We couldn't afford a family vacation to Europe this year, so instead, we're going to Chicago next week! We wanted to go somewhere in the United States where we could explore, eat well and also swim in a lake or ocean. And after my friend visited Chicago and showed me these snapshots of her daughter wrapped in a beach towel walking among skyscrapers, we were sold. So, I'd love to ask: Any Chicago advice? We'd love to do it right, but we're pretty clueless. So far, we're planning to eat deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, and I've heard great things about this architectural boat tour. Thank you so much for any tips!
P.S. Past family vacations, and 10 tips for traveling with a baby.(Jumping photo from ChicagoGuide08, via Apartment Therapy)
OH! My co-blogstress is from Chicago and is SO GREAT at suggesting cool places. Here are a few of the Chicago-y things she's blogged about:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hardlyhousewives.com/search/label/Restaurants
ENJOY!!
Good family activities would definitely be the architecture tour, navy pier, lincoln park zoo, the museums. Millennium park is a must, some nights they have free concerts- you can bring a blanket, snacks, and a bottle of wine.
ReplyDeleteIf you're planning a date night, I'd recommend going to the Signature Lounge in the Hancock building. Great view and you can sit and enjoy a few drinks. Also, Violet Hour in Wicker Park is cool and unique. Kind of a speakeasy style with a somewhat hidden entrance.
Have a great trip!
I love this post! My boyfriend and I are doing the same thing in a couple weeks and I will definitely be using the tips from here :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, the Hotel Indigo is cute and affordable on the Gold Coast
ReplyDeleteHave a date at Home Bistro on North Halsted...very romantic, amazing fried oysters on grits. One night when we were there they had homemade ho-ho's! And it's BYO. We go every time we're in town. Also, De Cero for tacos!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting that you are coming to Chicago! I would definitely do the architecture boat tour. Whenever people come to visit us I tell them to start at the Art Institute in the morning (if you like art) and spend no more than an hour or it can be overwhelming. (The new modern wing is incredible and there's a fun kids section for Toby) Then go to Millennium Park next door and visit the "Bean" sculpture. My daughter Shine loves playing in the waterfall (bring a change of clothes for your son) and looking at the sculptures. When you're done there, walk up Michigan Ave where there's tons of shopping. You can grab popcorn at Garrets, visit the MCA, head over to the John Hancock (go to the Signature Room instead of the Observatory, you can get a drink and take in the views and it's free.) Then head over to Oak Street Beach and take a quick swim. I would also head over to the boutiques in the Oak St/Rush St area. For dinner, Spiaggia is incredible Italian, Topolabomba for fancy Mexican, or go to their sister restaurant Frontera Grill for a more laid back feel. (They don't take reservations there though and there's always a long wait) Before I had a child I loathed Rainforest Cafe, but Shine loves it and I bet Toby would too. For pizza my favorite is Lou Malnotis. Doughnut Vault has incredible doughnuts if you don't mind waiting in line.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!!!
Of course I'm late to the party...BUT I am a Chicagoan born and raised. I grew up in a condo on the lakefront and started taking the bus when I was 8 years old! I write (when I get a chance...my real job has been rather busy lately) a Weekend Date piece for my blog. Here's my label Chicago:
ReplyDeletehttp://shesnotthemarryingkind.blogspot.com/search/label/Chicago
You can start there, but I also highly encourage you to check out these places:
For hot dogs, wait in line at Hot Doug's. You won't be disappointed.
Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo...a zoo right in the middle of the city and...it's FREE.
For hip shops, restaurants, and fun people watching, head to Wicker Park.
I know you love to ride bikes from your blog. You can rent them downtown and bike the lakefront.
Check out Millennium Park. It's totally touristy, but it's a beautiful park and I think Toby would love splashing through the Crown fountain. And Cloud Gate, aka the Bean is always fun.
Take in a ballgame at Wrigley Field. Smack dab in the middle of one of the city's busiest neighborhoods is one of the most famous ballparks in the country. Go for a visit and try to help reverse the curse.
