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Going to Chicago

Hollow Man

Hollow Man

Supporting Member
Apr 28, 2003
4,062
111
Springfield, VA
#1
In a few weeks, I'll be headed up to Chicago for no particular reason at all... just to hang out and see the area. I don't know much anything about the layout of the city, or what's worth checking out.

What I'm looking for is suggestions for places to stay... in other words, decent hotels that are in or near an area that an outsider like me might enjoy. It would be cool if it were within walking distance of some cool places to eat, or an interesting downtown/shopping area... something like that.

Also, what are some can't-leave-without-seeing places around town? Emphasis on places to eat and just be a tourist. C'mon Chi-town residents... tell me your secrets!
 
#2
You'll want to stay somewhere close to Grant park. Pretty much everything as far as museums/aquarium are within walking distance from there. I stayed at the Congress Hotel years ago, and really don't recommend it. It's "Historic" which translates as "Old and Rundown".

Not sure about restaurants per say, I always just wander in off the street.


Have fun!
 
#4
Hollow Man said:
In a few weeks, I'll be headed up to Chicago for no particular reason at all... just to hang out and see the area. I don't know much anything about the layout of the city, or what's worth checking out.

What I'm looking for is suggestions for places to stay... in other words, decent hotels that are in or near an area that an outsider like me might enjoy. It would be cool if it were within walking distance of some cool places to eat, or an interesting downtown/shopping area... something like that.

Also, what are some can't-leave-without-seeing places around town? Emphasis on places to eat and just be a tourist. C'mon Chi-town residents... tell me your secrets!
Click to expand...
Whenever someone asks "where should I go/stay" in the US, I reply DISNEYLAND!

Today is no different.

Except I actually know that Chicago is known as "the motor city" and pretty sure thats where Al Capone operated, right?
 
#7
I live in the Chicago suburbs and I'm horrible when it comes to the City!

If I were you, being a musician, I'd stay at the House of Blues. Their rooms are reasonable and really cool and the House of Blues itself has excellent food and great entertainment. You should see who's playing while you're there.

If you want fancy-schmancy there's lots of expensive places to stay. As far as things to do--there's the regular things like the Museums (Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Shed Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium) and I believe you can save money by getting a pass for all of them. If you haven't seen it I recommend Blue Man Group. Also Navy Pier and the Chicago Botanical Gardens are worth checking out. Hmmm, can't think of much else--I'm not a big Chicago girl.

As far as places to eat...If you stay at HOB you'll be right downtown downtown and there are tons of places to eat like Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Ben Pao and the touristy places like Hard Rock Cafe and Rainforest Cafe. I do recommend getting a deep dish pizza somewhere and even a Portillos Italian Beef. Portillos is an Illinois chain and I think they have the best Italian Beef sandwiches of any place. In fact, I think I'm going to get me one today!
 
#8
Hotels: Palmer House, Hilton and Towers, etc. anything in the North Loop/Magnificent Mile is good, pricey but good. My favorite is Hotel Monaco.

Places to see: Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Take a bus tour, it'll take you to ALL the big sights downtown!!!!

Shopping: Jazz Record Mart (on Wabash, I forget the cross street). Macy's (211 N. State) The entire mag mile!!

Clubs: The Green Mill, Buddy Guys, Double Door, Cubby Bear, plus about 10,000 more, go to Clark St!!!!

Food: Pizzeria UNO, Heaven on Seven (cajun), Gino's East, Mortons Steak House, Rosebud, Jonny Rockets,
 
#9
I've been to and through Chicago a number of times. It's a nice enough city, but it is, unfortunately, the Supreme Vortex of Places Where Bad Things Happen to RJNY.

Held up at gunpoint at a gas station, truck broke down when driving through it, both airplane and Greyhound delays that have gone 24+ hours ...

I can't decide if Chicago hates me, or if it just really wants me to never leave it.
 
#10
DrMWP said:
Hotels: Palmer House, Hilton and Towers, etc. anything in the North Loop/Magnificent Mile is good, pricey but good. My favorite is Hotel Monaco.

Places to see: Art Institute, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Take a bus tour, it'll take you to ALL the big sights downtown!!!!

Shopping: Jazz Record Mart (on Wabash, I forget the cross street). Macy's (211 N. State) The entire mag mile!!

Clubs: The Green Mill, Buddy Guys, Double Door, Cubby Bear, plus about 10,000 more, go to Clark St!!!!

Food: Pizzeria UNO, Heaven on Seven (cajun), Gino's East, Mortons Steak House, Rosebud, Jonny Rockets,
Click to expand...

Is Uno or Gino's the one in the old Planet Hollywood building?? The pizza is terrific, but the graffiti on the walls makes my eyes hurt!

Don't forget Ed Debevic's. I like to give the servers a rash of $*!^ when I go there.
 

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