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Chicago Itinerary (Thoughts/Changes/Recommendations?)
Posted on 10/1/21 at 9:50 am
Posted on 10/1/21 at 9:50 am
I've been looking through some old Chicago threads, and also asking questions and getting recommendations in them but I figured I'd start a new one to see if anyone has any thoughts on my "plan"
This is just a general outline of what I'm thinking. If I'm on my way to a spot but find something cool that I want to stay at then Ill just change the plan. If someone has a better recommendation then I'll do that instead, etc.
We arrive at Ohare at 12:30 PM on Thursday October 14th and then taking the L train to town where we are staying at Marriot Magnificent Mile . Looks like the train is about an hour so I figure we'll be at our hotel between 2-3.
We'll be hungry so was considering walking a couple blocks down the street at eating at Al's Italian Beef. Then just walk around bit around the hotel and maybe go grab some drinks at Tiny Tapp and surrounding area on the River Walk because we'll have to go back to the hotel and get ready for Bavettes at 9 (Open to suggestions for a cocktail bar to pop in to in the area beforehand).
Friday - Was thinking about waking up early and grabbing some coffee at Intellegentsia (heard its good, open for other suggestions) and then heading over to Millenium park before the crowds get there to snap some pictures of the bean, fountain, etc. We have brunch reservations at 1030 at River Roast (seemed cool and right on the river, open to other suggestions if there are better options). After brunch was thinking of doing the First Lady Architecture tour. We have 745 dinner reservations at Girl & Goat so I'm on the waiting list at The Aviary, if I don't get in there or The Office was thinking of hitting up the Emporium since they're both close to Goat.
Saturday - Was thinking about grabbing coffee at Big Shoulders Coffee and then heading down to Chinatown and walking around and snacking on some food for a couple hours. After getting back from Chinatown was thinking of grabbing lunch at Au Chevel for a burger. Would like to also go up to Wrigleyville area and check out the stadium, a few pubs, and maybe a brewery or 2 (Seen Corridor and Metropolitan both recommended and they appear up in that area). Chinatown and Wrigleyville look to be on opposite ends of the city is this wise to do both in one day?
That's my rough outline so far. I want to fit in a dog at Portillos and a pizza at Pequods as well. Also need to hit up a rooftop bar or 2 so looking for recommendations or best RT bars.
Again if I don't make it to something or find something better then that's what I'll do. Open to any suggestions or things to not do that I've listed or change to something else. Any tips on time management or things to do that might be right in the area of something I've listed that we might as well do when we're in the area I'm open to as well.
ALSO: We play Florida on Saturday so I'll need a recommendation on a spot to watch that at. Hard to plan it in to the Saturday plan since we don't know KO time but it is what it is.
This is just a general outline of what I'm thinking. If I'm on my way to a spot but find something cool that I want to stay at then Ill just change the plan. If someone has a better recommendation then I'll do that instead, etc.
We arrive at Ohare at 12:30 PM on Thursday October 14th and then taking the L train to town where we are staying at Marriot Magnificent Mile . Looks like the train is about an hour so I figure we'll be at our hotel between 2-3.
We'll be hungry so was considering walking a couple blocks down the street at eating at Al's Italian Beef. Then just walk around bit around the hotel and maybe go grab some drinks at Tiny Tapp and surrounding area on the River Walk because we'll have to go back to the hotel and get ready for Bavettes at 9 (Open to suggestions for a cocktail bar to pop in to in the area beforehand).
Friday - Was thinking about waking up early and grabbing some coffee at Intellegentsia (heard its good, open for other suggestions) and then heading over to Millenium park before the crowds get there to snap some pictures of the bean, fountain, etc. We have brunch reservations at 1030 at River Roast (seemed cool and right on the river, open to other suggestions if there are better options). After brunch was thinking of doing the First Lady Architecture tour. We have 745 dinner reservations at Girl & Goat so I'm on the waiting list at The Aviary, if I don't get in there or The Office was thinking of hitting up the Emporium since they're both close to Goat.
Saturday - Was thinking about grabbing coffee at Big Shoulders Coffee and then heading down to Chinatown and walking around and snacking on some food for a couple hours. After getting back from Chinatown was thinking of grabbing lunch at Au Chevel for a burger. Would like to also go up to Wrigleyville area and check out the stadium, a few pubs, and maybe a brewery or 2 (Seen Corridor and Metropolitan both recommended and they appear up in that area). Chinatown and Wrigleyville look to be on opposite ends of the city is this wise to do both in one day?
