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Going to Chicago with the wife...


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We ordered Cubs tix for the weekend series vs the D-Backs....any suggestions on restaurants (steak or seafood pref.) Is it worth going up in the Sears Tower? Any gin mills in town that would suit a Buffalonian (massive draft beers for less than 10 bucks) :angry: Any other suggestions or must sees?

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Chicago is a kickass city and one of my favorites! I am going in August. There are so many great neighborhood bars everywhere. Chicago is one of the friendliest citys in the world and the people remind me of Buffalonians. Bleachers at Wrigley for a day game is the #1 to do. Wrigleyville is a great section of the city and there are many great bars and restauraunts in that area. Rush and Division is where the late night clubs are and you should check that area out too. I recomend some Blues and Jazz Bars(Buddy Guys is a good one), some steaks, some deep dish pizza, some gyros(best gyros in the world!) and brats, Second City for comedy. I will get some specific names for you later(my sister lives in Chicago and I forget names). Taste of Chicago starts next week- maybe that will be going on while you are out there. Navy Pier is worth checking out and I believe they have fireworks everynight there in the summer. The magnificent mile is a must see. The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best in the world and it is in a complex with 4 or 5 other world class museums. Chicago is fairly affordable compared to any other city. Have a great time! If you have any questions shoot me an email and I will try and help you

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We ordered Cubs tix for the weekend series vs the D-Backs....any suggestions on restaurants (steak or seafood pref.) Is it worth going up in the Sears Tower? Any gin mills in town that would suit a Buffalonian (massive draft beers for less than 10 bucks)  :angry: Any other suggestions or must sees?

368464[/snapback]

 

One of the greatest cities in the US. Restaurants:

 

Pizza - East Side Marios - great deep dish - takes time to cook so you can get liquored up. Original Pizzaria Uno's is kind of cool, but always a wait.

 

Italian / Steak - Harry Careys

 

All Around - My favotite in Chicago - The Weber Grill - Everything cooed on Weber grills - food is amazing. Good scene and some good people watching...

 

Stay away from the Italian Village - too touristy.

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thanks for the tips so far.....writing as much of this down as I can

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I'm actually moving to Chicago come October, so while I don't have any first hand experience, I can point you to my favorite Chicago Website. If you can't find something there that suits your tastes, you aren't trying.

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I personally think you get a better view from the top of the Hancock tower than Sears (Hancock is farther north, right in the middle of the Magnificent Mile, and there's more things to see on the north side). For pizza I'd go to Gino's on Rush.

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Chicago is a kickass city and one of my favorites!  I am going in August.  There are so many great neighborhood bars everywhere.  Chicago is one of the friendliest citys in the world and the people remind me of Buffalonians.  Bleachers at Wrigley for a day game is the #1 to do.  Wrigleyville is a great section of the city and there are many great bars and restauraunts in that area.  Rush and Division is where the late night clubs are and you should check that area out too.  I recomend some Blues and Jazz Bars(Buddy Guys is a good one), some steaks, some deep dish pizza, some gyros(best gyros in the world!)  and brats, Second City for comedy.  I will get some specific names for you later(my sister lives in Chicago and I forget names).  Taste of Chicago starts next week- maybe that will be going on while you are out there.  Navy Pier is worth checking out and I believe they have fireworks everynight there in the summer.  The magnificent mile is a must see.  The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best in the world and it is in a complex with 4 or 5 other world class museums.  Chicago is fairly affordable compared to any other city.  Have a great time!  If you have any questions shoot me an email and I will try and help you

368474[/snapback]

This is outstanding advice, and I would only add one thing: Chicago has some of the best Italian food in the country. Been a while for me so I can't recommend anything, but you really should ask around. And definitely plan to stay up late and hit some jazz clubs. You just never, ever know who is going to show up.
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I'm actually moving to Chicago come October, so while I don't have any first hand experience, I can point you to my favorite Chicago Website. If you can't find something there that suits your tastes, you aren't trying.