For museums, there's always the Art Institute, but Toby might just love you even more than he already does if you take him to the Museum of Science and Industry on the south side. He can go in an actual plane suspended in the sky. There are gigantic trains and he can tour an actual submarine. Plus, be sure to hunt down the whispering glass. It's similar to the Grand Central whispering trick.
For beer, check out Revolution Brewery in Logan Square. It has one of my husband's favorite beers ever and you can sign up for a brewery tour, too!
There's so much more, but I hope this helps. Not that you know me, but you can always email me if you want other suggestions. My husband and I love to eat out and do so all the time, so I'm a well of information when it comes to restaurants in the city.
I hope you love Chicago, Joanna!
If you want THE best Chicago style pizza, you must *MUST* try Lou Malnati's. It is the very best pizza Chitown has to offer!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.loumalnatis.com/locations/#City%20of%20Chicago
ALso, try getting tickets for a game at Wrigley Field, going to the at museum, the lake, the pier, and Shedd Aquarium.
I also suggest trying Portillo's, I know your friend didnt love it, but I really think it is delish! If you want a super decadent treat, try their cake shake - it's soo freaking good!
Have fun!
-Anna
Chicago is a great city, but doesn't even come close to New York. New York is like a sophisticated, cosmopolitan chick and Chicago is her provincial, little cousin. I know it, I've lived here for over 25 years.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna,
ReplyDeleteI live in Vancouver, B.C. and one of our local food bloggers just visited Chicago and is blogging all about her restaurant adventures. Here's the link, if you would like to check it out: http://www.followmefoodie.com/
Happy travels!
There is a new speakeasy bar / restaurant called Untitled...if you can get a babysitter it is a fantastic night out. Also, check the free concert schedules at Pritzker Pavillion / Millenium Park... they are usually every Monday. Also, you can go paddle boarding on the lake on Saturday and Sunday mornings on North Avenue beach.
ReplyDeleteI will be in Chicago Thursday thru Sunday this week for a family reunion! I plan to take a day to myself to explore, eat, and shop. The Art Institute, Millenium Park and The Chicago Diner are on my list :)
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Chicago for 10 years and agree with a lot of the recos. Being a foodie, here are my faves:
ReplyDeleteGirl & the Goat
Longman & Eagle
Avec
Pequod's Pizza (for deep dish)
Piece Pizza (for regular pie and good beer)
Prasino (brunch, kind of sceney, in Wicker Park)
Hot Doug's (great hot dogs, but you have to wait in line)
Xoco (Rick Bayless' casual lunch spot, worth the line)
Rootstock (hidden gem of a wine bar with excellent food)
Have fun!
One last tip: you can buy tickets for any of the museums online (at least one day) before you visit. If you do, you can bypass the long lines to get in. Definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteLincoln Park is a fun neighborhood to explore. It's kind of the West Village of Chicago, very pretty with tree-lined streets. Could be a nice place to spend an afternoon after a museum has gotten you nice and tired :)
ReplyDeletePortillo's has the best hot dogs!
ReplyDeleteGo hear free music in Millennium Park! The lawn is beautiful, the stage is really cool, plus you can bring in a picnic and bottle of wine. It makes the Summer Stage at Central Park seem so lame in comparison. Is there a music fest happening while you are there? Summers in Chicago are the BEST.
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago! I live 30 mins outside of the city, and I try to visit as often as I can! If you can, you should visit the Chicago Botanic Garden. It's actually in a suburb (Glenview). It's fantastic - lots of pretty gardens and space for Toby to run around! You really should check it out!
ReplyDeleteI second (or however many) Publican. I went there on Gwyneth Paltrow's recommendation and it was gooooooood. Celebration of pigginess!
ReplyDeleteHot Doug's is delightful. Bit of a trek, and a wait, but worth it, totally worth it. Best hot dogs EVERRRRRRRRRR.
