nwa_newby

Hi,

I'll be traveling to Chicago from Detroit via Amtrak February 17-19. I'm trying to get some tips/advice on getting around and places to eat/drink while I'm in town. I'll be traveling with my wife, so during the day we'll most likely be spending the majority of time on/near the Magnificent Mile. We'll be staying at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (on Wacker Dr).

Nightlife:
We're in our mid-20's, what bars would you recommend for a Saturday or Sunday night while we're in town? Ideally, I'd like to stay within a few miles of our hotel. We tend to like places that may or may not have a dance floor, have a younger crowd, but they're not too "clubby". We don't mind getting dressed up, but I'm not looking for the trendiest bar in town.

Restaurants:
We've been to Chicago a few times before and enjoyed eating at Weber's, Lawry's, Uno's, and the Cheesecake Factory. We realize that Chicago has a TON of food to offer, so we'd really like to try new places each time we go. What are some reccommendations for Italian, Mexican, or Steak places that are great, but won't break the bank. Are there any good restaurants in/near our hotel? Most likely we'll spend a little more for one of our dinners (maybe ~$100), but the rest of our meals we'll try to keep under $50 (before tip).

Any advice/tips/recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Also, if you have any suggestions/reviews regarding the Hyatt Regency Chicago I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

YLU FF

Ate out at a place called Gibson's Steakhouse out near ORD last fall. Not particularly up on Chicago eateries but I understand Gibson's is considered one of the better steakhouses in town. It certainly appears to attract a pretty posh clientele.

Lest you think I'm suggesting you head out in the direction of ORD, I know there is one downtown as well (1028 N Rush Street). Dinner for two (3-4 was in the $150-200 range.

ElmhurstNick

For restaurants, I would definitely get away from the chains such as Weber and Cheesecake Factory.

Chicago is such an ethnic city, I would focus on which ethnic foods are difficult to find from whereever you hail.

For Mexican, Frontera Grill is very good, but a very long wait (measured in hours) unless you go late in the evening. If you've done all the typical museums before, I'd consider going to the Pilsen neighborhoood one late morning (eithter the #60 bus or the Pink Line to roughly 18th/Ashland). I keep meaning to try the Mexican Fine Arts Center ( www.mfacmchicago.org,1852 W 19th St) but I've heard good things about it. Have lunch at Nuevo Leon (18th just east of Ashland) and pick up some dessert across the street at BomBon. Eating well at both places combined shouldn't cost more than $25/2 plus any beer.

ChiFlyer

For some clubs that are definitely not the 'in' place, try Division st at Clark. There are several bars in that area - just a little north of the Rush St bars - which can be a little more trendy.

I agree about the ethnic food - try something different when you are here - something you normally wouldn't get at home. If you venture out of the Mag Mile area just a little bit, you will find some reasonably priced ethnic choices (like have been described in Pilsen).

When you get out of Union Station onto the street, you may be greeted by people who want to help you with your bags or help you get a taxi. Don't be alarmed - you can politely say no.

No matter what you do when you are here, I hope that you have fun!

Big Mo

The previous 2 posts are spot on. However, if you still want to stay close to your hotel, you have plenty of options.

Definitely hit Frontera for Mexican. Gibson's on Rush probably is the quintessential Chicago steakhouse (with prices and crowds to match). I prefer Saloon Steakhouse but there are many, many good options in the same general area. Chicago has too many good Italian options to list. The best high-end Italian is Spiaggia (formal and expensive), but they also have the more casual Cafe Spiaggia. All of these are a very short cab ride from your hotel.

As for nightlife, there is a wide variety in short cabbing distance. The area on Rush near Gibsons is well-known for nightlife, but it's mostly an older set. Division probably would be better for you. Other options include nice choices for wine and appetizers, like Avec on Randolph. There are clubs with dancing, like Nacional 27. There are the famous Chicago Blues clubs, like Buddy Guy's on Wabash. There are hundreds of distinctive, old-school bars, like Miller's Pub (nice old bar and a pretty good restaurant as well). There are more touristy places with amazing views, like the Signature Room on the top of the Hancock Bldg. (hit the bar and skip the restaurant).

ElmhurstNick

National 27 reminds me - Carnivale (Fulton right next to I-94) has some very good pan-Latin/South American food - good enough for us to take clients looking for something different from a steakhouse. The only problem with it is that is very noisy if you are in the center of the dining room, and a twosome won't be a large enough party to get one of the semi-private dining areas.

