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re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide
Posted on 8/14/25 at 9:58 pm to hoopsgalore
Posted on 8/14/25 at 9:58 pm to hoopsgalore
Don't know where it lands in your steakhouse rankings, but we ate at Sophia Steak in Lake Forest tonight for dinner.
Really nice area with some beautiful houses.
Really nice area with some beautiful houses.
1
Posted on 8/15/25 at 6:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
Don't know where it lands in your steakhouse rankings, but we ate at Sophia Steak in Lake Forest tonight for dinner.
I've heard very good things of Sophia Steak (at least the Chicago location since its opening in the spring) but never been to that or either North Shore locations.
Yes to Lake Forest, though - beautiful area and some insane homes.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 4:20 pm to hoopsgalore
Going to Chicago in October for Saints / Bears. What is your recommendation for walkable area to watch college football on the Saturday before?
Posted on 9/15/25 at 10:04 pm to NIH
quote:
What is your recommendation for walkable area to watch college football on the Saturday before?
Chicago is a melting pot of B1G alumni. You'll find some one-off SEC team bars around, but B1G schools have multiple.
Depending on your age, Clark in Wrigleyville is a good option. Ton of bars, but definitely a bit ratchet.
The best stretch, in my opinion, is a portion of Lake View / Lincoln Park - Do a run of Cody's Public House, Southport Betty's, Will's Northwoods Inn (Wisconsin), Kirkwood (Indiana/Nebraska), Broken Barrel (Notre Dame), Bird's Nest, Parlay (UGA), and Prost (Wisconsin, again).
ETA: If you're an LSU fan, can't go wrong with Ina Mae. Wicker is a cool neighborhood and can watch other games at Gracie O'Malley's, Fatpour (Michigan), Parlor, and Paradise Park.
This post was edited on 9/15/25 at 10:08 pm
Posted on 9/16/25 at 10:43 am to hoopsgalore
quote:
Lake View / Lincoln Park
Where I would stay and easy getting in and out of Soldier Field.
Chicago is a football town. Every bar in the city will have games on. Standard Bar was the LSU go to place for years but I think the Alumni have moved.
Posted on 9/17/25 at 10:30 pm to Lakeboy7
Chiming back in. We stayed at the Langham and it was one of the best hotels we’ve stayed at. To me, a far superior luxury hotel than the Chicago four seasons in every way. It’s a perfect hotel to stay with kids if you have access to the hotel club lounge. Would recommend.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 4:07 am to hoopsgalore
Maybe in town for work when Bana plays Illini at the United Center. Any suggestions on grabbing a quick bite or drink before the game? Any quirks with ticket section, sight-lines or getting in and out? I assume it’s pretty straightforward but thought I would ask.
Have also been told by two people (one of whom I trust) that Illini bball fans are assholes but I figure that’s gotta be a little overblown.
Have also been told by two people (one of whom I trust) that Illini bball fans are assholes but I figure that’s gotta be a little overblown.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 5:40 am to dirtsandwich
quote:
Any suggestions on grabbing a quick bite or drink before the game?
There's a [relatively] new Green Line station at Damen, which is just a couple blocks north of the United Center. Whether you take that or the 20 bus, both will probably be filled with fans and makes it extremely convenient to choose between a bar in the heart of West Loop or closer to the UC. Since it sounds like you're looking to just be at one place, try Third Rail, Kaiser Tiger, Parlor, Guinness, or Time Out. All are easy on the wallet. If you want something a little heavier on the wallet, but quality cocktail and food in a tavern atmosphere, try The Loyalist and sit at the bar.
quote:
Any quirks with ticket section, sight-lines or getting in and out? I assume it’s pretty straightforward but thought I would ask.
Getting in-and-out is easy with public transportation. Damen Green Line station right there and buses run express from the UC.
Nothing too notable with seating - club level (200) is my favorite viewing.
quote:
Have also been told by two people (one of whom I trust) that Illini bball fans are assholes but I figure that’s gotta be a little overblown.
Like any other fan base that has always been on the cusp of breaking through, they think highly of themselves and need pretty constant validation in any conversation. That said, I know quite a few Illini alumni that are great fans - A lot of my Wisconsin buddies from the Chicago suburbs had parents and siblings go to Illinois.
Posted on 9/18/25 at 7:50 am to hoopsgalore
Thanks!
Posted on 9/18/25 at 4:12 pm to hoopsgalore
What’s everyone’s favorite Italian in the city? Level of dining doesn’t matter, just some good ole Italian
Posted on 9/18/25 at 6:23 pm to dvar1
quote:
What’s everyone’s favorite Italian in the city? Level of dining doesn’t matter, just some good ole Italian
Ignotz's, Bruna's, Tufano's, Mart Anthony's, Osteria Langhe, Coda di Volpe, and La Scarola are all fantastic.
