses recommended and my favorite has to be the dry aged Ribeye from David Burke's. Being a lifelong steak enthusiast, I prefer Ribeyes medium rare. I think Chicago makes a better ribeye than New York, if only only because all the steakhouses prepared the ribeye medium rare (without having to be instructed), slight on the medium side to bring out the full flavor of the fat and marbling.

Have an invitation for a Cubs and Bears game and can't wait to return! Also, wanted to visit the Museum of Science and Industry, but was way too crowded! Going to have to visit it during an off season.

Yay
 

So glad you enjoyed :)