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Out to diner in Chicago, what to wear?

post #1 of 50
5/26/09 at 2:40am
Thread Starter 
My wife and I are going to Chicago in a week, and will be eating at the Capital Grille and David Burke's Primehouse. What should I wear? I am 24 but look about 20. I have never been to a restaurant as nice as either of these places, and don't want to look out of place.
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post #2 of 50
5/26/09 at 2:49am
You don't need a jacket or tie for either, but if you have a blazer, it would be a nice touch, especially if you plan on wearing jeans. I would tuck your shirt in, and wear something modern, and comfortable for you. I would also say... why have 2 steak dinners in a row? Skip Cap Grille and go to someplace fun w/ some different fare - Takashi, Mirai, L20, Blackbird, Spring would all be great choices if you can get a reservation. Same dress applies for all those except I believe L20 is jacket required.
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post #3 of 50
5/26/09 at 9:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChicagoRon View Post
I would also say... why have 2 steak dinners in a row? Skip Cap Grille and go to someplace fun w/ some different fare - Takashi, Mirai, L20, Blackbird, Spring would all be great choices if you can get a reservation. Same dress applies for all those except I believe L20 is jacket required.

Or skip them both and go to Blackbird and L2O.
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post #4 of 50
5/26/09 at 11:19am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the suggestions, but I am a big steak guy and a very picky eater as well. I am not nearly adventerous enough to try those other places.
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post #5 of 50
5/26/09 at 11:26am
Whatever you wear, just don't forget the hat !

In the summer:



In the winter:




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post #6 of 50
5/26/09 at 4:43pm
Dress how ever you like, people will be dressed from sports wear (i.e. sub "casual") and up at those spots you listed....
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post #7 of 50
5/26/09 at 7:29pm
You can definitely wear what you want. Skip blackbird.
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post #8 of 50
5/26/09 at 7:34pm
Which diner are you going to?
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post #9 of 50
5/27/09 at 2:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by countdemoney View Post
You can definitely wear what you want. Skip blackbird.
Really?!?!?!! I'll admit it's been a few years since I've been, but it is still a staple for visiting chefs, and all my friends still love it. I will admit I was extremely underwhelmed by Publican, but I thought the food at Avec (if not the seating arrangement) was very good and my memories of Blackbird are superb. Still for a steak lover, Pat won't be disappointed by those two choices, I suppose. I'm pretty confident that Primehouse is the current best in the city. I would, however suggest a local option instead of Cap Grille (which I love - don't get me wrong). BUt the flagship Mortons, Gene and Georgetti, Kinzie Chop House, Gibsons, Keefer's, Rosebud Steakhouse are all chicago-based, at least... and if you want to rent a car and hit the burbs, there's Tramanto Steakhouse. Just avoid Chicago Chophouse at all costs. Overrated like the 1997 Wolverines.
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post #10 of 50
5/27/09 at 3:10am
David Burke's Primehouse for sure. Skip Cap Grill

Have a meal at RL. ( Ralph Lauren) It is next to the store on Mich Ave. Easy menu to navigate, no surprises, go for lunch or dinner.

You can probably check online for menus to any restaurants you want to try and see what you like before you visit.

Stop at Garretts on Mich Ave.

Have a pizza too.
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post #11 of 50
5/27/09 at 3:22am
Good call on the Pizza Despos. I recommend Pequod's. It's more of a locals-only place, but it beats the crap out of Gino's, Uno's, Lou's and Giordano's IMHO.
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post #12 of 50
5/27/09 at 4:35am
Though you said you were somewhat unadventurous, I HIGHLY recommend Alinea in Lincoln Park. It's a sampling menu and a bit bizarre, but the food is delicious.
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post #13 of 50
5/27/09 at 6:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChicagoRon View Post
Good call on the Pizza Despos. I recommend Pequod's. It's more of a locals-only place, but it beats the crap out of Gino's, Uno's, Lou's and Giordano's IMHO.

YES. Giordano's is garbage. Uno's is ok..

Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. is delish
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post #14 of 50
5/27/09 at 6:59pm
As the saying goes, Opinions are like assholes.......

I had a very bad experience at David Burke's Primehouse. The service was excellent and the food was just so-so. I love great food and don't give a hoot about service so I was bitterly disappointed. I have been to Morton's on State Street over 30 times. Although the steaks are wet-aged, I prefer dry, the place is an institution and the food is always good. It is in a basement and the ambiance is crap but it is the original and very old school.

I like the vibe at Gene & Georgetti and the food is good. Although, you may get some kids in ball caps eating pasta right next to you.

The food at Gibson's is just so-so. I agree that the Chop House has seemed to go downhill. I went there two weeks back and our bill was $1500 including tip for 6 guys. We brought our own wine and they charged us total corkage of $50. The dry-aged rib-eye was $89 per and not very good. Call me cheap but I thought that price was a bit high.

I absolutely agree that Blackbird is a great restaurant.

I always tell people to skip the pizza and eat the Italian Beef when coming to Chicago.
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post #15 of 50
5/27/09 at 7:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbmarine View Post
YES. Giordano's is garbage. Uno's is ok..

Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. is delish

Quote:
Originally Posted by dpatsil View Post
I always tell people to skip the pizza and eat the Italian Beef when coming to Chicago.

I say skip Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. (and pizza altogether) and go one door south to 2119 Clark and eat at Riccardo Trattoria. We ate there for the Chicago SF meetup and I've been back once since. Both times were delicious.
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