I wanted to get back to this thread with some recommendations instead of just poopooing others suggestions. Let me preface that I'm giving these recommendations from my taste/perspective. Which is probably pretty different than alot of the people that populate this board. But I love food so it can't be that different.

Let me say that Chicago is pretty much known worldwide for what's going on in it's restaurant scene right now. So many amazing chefs are in this city. I'd say after living in New York for most of my adult life and then moving here, that I'd rather eat in Chicago. New York is better in that it has more top notch restaurants but who wants to spend 200 bucks for every meal when you're on a trip. If you can, more power to you. What Chicago excels at is amazing food/chefs at the midrange priced restaurants.

The second major thing I would say about Chicago is LEAVE THE LOOP. I know all the hotels are there and a lot of great things to see and do, but Chicago's life is in its smaller neighborhoods and so are its restaurants. LEAVE THE LOOP. Not so say there aren't some great restaurants in the loop. Also don't feel the need to go to a place because that's what guide books say you need to do in Chicago.

And in my first suggestion I will contradict my last statement.

HOT DOUG'S. Hands down, the absolute can't-miss place you have to go. Yes it's hot dogs. But they're unlike any hot dog you've ever had or will ever have again. Having said that, you do have to get there early and stand in line for a very long time. Some times it can be a couple of hours. So if you are on a short weekend trip, it may not be the best use of your time.

Next. Fancy shmancy top price restaurants. If you have the money, you pretty much have to do ALINEA. Considered one of the best chefs in the world, Grant Achatz is one of the leaders of the molecular gastronomy movement. If you're a meat and potatoes kind of guy/gal, avoid at all costs. But if you are up for different experiences and thinking of food in a different way than this is quite an experience.

L20. Only been open about a year but considered one of the best new restaurants in the United States. Laurent Gras is considered a master of seafood.

If you're interested in the molecular gastronomy MATO or SCHWA would be good choices as well though Schwa is almost impossible to get in.

I would go to one of Paul Kahan's restaurants: AVEC, BLACKBIRD, or PUBLICAN. I really like this guy's approach to food (farm to table/tail to snout) especially his love of pork. Personally I'd go with Publican. It's the newest and the cheapest but I think the best. Disclaimer: communal seating, as I know some people hate that. Though i'm a big fan. Publican is a beer, oyster, pork place but done by a chef that knows how to do high level fine dining as well. And it's in a cool neighborhood that you'd probably never go to otherwise.

Another place that I like that is similar to Publican is THE BRISTOL. They are farm to table as well and do sharing plates. That's in a neighborhood called Bucktown. There's also another great place near in the same hood called TAKASHI.

Disclaimer, I have a business relationship with the owners of this place, but BOKA is probably my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Fine dining but comfortable. The chef here won a James Beard award for best new chef.

I could go on and on and on. So if you have something more specific in mind, I'm sure I can think of something.