New and improved City of Chicago Thread (Check OP for Recs)

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Truman, Apr 23, 2018.

  1. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    2nd Thread for the 2nd City

    Rooftop bars: Cindy's, London House, J Parker, I/O Godfrey, the Wit, Joy District,
    Steak: Swift & Sons, Gibson's, Chicago Cut, Gibson's Italia, Bavettes
    Asian: momotaro, sunda, roka akor
    Sushi: Kai Zan
    Chinese Fusion: Fat Rice and Duck Duck Goat
    Italian: Monteverde
    Burger: Au Cheval, Kuma's
    Gastro/Contemporary: Publican, Girl and the Goat, Sable, Purple Pig
    Cocktails: Aviary, Violet Hour, berkshire room, broken shaker,
    Live music: Kingston's Mines, Untitled,
    pizza deep dish: lou malnatis, pequods
    pizza thin: Piece, Coalfire, SoNo Woodfired
    Random bar downtown to drink at on a non-weekend night: Public House
    Clubs/bottle service: Underground, studio paris, prysm
    Day drinking saturday/sunday brunch that will be out of control: Fremont
    Day drinking Saturday bars that are a notch below Fremont: Parlor pizza, Federales, The Vig, Benchmark, happy camper
    Bars with activities: spin (ping pong), ace bounce (ping pong), point and feather (darts), kaiser tiger (curling), bad axe throwing (see bar name),

    Late night 80s-90s music bars: Hangge uppe, streeter's tavern


    Touristy activities: architectural boat tour, art museum, the bean, Shedd aquarium, cubs game, navy pier ferris wheel (if for some reason you feel like you have to go there, otherwise meh), second city show (main stage especially are hilarious and worth seeing if you have any sense of humor)

    Kids activities

    Lincoln Park Zoo - Free of charge. Accessible by bus or Uber.

    Maggie Daley Park - Probably the best kids park i have been too. Very big, with areas for ages that range from toddlers to teens. Its in the middle of downtown and close proximity to "the bean", art institute, and other downtown tourist attractions. In the winter there is a "Ribbon" that you can ice skate on. Its basically an ice skating path that winds through the park.

    Oz Park playground - Near north side playground that has statues of the Wizard of Oz Characters. Good playground and lots of open space. This is for the younger crowd 3-8 yrs old or so.

    Childrens Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Aquarium. -
    - Childrens Museum - Downtown at Navy Pier. Great museum with a variety of activities but I would limit this to kids under 10 or so. Much older than that and they might get bored.
    - Museum of Science and Industry - My favorite of the museums. This is best for a kids that are a little older, although ive had my young kids in tow several times with no problems. Museum is huge, you could spend a couple hours or all day.
    - Aquariam - great aquarium right next to Lake Michigan. Be careful as to what time you go, weekends are a huge tourist trap and the line to get tickets / enter can be unbearable. Little known fact is that there is a side entrance for families (at least there used to be). If you are looking at the front of the aquarium, it is on the right side of the building.
     
    #1 Truman, Apr 23, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2018
  2. GGCD

    GGCD The most wasted of days is one without CUM
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    Best Deep Dish Pizza: Pequod's and Lou Malnati's
    Best Italian: Monteverde
    Best Steak: Joe's, Bavette's, and Chicago Cut
    Best Burger: Au Cheval
    Best Pasta: Giant
    Best Brewpub/Taproom: Piece and Marz
    Best Chinese Fusion: Fat Rice and Duck Duck Goat
    Best Sushi: Kai Zan
    Best BBQ: Smoque and Green Street Smoked Meats
    Best Fine Dining: Alinea
    Best Deli: Manny's
     
    jkun, Trop, tmbrules and 2 others like this.
  3. GGCD

    GGCD The most wasted of days is one without CUM
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    Don't go to Navy Pier, don't go to Wrigleyville if it's not a gameday
     
  4. tmbrules

    tmbrules Make America Great Again!
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    Kids activities

    Lincoln Park Zoo - Free of charge. Accessible by bus or Uber.

    Maggie Daley Park - Probably the best kids park i have been too. Very big, with areas for ages that range from toddlers to teens. Its in the middle of downtown and close proximity to "the bean", art institute, and other downtown tourist attractions. In the winter there is a "Ribbon" that you can ice skate on. Its basically an ice skating path that winds through the park.

    Oz Park playground - Near north side playground that has statues of the Wizard of Oz Characters. Good playground and lots of open space. This is for the younger crowd 3-8 yrs old or so.

    Childrens Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Aquarium. -
    - Childrens Museum - Downtown at Navy Pier. Great museum with a variety of activities but I would limit this to kids under 10 or so. Much older than that and they might get bored.
    - Museum of Science and Industry - My favorite of the museums. This is best for a kids that are a little older, although ive had my young kids in tow several times with no problems. Museum is huge, you could spend a couple hours or all day.
    - Aquariam - great aquarium right next to Lake Michigan. Be careful as to what time you go, weekends are a huge tourist trap and the line to get tickets / enter can be unbearable. Little known fact is that there is a side entrance for families (at least there used to be). If you are looking at the front of the aquarium, it is on the right side of the building.
     
