Hey all!

Next week, I'm headed up to Chicago with 2 other FL teachers for a conference at the Hilton on Michigan Ave. Won't have a car, but wanted to get some recommendations for restaurants that we shouldn't miss! What places are worth going to while we're in town?

Can't wait to check out Chicago!!!!!

 

just a couple to get you started...

Dick's Last Resort (for the environment)
Signature Room on the 95th (view, not so great food)
Fogo de Chao (brazillian style steakhouse)

 

what price range? what type of food?

 

Brazzaz Brazilian Steakhouse
539 Dearborn St,

 

Any type of food or price range you're looking for?

If you want to take a cab, I recently had an amazing meal at one sixty blue. Very top-chef-like. The restaurant is owned by Michael Jordan but really has nothing to do with sports. A bit on the pricey side, but imo totally worth it.

Within walking distance of your hotel - I haven't been there yet but I hear very good things from friends about Mercat a la planxa if you like tapas. For Chicago style pizza, I recommend Lou Malnati's. Yolk is supposed to be really good for breakfast (haven't been there yet).

I say skip the signature room. Food's good, but not great. Go to the signature lounge (1 floor up) for the view and drinks.

Brazzaz and Fogo are good as well, but I avoid all you can eat steakhouses because I have a small appetite and never feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Fogo is a chain as well, so you might have one near you. If not, and you have a big appetite and a bit of money, then a very good choice.

BTW - some of the pricier restaurants have lunch or weekday specials. Can save quite a bit so check out their websites.

 

I'd suggest Gino's East for pizza (on Superior).

Agree about the Brazilian places not being unique to Chicago, but also, at least Fogo, is significantly cheaper at lunch.

For a great steak and unique Chicago scene, it's hard to beat Gibson's, but it comes at a price.

Mexican - Frontera Grill

Japonais is also great, and pricey (and a cab ride). They've now opened locations in a couple other cities, but it's not a chain.

 

Thanks for the replies, everyone! As for the type of food, I'd say almost anything. We're teachers, so the price range can't go too high!

Sounds like there are some great options! I'm very excited for the trip.

 

Oh, regarding the food, one of the teachers (not me) is vegetarian. So I guess she'll have to do salads/pasta at the steak places! Sounds like steak is big in Chicago!

 

Just realized next week is "Chef's Week" in Chicago. It's a promotion for several restaurants. $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner, you get a 3 course meal at a great restaurant. Details: http://www.chicagochefweek.com/

I recommend doing this at least one time during the week. Make reservations sooner rather than later. Lunch will be easier to get. I haven't been to any of the restaurants listed for Chef's week yet, so you might want to check out Yelp for reviews. Yelp is a good resource in Chicago as well - you won't have to settle for anything less than 4 stars if you don't want.

Another good steak place is David Burke's Primehouse. It's a bit expensive, but if you go during lunch, they have one of the best burger's in the city (as ranked by Chicago Magazine, and me ). Chicago is very vegetarian friendly as well with some highly rated vegetarian/vegan restaurants. I don't go to them since I'm very much a carnivore, so I can't really make a recommendation. Green Zebra, for example though, is listed as 4 stars on Yelp and is participating in Chef's Week.

 

Very cool! Sounds similar to the "Miami Spice" that happens each August!