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YouTubeI'm going to Chicago at the beginning of July. Can anyone recommend some blogs that highlight cool local places to go (I'm trying to avoid spending all my time doing 'touristy' stuff). Recommendations of places and districts would be much appreciated as well!
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Travel
Chicago--recommend blogs/places to go
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Posted 11 months ago # -
johnwirtz
Evanston, IL
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Daytime Activities
I would recommend renting some bikes and enjoying the lakefront path and free beaches. Several options:
http://www.bobbysbikehike.com/Rental/RentalEquipment.aspx
http://www.chicagobikestation.com/rentals.htm
http://www.bikechicago.com/
http://chicago.bcycle.com/-The architectural cruises are very touristy, but I think they're an awesome way to enjoy the water, see the city, and learn a little about Chicago. There are multiple options, but Chicago Architecture Foundation tours are the best.
http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=574-CAF also offers land-based walking tours:
http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=600If you're into architecture at all Oak Park has a nice district of Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style houses.
-If you have kids, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a nice place to walk around (free), and the Peggy Notebart nature museum is a nice place for kids ages 1.5 and up.
-Baseball - two teams to choose from, but people tend to go to Wrigley for the fun environment.
-Chicago Botanic Garden - Kind of far north, but it's gorgeous and they run a free shuttle from the Glencoe Metra Station. Otherwise, parking is $20 but admission is free.
Nighttime activities:
Free classical music concerts in Millennium Park are one of my favorite things. It's like picnic with the pops, but free and witih a much cooler backdrop. Everyone brings food and wine and just enjoys sitting around in the summer night air on the lakefront.
http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/the-music/events-calendarJazz - The Green Mill in Uptown is a must see (note they only take cash or AmEx):
http://www.greenmilljazz.com/Blues - I think Kingston Mines is my favorite, but there are lots of options. They have two stages, so one group is always playing while the other group is between sets. The crowd goes back and forth:
http://www.kingstonmines.com/flash/main.htmlRavinia - A picnic at Ravinia is always a good time:
http://www.ravinia.org/Other music - There's always good local concerts at small places like Double Door or the Empty Bottle, and there's a good chance that national acts are playing somewhere on any given night.
Restaurants are too numerous to name, but I'll give it some thought. I think it depends on your nighttime activity. Neighborhoods with some good options include Lincoln Park, Wicker Park/Bucktown, Lakeview, South Loop, West Loop, Lincoln Square, Little Italy, Greektown. I'd be remiss not to mention downtown Evanston too. Lots of great restaurants, more than you'd ever expect from what is technically a suburb.
Posted 11 months ago # -
I can talk to buffalos
They're right by my earlobes.
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The Wit on State has the best rooftop bar. IT gets packed, and sometimes it is a $20 cover but man I love that bar.
Posted 11 months ago # -
somebuckeye
Franklinton
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Go to Chinatown at dinnertime and find a restaurant that looks crowded.
Posted 11 months ago # -
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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Also here -
http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/need-ideas-for-eats-drinks-and-funs-in-chicago
Posted 11 months ago # -
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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I'm absolutely in love with Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods. Take the blue line and get off at Damen. Hit Big Star. There is always a big wait, but it's worth it. Their pork belly tacos are the best tacos I've ever had anywhere. Period. They'll take your cell number and call when you have a table, so you can wander close by. I prefer to wander to the bar and drink from the 4 page bourbon list. They also make great cocktails and they are 7 bucks which is dirt cheap for Chicago prices. I do believe the fella that put together the cocktail list used to work @Violet Hour. If you love beer, hit the Goose Island Clybourn pub in Lincoln Park...hit Bangers & Lace perhaps and Piece.
As for touristy stuff, don't skip Millenium Park or CIA. Both are totally rad.
Posted 11 months ago # -
TalkingHeadsFan
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I agree about not looking down on the touristy stuff - it's a freaking cool city, particularly in the summertime. If you like beaches, hanging out at North Ave. or Oak Street beaches, with the downtown area in view is breathtaking.
Just walk - walk down Michigan Ave., can take you from the John Hancock Building to the Art Institute, crossing the river, with so many interesting shops and buildings to see. (It is called the Magnificent Mile for a reason.)
When friends come visit while I lived there we'd go to the restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. Instead of spending $ on an entrance fee to the observation deck, we'd buy drinks and walk around to look at the view (which I prefer that view to the Sears Tower).
Posted 11 months ago # -
johnwirtz
Evanston, IL
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TalkingHeadsFan wrote >>
When friends come visit while I lived there we'd go to the restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building. Instead of spending $ on an entrance fee to the observation deck, we'd buy drinks and walk around to look at the view (which I prefer that view to the Sears Tower).+1 I do that with visitors too.
Regarding food, if you're going to be in the River North/downtownish area at all, I would recommend trying to get a reservation at Frontera or just checking in Xoco next door for lunch. Freaking amazing Mexican sandwiches for about $7-$8, but lines are long. Churros are great too.
Carnivale is kind of fun for dinner in the sort of North-West Loopish area (on Fulton St).
I'm a big fan of tapas, and Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is pretty good in Lincoln Park (although I like Tapas Barcelona in Evanston better). Ba Ba Reeba is owned by a restaurant group called Lettuce Entertain You. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at any of their restaurants.
If you're looking for off the tourist path, try Smoque for great BBQ near the Irving Park Blue Line and Metra stations. I've always wanted to try The Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park too, but haven't been there.
I have yet to find a burger in Chicago that is as good as the Thurman Cafe, but RJ Grunts in Lincoln Park, Rockwell's in Lincoln Square, and Moody's Pub in Edgewater aren't bad.
Thinking of Edgewater makes me realize I forgot to mention Andersonville as a cool neighborhood. Clark Street is awesome from about Foster to Hollywood. Lots of shops, restaurants, and one of the best beer selections in the city at Hopleaf. Another good place for beer selection is the Map Room in Bucktown.
Breakfast at Ann Sather's (Clark St in Andersonville or on Belmont in Lakeview) would be good too, mostly for the cinnamon rolls.
Posted 11 months ago # -
TalkingHeadsFan
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johnwirtz wrote >>
I have yet to find a burger in Chicago that is as good as the Thurman Cafe, but RJ Grunts in Lincoln Park, Rockwell's in Lincoln Square, and Moody's Pub in Edgewater aren't bad.
Thinking of Edgewater makes me realize I forgot to mention Andersonville as a cool neighborhood. Clark Street is awesome from about Foster to Hollywood. Lots of shops, restaurants, and one of the best beer selections in the city at Hopleaf. Another good place for beer selection is the Map Room in Bucktown.
Breakfast at Ann Sather's (Clark St in Andersonville or on Belmont in Lakeview) would be good too, mostly for the cinnamon rolls.Agree.
I'd skip eating a hamburger, though and go for a Chicago hot dog or polish sausage (don't forget the toppings), a gyro, or better yet have an Italian sausage or Italian beef sandwich, dipped in gravy. That's an experience unique to that city.
Posted 11 months ago #
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