First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

So my wife is going to a conference in Chicago for work, so I figured that since hotel and airfare is covered for the wife, I might as well tag along. I'll have 8-noon and 1-5:30pm to myself every day and don't mind doing random shit. Anything I absolutely have to do? I don't care if it's ultra touristy or ultra weird. I like it all.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

The one thing I have booked is the river architectural tour at night. When it's just me I'm hitting a couple of breweries (Half Acre, Revolution) and probably the zoo. Definitely going to hit one of the famous Chicago dive bars (Rossi's) but other than that, wide open.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

The Field Museum is pretty awesome

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Don't know if your into baseball...I personally think its great live because its all about drinking outside with a strangers...but Cubs and Whites Sox fields are suppose to be great

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

I did one of those double decker bus tours there, touristy AF but who cares, it gives you a good tour of the city and you can hop on and off when you want.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Nice. The bus tours, during the day? Different ones and if so, which one did you do?

And I checked into baseball and the Cubs are actually in DC playing the Nats. Have you been to the White Sox stadium? Worth seeing?

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection;1171078]Nice. The bus tours, during the day? Different ones and if so, which one did you do?



And I checked into baseball and the Cubs are actually in DC playing the Nats. Have you been to the White Sox stadium? Worth seeing?[/QUOTE]


It was a day bus tour, I don't remember which one exactly, sorry. Both the Sox and Cubs were out of town when I went so I didn't get to go to a game.

Soldier Field is over in the same area as the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, pretty sure they do tours.

Definitely check out one of the skyscraper observation decks, the city is amazing.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

I was there last year for a conference. The river walk is a very nice way to take in some sights on your own. The lakefront trail is really nice to walk, too.

[url]https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/the-lakefront-trail/[/url]

It's 18 miles long, but sights along it include:

Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Theater on the Lake
Soldier Field
South Shore Cultural Center
Museum of Science and Industry
McCormick Place
Grant Park
Monroe Harbor
Navy Pier
Jackson Park
Belmont Harbor
Burnham Park

Also you gotta get the deep dish. My favorite was this place:

[url]https://www.yelp.com/biz/ord-pizzeria-chicago?osq=best+deep+dish+pizza[/url]

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

I've got an old neighbor into model trains, and I remember one time he recommended checking out the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, supposedly they have a really huge exhibit there along with some other neat exhibits. I can't say I know much about it but I put it on ice in case I ever find myself in Chicago with nothing to do lol. I like the ideas so far though, I'd probably visit Wrigley Field just for the experience and the zoo is always neat. Having never had an authentic Chi-style pizza that would be on my list too.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

I've always wanted to check this out:
[url]https://imss.org/[/url]

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=jamf;1171087]I've always wanted to check this out:
[url]https://imss.org/[/url][/quote]

This was actually on my list to see alone. My wife was like why the F would you want to see that?!

Thanks all... great suggestions. The biggest thing is going to be timing Uber just right to make sure a) I avoid surge pricing and b) rush hour to make it back in time for dinner with the wife.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

not trying to hijack, was going to start a thread but this looks like as good of a place then any. im going to new orleans for 4 days, to see the skins. any suggestions?

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=dmek25;1171094]not trying to hijack, was going to start a thread but this looks like as good of a place then any. im going to new orleans for 4 days, to see the skins. any suggestions?[/quote]

I think you'd be better served starting your own thread, that way if any of us want to dig it up in the future it'd be easier to find.

Also there's a little street down there that supposedly people like to party on, I think it's called Bourbon St. or something. Never been there so wouldn't know for sure :D.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Chicago has been one of the cities on my bucket list to visit. I'll have to keep this in mind.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;1171094]not trying to hijack, was going to start a thread but this looks like as good of a place then any. im going to new orleans for 4 days, to see the skins. any suggestions?[/QUOTE]


Been there 5 times, one of my favorite cities, we may even have a thread about it already

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=mooby;1171095]I think you'd be better served starting your own thread, that way if any of us want to dig it up in the future it'd be easier to find.

