October--Chicago Visit--What to see and do?

I am coming to Chicago for a quick weekend in a few weeks. I am looking for some recommendations on what to see and do while I am there. I do have some things mapped out, the main thing is a night at Second City. I still have a whole day to plan for, which is a Saturday. I am looking for some recommendations on things to see and do while I am there. Any "must see" attractions? Any restaurants I need to hit? Give me some advice! I am usually there for business only and rarely have free time so this is a rare treat.

Thanks in advance,

Duane

 

Visit the museums. The Museum of Science & Industry(very interesting and they do have a good transportation gallery featuring iconic cars) and many other hands-on exhibits.

Depending on your likes, the Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium are top rate! Also, the Newberry Library(http://www.answers.com/topic/newberry-library-2) if you like old manuscripts, books etc. and other historical items.

 

Catch a baseball game....oh wait, you said you are coming in October.
Chicago teams stop playing in August

 

Thanks guys! Any recommendations on where to eat? We know we want some good Chicago Greek. Other than that we're wide open.

 

For Greek we go to Greek Islands. If you like fish, try the Lavraki (may have just butchered the spelling there).

 

You could check out the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock building. It's not Greek, but good food nonetheless and amazing views of the city.

 

regarding Greektown.. my gf is Greek and a gourmet chef.. she recommends -

for authentic Greek food go to: Greek Islands

for fish: go to Santorini (greek)

 

Architectural boat tour--I've sent hundreds of guests over the years, and most/all loved it.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder--best pizza in the city IMO. Unconventional but awesome. Only choices are white or wheat crust, mushrooms or not and meat or vegetarian sauce. White, mushrooms and vege are my choices after extensive testing. The vege sauce is much better than the meat IMO.

Have fun.

 

Best restaurant in the city is Alinea but very tough to get into. Very expensive too.

Girl and the Goat as well. Again, tough reservation but they do have room for some walk-ins. Stephanie Izard (winner of Top Chef season 4) is the chef and the food is excellent and reasonably priced.

 

I second Alinea and Girl and the Goat. Next is also good.. If you want to wander over to Bentley Gold Coast I've always enjoyed Tavern on Rush (much better during the nicer months, but still good and reasonably priced IMHO) and Le Colonial (French Vietnamese). Spiaggia is also good (Italian) and right in that area. If you want a great view Sixteen at Trump is good for lunch or dinner as well.

Aside from Greek is there anything else you wanted to see/do in the city in general?

 

I really have a full day. Friday I have to work. That night we are going to Second City. I'm seeing South Side of Heaven there with a group of friends, so it should be fun. Saturday I am wide open. We will probably hit a museum; the architecture cruise sounds fun too. My wife wants Greek so instead of one of the finer places it looks like Greek Islands. Not sure what we will do afterwards but I'm sure we'll find something fun to do. I've been to Signature Lounge before and the view was amazing so maybe that is on the list. Is House of Blues still there?

 

If you're going to the Greek Islands, depending on what time you get done with dinner, head across the street to Spectrum Bar. It's open until 3 or 4 am and usually showcases some seriously talented Blues musicians. Only on saturdays if I'm not mistaken. I wish I remembered the name of the Band I like that plays there. Old guy on guitar, hilarious stories , almost BB King like. Take it for what it's worth

 

Great suggestion Josh--thanks!

 

No problem! I actually just did a quick search. His name is Linsey "Hoochie Man" Alexander. Do a quick search and see if it's something your into. I checked the website but the events page isn't update. Maybe worth a phone call to see if he's playing the night you'll be around there.

 

Chicago cut is one of my favorites, but sounds like you're locked on Greek...

 

we ALWAYS have FUN at the Baton.

female impersonation at it's best.

http://www.thebatonshowlounge.com/

 

It's always fun to spend a lot of money to see Chicago teams lose. I'd rather watch the games on TV for free, that way I don't feel cheated!

 

If I want to see losers, I can go to a Marlins or Dolphins game. But most of my Saturdays are spent watching winners--the Florida Gators!

 

So we are here. Last night we went to Greek Islands and then saw The South Side of Heaven at Second City. Every Chicagoan should see that show! Today we walked a lot and saw tons. We went to Intellgentsia Coffee, Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe then we strolled Millenium Park and saw Buckingham Fountain. We went to Portillo's for lunch (OMG) and then napped. Around 6:30 we headed over to the Hancock Building to watch the sunset from the Signature Lounge then went over to the Purple Pig for dinner/cocktails. I cannot explain in words how much fun we had especially considering the perfect weather. In conjuction, if you haven't been to the Purple Pig, GO! We are foodies and I can tell you they get it there. A bit of a wait but they make that nice and the food and service are top notch. At the end of our meal we thanked Jimmy, the owner. This place is a real gem, and I am saying that after being in Chitown a bunch and never having a bad meal. In the morning I hope to hit the Sears Tower to see the platform.

 

Glad you are enjoying yourself! You can never go wrong with Portillos I really wish they franchised, they need to be in more locations.

In my post I mention Spiaggia, one of the owners of the Purple Pig also heads up Spiggia. PP is a fantastic restaurant although not always for the faint of heart or those who are impatient as the wait on weekends can be over 2 hours. The big question is, did you get the pig ear?

Might be too late but if you get a chance try catching the sunset at Trump (Terrace), one of the prettiest views in the city.

 

We did order the pig ear. Sadly, we watched as the last one was delivered to the table next to us.

We had fun on Sunday--we went to Skydeck!
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Thread Bump!

I'm coming to Chicago/Milwaukee area for 3 weeks to visit a friend. I've already been there once but I felt very rushed in the day or two I spent in the city. My friend lives in Milwaukee and she showed me all the secret corners that you would haven ever found by searching "Things to do in Milwaukee".

I've seen some suggestions and will be doing some of them. Don't hurt me please but a Green Bay game and Brewers game is in the cards. I've eaten at Giordano's and visited Millennium Park. I know that there is lots of other places to see and do in Chicago so I need the help from you guys.

I'm a 23 year old male so please keep that in mind! The top of the line restaurants are not currently in my budget. I prefer the secret hole in the wall place that serves amazing food. I am also a sucker for a bar/restaurant with a good view. I'm very open to suggestions so I'd love to hear what you guys have for me.

Should be arriving this week and leaving the 21st of October.

 

Check out the new Nike Town
See a Bears game. That's all I got

 

Here's a few... I'm sure others will add more, there are so many

Hole in the wall restaurants
http://czechplaza.com - near west suburbs
http://www.lebouchonofchicago.com - near north
http://www.russianteatime.com - downtown
http://www.heavenonseven.com/wabash.html - lunch downtown
http://www.mannysdeli.com/ - lunch near SW of loop

Not exactly "hole in the wall" but IMO worth a visit
http://www.monamigabi.com/home/ - Lincoln Park - right across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo and the LP Conservatory
http://www.rjgruntschicago.com/ - Lincoln Park - right across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo and the LP Conservatory
http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/ great classic Italian in an art deco world - Downtown and open late


If you happen to go to the Museum of Science and Industry - http://www.msichicago.org/
or
The Oriental Institute - http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/galleries/
http://www.fiveguys.com/
http://www.morrysdeli.com/

 

I believe Niketowns under rennivation

I would recommend the 95th at the Hancock