Chicago ideas

[korygrandy]

Going to Chicago July 4-6th. Been there a few times before and I know of all the touristy stuff to do.

What is your favorite Chicago Pizza Joint (near downtown, Michigan Ave, Navy Pier Area)? I know Gino's is popular but I am looking for the "hidden secret".

Also has anyone ever been on a dinner cruise there? I would love to take my girl out for dinner on a boat, in a more personal fashion than say a group of folks, but if it has to be a group I would do that as well.

I'm sure I will be checking out the Shedd Aquarium, but whats another attraction that not everyone might know about?

Oh and the girlfriend will most-likely enjoy the shopping, Macy's is on the list as that has some cool architecture.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Chicago ideas

You gotta try Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders. 2121 N. Clark Street. Absolutely the best pizza EVER! My mout is watering just thinking about it and I am about to get in the car and make the 10 hour drive just to get it! Not only is the food great, but Capone used the building across the street as a lookout for the St. Valentine's Day massacre.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Chicago ideas

Mrs Ken and I were there for 5 days over Easter this year. First time we have ever been there so I am of little help for knowing where to suggest. What I can say is that we strayed just off the main drag and found a couple of great restaurants. There is a great comedy club with a $10 admission and no "minimum drink order" that we went to on the Friday night. Great comedians that night and really good value for money. We did a sightseeing cruise which gave a pretty dramatic view of the city from the lake and used the "hop on - hop off open top bus tour. The tour guides on this are really good at their job and you learn a lot of the history as well. Sears tower is worth a trip up and make sure you get a photo on the glass ledge while you are up there. Navy pier was nice to stroll around and we did the ferris wheel just to say we had !!! We did an awful lot of walking as well so wear some comfortable shoes. The mirror ball in the park is well worth a look at as well. By the way do not put ketchup on your hot dog !!!!
Have a great time.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Chicago ideas

Ever eaten at Ed Debevics in downtown Chicago? It's kind of a fun experience if they have kept it up right. Not pizza (diner-ish stuff), but the staff is intentionally rude in a funny way.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Chicago ideas

If you like Greek food, the Parthenon at 314 S. Halsted used to be good ... haven't been there for a number of years.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Chicago ideas

The Sears Tower (now named something else) has a great view of the city. It has some clear glass outboard observation decks that make you look like you are standing in the air. Not for the faint of heart. They have a nice Hard Rock that is 4 or 5 blocks of Michigan Ave. Then there is Navy Pier with all the little shops and huge ferris wheel. Uno's Pizza is Chicago's #1 deep dish pizza. Then for dinner Ditka's in nice for the sports guys.(not a cheap date though) The Museum of science and industry is awesome. Then there is the field museum and the Shedd aquarium. You can buy a city pass that would make visiting those cheaper. Getting around is super easy. A cab will run you less than $10.00 for about anywhere in the city. You can walk anywhere easily too. The lakefront and Hyde park is not to be missed. I believe you can take a tour of the bears stadium but I have no Idea why you would want to. Water Tower plaza is how the other half shops. John Hancock building is a great view as well.

 

[QC]

Re: Chicago ideas

I have never done the Sears Tower, and this is definitely a touristy thing, but I love the ride to the top of "Big John" (The Hancock Building). Lunch is not terribly expensive and the view is incredible.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Chicago ideas

I have never done the Sears Tower, and this is definitely a touristy thing, but I love the ride to the top of "Big John" (The Hancock Building). Lunch is not terribly expensive and the view is incredible.

Seems to be a popular train of thought, as the Sears tower is pricey when you can go to JH.

Thank you guys for all the suggestions. I guess up until now I didn't really realize Chicago was known for comedy. I will definitely be checking out a comedy show one of the nights.

Chicago Saddle and Cycle club - Googling this now to find out more info!

Kenny - I will abide by the no-ketchup rule whilst in town, so not to upset the yocals!

 

[JimS123]

Re: Chicago ideas

Not a real fan of Chicago pizza (yuk), nor the downtown area. Pricey, too much traffic and too many bums.

Since you're here, I assume you're a "sportsman". Drive about 40 minutes north to Waukegan and get off at Grand Avenue. The mall there has to be the biggest mall in the world, and the Bass Pro Shop there has to be as big as any mall all by itself.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Chicago ideas

One more thing I forgot, you ABSOLUTELY MUST try a Chicago Italian Beef sandwich!!! They simply do not exist any place else. You'll find they are sold everywhere but I'm partial to the street vendor variety. Absolutly the best "messy sandwich" you will ever taste!!!

Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!!!

