In Chicago for work, only have time for 2 *great* meals... where to go?

[amdhunter]

dmcowen674's place!

 

[silverpig]

Maude's Liquor Bar. I went there with work a while ago and the food was really great. Highly recommended.

 

[sirspotti]

Kuma's opened a 2nd location at Diversey and Clark. Much easier to get to for out of towners.

I like this suggestion. Hot Doug's as well, although I don't know whether you'll consider burgers and hot dogs as *great* meals.

If getting deep dish I'd probably avoid Giordano's and hit Lou Malnati's instead. The newer one on Rush Street is pretty nice.

 

[Midwayman]

I like this suggestion. Hot Doug's as well, although I don't know whether you'll consider burgers and hot dogs as *great* meals.

I don't get the whole Doug's thing at all. I used to work across the street from the place and the line would be out the door all the time. Its the same old hot dogs as anywhere else pretty much expect for the one exotic meat special they have going on. If I were in the area I might stop by, but I can't imagine making a trip for it.

 

[Gerand]

Head to Carnivale!! Get reservations and go, Latin fusion food with some good drinks.

 

[K1052]

Head to Carnivale!! Get reservations and go, Latin fusion food with some good drinks.

Carnivale used to be really good but it's slid downhill IMO. I am typing this from my office which is literally across the street.

Topolobampo/Frontera is a better option.

 

[PowerYoga]

Maude's Liquor Bar. I went there with work a while ago and the food was really great. Highly recommended.

Yeah, the mussels at maudes is incredible. Food is pretty good but it is a liquor bar so the portions feel really small.

 

[zerocool84]

Al's Italian Beef

 

[Sheep]

If you're a meat eater, The Publican.

 

[masamune2387]

If you're a meat eater, The Publican.

I second Publican. It's my favorite restaurant that's not like ... off the walls fancy.

But if you're going all out, Alinea.

 

[GoPackGo]

This place is good:

http://www.catch35.com/

 

[gorcorps]

Joe's stonecrab

Gino's deep dish.

Gino's east pizza hmmm

Gino's East is for tourists, not for flavor. If you want to go just because you can say you've been to Ginos East then go for it, but if you want good Chicago pizza any of the other popular places are better at this point.

 

[zinfamous]

Gino's East is for tourists, not for flavor. If you want to go just because you can say you've been to Ginos East then go for it, but if you want good Chicago pizza any of the other popular places are better at this point.

Gino's is terrible.

These were my 2 favorite spots when I moved out of Chicago c. 2008

http://folklorechicago.com/tangosur/index.html

http://www.tasteofperu.com/
(completely unassuming place, but the food is amazing. Also the owner, Caesar, is a swell guy. Bring your own Pisco)

 

[zinfamous]

I am not sure where you are staying, but Wildfire is a favorite place of mine. If one of those meals is breakfast, I suggest Yolk, but they are always busy, so be prepared to wait. There is also a really nice tapas place by Halsted and Morgan. The owner is from Spain. Their sangrias are delicious.

:thumbsup:

It's a block away from Fogo Da Chao, iirc.

 

[Trey22]

I picked 4 within walking distance. Wildfire, Harry Caray's, Mercadito and Lou Malnatis.

Let's see where I end up... I'll try to hit two tonite. Will report back.

 

[TallBill]

Beef short rib in Chihuahua cheese at mercadito is amazing. If you like coffee drinks the espresso infused tequila with rum chata is amazing.

At harays I'd go with beef.

 

[Greenman]

I had a pretty incredible steak at Mortons.

 

[silverpig]

Yeah, the mussels at maudes is incredible. Food is pretty good but it is a liquor bar so the portions feel really small.

He's going on the company dime so he can have a few fancy cocktails, appetizers, main and dessert.

 

[Zeze]

I had a pretty incredible steak at Mortons.

You can go to Morton anywhere in US.

 

[Zeze]

Again, I'm utterly surprised why no one but I have mentioned Joe's Stone Crabs.

They're absolutely ridiculously delicious. And it's a rare delicacy too (stone crabs)

 

[JEDIYoda]

dmcowen674's place!

Been there...told them I was a personal friend of DM`s and they had me arrested....something about him not having any friends...

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Again, I'm utterly surprised why no one but I have mentioned Joe's Stone Crabs.

They're absolutely ridiculously delicious. And it's a rare delicacy too (stone crabs)

The OP states he has a shellfish allergy.......

I've always wanted to try Stone Crab, something I thought you could only get in Miami.

 

[Zeze]

The OP states he has a shellfish allergy.......

I've always wanted to try Stone Crab, something I thought you could only get in Miami.

Joe's have only 2 locations in the coutry- Miami and Chicago. They overnight it to Chicago location.

It's absolutely succulent and delicious. It's like a tenderloin of all crab claws, but with far crispier texture and firmness. Slightly sweet and perfectly tangy..

 

[Midwayman]

Gino's East is for tourists, not for flavor. If you want to go just because you can say you've been to Ginos East then go for it, but if you want good Chicago pizza any of the other popular places are better at this point.

Disagree. I know many many folks who are Chicago natives who prefer it. Uno's I would say is the tourist joint that nobody I know actually goes to.

 

[swanysto]

Disagree. I know many many folks who are Chicago natives who prefer it. Uno's I would say is the tourist joint that nobody I know actually goes to.

Uno's is the downtown tourist joint. Everywhere else, it is Giordano's. I can't stand their pizza. Uno's is alright, but I hate places where I am sitting on top of other people. If your elbows can touch another person's elbows, and they are not part of your group, I am not interested in that place.