368757[/snapback]

 

There is a great neighborhood festival going on that weekend - I would recommend heading just a little south of Wrigley after the game to the "Taste of Lincoln" in the Lincoln/Fullerton area. A couple blocks of city streets blocked off with multiple stages for bands, food, bars lined up and down the street, great "sightseeing" etc. Of course all the touristy things are fine, but this is a nice "little" neighborhood gathering.

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Chicago is a kickass city and one of my favorites!  I am going in August.  There are so many great neighborhood bars everywhere.  Chicago is one of the friendliest citys in the world and the people remind me of Buffalonians.  Bleachers at Wrigley for a day game is the #1 to do.  Wrigleyville is a great section of the city and there are many great bars and restauraunts in that area.  Rush and Division is where the late night clubs are and you should check that area out too.  I recomend some Blues and Jazz Bars(Buddy Guys is a good one), some steaks, some deep dish pizza, some gyros(best gyros in the world!)  and brats, Second City for comedy.  I will get some specific names for you later(my sister lives in Chicago and I forget names).  Taste of Chicago starts next week- maybe that will be going on while you are out there.  Navy Pier is worth checking out and I believe they have fireworks everynight there in the summer.  The magnificent mile is a must see.  The Shedd Aquarium is one of the best in the world and it is in a complex with 4 or 5 other world class museums.  Chicago is fairly affordable compared to any other city.  Have a great time!  If you have any questions shoot me an email and I will try and help you

368474[/snapback]

 

All good suggestions. A couple of corrections and some more suggestions. The taste of Chicago ends after 4th of July weekend. The fireworks at Navy Pier are only on Wednesday and Saturday night (10:15).

 

Go to the Cubby Bear or Murphy's before the game. The Cubby Bear is across the street from Wrigley and Murphy's is across the street behind the center field wall. Try to take the Red Line Train to Wrigley (or some other public transportation). Don't worry. It is safe. Parking is bad.

 

The whole area around the Shedd aquarium is great to walk and to bike (especially in the summer). Soldier Field is near there. Try a boat tour. You can usually get one on Michigan Avenue near the Wrigley building or at Navy Pier. I you like steak, try Morton’s, Gibson’s, or (my favorite) The Chicago Chop House. They are pricey but good.

 

I will be at the Friday game against the DBacks with some Buffalo buddies. Have a great time!

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Cruise the blues clubs along North Halsted -- great music in a very Chicago tradition.

 

Have ribs someplace. Ribs in Chicago are like wings in Buffalo -- there are so many good places around that the bad ones don't last. Carson's is a dependable chain all around town, but don't be afraid to try a place that looks like a hole in a wall. Robinson's for Ribs on the North Side at least used to be pretty good.

 

As someone else said, you MUST try either the Cubby Bear or Murphy's before your Cubs game.

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yes I am....

369911[/snapback]

 

Excuse me sir, you are with the club?

No, I'm here with the Underhills.

The Underhills? They already left Seor.

Oh they'll be back. Ted went out for his urinalysis.

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thanks for the tips...anyone on TBD from the Chicago area??

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I am. I'm amazed whenever I walk around with my Bills colors on how many people stop me to show their support for the Bills as well <_<

 

The neighborhood festival I mentioned is about 8 blocks south of Wrigley, and within the confines of that party are two Bills bars - Lincoln Station and Delilah's (which I believe is owned by a guy from OP). There may be a crew of Buffalo fans hanging around the Lincoln Station since they serve kick ass Vodka/Lemonades and it's usually pretty hot, but I'd say in late July you'd be hard pressed to find a Bills friendly conversation at any other establishments.

 

If you end up in this area I'll probably wear a white Bills hat so you know you're in friendly territory! Not sure if this is your first and only trip to Chicago, but this is more of a local event and I can understand if the wife wants to see some of the more famous city attractions.

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Any good bars for good Bills chatter?