For a true Chicago Italian experience? Go with Ignotz's and Bruna's.
This post was edited on 9/18/25 at 6:24 pm
Posted on 9/19/25 at 10:05 am to hoopsgalore
I will be in Chicago for the first time Nov 12-16. Will be staying at the Kinzie hotel for the wife's work conference.
Any rec's for that time of year that hasn't already been covered in this thread? Probably too early to take in Christmas lights & decorations.
We will have the afternoons free and we like sporting events and beer. Both early 30's. I've done some reasearch on pizzas and it matches your list well.
The Bulls and Bears don't have a home game during that window. But I've never been to a hockey game so was thinking maybe a Blackhawk's game? They play the Maple Leafs that Saturday. I don't understand hockey but I think it would be cool to experience and see in person.
Also, random question but how is the reception to wearing out-of-town fan gear? Like Saints/LSU. I know down here it's encouraged so we can know you're a visitor and treat you with hospitality. Or should we instead try to blend in with the locals up there since you're in their 'neighborhood' and at their 'team bar'.
Any rec's for that time of year that hasn't already been covered in this thread? Probably too early to take in Christmas lights & decorations.
We will have the afternoons free and we like sporting events and beer. Both early 30's. I've done some reasearch on pizzas and it matches your list well.
The Bulls and Bears don't have a home game during that window. But I've never been to a hockey game so was thinking maybe a Blackhawk's game? They play the Maple Leafs that Saturday. I don't understand hockey but I think it would be cool to experience and see in person.
Also, random question but how is the reception to wearing out-of-town fan gear? Like Saints/LSU. I know down here it's encouraged so we can know you're a visitor and treat you with hospitality. Or should we instead try to blend in with the locals up there since you're in their 'neighborhood' and at their 'team bar'.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 3:18 pm to baytiger11
An NHL game would be pretty fun. We'll be there the weekend before, unfortunately, no sports teams are playing
Posted on 9/20/25 at 12:16 am to baytiger11
quote:
Any rec's for that time of year that hasn't already been covered in this thread? Probably too early to take in Christmas lights & decorations.
Eh, that's a tough time to visit unless you're here for sports. Blackhawks game probably a good option. Other than that, you're two weeks ahead of Christkindl Market and most everyone is at the bar
quote:
Also, random question but how is the reception to wearing out-of-town fan gear? Like Saints/LSU. I know down here it's encouraged so we can know you're a visitor and treat you with hospitality. Or should we instead try to blend in with the locals up there since you're in their 'neighborhood' and at their 'team bar'.
Chicago is a big arse city. The amount of B1G alumni around is pretty astonishing. I simply don't think many people care enough about LSU to be worried about wearing the logo
There's an LSU bar in Wicker Park, anyway. Wear your stuff like every other college football fan and have fun! Also, Frontier throws a great watch for Saints fans. Great set up in there.
This post was edited on 9/20/25 at 7:26 am
Posted on 9/20/25 at 7:40 am to hoopsgalore
Thanks for the advice We will either do a Blackhawks game or… Looks like Northwestern hosts Michigan at Wrigley field too, but tickets are pretty high right now. Maybe that might be a better to experience to knock 2 off my bucket list at once: visit wrigley field, and see a BIG game
We will either do a Blackhawks game or… Looks like Northwestern hosts Michigan at Wrigley field too, but tickets are pretty high right now. Maybe that might be a better to experience to knock 2 off my bucket list at once: visit wrigley field, and see a BIG game Posted on 9/20/25 at 8:07 am to baytiger11
quote:
The Bulls and Bears don't have a home game during that window. But I've never been to a hockey game so was thinking maybe a Blackhawk's game? They play the Maple Leafs that Saturday. I don't understand hockey but I think it would be cool to experience and see in person.
Do the hockey game if you can. Went to a red wings game a couple years ago. Was my first. Don’t know hockey. It was outstanding.
Worth trying to get close-ish if you can.
Posted on 9/20/25 at 10:06 am to baytiger11
Go see hockey, will be a great experience. Its a good idea to map out places to go but Chicago is a big City with a lot of options, especially in the neighborhoods, so don't be afraid to pop in a local spot that catches your eye or from a locals recommendation.
Last, there is no place in the America you should feel awkward about wearing your LSU stuff on a Saturday gameday, and pretty much the same for NFL gear. If it was the 80s/90s and you were in the wrong neighborhood, definitely wearing a Raiders jersey or anything with red or blue could get you in trouble.
Last, there is no place in the America you should feel awkward about wearing your LSU stuff on a Saturday gameday, and pretty much the same for NFL gear. If it was the 80s/90s and you were in the wrong neighborhood, definitely wearing a Raiders jersey or anything with red or blue could get you in trouble.
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