must-do and see in Chicago?

The observation deck at the Hancock building is neat, and close to your hotel. There's also a restaurant/bar up there. The restaurant is highly overrated, but the bar is nice.

The latest rage is Millenium Park, the new $400 million facility with 2 Frank Gehry structures, and a giant, highly polished sculpture that looks like a cross between a bean and a glob of mercury.

There's a Bentley dealership a couple of blocks off of Michigan, but they have a very poor reputation for everything. Plenty of eye candy, though.

And, the ultimate must-do for the first time Chicagoer, Chicago Style Pizza. Ask 3 Chicagoans who their favorite is, and you'll get 5 answers, but I think the best is at Lou Malnati's. Its a bit far from your hotel. If you'd rather convenience over quality, the original Pizzaria Uno's is near the Mag Mile, and it's sister location, Pizzaria Due's. Same food, just caddy-corner. Crowds are usually smaller at Due's.

 

Gotta see the WWII German U Boat on display in a dry dock type of lash up at some musieum there.

 

I lived in the south side of chicago for a year. I can tell you that even 1 year was not enough to see and do everything, let alone a weekend.

Lake Michigan is very nice to walk up and down and there is a path from Navy pier to the aquarium and field museum. That is very nice, although they most likely pulled the sailboats out of the water, but that walk is usually by about a thousand or so boats.

If you have a car or don't mind taking a cab or riding the lovely CTA "L" then head up to wrigleyville or lincoln park. Excellent bar scene regardless if the cubs are playing or not.

Food: Chicago has GREAT food
The Chicago style "deep dish" as mentioned is worth a try - Lou's or Uno's is a safe bet; However, on the southside, Chicago style is flat and cut into a thousand pieces

If you are into a steak try Mike Ditka's restaurante or Smith & Wollensky.

If you like German food try The Berghoff. It's over 100 years old and very good.

If you want something to throw on the company tab, go to Cite (pronounced Cit-ay) It is on the 80th floor of a building against lake michigan. During the summer Navy pier shoots off fireworks and you are actually above them during your meal. Average dinner is probably around $100-150/ person unless you get wine.

If you want greesy hamburgers with a 50's feel go to the Billy Goat's Tavern below Michigan Ave. (you'll see what i mean) it is literally below the street on an access road.

If you want to feel dirty head to rush and division and go to Bar Chicago...

 

When I think of Chicago I think of the Blues so no visit to Chicago is complete without a stop in one of the Blues clubs there.

One favorite is Blue Chicago at two locations on North Clark: #736 and #536. Cover charges are very reasonable (under $10 gets you into both clubs that are a couple blocks apart) and the music can be outstanding almost any night of the week.

http://www.bluechicago.com/

John

 

You have to visit SUE, amazing.

 

Her head is so large and heavy that they had to create a fake one to fit on top.

 

Do the downtown architectural boat tour. Tells about all the famous buildings and history. Science and Industry Museum is a must. Hackney's Hamburgers in the suburbs is good, and Luke's Hot Dogs for a true Chicago Dog.

 

Jeff, I live in the city and would love to show you around, but unfortunately I've got strep right now and not sure if I'll be over it by then. Those are all good suggestions, and if the weather cooperates, you'll enjoy just walking around and taking it all in. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

2nd the boat tour. Some tours have a full bar which is a nice touch.

 

Just make sure Dave Matthews' tour bus isn't around during your trip...

 

Just a walk up Michigan Ave is fun, a lot of neat stores. If you pocket book can stand it Oak Street is good (Chicago's version of Rodeo Drive).

A couple of hours in Oak Park doing the Frank Lloyd Wright tour is good.

We have two Ferrari dealers in town, on north and one south of the city, either are a good Saturday afternoon adventure (we don't buy cars on Sunday in Illinois, so don't even try then)

 

If you're around on Friday eve, Shaw's Crab House is having their annual "Oyster Slurp-Off". Fun restaurant with great food, and it's nearby. Starts at 5:30pm.

 

Was just there for the SC ND game. Went to the Museum Of Science and Industry.
The U505 was the only U Boat we captured and we got the Enigma code machine and code books off her. It is in a brand new underground display. Very worth the trip. you need at least 2-2 1/2 hours for that display alone.

Shaws Crab House is a good one too.

 

I was just there this past weekend. It's an amazing city. I didn't get to do much since I was for maybe 2 days, but it was fun. I went to the John Hancock Center Friday night (1 drink minimum per person since the elevator ride is free). Awesome view at night. Went around Soldier Field, which the last time I saw 3 years ago was starting to get renovated. Now it looks like a cruise ship, LOL!

Took the boat ride on Saturday which was on the north side of the Michigan Ave bridge (pic at botton of post that my cousin took (copyrighted)) and in front of the Wrigley building. The water was clear and amazing. I don't know why it was like that because the last time I saw it, it was brown.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8239/chicago23kp.jpg

P.S. You can smell the chocolate factory from Michigan ave bridge. It was awesome!

Edit: That construction site on the right is the Trump Int'l Condo thing.