Trip to Chicago

[DuckRyder]

If you have to go (my first vote would be go somewhere else), Hit The Palace Grill on Madison (cash only), the Lockdown bar and grill and Al's Beef (the original one in Little Italy, also cash only IIRC), the Crowne Plaza and Residence Inn downtown are both nice, but expensive.

To say I was unimpressed with Billy Goat Tavern on Madison would be an understatement, but there is more than one...

 

[dparm]

Just take a cab downtown. About $30 from either airport and no delays on the train or whatever.

PM me if you need tips on where to go and what to see. I've lived here my whole life and know the town well.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
You'll want a Cubs game, because the surrounding neighborhood is FULL of places to eat and drink.
At Sox Park, [Cellular] you park, watch the game, and then go home for fear.
Bad neighborhood.
Millenium Park will afford hours of strolling enjoyment. Navy Pier also.
Take the 22 second ride up the 1/4 mile tall Hankock to the top, and take in a great view of the city while you have a drink.


Sadly, this is true (Sox Park/Comiskey Park/US Cellular Field/Whatever-it's-called-this-month). I worked 5 blocks south of there, it's a terribly bad area.

Berghoff's is a great idea for food. Pizza? Gino's East on East Superior, but get there by 11am, 11:15a at the latest (when they open) otherwise you'll waste too much of your weekend standing in line.

Navy Pier is nice, but it is a tourist trap no doubt. Millenium park is fun and you're right on Michigan Ave by the Art Institute, shopping, etc.

Don't forget to spend some time partying it up on Rush street at night. And don't expect to sleep until Sunday night when you get home. lol

Enjoy!

 

[mechtech2]

Oh yeah... don't forget the Field Museum - it's great.
Same for the Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium.
Art Institute.
Unos for Pizza.



The Museum of Science and Industry is a waste [30 years ago it was OK].

 

[bluestream]

Thanks for all the great advice, I do appreciate it. I had no idea about the ball parks, and have changed my ytavel dates to match with the Cubs schedule.

I have been trying to find a place downtown, but not much luck with Hotwire, or Pricline.

Thanks to those who offered to accept some PM, I will get a few out over the next week or 2 as I finalize my plans

Cheers!

 

[OilNerd]

There are a couple places showing up on hotels.com for the Loop and Magnificent Mile. Check it with your dates and budget and see what comes up.

I stayed in the Loop my last trip in Chicago. (I don't remember the hotel chain, but it was on Printers' Row)

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown
15 E. Ohio Street, Chicago, IL, US, 60611
Phone: (312) 894-0900

Red Roof Inn Downtown - Magnificent Mile
162 East Ontario St Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 787-3580