Headed to Chicago, what's your favorite? (1.Drinks, 2.Food)

First and foremost I wanted to wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

I'm going to Chitown for the holidays and wanted to see what everyone's favorite restaurant was. Also would love suggestions on great, unique places to grab a drink. We're headed to the original Volare for Thanksgiving dinner but am game for other spots while we're there. We've made a tradition out of going to Volare for turkey day and it's always a perfect place to eat with "the family". If you've never been, it's a must eat at some point in your life. We're staying on Michigan, so preferably within walking distance, but not a necessity.

Again, I wish all of you a great, relaxing holiday.
-Brian

As far as getting a drink...check out the basement at the Palmer House Hilton downtown. You will find one of the first Trader Vics. I know the tiki bar thing can be tacky at best,but this place is a classic.From what I know this palce hasnt changed since the 50's. Very dark,bamboo ceilings,hawaiian music and strong drinks served in "special" glasses. Last time I was there drinks were about 12-20$. They also have a couple of big red clay wood fired Chinese ovens behind glass where they churn out some pretty good asian/ameri/ploynesian food.

http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html

[Robin Garr]

http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/topolobampo.html

Seconded! Well, Topolobambo or Frontera Grill anyway ...

Got to AVEC, sit where ever you can, and eat. Follow those intructions. For drinks? You have to experience the Violet Hour. But I will warn you, the experience... although very relaxing... is intense and could possibly render you completely incapable of ordering another cocktail anywhere ever again. Those two experiences, if coupled, could very possibly have you looking for real estate in Chicago by the end of the weekend. So be careful.

If you're venturing into the neighborhoods and out of the Loop/Mag Mile, my favorite place to drink is the Rainbo, on Damen just south of Division. You can take the Blue Line to the Division and walk west until you hit Damen, and see a lot of shops and restaurants on that strip.

He's probably closed for the holidays, but my favorite place to eat is Hot Doug's. Best way to get there is by car, it's not near much in the way of public transportation.

If you're a fan of REAL diners then the White Palace Grill is a must.
Everytime I go to Chicago I have to go here. Its on S. Canal St and Roosevelt Rd.

If you're a fan of REAL diners then the White Palace Grill is a must.
Everytime I go to Chicago I have to go here. Its on S. Canal St and Roosevelt Rd.

I'll second this. The White Palace is great.

Try the Hop Leaf or the Map Room for two of the best beer bars in Chicago.
the Green Mill is a classic jazz bar.
Get a pizza from Lou Mallinotti's. deep-dish at it's best.
Get a Hot Dog from Gold Coast Dogs, Flukeys or Super-Dogs. no ketchup. ask for celery salt.
Get an Italian beef from Al's italian Beef. ask for sweet peppers.

That's what I'd be doing if I went up there.

Second John Hagan's choice for drinks.... The Tiki bar is sort of an affront to the eyes when you approach it (kitschy), but the lighting is good, the seating comfortable, and once you're in the actual bar instead of outside looking in, it doesn't feel kitschy at all (I don't know how that works, but it does).... And good bands (never heard any Hawaiian music there, only good jazz). If you're there on the night the West Coast Swing crowd shows up, you're in for a treat.

A note about Rainbo.... It's a big, roomy place, sort of bohemian, for lack of a better word, and when I was in graduate school, a bunch of us would hang out there now and again (and I lived in the neighborhood). It's a popular place, but I could never figure out why, frankly. Anyway, although it was fun for us as a crowd of students who wanted to mingle and talk and get hammered, I'm not sure it's the best choice for out-of-towners looking for an interesting place. The most interesting thing about it is probably the company you keep while you're there, but best if it's a group.

A note about Rainbo.... It's a big, roomy place, sort of bohemian, for lack of a better word, and when I was in graduate school, a bunch of us would hang out there now and again (and I lived in the neighborhood). It's a popular place, but I could never figure out why, frankly. Anyway, although it was fun for us as a crowd of students who wanted to mingle and talk and get hammered, I'm not sure it's the best choice for out-of-towners looking for an interesting place. The most interesting thing about it is probably the company you keep while you're there, but best if it's a group.

I mentioned it because it has great decor, especially the huge bar, and most importantly the drinks are very cheap. I wouldn't recommend it on a Friday or Saturday night, but any other time during the week it's a great place to drink.

Off the top of my head...


Drinks:

Sepia
Nacional 27
Hop Leaf
Violet Hour
(I didn't have time to make it to the last two, but came with heavy recommendation)


Food:

Sepia
Hot Doug's
Yolk
The Oak Tree
(the later two for breakfast - Yolk is on Mag. Mile near millennium park, the Oak Tree is on the 6th floor in the mall at 900 Michigan Ave at Delaware.)

A note about Rainbo.... It's a big, roomy place, sort of bohemian, for lack of a better word, and when I was in graduate school, a bunch of us would hang out there now and again (and I lived in the neighborhood). It's a popular place, but I could never figure out why, frankly. Anyway, although it was fun for us as a crowd of students who wanted to mingle and talk and get hammered, I'm not sure it's the best choice for out-of-towners looking for an interesting place. The most interesting thing about it is probably the company you keep while you're there, but best if it's a group.

I mentioned it because it has great decor, especially the huge bar, and most importantly the drinks are very cheap. I wouldn't recommend it on a Friday or Saturday night, but any other time during the week it's a great place to drink.

Absolutely. Agree with all of that. I'm just not sure it's a great visiting place for out-of-towners.

Drinks....at happy hour, Trattoria #10, $6 drink minimum and the best deal in Chicago (12 bucks) for a nice bar buffet.
http://www.trattoriaten.com/t10/trattor ... uffet.html

A second for Topolobampo...we went for lunch and got a reservation at opentable. Amazing food. We had a great time at Tizi Melloul...neighbor told me about it, it was fun and food was great. Super service as well. Love Aria in the Fairmont Hotel. A real surprise was Riva at the Navy Pier. We thought it would be a tourist trap, but it was excellent and the view of the city lights over the water was lovely. Overrated was Cafe Spiaggia, disappointing meal and service.

I just spent a couple of weeks up there and I found a new favorite fast food.....Taco and Burrito House.....Oh how I wish the 'Ville had a gem like this. There are three by that name in the Lincoln Park area. Thats pretty much all that I ate. It was fast and cheap and open late, as I was out late.

Drink.....Goose Island on Clybourne!!! Goose Island beer is so much better close to home. I am a beer guy, so I would recommend them first. Then make your way over to Munster for 3Floyds, Check out 2Brothers and finally, if your in the mood for a cocktail...check out Delilah's. They have one of the best scotch selections Ive ever seen. Its got a great vibe to. Punk Rocker, but welcoming to others.

And if you have time, a great liquor store to hit up....Sam's off of Clybourne, behind Goose Island. A phenomenal beer and wine selection.

Cheers!

sjc