hoopsgalore

I was only speaking on behalf of a Chicago dog that someone asked about. Bangers and Austin's Street Wieners are my two favorites in the city for one. They don't have to be yours - Feel free to jump in with your suggestion.

Not as good lists as Beer Temple, Hopleaf, Beermiscuous, etc., but those are S tier beer bars in Chicago. Bangers still a great place to drink (especially at night), as it's always been. Haven't been for a few weeks but really nice list currently.

Chicago thin crust from Frank's, Obbie's, or Danny's is difficult to beat for me, but I'll go with New York from Nancy's Towne House in NJ or a slice from Pop's in the East Village.

:lol: Exactly!

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Revel wouldn't even be in a top 200 places I send someone on a first visit to new orleans

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I was more thinking a quick cocktail w/ the Chris McMillian connection but if that's not worth a stop, seems we have an OK enough list of other cocktail bars to check out.

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these from reddit? I think you can pass on most of these. This board has had better recs

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Eh, more Google Maps searching and supplementing my thoughts with a Google search, which, yes, includes Reddit links.

I didn't expect to have all the answers as a first-time visitor, which is why I asked the board for their considerations of keeping vs. removing restaurants from my list - I obviously trust your recommendations against my research, but I felt it was good to, at least, provide some context as to what I might be looking for instead of a generic ask.

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Chris McMillan is an encyclopedia of cocktail knowledge. You will learn something if he's behind the bar.

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Appreciate this! Apologies, missed a similar post by someone else on the first page :cheers:

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Bacchanal on an early Friday/Saturday night is what you want, all outdoor tables, and good cocktail bar upstairs.

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Looks like another couple people recommended this for some live music outdoors but with the option to be inside with the weather. Definitely jotting this down.

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Superior much better on drinks, location, ambience.

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Superior does look good. Anything you can add with location? Just an easy walk to other bars, etc.? I see Tipitina's is walking distance - Worth a go?

Speaking of live music, should a first timer spend time hopping around music clubs on Frenchmen?

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It depends on what you are looking for.

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My apologies - I should have clarified we don't have any dietary restrictions, but likely stick with food that we can't readily find in Chicago at any sort of consistency (e.g., Creole and Cajun).

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Pigeon & the Whale for oysters and happy hour

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Saw this mentioned on the board this week. Will add, for sure.

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1. We're staying at the Chicago Athletic Association (nerding out a bit over the architecture/design). Outside of what's on the premise (we'll probably catch dinner at The Ives) what are your eatery suggestions for the general area? Figured if we have any weather issues, we could keep it close to the hotel.

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To be candid, as you may have noticed from my OP, the Loop is very much geared toward the weekday work crowd. Compared to other Chicago neighborhoods, the dining scene is fairly average. That said, there are still some excellent options nearby. Right next to CAA, I'd recommend Acanto and The Gage. Miller's Pub is another great choice and a Chicago institution, and Bistro Monadnock is also worth checking out.

If you're visiting during the week, be sure to stop by Sterling Hall. It's a food hall with quite a few good vendors. Just keep in mind that it's closed on weekends.

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2. Any food suggestions for around the Montrose Bird Sanctuary area?

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Apologies, I can't remember exactly when you'll be in town, but Carino was the first place that came to mind for something pricier. They've earned a Michelin star and currently offer one of the best new tasting menus in the city. If you're looking for something a bit more casual and fun, they also do a late-night taco omakase that's a little more affordable.

Regarding your earlier questions about ethnic food, Uptown/Buena Park are the immediate neighborhoods near Montrose Beach / Bird Sanctuary and this is where you'll find Demera, Sun Wah, etc. Montrose is a big space, though, so it'll be a longer walk or quick rideshare to most restaurants.

If you want to grab a quick drink after the bird sanctuary, check out The Dock at Montrose Beach. Great beach bar.
*Saw you'll be here in October, so rules this out*

And if you're interested in cocktails, Larry's at The Lawrence House is definitely worth a visit. I mentioned it in my OP.

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3. I'd like to surprise the fiance with a stop at a Jazz bar. Suggestions?

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The Green Mill and Kingston Mines are very famous jazz clubs on the north side. Coincidentally, the former is right there with you in Uptown.