369931[/snapback]

 

If you are in the city, then you should go here. I have been there before.

 

http://www.barsonline.com/chicago/delilahs/main.htm

 

Now, I am in the suburbs and there were a few bars but they are just sports bars and not Bills' bars. With the Sunday ticket, I don't go out as much for games.

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thanks for the tips...anyone on TBD from the Chicago area??

369909[/snapback]

 

I am originally from South Cheektowaga/West Seneca... Moved to the Chicago land area in 1992. I live in the far south suburbs now. Great area... Always something to do.

 

Vist Greek Town (Halsted between Van Buren and Adams)... Great greek food and loads of places.

 

Site see... Grab one of the Wendella boats at the base of the Wrigley building... Further up river are the Shoreline boats... The 90 minute river and lake architectural tour is great.

 

There is always Navy Pier.

 

Lincoln Park zoo is free and recently undergoing some great renovation.

 

PM me if you want more... So much to do, I only scratched the surface!

 

<_<

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I always enjoy the Field Museum and the Shedd. Plus they're by Navy Pier.

 

For Blues, try out Kingston Mines. Been there a couple times during conventions. They ususally have two acts a night playing.

 

For lodging...if you can find a good deal, stay at the Palmer House for one night. Rooms are allright, but the lounge/lobby area is amazing and lavish (think robber-baron era.)

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If you go to Navy Pier (Pier #2)... Notice the Pier (Dime Pier (Pier #1) between the Chicago Harbor Lock and Navy Pier...

 

Why is still there?

 

A few years back I got a call from a resident at Lakepoint Towers saying that it is an eye sore and why can't they remove it?

 

What they do is spray Dime Pier with seagull pharamone [sP]... What that does is it acts like a magnet for the birds and they stay off Navy Pier where they would surely harass the people on it!

 

Lake elevations have been down considerably... So it is sticking out a lot than it has in the past.

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If you go to Navy Pier (Pier #2)... Notice the Pier (Dime Pier (Pier #1) between the Chicago Harbor Lock and Navy Pier...

 

Why is still there?

 

A few years back I got a call from a resident at Lakepoint Towers saying that it is an eye sore and why can't they remove it?

 

What they do is spray Dime Pier with seagull pharamone [sP]... What that does is it acts like a magnet for the birds and they stay off Navy Pier where they would surely harass the people on it!

 

Lake elevations have been down considerably... So it is sticking out a lot than it has in the past.

370079[/snapback]

 

Sorry... In my best Cliff Claven... That is spelled pheromone.

 

<_<:P

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Glad to hear you are making the trip rocket. I hope you are not missing a brant softball game for this crap getaway with your bride. If you are missing a game, say goodbye to the cleanup spot. If I get in there its all over for joo.

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Will any of you from the Chicago area be attending the Bills @ Bears preseason game on August 26th?

370098[/snapback]

 

Maybe

 

A guy my wife works with has tix... He has asked me if I want them... If my work schedule works out... I may take them.

 

I have never been to Soldier Field... The new "Flyin' Saucer" seems intriquing. It lost its historical status because of the renovations.

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Glad to hear you are making the trip rocket. I hope you are not missing a brant softball game for this crap getaway with your bride. If you are missing a game, say goodbye to the cleanup spot. If I get in there its all over for joo.

370088[/snapback]

pay attention super rook is the cleanup hitter....

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Bad things happen in any city (especially a large one like Chicago). I was down there this weekend and you could not feel any safer. This was truly an isolated incident. I am shocked there was an incident last year. There were nearly one million people down there this weekend.

 

The nice thing about Chicago is the tourist areas are very safe. I just wish Buffalo would have developed their downtown like Chicago.

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The taste is overated, crowded.  It ends a week from Thursday (goes a fortnight).

 

And besides... You DON'T want to bring KIDS there! <_<  :P

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You wouldn't like Cincinnati's annual Black Family Reunion.