Also there's a little street down there that supposedly people like to party on, I think it's called Bourbon St. or something. [B]Never been there so wouldn't know for sure :D.[/B][/quote]

Never been there or forgot where you were WHILST there? :D

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1171103]Never been there or forgot where you were WHILST there? :D[/quote]

Alls I can say is I never heard the tale of how I got this dancing monkey tattooed on my asscheek. It may or may not be related, who knows?

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Definitely get an authentic Chicago dog from a street cart, so good, look for the blue V on the cart which means Vienna beef, that's the real deal.

Authentic deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's is a must too.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Great suggestions by everyone...just wanted to mention the Sears Tower...or whatever it is called these days.

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Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1171073]The one thing I have booked is the river architectural tour at night. When it's just me I'm hitting a couple of breweries (Half Acre, Revolution) and probably the zoo. Definitely going to hit one of the famous Chicago dive bars (Rossi's) but other than that, wide open.[/quote]

If you want some food spots, you should check out on TV Viceland channel "Fuck that's delicious" Chicago episode. They go to several hot spots.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

This thread is gold, heading to Chiraq tomorrow for a nice little 4 day extended weekend. Got real lucky, I read an article on Aug. 21st about how Aug. 23 is the cheapest day to book plane tickets due to the post-summer slowdown which typically means sales. Checked Southwest on the 23rd and used my points to book the equivalent of a $120 roundtrip nonstop flight out of Reagan. So I'm flying to Chicago for free. If nothing else, it's worth it for that alone.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Dude. What a deal. I did a few of the things mentioned here. Definitely do the hot dog. Went to a brewery called half acre which was great and close by is their consensus best Chicago dog. Staying on the magnificent mile? I walked on the lake to the zoo which was pretty bad ass too.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Yeah the blue V hot dog cart is on my "keep an eye out" list. And I'm torn between Lou Malnati's and Ord Pizzeria, I looked at pictures of their pizza online and it looks pretty damn good. My neighbor told me to go to Superdawg drive in for a hotdog but idk if I'm gonna go all the way up there, I might just hit up a street cart if it's more convenient.

My other neighbor (born and raised Chicagoan) gave me a pretty comprehensive list of things to do and places to eat.
Gene and Jude's - for hotdogs
Portillo's - get [URL="http://www.portillos.com/menu/restaurant/beef-and-sausage-sandwiches/##ComboBeefCharGrilledItalianSausage"]the "combo"[/URL] which is apparently a beef/italian sausage sandwich on a hoagie roll that looks pretty good, and apparently it's a local favorite.
And if I have a classier tastes "Girl and the Goat" yes that is the actual name lol.

As far as things to do he highly recommended the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, which for 33 bucks seems very reasonable so I'm probably gonna do this one. Not to mention the Sears Tower but only if there's no fog, otherwise I'm wasting my time. And according to him when he was growing up there (70's/80'sish) authentic Chicago style pizza was a thin crust made with cornmeal, so I'm gonna keep an eye out for that. And if I have more time left over walking along the lakefront trail sounds pretty cool, along with the Museum of Science and Industry which is right up my alley.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1174660]Dude. What a deal. I did a few of the things mentioned here. Definitely do the hot dog. Went to a brewery called half acre which was great and close by is their consensus best Chicago dog. Staying on the magnificent mile? I walked on the lake to the zoo which was pretty bad ass too.[/quote]

TMC did you end up doing the architecture boat tour at night? I'm headed there in October and that looked pretty cool to me as well.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Yes I did. My wife's boss's brother lives in Chicago and he says they love it so much they go at least once a year. I thought that was pretty rare for someone who lives in the town.

Also, I did enjoy some authentic deep dish, but the brother recommended this: [url=http://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/]Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Co. | Chicago Pizza Company[/url]

It was freaking amazing. I dare say better than the actual deep dish. Warning: get there early or be prepared for waiting 1-2 hours. He said this was normal on weeknights!

[IMG]http://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/int_192-2-e1476376376300.jpg[/IMG]

For dinner, we did The Purple Pig which was one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. I think the winner of Next Iron Chef (or something like that?) owns it. It's just down from the docks, so you could grab dinner there and then go to the boat tour. Also, grab a drink on one of the rooftop bars.

Looked at my photos and the place for the Chicago Dog is Byron's.

