re: Restaurants/stores/dives that you can't miss in Chicago

Heading there next week before Christmas. Some of my recommendations are:
The publican
Girl and the goat
Rosebud on rush
Drumbar behind the Hancock
Redhead piano bar
Half acre brewery
3 Floyd's brewery (little south of town but worth it)
Museum of science and industry
The shedd aquarium

Took this last year..Such a great American city..enjoy

If you want the best steak in Chicago, go to Tango Sur. It's a BYOB Argentenian steakhouse in Lakeview and it's amazing. They don't take reservations, but there are several decent bars along Southport Ave to grab a drink while you wait. Get the empanadas for an appetizer.

Good brunch spots: fig & olive, the publican, southport grocery, Santa monica summer house.

Also I support the following recs that have already been made: Portillos, Pequads, Three Dots, Cindys, purple pig, & Girl & the Goat are all excellent choices,