Going to Chicago next week - any restaurant recommendations or must see sights?

[Growltiger]

I'll be there for 6 days for a conference and I'll have some free time to experience the night life. Hopefully, some of you will have some suggestions on where to go for some good food/drinks and entertainment. I have a few guide books, but I think personal experiences or local opinions are better. Are there any "must see" museums?

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I'm staying at the Best Western River North

 

[TallBill]

First of all, what hotel you staying at?

If its nightlife you want, bring a thick wallet. Bar chicago has cheap drinks one night a week (i forget which night). House of blues is a hoot too. i think its just www.hob.com if you wanna look up a schedule.

If you wanna hit up museums, the museum of science and industry is awesome, and so is the field museum. Although, the planatarium is cool too. Navy pier is so/so. hmmm

 

[PeteyCPU]

go here to check out the nightlife in chicago

Chicago

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: TallBill
If you wanna hit up museums, the museum of science and industry is awesome, and so is the field museum. Although, the planatarium is cool too. Navy pier is so/so.

I'd have to agree with that statement from my recent trips to Chicago. If you are into the more grotesque, the museum of surgical intstruments (I think that was the name) is virtually free and is interesting (you won't be wowed by it, but it is still nice to visit). For entertainment I enjoyed Second City (pretty much the breeding grounds for Saturday Night Live comedians). Blue man group is ok - but probably not worth the ticket price. You always have sporting events going on too if that is what you like.

 

[TallBill]

yeah, second city can be a fun time. make sure you go on a "regular" night. they do special things some nights that arrent that great from what i hear.

also, a bulls game is great. try to get some nicer tickets though if you have money burning a hole in your pocket. i just went to a game last week. 6th row, and lots of fun.

 

[3point14]

If you can find one, go to Portillos and get a beef sandwhich!

 

[djNickb]

The Weber Grill restaurant is awesome, some of the best food I've ever had.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: 3point14
If you can find one, go to Portillos and get a beef sandwhich!

lol, i forget that our every day awesome food is a treat for out of towners 😛 portillos, gino's east deep dish pizza... maybe a chicago style hot dog.

 

[Mr N8]

What days are you planning on being there?

You can't leave without trying a real Chicago Pizza place. Edwardos and Giordano's are good choices. 🙂

 

[MoobyTheGoldenCalf]

I live 35 miles from Chicago. Absoultely MUST go the the Field Museum and Science & Industry. Also try the Art Institute if you're into that type of stuff. Top of Sears Tower or Hancock are always cool. Stroll down Michigan Ave and windowshop. Anybody know if the trolley runs this time of year or only in summer? That would be easy way to get around if they've got it running. Agree that you can pass on Navy Pier. If you're really into museums and if it's warm enough outside, go to the Tribune building and just walk around it and check out the bricks from the different historical places around the world. Very cool.

For great steak try Gibsons or Mortons.

 

[Growltiger]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
What days are you planning on being there?

You can't leave without trying a real Chicago Pizza place. Edwardos and Giordano's are good choices. 🙂

I'll be there on 3/7 to 3/13

 

[Growltiger]

Great suggestions so far - keep 'em coming! Since I won't have a car while I am there, is the city fairly easy to get around using public transportation?

 

[K1052]

I also have to say that you should go see the Museum of Science & Industry and the Field Museum.

As far as food goes, there is more good food in Chicago than you could imagine. It all depends on what you tastes and budget are.

Edit: I can't speak for the public transportation because I always have a car when I visit.