[IMG]https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5613142be4b0fb1f506c05b7/t/56132ca2e4b02bdcb2d68023/1444099266209/[/IMG]

Had a great time and it knocked San Diego off the top of my list as my favorite big city. That being said, when we got home we heard about seven people were murdered after we left, so there's that. I went to 3-4 different neighborhoods and walked them all, felt safe the whole time. One recommendation is if you're by yourself, wear headphones because there were a ton of random people who come up asking you weird ass questions trying to get some money.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=mooby;1174667]Yeah the blue V hot dog cart is on my "keep an eye out" list. And I'm torn between Lou Malnati's and Ord Pizzeria, I looked at pictures of their pizza online and it looks pretty damn good. My neighbor told me to go to Superdawg drive in for a hotdog but idk if I'm gonna go all the way up there, I might just hit up a street cart if it's more convenient.

My other neighbor (born and raised Chicagoan) gave me a pretty comprehensive list of things to do and places to eat.
Gene and Jude's - for hotdogs
Portillo's - get [URL="http://www.portillos.com/menu/restaurant/beef-and-sausage-sandwiches/##ComboBeefCharGrilledItalianSausage"]the "combo"[/URL] which is apparently a beef/italian sausage sandwich on a hoagie roll that looks pretty good, and apparently it's a local favorite.
And if I have a classier tastes "Girl and the Goat" yes that is the actual name lol.

As far as things to do he highly recommended the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, which for 33 bucks seems very reasonable so I'm probably gonna do this one. Not to mention the Sears Tower but only if there's no fog, otherwise I'm wasting my time. And according to him when he was growing up there (70's/80'sish) authentic Chicago style pizza was a thin crust made with cornmeal, so I'm gonna keep an eye out for that. [B]And if I have more time left over walking along the lakefront trail sounds pretty cool[/B], along with the Museum of Science and Industry which is right up my alley.[/quote]

Definitely do the trail. Was able to walk in the lake for a mile or so. Let me know how the museum is because that was the one place on my list I didn't make it to.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Chicago is 3rd on my food city list behind NY and New Orleans

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

[quote=mooby;1174658]This thread is gold, heading to Chiraq tomorrow for a nice little 4 day extended weekend. Got real lucky, I read an article on Aug. 21st about how Aug. 23 is the cheapest day to book plane tickets due to the post-summer slowdown which typically means sales. Checked Southwest on the 23rd and used my points to book the equivalent of a[B] $120 roundtrip nonstop [/B]flight out of Reagan. So I'm flying to Chicago for free. If nothing else, it's worth it for that alone.[/quote]

WTF?? $120 ... ive had chicago on a food destination list for a while. That and Austin, TX. Amazing deal.

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Thanks TMC! Looking forward to trying all of it!

Re: First Time in Chicago: Suggestions?
 

Well I did make it to the trail, didn't make it to the museum though. :/ Love the place and will definitely be back eventually if I ever catch another good deal, so it's back on the bucket list. As far as cities go it's up there with NYC/Boston, there's no shortage of random things to do if you have the time. Traffic sucks, but it's par for the course.

As far as food goes, I went to several local hotspots and for the most part have nothing but nice things to say about them.

Portillo's - the combo is legit. I only wanted the six incher (that's what she said) but the guy taking drive through orders in the parking lot (literally that bitch put Chik-Fil-A's line to shame) suggested I get brown gravy on the side (not normal brown gravy either, this was like some mildly hot/not thick with all manner of spices/seasoning) and it came out muy bueno.

Harold's Chicken Shack - decent tenders, mild sauce is alright, fries are meh

Culvers - if you've had Freddie's Steak Burgers don't bother, the "butterburger" tasted the same.

Superdawg - tourist trap, decent Italian sausage but not worth the drive or the insane wait times.

Ord Pizzeria - Great recommendation by Schneed, very good, delicious thin crust pizzeria. Worthy of the trip. If you love crust don't bother.

Chicken-N-Spice - not necessarily Chicago, but I ate at this place in Joliet and the brand lives up to the name.

Gold Coast Dogs - I ate at this place in Midway, and the staff assured me they used Vienna beef, even though I didn't see the blue V anywhere. I had the Chicago style char dog, and even though I'm not a huge hot dog fan I can see why people like it. Their hot dog game is on point, definitely recommend.