Food/Shopping recommendations for Chicago?

[TintoTerra]

Heading to Chicago for a few days, was wondering if anyone on here has any recommendations for a first-time visitor? Anyone know of a good place to pick up some Barbour outerwear while I'm there?
Thanks in advance!

 

[scthornton]

Chicago has some great steak houses you should check out, food in Chicago is excellent.

 

[scthornton]

In terms of shopping Michigan Ave (Miracle Mile) can be a lot of fun.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by scthornton

In terms of shopping Michigan Ave (Miracle Mile) can be a lot of fun.
This, and there are lots of really good restaurant options in that area and throughout the city.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Do a search - there are many threads on this subject already -

But here are some updated food ideas:

The Bristol
Benny's Steak House
The Girl and the Goat
L20

Off-Michigan shopping - Oak Street (just off) and also a little bit on Milwaukee between Division and Armitage (if you are a SWAD guy) or Syd Jerome (Lasalle and MOnroe) if you are an MC guy.

There are also some fun boutiques on Armitage between Halstead and Racine and a Barney's CoOp on Halstead just north of Armitage (the main Barney's and Hermes are on Oak and Rush).

 

[Rollcast]

For my money, the best steakhouse in Chicago is Gene and Georgetti's...it's the classic Chicago chophouse.

 

[Rollcast]

Also, don't forget to try the classic Chicago hot dog. New York has better pizza but Chicago wins in the hot dogs

 

[burningbright]

Originally Posted by Rollcast

Also, don't forget to try the classic Chicago hot dog. New York has better pizza but Chicago wins in the hot dogs

One person's opinion I suppose.

Others would easily state that it is the complete opposite. I tend to like New York dogs but hate their floppy cardboard pizza. It's OK I guess if you're on the go but if you're sitting down for a meal, Chicago stuffed pizza is the way to go. Head over to Pizzeria Due on North Wabash or Lou Malnati's on North Wells. Any Chicago street vendor should be able to accommodate you in the hot dog department but if you don't mind being verbally abused, Wiener Circle on the weekends is the place to go.

 

[kwilkinson]

I personally hate Chicago style pizza, but going to Weiner Circle, drunk at 4 AM, and seeing someone tip $20 for a "chocolate shake" would be an absolutely awesome experience that I'd try to get it if I was only in the city for a weekend.

 

[Jaredg]

Check out Bigstar on Damen. It is incredibly relaxed, great mexican and a huge bourbon list. Go during the day because the patio is amazing.

DMK Burger bar is delicious and suprisingly cheap.

If you want to spend, Alinea is a meal you will tell your friends about for years to come. 14 courses, four hours, not to be missed if you can afford the $$$$ and the time.

 

[ChicagoRon]

Originally Posted by Jaredg

Check out Bigstar on Damen. It is incredibly relaxed, great mexican and a huge bourbon list. Go during the day because the patio is amazing. DMK Burger bar is delicious and suprisingly cheap. If you want to spend, Alinea is a meal you will tell your friends about for years to come. 14 courses, four hours, not to be missed if you can afford the $$$$ and the time.
Better burgers @ Kuma's Corner

 

[dhc905]

Amen, and for Barbour go to Orvis on Michigan Ave. Although there's a dedicated Barbour store in NYC. Shopping and pizza, I suppose.

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

Better burgers @ Kuma's Corner