 

Two were murdered in 2003.. Last yeat there were a bunch of felonious assault arrests and tons of lesser charges.

 

A real family-friendly affair..but our local Chamber of Commerce would be happy to send you a brochure to come and enjoy! :lol:

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You wouldn't like Cincinnati's annual Black Family Reunion.

 

Two were murdered in 2003.. Last yeat there were a bunch of felonious assault arrests and tons of lesser charges.

 

A real family-friendly affair..but our local Chamber of Commerce would be happy to send you a brochure to come and enjoy! <_<

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Gotta love StuckInCincy... Like the mother superior avatar.

 

I went to the taste last year with my 6 and 2 year old... I wish the "Bus Driver" thread was posted a year earlier! :P

 

Between the crowds, lines, hot, hot weather and the kids (sometimes I feel I have three of them... The wife! :P )... I was one over burdened father!

 

I don't know what it is... But crowds really push me over the edge. We parked at the lock downtown (thought that was a great Idea... was free and steps from the pier) on the 4th of July... Real great till I wanted to go home and about a million people poured off Navy Pier after the fireworks... Human grid-lock!

 

:lol:

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We ordered Cubs tix for the weekend series vs the D-Backs....any suggestions on restaurants (steak or seafood pref.) Is it worth going up in the Sears Tower? Any gin mills in town that would suit a Buffalonian (massive draft beers for less than 10 bucks)  <_< Any other suggestions or must sees?

368464[/snapback]

a couple thoughts...

(i lived in Chicago for 3 years. just moved to the bay area in May)

one guy mentioned the neighborhood festival near wrigley. There are all kinds of festivals in the neighborhoods during the summer months. Most involve drinking. some have live music and drinkiing. keep that in mind (depending on what your wife likes to do)

if i were going to the game i would

1. arrive in wrigleyville early. there is a great place called Cullens on Southport for a late breakfast / bloody.

2. check out cubby bear b4 the game. there is anohter bar called sluggers that has batting cages upstairs if you're interested.

3. Go to Murphys AFTER the game. its located behind RCF

 

The sears tower is a scam. its 20 bucks for the two of you. The hancock building has an observation deck / bar on the 96th floor. The view from the ladies room is the best in the house. your wife can verify, and then let you in when the bathroom clears. if you want tourist stuff try doing it early in the day or better yet, on a weekday.

 

where are you staying and what type and price cuisine are you looking for?

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  • 3 weeks later...
a couple thoughts...

(i lived in Chicago for 3 years. just moved to the bay area in May)

one guy mentioned the neighborhood festival near wrigley.  There are all kinds of festivals in the neighborhoods during the summer months.  Most involve drinking.  some have live music and drinkiing.  keep that in mind (depending on what your wife likes to do)

if i were going to the game i would

1.  arrive in wrigleyville early.  there is a great place called Cullens on Southport for a late breakfast / bloody.

2.  check out cubby bear b4 the game.  there is anohter bar called sluggers that has batting cages upstairs if you're interested. 

3.  Go to Murphys AFTER the game.  its located behind RCF

 

The sears tower is a scam.  its 20    bucks for the two of you.  The hancock building has an observation deck / bar on the 96th floor.  The view from the ladies room is the best in the house.  your wife can verify, and then let you in when the bathroom clears.  if you want tourist stuff try doing it early in the day or better yet, on a weekday. 

 

where are you staying and what type and price cuisine are you looking for?

370201[/snapback]

 

thanks for the advice....will definately come in handy!

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Will any of you from the Chicago area be attending the Bills @ Bears preseason game on August 26th?

370098[/snapback]

 

 

I was thinking of heading over to Chicago for the preseason game (We live in SW Michigan) but I don't have tickets yet. What do you guys suggest I do about getting tix...Do you think I'll be able to get reasonably priced tickets outside the stadium before the game or should I just buy some on stubhub or something.

 

I'd really love to see a game in Soldier Field, and for it to be the Bills on top of that...WOW!

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