That's my rough outline so far. I want to fit in a dog at Portillos and a pizza at Pequods as well. Also need to hit up a rooftop bar or 2 so looking for recommendations or best RT bars.
Again if I don't make it to something or find something better then that's what I'll do. Open to any suggestions or things to not do that I've listed or change to something else. Any tips on time management or things to do that might be right in the area of something I've listed that we might as well do when we're in the area I'm open to as well.
ALSO: We play Florida on Saturday so I'll need a recommendation on a spot to watch that at. Hard to plan it in to the Saturday plan since we don't know KO time but it is what it is.
This post was edited on 10/1/21 at 10:01 am
11
Posted on 10/1/21 at 10:20 am to DukeSilver
Standard Bar & Grill on Milwaukee was an LSU bar I watched the LSU game at last time I was there. Good beer and food. Would recommend. Haven’t been in about three years though.
Posted on 10/1/21 at 10:43 am to DukeSilver
If you have a rough itinerary built-out, I hate to make it sound like I'm trying to make you deviate because it's always good to let people do what they want... So, take what I say with a grain of salt 
I'm not a fan of The Loop, but I will always support beers on the River Walk, especially on a sunny day. In addition to Tiny Tapp, walk east and go to The Northman. Best beer garden on the River Walk. I don't think you're missing much skipping the few bars/restaurants in between.
If you're looking for a cocktail bar before Bavette's, which is one of my favorites in the city, head next door to Gilt Bar. I'm pretty sure their speakeasy (The Library) downstairs is closed, but the main space makes great cocktails, too. I'm a sucker for an Old Fashioned, so it does not disappoint.
Best coffee shops are in the neighborhoods, but Blue Bottle Coffee just opened a Chicago location less than two months ago near Merchandise Mart. It's about a 20-minute walk from your hotel, but you can stroll a bit through River North. River Roast is a good choice, but if you're more looking for "setting" than food, I'd switch-up to Pizzeria Portofino. Not great pizza, but very cool patio.
If you need recommendations in Chinatown, my two favorite dim sum places are Phoenix Restaurant and Triple Crown, but expect a wait at both during lunch. Go 4 Food is, probably, my favorite restaurant in the area.
I really like Wrigleyville during the season, and they've done a great job building up the area, but the bars aren't super memorable... If you've never been up there, might be worth it, but there are better neighborhoods to check out bars.
If you're set on Wrigleyville, it is possible to do that and Chinatown in the same day - both are on the Red Line, so it's an easy ride / you can stop at your hotel between the two. Going to Au Cheval will really add time, so I'd consider Small Cheval in Old Town (there are three locations, but that's closest to you), but totally understand if someone would want to check out the wait time at Au Cheval.
Corridor has totally fallen off since Eric Padilla left for MoRe Brewing in Villa Park, but Southport Corridor is an awesome street. Super pedestrian-friendly, a lot of families and plenty of shops to check out. Aside from Corridor, Dovetail and Begyle aren't more than a 25-minute walk from Wrigley. Dovetail, in particular, makes the best traditional beers in the city (maybe the Midwest).
Metropolitan has a big patio on the river that is worth checking out. Beer is OK. If you go there, must walk down to Maplewood. Ravinia just opened a city brewpub around the corner, too. With that, I go back to the initial suggestion of other neighborhoods to check out bars... You may have to Uber from any of the above breweries, since it's about two miles, but Wicker Park is my favorite neighborhood in the city for bars.
Up Room in The Robey has the best views in the city, in my opinion. Completely unobstructed views.
Other than that, LondonHouse has a great view of buildings lining the river. Excellent at sunset, but gets crowded.
Cindy's is on top of the Chicago Athletic Association and you have an awesome view of the parks and Lake Michigan.
I haven't been yet, but Navy Pier has a massive rooftop bar/restaurant. I hate going there, but it's not terribly far from your hotel, so may be worth checking out.
Standard in Wicker is an LSU bar, so that may actually check-off my suggestion of Wicker bars. Just one block over on Division has a great stretch of spots to check out. Standard is your "standard" (no pun intended) sports bar - average food, fine beer selection, but a ton of TVs.
quote:
maybe go grab some drinks at Tiny Tapp and surrounding area on the River Walk because we'll have to go back to the hotel and get ready for Bavettes at 9 (Open to suggestions for a cocktail bar to pop in to in the area beforehand).
