re: Chicago, things to do?

Chicago hands down was a blast! Memorable for sure!

Girl and the Goat like I mentioned lived up to the hype and then some! The dishes were right on point and I’m usually a pickier eater and going out of my comfort zone on some of the dishes was ok given how good everything was.

The hockey game experience was also just “different” the fact that the Blackhawks are scrapping for their playoff lives and need to win made it enjoyable and the fans on the edge of their seats... packed house in the Madhouse on Madison... we Stumbled upon the free shuttle that took us down to West End after the game and got some drinks there. Worked out perfectly.

Saturday’s weather was rainy and muggy so doing the museums was perfect for that day. Interesting seeing all of the unique things from all around the world... we left there and ended up grabbing a bite at burger bar since it was in walking distance. Really good burger and cool atmosphere. The rain stopped for awhile so we walked down to Chicago Athletic Assoc. and ended up getting on the WiFi and hanging out there. Our son plays travel baseball so was able to catch his game and enjoy the atmosphere in the Game Room. That place is so awesome. Between the lobby area, the game room, and Cindy’s rooftop...that place may be my favorite in the city.

Sunday we packed and got all of our stuff together since we knew we had about a half day to check some things out. We ended up going to The Lakefront Restaurant then walked over to Lincoln Park Zoo. The food and atmosphere also at the Lakefront Restaurant was perfect. Seeing the city from that vantage point and the great drinks there along with brunch was a perfect way to wrap up the trip. The Zoo was pretty cool. Amazing how it’s a free zoo.

My biggest downfall/regret about the whole trip is that I took my running shoes out of my bag and didn’t bring them. The area around where we stayed with Mag Mile and all of the parks is like a runners paradise. Awesome sites and views. We will definitely be going back for a Cubs/white Sox game and repeating a few things on the list... but also know there’s so much we didn’t tap into that still can. Chicago is an awesome city! Loved it!


ETA: the pizza debate..we only ended up eating at 2 pizza spots. pequods and giordanos....on the “One Bite” scale...I would say Pequods was a 8.4, and Giordanos was a 7.6 , both very good scores but Giordanos just didn’t do it for me. Maybe because they are too commercialized now? I loved the home feel or Pequods and the crispness of their pizza. We got the personal pan deal on Friday before 3... it worked out great.

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ETA: the pizza debate..we only ended up eating at 2 pizza spots. pequods and giordanos....on the “One Bite” scale...I would say Pequods was a 8.4, and Giordanos was a 7.6 , both very good scores but Giordanos just didn’t do it for me. Maybe because they are too commercialized now? I loved the home feel or Pequods and the crispness of their pizza. We got the personal pan deal on Friday before 3... it worked out great.

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Pequod's, Lou, and Art of Pizza are all spots I'd go before Giordano's. Glad you liked Pequod's.

Giordanos was close to us at a time when we needed to eat and it just “worked”...wasn’t impressed, still was pretty good...just not worth the wait/hype ...wait moreso for the pizza, was easy to be seated.

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Def gonna pass through pilsen as usual but you got anything else?

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Sounds like you have your spots around Pilsen. Have you been to Pleasant House Pub? Been pushing it onto people the last couple months, but it's a very good British-inspired pub/restaurant. A couple hours can fly by quickly there - very cozy.

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Any good spots near ukranian village too.

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I've only been once, so I tend to forget, but to go to Boeufhaus. They make a great Old Fashioned. My favorite items on their menu were the Beignets and 55-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye.

After dinner, there are a few hipster bars along Western - Sportsman's Club (good cocktails), EZ Inn and Blind Robin.

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Also have a friend that just moved near wicker park which is an area I’ve always liked. Got any neighborhood suggestions there?

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I live on Division/Paulina, so can help you out, for sure...

- Yokocho is a Japanese-style alley cocktail bar behind a sushi spot. It's, relatively, new. Enter through the alley.
- Violet Hour is a speakeasy near six corners on Damen. It's one of the higher-rated cocktail bars in the city.
- Big Star, across the street from Violet Hour, is popular for tacos and margaritas.
- Up & Up is The Robey's rooftop cocktail bar. Unobstructed, sweeping views of the city. If you're here in the summer, Cabana Club is their sixth-floor pool/lounge.
- Links recently-opened after a pipe burst forced them to close for a couple months. They, typically, have a good tap list.
- Tapster is a pour-your-own beer bar. Beer is local (mostly), but I don't think selection is any better than solid.
- Bangers & Lace makes good sausages and has a good craft beer list.
- Parlor Pizza is a popular spot for people to day drink and eat. Sprawling inside + patio. Pizza is solid.
- Paradise Park is the sister of Homeslice (Lincoln Park) and Happy Camper (Old Town). Again, popular spot for people to drink and eat. Similar concept to Parlor, but the decor is more-unique.
- Piece Brewery is a pizza spot that brews their own beer. Don't have much to say about it because I've only been once. Believe they won a medal at GABF in 2017.
- If looking for bar food, Fatpour is the best in Wicker Park. Good beer selection. Although, I know you've been! I refuse to watch Wisconsin games there.
- Etta is one of the better-dining experiences I've had in Chicago. Everything was terrific. Small plates, so you can share.
- Publican Anker is child restaurant of The Publican (West Loop). Good brunch menu. Otherwise, if you go for dinner, the burger is good. ***Just read that it's closing next month and a new restaurant, from the same group, will be opening.
- Mott St is also worth a reservation. One of the better burgers in the city.
- Speaking of burgers, Small Cheval is just north of six corners on Milwaukee.
- Club Lucky is on Wabansia in a middle of a neighborhood, but makes great Italian food.
- Oiistar is known for Ramen. Been twice and I haven't been disappointed. Not a ton of space, so prepare to wait a little bit on a weekend evening.
- Big & Little's was on DDD. Believe there are three locations in the city, one of which is in Wicker near Milwaukee and Paulina.
- Emporium is on Milwaukee, too. It's an arcade bar, but I'd prefer going to the one in Logan Square or West Loop.

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Appreciate all of that. How’s the walking conditions? Should I bring my boots or will reg hi tops cut it

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No snow and everything is clear, though I think there's snow in the forecast for Sunday AM.

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Eta- how about places near harbor point?

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The condo building? Not a whole lot around it, honestly, other than hotels and condo buildings. However, it is close to Millennium Park. Cindy's has a nice rooftop and The Gage has good food. There's a Shake Shack next door. Directly across the river is one of my favorite Irish bars, Lizzie McNeill's. I only ever grab a beer there, but they have a nice patio during the summer months.

If I were you, I'd hop the Red Line to Gold Coast, Brown Line to River North or Green Line to West Loop. You can Lyft/Uber, too. None will take much time.

Just came back last week and we did 32 miles of walking during our Thurs-Sun trip per my Garmin. That's also with it raining on Saturday and having shorter days on Thurs and Sun because of travel.

My wife planned for snow/rainy conditions but wish she would have packed more comfortable shoes. Definitely know for next time it's easy to get carried away and walk a lot more than you would think you would walk in a day. A downtown area like that is like Disney for adults...so much to see/do. Stops along the way to break up the walking by grabbing a drink at different spots.

Not sure if I mentioned this but biggest regret was not packing my running shoes. Runners paradise out there with the sites and so many different places to run.

Almost need to unfollow all of the places in Chi on instagram now because it just makes me want to go back!

Hit up Rudy’s, Estereo, Tango Sur, and Pint Pub. All very good.