    #4 tmbrules, Apr 23, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2018
    Truman and NilesIrish like this.
  5. New user

    New user Well-Known Member
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    Random thoughts Truman for an eventual OP edit

    Rooftop bars: Cindy's, London House, J parker, I/O Godfrey, the Wit, joy district,
    Steak: Swift & Sons, Gibson's, Chicago Cut, Gibson's Italia,
    Asian: momotaro, sunda, roka akor
    Cocktails: Aviary, Violet Hour, berkshire room, broken shaker,
    Live music: Kingston's Mines, Untitled,
    pizza deep dish: lou malnatis, pequods
    pizza thin: coalfire, piece,
    Random bar downtown to drink at on a non-weekend night: Public House
    Clubs/bottle service: Underground, studio paris, prysm
    Day drinking saturday/sunday brunch that will be out of control: Fremont
    Day drinking Saturday bars that are a notch below Fremont: Parlor pizza, Federales, The Vig, Benchmark, happy camper, Bounce,
    Bars with activities: spin (ping pong), ace bounce (ping pong), point and feather (darts), kaiser tiger (curling), bad axe throwing (see bar name),
    Touristy activities: architectural boat tour, art museum, the bean, Shedd aquarium, cubs game, navy pier ferris wheel (if for some reason you feel like you have to go there, otherwise meh), second city show (main stage especially are hilarious and worth seeing if you have any sense of humor)
    Late night 80s-90s music bars: Hangge uppe, streeter's tavern
    Random restaurants that are good: the publican, girl and the goat, maple and ash
    Burger: au cheval
    Fine dining: Alinea, Next, Oriole, Grace,
     
    #5 New user, Apr 23, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2018
  6. DollarBillHokie

    DollarBillHokie Usher is the worst
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    Where should I live in your fine city?
     
  7. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Depends. What is your budget and what are things you want in an abode and area of residence.
     
  8. GGCD

    GGCD The most wasted of days is one without CUM
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    This is very vague. There are many fine options. I've lived in Gold Coast and River North for the last 10 years and just moved to Wicker Park. Some more information would maybe help us direct you to some good neighborhoods fit-wise.
     
  9. GordoBombay

    GordoBombay Well-Known Member
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    I went to ‘Toast’ in Lincoln Park for breakfast the other weekend. Good stuff. Highly recommend it.
     
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  10. ohbluefan

    ohbluefan Well-Known Member
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    I think I could seriously eat Lou Malnati’s and call it quits on all other pizza for the rest of my life.
     
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  11. New user

    New user Well-Known Member
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  12. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Has anyone been up to the new Half Acre taproom? Been meaning to get there.
     
  13. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    The most baller place to roll in with your Uppababy stroller and a Diaper bag: Crosbys Kitchen
     
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  14. DollarBillHokie

    DollarBillHokie Usher is the worst
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    2 bedroom
    Sub 3k, could go higher if I have to, but I don't want to
    I want to be able to run easily without stopping and starting every 10 feet
    I don't want to fight with hoards of drunk people to get home every night, but I'm not an old person, so it should be a fun area.
    Any thing else I can answer?
     
  15. Kirk Fogg

    Kirk Fogg "Tell them what they've won Olmec!"
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    Add Headquarter’s Beercade to the list of bars with activities
     
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  16. New user

    New user Well-Known Member
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    Haven't been in the rental market for awhile, but sub 3k for a 2 bedroom is doable in almost any "fun" neighborhood, including streeterville, river north, gold coast, old town, west loop, and lincoln park.

    Figure out where you're working and how you'd like to commute imo (walk, train, drive).

    And i don't really know what fighting with hoards of drunk people to get home means. If i go out, I typically walk home or get an under $10 cab/uber. No drunk people issues.
     
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  17. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Anyone know what happened to the Saloon Steakhouse located in the Seneca hotel on Chestnut St.? Used to be my favorite steakhouse.
     
  18. romanoff

    romanoff Well-Known Member
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  19. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Closed like 7 years ago. Also was a fave of mine, but there have been like 3 new waves of fancy new steakhouses since then.

    Edit, closed early 2014
     
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  20. GGCD

    GGCD The most wasted of days is one without CUM
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  21. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    There's a lot here for that. You'll want to be closer to the lake, for running purposes. Goldcoast, Old Town, Lakewview, Lincoln Park all fit that bill.
     
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  22. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Chicago's high end fine dining scene is really taking a hit with the losses of Grace and 16. It's a shame that we lost two Michelin 2 star restaurants. One because of fight between management/ownership and the other because it happens to be in the Trump tower.
     
  23. GGCD

    GGCD The most wasted of days is one without CUM
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    Tru and 42 Grams as well.

    But I'm not too worried about it. There will be new spots.

    Matt Kerney is a michelin starred chef and he's opening a restaurant in the old 42 grams space.
     
  24. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Yep, the restaurant scene is thriving overall but there are less and less coming in at the high end. I imagine that is not unique to Chicago. L20 and Moto are others from a few years back.