I'm not a fan of The Loop, but I will always support beers on the River Walk, especially on a sunny day. In addition to Tiny Tapp, walk east and go to The Northman. Best beer garden on the River Walk. I don't think you're missing much skipping the few bars/restaurants in between.
If you're looking for a cocktail bar before Bavette's, which is one of my favorites in the city, head next door to Gilt Bar. I'm pretty sure their speakeasy (The Library) downstairs is closed, but the main space makes great cocktails, too. I'm a sucker for an Old Fashioned, so it does not disappoint.
quote:
Was thinking about waking up early and grabbing some coffee at Intellegentsia (heard its good, open for other suggestions) and then heading over to Millenium park before the crowds get there to snap some pictures of the bean, fountain, etc. We have brunch reservations at 1030 at River Roast (seemed cool and right on the river, open to other suggestions if there are better options).
Best coffee shops are in the neighborhoods, but Blue Bottle Coffee just opened a Chicago location less than two months ago near Merchandise Mart. It's about a 20-minute walk from your hotel, but you can stroll a bit through River North. River Roast is a good choice, but if you're more looking for "setting" than food, I'd switch-up to Pizzeria Portofino. Not great pizza, but very cool patio.
quote:
then heading down to Chinatown and walking around and snacking on some food for a couple hours. After getting back from Chinatown was thinking of grabbing lunch at Au Chevel for a burger. Would like to also go up to Wrigleyville area and check out the stadium, a few pubs, and maybe a brewery or 2 (Seen Corridor and Metropolitan both recommended and they appear up in that area). Chinatown and Wrigleyville look to be on opposite ends of the city is this wise to do both in one day?
If you need recommendations in Chinatown, my two favorite dim sum places are Phoenix Restaurant and Triple Crown, but expect a wait at both during lunch. Go 4 Food is, probably, my favorite restaurant in the area.
I really like Wrigleyville during the season, and they've done a great job building up the area, but the bars aren't super memorable... If you've never been up there, might be worth it, but there are better neighborhoods to check out bars.
If you're set on Wrigleyville, it is possible to do that and Chinatown in the same day - both are on the Red Line, so it's an easy ride / you can stop at your hotel between the two. Going to Au Cheval will really add time, so I'd consider Small Cheval in Old Town (there are three locations, but that's closest to you), but totally understand if someone would want to check out the wait time at Au Cheval.
Corridor has totally fallen off since Eric Padilla left for MoRe Brewing in Villa Park, but Southport Corridor is an awesome street. Super pedestrian-friendly, a lot of families and plenty of shops to check out. Aside from Corridor, Dovetail and Begyle aren't more than a 25-minute walk from Wrigley. Dovetail, in particular, makes the best traditional beers in the city (maybe the Midwest).
Metropolitan has a big patio on the river that is worth checking out. Beer is OK. If you go there, must walk down to Maplewood. Ravinia just opened a city brewpub around the corner, too. With that, I go back to the initial suggestion of other neighborhoods to check out bars... You may have to Uber from any of the above breweries, since it's about two miles, but Wicker Park is my favorite neighborhood in the city for bars.
quote:
Also need to hit up a rooftop bar or 2 so looking for recommendations or best RT bars.
Up Room in The Robey has the best views in the city, in my opinion. Completely unobstructed views.
Other than that, LondonHouse has a great view of buildings lining the river. Excellent at sunset, but gets crowded.
Cindy's is on top of the Chicago Athletic Association and you have an awesome view of the parks and Lake Michigan.
I haven't been yet, but Navy Pier has a massive rooftop bar/restaurant. I hate going there, but it's not terribly far from your hotel, so may be worth checking out.
quote:
ALSO: We play Florida on Saturday so I'll need a recommendation on a spot to watch that at. Hard to plan it in to the Saturday plan since we don't know KO time but it is what it is.
Standard in Wicker is an LSU bar, so that may actually check-off my suggestion of Wicker bars. Just one block over on Division has a great stretch of spots to check out. Standard is your "standard" (no pun intended) sports bar - average food, fine beer selection, but a ton of TVs.