There's also Greektown (Halsted between Van Buren and Monroe). I personally favor Santorini and Costas for sit-down dinner, and Artopolis for a dessert or a snack.

nwa_newby

Thanks for all the tips....they're all definitely helpful. It sounds like I'll have a lot of variety to choose from!

Has anyone ever been to the "Big Bar" at the Hyatt? From what I've read it sounded like this is a pretty popular spot on the weekends. Do you agree?

cliff_rock

I have been there; it is a unique architectural spin on the hotel bar. I can't imagine anyone not already visiting the hotel for another reason would make it a destination.

UNITED959

In Spanish, the Big Bar is el lame-oh. Don't go unless you just want a quick cocktail.

Let's see...mid-20s bars...I'd go to:

- Suite Lounge or The Gramercy (cocktail lounges, real neat decor, smaller places, nice looking crowds)
- Sound Bar (dance club)

Wrigleyville would make a great destination area where you can choose from a variety of bars filled with people your age (Friday and Saturday nights):

- John Barleycorn (dancing upstairs)
- Moxie & Bar Celona (cooler, upscale lounge)
- Cubby Bear & The Central (typical bar/pub type places)
*and there are tons more than what's listed here

Also, a neat thing to do (since you are visitors) is to visit a bar with a view...my pick is for the Whiskey Sky (in the W hotel Lakeshore) over the more famous Signature Room (too much Viagra & fake fur coats there).

Mexican: I'm going to go against the grain here, but I think Frontera is overrated. It's good, but not worth the wait, IMHO. I'd pick these restaurants:

- de cero (very reasonable, great food, nice atmosphere)
- Salvador's Barro (a 3 block walk from the Hyatt)
- Zapatista
- Carnivale

Steak: If you order steak at the big name places (i.e. Gibsons, Keefers, Joe's, etc.), you won't be able get out of them for under $100. (Well, perhaps if all you ordered were 2 steaks and tap water.) The good news is Chicago has an amazing alternative for great steak...Tango Sur. It's a bit of a cab ride from where you're staying, but it's a BYOB place and the food is great. So grab a bottle of wine and head there.

Italian: I generally don't enjoy Italian food, but I don't mind Pane Caldo and Quartino.

One more recommendation: Spanish food at Cafe Iberico. Very casual atmosphere, fun bar area, GREAT food tapas style. Probably something you can't get in Detroit. Prices are reasonable.

Some other restaurants I really enjoy that you may want to consider since they're unique experiences in Chicago:

Erwin (upscale American food in a cozy and casual setting)
2925 North Halsted
www.erwincafe.com

Rodan (Latin/Asian fusion; tapas style; casual & hip)
1530 North Milwaukee
www.rodan.ws

Le Bouchon (extremely casual French)
1958 North Damen
www.lebouchonofchicago.com

Kaze (Sushi)
2032 West Roscoe Street
www.kazesushi.com

West Town Tavern
1329 West Chicago Ave.
www.westtowntavern.com

India House (Indian food)
59 West Grand Avenue
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...0,228998.venue

One good thing...Chicago probably has the best restaurant, bar, and entertainment website of any large city in the U.S. -- it's www.metromix.com. A great resource.

Hyatt Regency serves its purpose. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad.

Big Mo

India House has a great lunch buffet, so go hungry.

ginabee2

If you find yourself up north or in Wicker Park during the lunch hour (or even if you want to save a few $$ on dinner), add Penny's Noodles to your list. There are several locations, they are all very pleasant (some smaller than others) and you can have dinner for under $20. My husband and my take out tab is almost always $14 or less. I think the one near Wrigelyville may still be a BYOB.

If you are in the area, I like the Whiskey Bar for a sophisticated crowd and a quiet drink. If you are really dressed up, catching a drink at Nomi is also fun (but prepared to spend $$ on dinner there!).

For Italian I always recommend Vivo in the West Loop - it feels very Chicago and there is something for everyone on the menu.

bdesmond

Is this the place on Southport at Grace? I've never been in there but I walk by all the time.

UNITED959

Big 2nd. ^ Vivo was one of the Randolph Street Restaurant Row pioneers, and they continue to draw a crowd.

UNITED959

I believe so. You should grab a nice bottle of red and give it a try. It's even better in the summer when you can eat outside.

StudentExplorer

Yeah, it's a pretty good neighborhood place. Further North on Southport is Deleece - contemporary American (also good for Brunch).

I'm with United959 re: Frontera. I thought it was decent, but was never overwhelmed.