    Alinea just needs to stick around to be the flagship.
     
  25. TheFreak55

    TheFreak55 He should keep his mouth firmly shut
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    Does this mean Toast cooked you breakfast the morning after?
     
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  26. rcragg82

    rcragg82 Well-Known Member
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    Half Acre is my favorite brewery so I loved it because they had a ton of their beers that I've never seen elsewhere on tap. They have an outdoor space which is basically a couple picnic tables in their parking lot. Inside space is large and open. I think they have food but didn't look at the menu.
     
  27. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    All subjective, but Toast is pretty pedestrian for me. Especially considering the wait.
     
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  28. Barves2125

    Barves2125 "Ready to drive the Ferarri" - Reuben Foster
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    Ate at Chicago Cut a few weeks ago. One of the best meals I've had in a long time.

    Kingston's Mines also great.

    Jepson's Malort wasn't nearly as awful as I expected but I'm good at not tasting shots so maybe I just blocked it out.
     
  29. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Nah Malort is terrible. Their marketing has been great and have somehow made the alcoholic equivalent of getting kicked in the balls a rite of passage or must-do to visiting Chicago.
     
    #29 Truman, Apr 24, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2018
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  30. cal2431

    cal2431 Well-Known Member

    Best actual brunch food: Kanela's, Nookies
    Best Thai: Andy's Thai Kitchen
    Best wings: Crisp (I'm biased), Bird's nest

    For the guy asking where to live. For 3k, you should be able to get a pretty nice place. I would start with Gold Coast, Old Town & Lincoln Park as it will give you a sense of the different types of neighborhoods.
     
  31. wes tegg

    wes tegg I'm a Guy's guy, guys.
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    Noticeable absence of Purple Pig in the OP.
     
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  32. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I dont really consider Crisp as a wing spot.. More asian. Yeah they're wings, but not really what you think of when someone asks for a good wing spot.

    Love Bird's Nest
     
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  33. Wilfred

    Wilfred Well-Known Member
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    Truman you have young kids?
     
  34. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    I dont consider you young...
     
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  35. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    That list obvi isnt all my input. It's a collaborative effort up in hurrr.
     
  36. Wilfred

    Wilfred Well-Known Member
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    Sorry dad
     
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  37. Cheshire Bridge

    Cheshire Bridge 2017 & 2019 National Champions - Clemson Tigers
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    Think I'm doing a weekend trip early July.


    Trying to swing staying at the Peninsula, but it's around $700/night rn.

    Wife's b day. Only plan so far is topolobampo and the magnificent mile. Anything else I should do? We like bars more than clubs. Wouldn't mind a boat ride. We like art galleries.
     
  38. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    Architecture Tour is a must. It's great. Lots of good/cool art galleries all over. Pilsen has a ton. A bit off the beaten path.
     
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  39. gordon bombay

    gordon bombay magician's alliance enthusiast
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    Best brewpubs in the city are Forbidden Root and Corridor. Both are pumping great beer out and both have solid food.
     
  40. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Do one of the rooftop bars or spots along the riverwalk. I hear good things about the London House rooftop.
     
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  41. New user

    New user Well-Known Member
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    For bars, make a drink res at Aviary. Or maybe hit Apogee or 3 dots and a dash. Broken shaker is solid too.

    The architectural boat tour is solid so do that. Mag Mile is just shopping, but I'm assuming you know that.

    The actual art museum is pretty awesome and a good way to spend 2-3 hours. Check out the bean and then grab a drink or some food at Cindy's rooftop right nearby.

    I'll basically always recommend a 2nd city mainstage show. Their shows are hilarious. Either buy rail sets (like $10 more) or show up 45 min or so before it starts and you'll have great seats.

    If the cubs are in town, that's a decent option too.

    Let us know what else you like to do for food/drinks/entertainment, and I'm sure we can come up with more options.
     
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  42. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    There's a chicken sandwich placed called boxcar Betty's opening up in the ogilvie transportation center. They are delicious. Should check it out
     
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  43. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    Chicken sandwich places are definitely trendy right now here. There are a handful of good ones that have popped up but I'll give that one a shot
     
  44. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    They crush it in Charleston. Which takes a really good product. Worth it to go imo
     
  45. gordon bombay

    gordon bombay magician's alliance enthusiast
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    Budlong is damn good
     
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  46. Bert Handsome

    Bert Handsome I'm sorry, the card says Moops
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    The Roost has a spot now on Financial across from the CBOE now too.
     
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  47. rcragg82

    rcragg82 Well-Known Member
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    The original Roost on Irving Park is now bigger and has a bar. Which is cool.
     
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  48. COVIDiskilingme79

    COVIDiskilingme79 Well-Known Member
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    Green Street Smoked Meats

    <3<3<3<3<3
     
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  49. theregionsitter

    theregionsitter Well-Known Member
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    City is crazy right now, 80 degrees

    Cinco de mayo

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    So much energy, glad I’m here this weekend
     
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  50. Truman

    Truman Well-Known Member
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    It’s great out.
     
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