This post was edited on 10/1/21 at 10:46 am
Posted on 10/1/21 at 11:12 am to hoopsgalore
Awesome, thanks for the suggestions I'll have to go through and check them out. So if you were knocking off the wrigleyville/breweries in that area where would you go instead? Sounds like Wicker Park from your post, might actually be more convenient anyway if Standard is the spot for the LSU game. If its Wicker, any other recommendations other than Standard for the game?
quote:Hey I've never been so that's what I'm here for. Listening to people who know the city will lend to a better trip.
If you have a rough itinerary built-out, I hate to make it sound like I'm trying to make you deviate because it's always good to let people do what they want... So, take what I say with a grain of salt
This post was edited on 10/1/21 at 11:22 am
Posted on 10/1/21 at 11:58 am to Suntiger
I don’t think it’s the LSU bar anymore but still a good spot to catch a game in a good location
I think DS Tequila is the new LSU spot
I think DS Tequila is the new LSU spot
Posted on 10/1/21 at 12:02 pm to DukeSilver
quote:
So if you were knocking off the wrigleyville/breweries in that area where would you go instead? Sounds like Wicker Park from your post, might actually be more convenient anyway if Standard is the spot for the LSU game. If its Wicker, any other recommendations other than Standard for the game?
Think it's easier for me to axe Wrigleyville since I live in Chicago / it isn't baseball season, but it's all about what you want to do. If you've never seen Wrigley Field, might be worth a photo opp in the front + see if they're doing tours (I'm not sure on this).
If you're looking to bar hop + will already be going to Standard for the LSU game (if it's not an LSU bar anymore, not sure if this changes your plans), I'd do Wicker Park. Not only is it convenient to get to other neighborhoods (Blue Line to Grand for West Loop or California for Logan Square), it's one of the better neighborhoods on the north side right now. Some places I really enjoy are Bangers & Lace for craft beer, Little Victories for refreshing cocktails, Big Mini for indoor mini golf (open air windows, though) and drinks, Violet Hour for a true cocktail bar, Up Room for rooftop bar, Emporium for arcade games, Parlor or Paradise Park for pizza + lively patio bar, Big Star patio for margaritas, Wormhole for coffee, etta for a great dining experience, Rainbo Club for a true dive, and Lottie's for a "dive," but younger clientele.
Closer to your hotel, there's a good stretch of bars along Wells in Old Town and Division in Gold Coast. Both are littered with bars, but definitely younger age groups. I'm not sure if that stretch of Division is still shut down to vehicular traffic (does someone else from Chicago know? I haven't been this summer), but if so, great area to watch CFB on Saturday. Last I was there, the bars extended patios onto the street with a massive truck in the middle that has TVs on all four sides. Might be tough to get an LSU game on if there's a B1G game happening, especially Michigan State - a lot of Spartan fans go to Hopsmith.
This post was edited on 10/1/21 at 12:07 pm
Posted on 10/1/21 at 12:03 pm to S
quote:
I don’t think it’s the LSU bar anymore but still a good spot to catch a game in a good location
Not that I would know, but I didn't know that
Might change OP plans for going to Wicker Park. Posted on 10/1/21 at 12:22 pm to hoopsgalore
quote:This would be right up my wife's alley for game time, especially if they shut down the street and have the extended patios.
Closer to your hotel, there's a good stretch of bars along Wells in Old Town and Division in Gold Coast. Both are littered with bars, but definitely younger age groups. I'm not sure if that stretch of Division is still shut down to vehicular traffic (does someone else from Chicago know? I haven't been this summer), but if so, great area to watch CFB on Saturday. Last I was there, the bars extended patios onto the street with a massive truck in the middle that has TVs on all four sides.
Posted on 10/1/21 at 12:23 pm to S
quote:
DS Tequila
New LSU bar is in Boys Town? Nice... Geaux Tigers!
Posted on 10/1/21 at 12:26 pm to TFTC
quote:I just went to their site and there is a popup when you first get there announcing itself as the LSU Alumni official LSU bar.
New LSU bar is in Boys Town? Nice... Geaux Tigers!
So that may keep me on Wrigleyville on Saturday unless the stretch of Division does the street shutdown thing with extended patios (or could just do both, Wrigleyville at 230 and then Division for evening game time or vice versa depending on game time.)
