Hello,

I am going to Chicago next weekend (March 21 - 23).

We are going there for a concert/show Friday night (at Martyrs') and we decided to spend Saturday doing some sightseeing. We're from S.W. Michigan so we've been to Chicago several times, usually to shop.

So far, we plan to go to the Museum of Science and Industry and see Wicked Saturday night. Any suggestions for places to eat or fun things that are going on next weekend?

Thanks!

Just being in Chicago is the biggest buzz for me! And as for Wicked ... I'm 'green' with envy - I saw it there a couple of years ago - can't believe that the Broadway show could be any better ... bought the book(s), the CD ... you'll love it!! Have you thought about taking the L out to Oak Park and wandering around the FLW houses? Or one of the architecture walks/cruises?

The Museum of Science and Industry is easily an all day affair. You could spend some time walking around University of Chicago and Hyde Park which is immediately west of the Museum while you're down there too.

For more than you ever wanted to know about eating out in Chicago, visit LTH Forum: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=14

Thanks for the link. Makes me hungry just reading the posts

Asking "what's a good place to eat" is a tough question when talking about Chicago.

What kind of food do you like? What's your ideal price range? Dress up or dress down? Give us some pointers and we can make better recommendations.

bdesmond, thanks for the suggestions - we'll check out options for U of Chicago or Hyde park.

Wizzy, thank you for the link - I'm going to spend some time searching over there as well!

Yes, reading through the lists and recommendations shows that there are a LOT of options!

We both like Mexican, Italian and American cuisine (but we'd be open to other things as well). Price range is low to moderate (Less than $30 per person is ideal). Nothing too formal, so casual dress would be preferred.

We'd like things in the general areas that we'll be in (we will have a car but will likely park it someplace and travel by foot).

Thanks all for your help and suggestions!

I'm very excited about Wicked! Hadn't thought about Oak Park - I'm not sure if we'll be taking the L at all, though, but depending on parking, driving may be an option. I'll also look into the architecture walks - my friend would love that! Thank you.

Up near Martyrs are these places:

Tango Sur - Argentine Steakhouse/BYOB

Terra Gusto- great Italian, also a BYOB

If you are going to be driving places, be aware that parking is costly. If you go to a lot, it is anywhere from $10-$20 or more. And if you park in the street, make sure you read all the signs, even if you are at a parking meter. I have been towed many-a-time because of signs I swear were not there when I parked. And lastly, if you park at a meter bring a couple rolls of quarters and keep it fed!!!!

Mr. Stuffy and I used to live on LSD and we rented one parking space between the two of us. Which meant someone was literally out on the street always looking for parking. I averaged over $300 a month in parking tickets.

This is certainly not to discourage you. Chicago is a ton of fun. You might also consider parking the car and cabbing it.

Reserve a ticket for the new Glass show at MSI since you'll be there. Quite good. Make sure you know when the glassmaking demo is scheduled so you don't miss it. Gotta also take the submarine tour if you never have.

Depending on the size of your party and how often you go, annual membership at MSI may be worth it. We've been members for 10 years running.

Home/Hopper shows at the Art Institute worth seeing, too.

Seriously consider the L - I've been visiting Chicago from Oz for the past 8 years - it's an excellent way to get around! And if you/your friend is interested in the architecture tours - http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx - they're worth every penny imho! Enjoy ... and please report back after your visit ... love to hear how you enjoyed it all!

I just wanted to give a quick update:

Due to the snow, we ended up canceling some of our plans and only going to the concert on Friday at Martyrs'; one of the two artists was coming from Michigan and he canceled due to weather. In the end, that meant the singer I preferred played longer and it was a great show. We decided just to eat at Martyrs' (and it was pretty good)!

Saturday we went to the Oriental Institute, which was new to both of us and tried Gino's Pizza, which was recommended by a friend. We also went to Shedd.

Wicked was great and our seats were perfect; we parked in a garage a few blocks away and had no trouble (thankfully) with parking. We actually found free parking across from both Martyrs' and the Oriental Institute so we were very lucky in that respect.

Thank you to everyone for all the suggestions in the thread; we're already planning our next trip back!