Ok, I know this is early, but I don't wanna play work right now. A friend and I are hitting Pitchfork in Chicago in July. We're staying in the Lincoln Park area. Give me some ideas for great eats and drinks and stuff to see. We aren't really looking to drop huge chunks of cash at any one place, but we'll probably splurge for dinner either Thursday or Saturday night. We dig odd, quirky, cheap, local, independent, hole in the wall kinda places. Good funky shopping? And shops to buy new and used records? That kinda stuff.
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Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Travel
Need ideas for eats, drinks, and funs in Chicago
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Posted 2 years ago #
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We went to Avec (http://www.avecrestaurant.com/) when we were there last year; great food, small plates, very casual and it didn't break the bank. Probably the best meal I've eaten!
Posted 2 years ago # -
I checked out the menu...that there looks right tasty. Thanks! :)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Haha. I was just coming here to recommend Avec. It's fantastic. The original chef is now the personal chef to the Obamas in the White House. Make sure you order this -- focaccia with Taleggio cheese, truffle oil and fresh herbs -- and send me a thank you note later.
I really love The Green Mill for music & drinks (http://www.greenmilljazz.com) as well as the entire neighborhood surrounding it.
Cafe 28 in Irving Park is a fun, casual spot for dinner. Delicious Cuban eats as well. The ceviche is one of my favorites. http://www.cafe28.org
I'll ask my friend the names of the places we went in Lincoln Park (she lives in an adjacent neighborhood). They were all divey and fun.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Mm, that's up near some of the best blues clubs in the known universe.
And Momma Leona's pizza, if they're still in business. Whole cloves of garlic, baked right into the pizza.
Posted 2 years ago # -
There's a lot of fun bars running up Lincoln Ave from the DePaul area (around Fullerton Ave.) that you'd probably like. I can't think of names off-hand though. I should probably ask my daughter. She probably knows more about Chicago nightlife than I do at this point.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Quartino's for lunch
The Green Mill for drinks and jazz
Posted 2 years ago # -
You guys are kicking ass. Keep em comin! :)
Posted 2 years ago # -
Haven't been there yet, but my sis raves about the cocktails at The Violet Hour.
Hot Doug's is a classic, even for a vegetarian like me (they offer veggie dogs).
Giordano's has a ridiculously thick stuffed pizza.
Haven't been to Kuma's but everyone I've talked to who has visited this heavy metal-themed burger joint has raved about it.
I love love love Quimby's books, in Wicker Park. (Wicker Park, in general, has some fun shopping. For instance, you can find the Renegade Handmade store there.)
All of that said, going to Pitchfork can be a pretty day-consuming activity, especially since there's no re-entry and the summertime heat can be a bit sapping. Fortunately, there'll be people selling records, posters and crafts inside the event, too. And keep an eye out for a guy outside of the fenced in area selling ice cream (and passing it through the fence). It is one of the cheapest eats available, plus it is a great way to beat the heat. Inside the park, the best food/drink deal I found was lemonade with chunks of watermelon. I recommend seeking it out.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Oh, almost forgot; we ate breakfast at The Bagel (http://www.bagelrestaurant.com/), which was really an inexpensive deli/diner-type place. It's in Lakeview, so not too far from Lincoln Park.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i would also recommend a walking ghost tour, very very fun.
Posted 2 years ago # -
jenny...thanks for all the great tips. We're only hitting Pitchfork on Friday actually. I've seen a big chunk of the Saturday bands, and I was really just dying to see Modest Mouse Friday night. So we'll have all day and evening Thursday, Friday until about midday, and then all day and night Saturday to poke around town.
Posted 2 years ago # -
jennyw wrote >>
Haven't been there yet, but my sis raves about the cocktails at The Violet Hour.
Hot Doug's is a classic, even for a vegetarian like me (they offer veggie dogs).Both legendary.
Posted 2 years ago # -
osulew wrote >>
jenny...thanks for all the great tips. We're only hitting Pitchfork on Friday actually. I've seen a big chunk of the Saturday bands, and I was really just dying to see Modest Mouse Friday night. So we'll have all day and evening Thursday, Friday until about midday, and then all day and night Saturday to poke around town.Nice. My husband and I have been going about every other year, but decided to skip out this go-round in favor of Siren Fest, on Coney Island (the same weekend, sigh). The no re-entry policy at Pitchfork just makes me crazy!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Walker Brothers for pancakes!!
Seriously. I have pictures of those pancakes on my phone. Before pictures of my kid.
Jealous of your Pitchforking and your possible Walker Bros. pancake eating. Have fun!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Clarke's Diner is pretty boss.
http://clarkesdiner.com/locations.htmlPosted 2 years ago # -
Ah Chicago. I'll be at Pitchfork with the Mister this year too. Hipstersssss galore!
Lincoln Park is like the Arena District on acid times 1000. The best place there (and from what I gather, you like whiskey and beer) is Delilah's. Totally kick ass bar with an insane variety of whiskey, Galaga, and punk rock tunes.
Reckless Records is the best place to score LPs and the like. There's tons of shopping in the Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village areas.
If you're a brunchy person, I'd suggest heading to Lula Cafe in Logan Square for some delicious, inventive eats and cocktails. It's one of the few places I miss from living in Chicago. For dinner, Avec as previously suggested is great. There's also The Blackbird, which I've heard is also fantastic. Violet Hour was suggested as a visit for cocktails, but if you're not looking to spend $15 for one drink...head to The Whistler in LS. Half the price of Violet Hour and just as fantastic.
Also, if you're planning on going to Hot Doug's (And you should, it's awesomeness in encased meat form), plan on waiting in line for a while. They're always busy, especially on the weekends.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Weiner Circle on Clark for a late night
Duke of Perth on clark (ok, I used to live near clark)for scotch
Merlot for the best Northern Italian of your life
Any of bayless' joints for Mexican
Four Seasons for tea
North Ave Beach for drinks and Bikinis (one of the best beaches in the US)
Thai Star of Illinois near the Michigan Ave (cheap place that Madona used to hang out at)and if there was one place I wish I could take with me to any city I go, Green Mill.
Check whats at House of Blues and consider their Gospel Brunchand don't forget to ride the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, See the Bean at Millenium Park and walk through the free zoo in Lincoln Park.
Posted 2 years ago # -
For the veggie-minded, the Chicago Diner is a great choice!
Posted 2 years ago #
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