I love Chicago. I have spent many trips here... both with college roommates who were from the area, a brother-in-law who grew up in the 'burbs and many yearly business trips. I love it!
In an effort to help friends and family have a fun time in my favourite tourist city, I have put this little list together. Enjoy!
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing lots of walking.
Restaurants
Often when we return, this has been a highlight of our trip. I love to eat and Chicago is a great place to do it.
Breakfast
- I suspect you will be able to eat at your hotel but for a Chicago experience... where you 'll think you stepped onto the set of a Chicago Seinfeld... try Lou Mitchell's Diner
- Orange is really good too... Try the Fruit Sushi!
- Eggsperience was delicious. Big, bright and open. Omlette was egg-cellent!
Lunch
- A pizza-lovers must... Pizzeria Uno is the original deep dish pizza creator. Their pizza is the ultimate Chicago experience. One slice will be a big lunch.
- Haven't tried it but there is a gourmet sandwich truck making it's rounds in downtown... looks delicious! The Slide Ride is a big pink truck you have to locate by facebook or twitter...
- There is also a big Rainforest Cafe, and a cool Tricked out McDonalds (Val thought she wouldn't like it but it is really cool)
- Gene and Jude's was voted best Hot Dog in America... A little out of the way from Downtown but worth the drive if you have a car
- A pizza-lovers must... Pizzeria Uno is the original deep dish pizza creator. Their pizza is the ultimate Chicago experience. One slice will be a big lunch.
- Haven't tried it but there is a gourmet sandwich truck making it's rounds in downtown... looks delicious! The Slide Ride is a big pink truck you have to locate by facebook or twitter...
- There is also a big Rainforest Cafe, and a cool Tricked out McDonalds (Val thought she wouldn't like it but it is really cool)
- Gene and Jude's was voted best Hot Dog in America... A little out of the way from Downtown but worth the drive if you have a car
Dinner
- If you like prime rib and want a fancy dinner Lawry's is amazing. We've come here for years. Always on the top of the list for guests of ours. And a real experience for all ages. Call and make a reservation... ask to be in Ms. Farmer's care.. this waitress has been there since it opened 37 years ago.
- Another meat lovers restaurant... It is excellent... huge salad buffet... acrobatic win wall entertainment which you have to see... Texas de Brazil... Chicago location of a small chain...
- If you love pasta, Maggianos is awesome. I can't describe it other than awesome :>) A great lunch spot too... Again another Chicago location of a small chain...
- Check out Star of Siam for Thai - delicious! (Thanks Tim!)
- One fun eating spot is the diner Ed Debevics. Wait staff dress up in crazy outfits and hassle you - all in fun. Kids and adults enjoy it. Try the world's smallest sundae.
Entertainment
- If you like prime rib and want a fancy dinner Lawry's is amazing. We've come here for years. Always on the top of the list for guests of ours. And a real experience for all ages. Call and make a reservation... ask to be in Ms. Farmer's care.. this waitress has been there since it opened 37 years ago.
- Another meat lovers restaurant... It is excellent... huge salad buffet... acrobatic win wall entertainment which you have to see... Texas de Brazil... Chicago location of a small chain...
- If you love pasta, Maggianos is awesome. I can't describe it other than awesome :>) A great lunch spot too... Again another Chicago location of a small chain...
- Check out Star of Siam for Thai - delicious! (Thanks Tim!)
- One fun eating spot is the diner Ed Debevics. Wait staff dress up in crazy outfits and hassle you - all in fun. Kids and adults enjoy it. Try the world's smallest sundae.
Entertainment
- Open top bus tours are good too as you can pay for the day and then jump on and off whenever...
- Navy Pier... All tourists go here... This is a big pier that extends into the lake. It has shopping an entertainment... a fun place for families. Fireworks are Wednesday and Saturday nights. Carnival rides and shops too.
- Willis Tower (formerly Sear Tower)... go early evening to miss the crowds and see the lights of the city.
- Buckingham Fountain is a really cool free sight to see. It is in Grant Park which is a THE big park downtown. This is a must see... One of the largest in the world. Featured on many TV shows... (This is amazing at night lit up... great to do with Millenium Park's Crown Fountain)
- Orchestra in the Park - We stumbled on this one night and it was awesome. And Free! Just check the schedule...
- Millenium Park - a great place to walk around... See the Crown Fountain at night (Nick will want to wear clothes he doesn't mind getting a little wet... and there are places for you to sit and watch the fun)... Everybody asks "Where is that big silver bean?" Here it is! See "Cloud Gate" in the day...
- I haven't been but hear good reviews if you wanted a tour... On a large open top boat... looks fun!
