2 days in Chicago for 10th Anniversary - any recs?

[globetrotter]

congrats, we just had our 10nth, too.

the senaca is a great hotel, several friends have stayed there and enjoyed themselves
also hotel dana, great location, and several people have enjoyed it

I would recomend tratoria ricardo, bin 36, tang noodles (thai), honey 1 bar b que, gibsons (for steak), and there are a number of really good mexican places on clark and in Pilzen, I get get you some specifics if you want. chicago has an excellent food market

 

[spertia]

Park Hyatt for lodging and Alinea for dinner would make for a very nice (albeit expensive) tenth-anniversary celebration.

 

[EL72]

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. The boat tour sounds great.

Now I'm pissed because I waited to confirm something today to book the flights and they are more than double the $300 price from yesterday

Budget is not unlimited so while the Hyatt and Four Seasons look very nice, I think I'll try to save some $ by going with a Westin or W. I can get a suite on pts and it will be fine.

So what is the best location to stay in: River North (Westin: 320 North Dearborn Street), on Michigan Ave. (Westin: 909 North Michigan Avenue) or in the downtown loop (i.e. W - City Center: 172 West Adams Street)?

 

[chorse123]

I don't think there's much of an advantage to staying in the loop over Michigan Ave, but the current Chicago guys would probably know better.

+whatever on the boat tours. Also, the Art Institute just opened their new modern wing. You can go see Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade at Ravinia, a bit of a hike from downtown but one of the nicest things to do in Chicago in the summer. I'm sure your wife is a big baseball fan, right? Cubs will be in town from the 2nd.

 

[rdawson808]

Originally Posted by chorse123

+whatever on the boat tours. Also, the Art Institute just opened their new modern wing. You can go see Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade at Ravinia, a bit of a hike from downtown but one of the nicest things to do in Chicago in the summer. I'm sure your wife is a big baseball fan, right? Cubs will be in town from the 2nd.

I was looking into this to go see Pink Martini. Apparently there's a special Ravinia train (or maybe just a normal route) that you can take that drops you off right at the entrance. And if a show runs late, they'll hold the train so people can catch it.

b

 

[EL72]

Ravinia sounds fun but I'm there for less than 36hrs so it may not work out.

So what about the Westin on the river vs. Michigan Ave., is one a better location?

 

[chorse123]

Just off hand, I would think that Mich. Ave would be more walkable and convenient if you're only there for 36 hrs. But I haven't lived there in a long time...

 

[Faded501s]

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

Why would you recommend Google versus asking people who have actual experience with the city?

I probably should have been more explicit but my point is that Chicago is full of things to do and even if someone spent 24 hrs a day for their entire life, they could not experience everything. I mean there's hundreds of live theater performances here every week, and concerts and...

A much better response could be given if specific interests were stated. With that being said, I would highly recommend a room at the W Lakeshore , preferably with a room overlooking Olive Park and Navy Pier. It's a great neighborhood that's close to everything...and the Whiskey Sky Bar is a great lounge on the top floor with a great view.

 

[Mauby]

Originally Posted by EL72

So what is the best location to stay in: River North (Westin: 320 North Dearborn Street), on Michigan Ave. (Westin: 909 North Michigan Avenue) or in the downtown loop (i.e. W - City Center: 172 West Adams Street)?

River North would be a much better place to stay for you and the Mrs.

 

[spertia]

Originally Posted by EL72

So what is the best location to stay in: River North (Westin: 320 North Dearborn Street), on Michigan Ave. (Westin: 909 North Michigan Avenue) or in the downtown loop (i.e. W - City Center: 172 West Adams Street)?

I would skip the Westin and go with the W; either location is fine, but I prefer the Michigan Ave. one for less proximity to downtown office towers.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by spertia

I would skip the Westin and go with the W; either location is fine, but I prefer the Michigan Ave. one for less proximity to downtown office towers.

Are you referring to the W lakeshore (on N. Lakeshore linked above) rather than the one in the city center? There is no W on Michigan Ave., just the Westin.

 

[kwilkinson]

EL, since budget isn't unlimited, I'd say go to Riccardo Trattoria or mk or Blackbird. Blackbird is a must-hit for lunch. One of few really nice places in Chicago that offers basically the same options at lunch for a lot lower price. You can probably get a lunch w/ appetizer/entree/dessert for around $40 a person.
Riccardo Trattoria or mk for dinner, of Bin 36 like Globe said. All three of those, you can get app, entree, cheese/dessert, and wine for probably around $70 pp.
Any of those 4 restaurants are great picks and I think they represent Chicago and modern Midwestern cuisine pretty well.

 

[globetrotter]

oh, and I second the archetecture cruise, and the art museum. If I lived in toronto and I was in town for the weekend, I'd have a good meal at tratoria ricardo, and have a steak and mexican once each. chinese, vietnamese and thai you can probrably get as good at home

 

[Faded501s]

Insomnia-induced boredom. Everything on the map is pretty much within walking distance or a couple dollar cab ride.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by Faded501s

Insomnia-induced boredom. Everything on the map is pretty much within walking distance or a couple dollar cab ride.


Awesome, this rules!

I especially appreciate that you highlighted Yachtie and Despos

BTW, what's on Rush street?