Consider it done Bubba! I'll post a pic while I'm eating it for you Evil is my middle name.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Chicago ideas

Not a real fan of Chicago pizza (yuk), nor the downtown area. Pricey, too much traffic and too many bums.

Since you're here, I assume you're a "sportsman". Drive about 40 minutes north to Waukegan and get off at Grand Avenue. The mall there has to be the biggest mall in the world, and the Bass Pro Shop there has to be as big as any mall all by itself.

I might not have time for that this trip, but it sounds like a plan the next time...preferably after I nail a nice bonus and I have a big truck with me LOL.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Chicago ideas

leaving tomorrow at 11am on Spirit Airlines and this has already been stressful.

I did three things differently when I booked this trip and I am starting to regret it. 1. I used travelocity 2. I selected a Spirit Airlines Flight and 3. I should have done a bit more research I am sure.

Called travelocity to see about these spirit baggage fees and how to pay, as I didn't realize I had to pay for an overhead bag :facepalm: Spirit is BRAND new to the MSP area and so is this pay for carry-on concept. Instead I was told there is a problem with my hotel reservation. I was transferred 3x until they called the hotel and confirmed. I also called to confirm because I am that guy.

Travelocity confirms I cannot pay my baggage fees until 24hrs prior to boarding...okay understandable...I work in IT and I would understand they want to automate this on a nightly cycle and only the night prior...makes 100% sense actually.

So I know hotel is confirmed, being...well that guy, I proceed to try and complete the online check-in today and that is a no-go. I find there # with a google search because it was absolutely no where convenient on the website. I get through the auto menu and its the last option 6 of course to speak to a human.

The human is knowledgeable though and realizes I have a "blank trip" tied to my auth code. She puts me on hold (and I am assuming gets an admin to reassign a new auth code). She gives me the new code, it appears to be working as I can see the big green Online Check-in button now (in the industry we call that a CTA or Call to Action, aka button).

I let the agent go as I am paying for the baggage and entering a bit of info, another mistake. I am using Firefox and I go to process the payment and it sits...stating to not press the browsers back while your payment is processing...and it sits...and it sits. Finally after 10minutes it states error.

I fire up Internet Explorer, the worst browser known to man and the payment processed fine. Remind me to double check my bank statement tomorrow when I land. :facepalm:

And now after all my terrible luck in having to self-service my whole trip, even though I relied on an online "travel site" to assist me with this (I swear more and more these days I have to help myself as a consumer to get through a companies process flaws)...

I call the night staff, or as the industry calls them "Night Auditor" and she couldn't have been more accommodating. She hooked me up with her representation of the nicest suite they have in the hotel...so this I am excited for. I already had a Lake Michigan view so I can't wait to see the upgrade.

Off to snag a cpl of 3day transit passes real quick and we should be on our way tomorrow. I got a buddy house-sitting / dog-sitting and we are all gravy baby!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Chicago ideas

Well, I hope you have a great time in the windy city.

I'm kind of surprised to read you are flying.
What were the deciding factors in that decision.

I don't like to be without my wheels.
And the last time I flew.... never again if I can avoid it.

Let us know how they treat you.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Chicago ideas

Well, I hope you have a great time in the windy city.

I'm kind of surprised to read you are flying.
What were the deciding factors in that decision.

I don't like to be without my wheels.
And the last time I flew.... never again if I can avoid it.

Let us know how they treat you.

We flew in from Detroit when we went. Into midway and straight on the train to downtown. Very easy and no parking to worry about (or pay for)
Worked for us but each to their own.

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Chicago ideas

Well, I hope you have a great time in the windy city.

I'm kind of surprised to read you are flying.
What were the deciding factors in that decision.

I don't like to be without my wheels.
And the last time I flew.... never again if I can avoid it.

Let us know how they treat you.

Well deciding factor for flying vs. driving was a couple of reasons. 1. Time 2. Money 3. Stress outcome

Starting in reverse order:
3. my ole lady gets really stressed when I drive, and Chicago traffic to get and stay near downtown Michigan Ave is pricey.
2. I did the math, with the wear and tear on my vehicle and factor #3 weighing more heavily than this it didn't financially make sense to "not fly"
1. The flight was short and therefore stress-free, which was rare for the ole lady and I traveling together (BTW which we will be doing a LOT more of as I start up my startup). The cab ride was quick because I was able to get an accomodating departure and arrival time. We both wanted to "decompress from our vacation for a cpl days" so the timing was what it was for our schedules and taking the most financially timely decision possible. Time IS money to both of us. Unfortunately the better half's "work phone" started blowing up again.

I have the liberty of shutting down but for me that decision is also hard to do, but I did it. Now back to reality which is bright!