So I did some searching on TexAgs Travel Board for restaurant/bar rec's in Chicago and people kept mentioning this restaurant. I looked it up and it looks really good and I'm intrigued. I was able to make a reservation for next Thursday somehow. But I wanted to get opinions from anyone who has been there. Like is it really really good? Because what I seem to be calculating with the 7 course meal and wine pairings is around a $500 meal with tip for 2 people. Is it really worth it?
This will likely be the big expensive dining experience of the trip so if there is another place that's better for the price or lower then I'm open to suggestions.
Never been to Chicago but based on research I have the following on my list:
Location/Timeframe:
- Staying in River North
- Flying in around 1:30 next Wed / Leaving Sunday around 1:30
- No car - Plan to walk/train/uber
Entertainment/Activities:
- Hamilton (definitely going - tickets purchased)
- Architectural Boat Tour - company recommendations?
- John Hancock Center (maybe the bar there?)
- Art Institute of Chicago - This is probably 100%
- Field Museum of Natural History - Worth the visit?
- Museum of Science & Industry - Worth the trip?
- Millennium Park - Just walk around or something?
- Aquarium - maybe
- Neighborhood exploring - any suggestions for cool young funky neighborhoods with lots of bars/pubs/shops? Like, is Wicker Park cool?
- 100% NOT NAVY PIER
Restaurants People Have Suggested:
- Obviously Topo as I have made a reservation
- Lou Malnatis - Deep Dish
- Yolk - Brunch
- Le Colonial - Good Vietnamese
- The Purple Pig - Tapas
- Nonnina Italian - open to less expensive yet delicious and quaint spot in a non-touristy area
Bars/Pubs:
- Give me all your secrets!!!
I enjoy a nice fancy restaurant, but I really enjoy visiting restaurants/bars that aren't as touristy and have lots of character and locals. I realize based off my list this sounds contradictory, but I wanted to stay in a central spot to do all the toursity stuff with ease and explore out to other areas as well. And have a full list to choose from when me and my SO are being very indecisive.
Thanks!
This will likely be the big expensive dining experience of the trip so if there is another place that's better for the price or lower then I'm open to suggestions.
Never been to Chicago but based on research I have the following on my list:
Location/Timeframe:
- Staying in River North
- Flying in around 1:30 next Wed / Leaving Sunday around 1:30
- No car - Plan to walk/train/uber
Entertainment/Activities:
- Hamilton (definitely going - tickets purchased)
- Architectural Boat Tour - company recommendations?
- John Hancock Center (maybe the bar there?)
- Art Institute of Chicago - This is probably 100%
- Field Museum of Natural History - Worth the visit?
- Museum of Science & Industry - Worth the trip?
- Millennium Park - Just walk around or something?
- Aquarium - maybe
- Neighborhood exploring - any suggestions for cool young funky neighborhoods with lots of bars/pubs/shops? Like, is Wicker Park cool?
- 100% NOT NAVY PIER
Restaurants People Have Suggested:
- Obviously Topo as I have made a reservation
- Lou Malnatis - Deep Dish
- Yolk - Brunch
- Le Colonial - Good Vietnamese
- The Purple Pig - Tapas
- Nonnina Italian - open to less expensive yet delicious and quaint spot in a non-touristy area
Bars/Pubs:
- Give me all your secrets!!!
I enjoy a nice fancy restaurant, but I really enjoy visiting restaurants/bars that aren't as touristy and have lots of character and locals. I realize based off my list this sounds contradictory, but I wanted to stay in a central spot to do all the toursity stuff with ease and explore out to other areas as well. And have a full list to choose from when me and my SO are being very indecisive.
Thanks!