- Navy Pier... All tourists go here... This is a big pier that extends into the lake. It has shopping an entertainment... a fun place for families. Fireworks are Wednesday and Saturday nights. Carnival rides and shops too.
- Willis Tower (formerly Sear Tower)... go early evening to miss the crowds and see the lights of the city.
- Buckingham Fountain is a really cool free sight to see. It is in Grant Park which is a THE big park downtown. This is a must see... One of the largest in the world. Featured on many TV shows... (This is amazing at night lit up... great to do with Millenium Park's Crown Fountain)
- Orchestra in the Park - We stumbled on this one night and it was awesome. And Free! Just check the schedule...
- Millenium Park - a great place to walk around... See the Crown Fountain at night (Nick will want to wear clothes he doesn't mind getting a little wet... and there are places for you to sit and watch the fun)... Everybody asks "Where is that big silver bean?" Here it is! See "Cloud Gate" in the day...
- I haven't been but hear good reviews if you wanted a tour... On a large open top boat... looks fun!
- If you are looking for a fun night out and haven't seen them, the Chicago production of Blueman Group is awesome. A little pricey but you will walk away laughing and totally entertained. I have been 12 times :>).. Lots of music and fun. My wife Val has been... My Dad has been... Now our kids have been too (we went on our last trip) all loved it - appeals to all ages. You would take a taxi or subway to the theatre...
- Shed Aquarium I understand is excellent...
- Lincoln Zoo is good too...
- Funny enough there are great beaches in Chicago...
Tours
- I can't say I thought a bike tour through downtown would be enjoyable nor safe - but that is exactly what it was. Tim was really great tour guide. So fun! Bob's Bike Hike
- With business, we did an 8pm "Archi Cocktail" tour on Chicago History Museum's Architectural Cruise . Amazed for over an hour our guide told about the awesome skyscrapers we were seeing as dusk fell and lights came on. Wow. Really cool.
- For those who don't care about the info but want to see the buildings from the water, for under $10 one can ride the Chicago Water Taxi. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride up and down the canal.
- See Chicago's skyline, fountain and parks? Awesome! Do it on a Segway? Awesomer! Loads of fun, easy to learn - Segway tour was worth it. Absolutely, Segway Tours Chicago
Shopping
- Magnificent Mile (or actually Michigan Ave) - Water Tower Place (big city mall) is on Michigan Ave, and has the Lego Store, the big Nike store is up the street, the big Apple Store... You won't have any trouble shopping here for days within a few blocks. Wear comfortable shoes!
> Another favourite stop on Michigan Ave in your area... Ghiradelli's Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, Ask for the peanut butter chocolates!!!! (This is now on my regular stop list!)
> Hershey's Store is across the street :>)
- A friend Tim has now also recommended Garrett Popcorn. Yum!
Accommodations
- Ray's Bucktown B&B was really a great stay. We stayed here in June (2011) for the first time and are here again in September. Really a cool place with great people and excellent breakfasts...They do have availability notices on their website but I would call...
Have a ton of fun! Ask me any question...
Tours
- I can't say I thought a bike tour through downtown would be enjoyable nor safe - but that is exactly what it was. Tim was really great tour guide. So fun! Bob's Bike Hike
- With business, we did an 8pm "Archi Cocktail" tour on Chicago History Museum's Architectural Cruise . Amazed for over an hour our guide told about the awesome skyscrapers we were seeing as dusk fell and lights came on. Wow. Really cool.
- For those who don't care about the info but want to see the buildings from the water, for under $10 one can ride the Chicago Water Taxi. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride up and down the canal.
- See Chicago's skyline, fountain and parks? Awesome! Do it on a Segway? Awesomer! Loads of fun, easy to learn - Segway tour was worth it. Absolutely, Segway Tours Chicago
Shopping
- Magnificent Mile (or actually Michigan Ave) - Water Tower Place (big city mall) is on Michigan Ave, and has the Lego Store, the big Nike store is up the street, the big Apple Store... You won't have any trouble shopping here for days within a few blocks. Wear comfortable shoes!
> Another favourite stop on Michigan Ave in your area... Ghiradelli's Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, Ask for the peanut butter chocolates!!!! (This is now on my regular stop list!)
> Hershey's Store is across the street :>)
- A friend Tim has now also recommended Garrett Popcorn. Yum!
Accommodations
- Ray's Bucktown B&B was really a great stay. We stayed here in June (2011) for the first time and are here again in September. Really a cool place with great people and excellent breakfasts...They do have availability notices on their website but I would call...
This looks like a good site for help too...
Have a ton of fun! Ask me any question...