This post was edited on 10/1/21 at 12:33 pm
Posted on 10/1/21 at 1:13 pm to DukeSilver
The original Pizzeria Uno at W. Ohio and N. Wabash. A bit cramped but cool to eat where Chicago pizza started.
Posted on 10/1/21 at 1:16 pm to DukeSilver
Architectural boat tour. It's fantastic.
Posted on 10/1/21 at 1:31 pm to DukeSilver
solid trip.
theres so much more to do.
Rooftops
-London House
-Raised
-Z-Bar
-Cindys Rooftop (overlooks the bean - awesome brunch and cocktails)
If you have instagram look up a bunch of different places and start following them. You can get a feel of whats going on in the city while you are out there and if they have events/parties going on. Chicago always has something going on no matter the time of the week so definitely do that if you have an IG.
theres so much more to do.
Rooftops
-London House
-Raised
-Z-Bar
-Cindys Rooftop (overlooks the bean - awesome brunch and cocktails)
If you have instagram look up a bunch of different places and start following them. You can get a feel of whats going on in the city while you are out there and if they have events/parties going on. Chicago always has something going on no matter the time of the week so definitely do that if you have an IG.
Posted on 10/1/21 at 3:22 pm to longhorn22
quote:Open for suggestions. Like I said I'm only really locked in to for sure wanting to do G&G, Bavettes, and Architecture tour. Everything else is negotiable.
theres so much more to do
quote:Yeah I'm on a waitlist for here, no available reservations while I'm there so far.
Cindys Rooftop
Posted on 10/1/21 at 3:23 pm to TFTC
Last time I went to standard was march 2019 to watch that LSU-bama basketball game with the Waters to Mays alley oop at the end. Wanna say shortly after that DS became the LSU bar
Posted on 10/1/21 at 3:36 pm to DukeSilver
quote:
ALSO: We play Florida on Saturday so I'll need a recommendation on a spot to watch that at. Hard to plan it in to the Saturday plan since we don't know KO time but it is what it is.
A fun thing to do in a big city is going to the home bar for a different fan base. So say if there's a big Michigan alumni bar near you, go there. Most TV's will be on the Michigan game, but many will have other TV's on other games. We did that in DC several years ago and had a blast watching a Bama game in an Ohio State bar. Couple of the Ohio State fans were douches, but most were cool and fun.
Posted on 10/3/21 at 9:30 pm to The Spleen
Do Rite Donuts for breakfast one morning. Split a chicken sandwich and a donut. They’re amazing. DON’T go to Stan’s. Go here instead of Big Shoulders. There’s one a simple 7 minute walk from your hotel.
If you like theater, go see a production at Steppenwolf.
The Art Institute.
Hancock Building for views (Chicago 360).
If you can’t get into Pequod’s, Giordano’s is good, too.
Milkshake at Devil Dawgs (better than Portillo’s IMHO).
If you like theater, go see a production at Steppenwolf.
The Art Institute.
Hancock Building for views (Chicago 360).
If you can’t get into Pequod’s, Giordano’s is good, too.
Milkshake at Devil Dawgs (better than Portillo’s IMHO).
This post was edited on 10/3/21 at 9:34 pm
Posted on 10/4/21 at 8:22 am to DukeSilver
I'd say you need to get out of the loop / west loop / mag mile area as most of your itinerary is there.
Lincoln Park, Wicker, Southport I would add some things in those areas, if nothing else just walk around and hit bars.
You could walk around lincoln park / the lake / the zoo and then head to homeslice for lunch. A bunch of bars close by.
In southport I would hit Sheffield's.
Lincoln Park, Wicker, Southport I would add some things in those areas, if nothing else just walk around and hit bars.
You could walk around lincoln park / the lake / the zoo and then head to homeslice for lunch. A bunch of bars close by.
In southport I would hit Sheffield's.
Posted on 10/4/21 at 8:41 am to DukeSilver
A. Take an Uber from OHare
B. Forget Pequods. Get the thin crust (butter crust) pizza at Pizano's - there's one on State in River North and one by Millenium Park in the Loop.
B. Forget Pequods. Get the thin crust (butter crust) pizza at Pizano's - there's one on State in River North and one by Millenium Park in the Loop.
Posted on 10/4/21 at 10:47 am to Hobnailboot
quote:What would the benefit be over taking the train?
A. Take an Uber from OHare
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