Also seconding the Violet Hour. THAT is the place for a date night. Cozy, sexy, and amazingly delicious pre-prohibition-inspired cocktails. Pro tip, there's no big sign, but it's basically right across the street from Big Star...just a door in a painted wall, and then you slip behind the velvet curtain. Really mysterious and romantic.
I also love Wormhole Coffee for a relaxing cortado.
And The Bristol (Bucktown) had the most amazing brunch. Their Bloody Mary is NOT to be missed, and bring your stretchy pants. Absolutely amazing.
I'm excited that you'll be in my city. There's so much things to do during summer here but don't miss the Grant Park Music Festival in Millennium Park!! xoxo
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I live in Chicago and love it here in the summer. What a wise choice to come here! Go to the Shedd Aquarium (SO COOL!), architectural boat tour is a must, the new modern wing at the Art Institute, walk Millenium Park to look a the Bean and see the spitting fountains (if you don't know...you'll see when you get to the park!). Of course peruse the shopping on Michigan Ave. We have great food trucks floating around the city, but I happen to love a restaurant in Bucktown called "Hot Chocolate". It's always an answer. Navy Pier seems to draw people...but I might stay away. Looking at it from afar might be enough. Check out a Cubs game at Wrigley field (it's right off the Red Line and a great fun time). A walk along the lake starting at Oak Street beach heading north is really great. And I could go on! So fun. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to eat Portillo's. Don't miss out on going to the Sears Tower, a game at Wrigley Field and the Shedd Aquarium.
ReplyDeleteAs a Chicagoan, I have two things to say: The Signature Lounge in the Hancock Building is overpriced and overhyped, HOWEVER you will find the best view of the entire city from the women's restroom. I'm not kidding. Go at dusk or after (it'll be a wasted opportunity if you go during the day) and just gaze. I understand the view from the men's room isn't bad either, but the ladies ultimately win this one. :) And, it can't hurt to enjoy a cocktail while you're up there. Secondly: the next best view of the city is from Montrose Harbor. It's on the northside of the city. Head on up there (it would be great as part of a bike ride up and down the lakefront) at any time of day. Just follow the curve of the land around so that you're facing south and behold Chicago in all its glory! You can see it here: http://goo.gl/maps/5uXY Head for the cul-de-sac and you'll understand. ;) If you're hot, there's beachfront area just north of the harbor and a dog park where you can watch the puppies play in the water.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Chicago for five years now so here are a few of my favorite things... That architectural boat tour is great; you could also take a water taxi to Chinatown. Some favorite farm-to-table restaurants of mine are Lula Cafe (in Logan Square) and Nightwood (in Pilsen), and biking down the Lakefront Trail is a must. It's also not a bad idea to explore some of the gems outside of the city -- like the Chicago Botanic Gardens and the Bahai Temple in Wilmette. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Chicago all my life and you absolutely will love the following things:
1. Big Star: wonderful taco bar in Wicker Park (North/Damen/Milwaukee are the cross streets) $3 tacos, the executive chef is the unparalelled Paul Kahn. Sweet, yellow chairs on their outdoor patio which is street-facing, so the people watching is amazing!!
2. Maude's: Parisian style cafe with charming decor, undeniably amazing oysters, and fabulous crowd/playlist
3. Take Toby to the Lincoln Park zoo - it's free, right on the water, and parents and enjoy ice cold beers while watching the immensely entertaining polar bear.
We had a few locals take us around all the fun toursit attractions and their favorite food joint after a conference last year!
ReplyDeletehttp://missjordanlee.blogspot.com/2011/10/chicago-illinois.html
If you can, do a date night and see a show at second city, it's so much fun!
ReplyDeleteThe Art Institute also has an amazing collection and you can reenact scenes from Ferris Bueller :)
I also went to college in michigan (grand rapids, not ann arbor) and once visited the Chicago Field Museum for an art history class. I think Toby would LOVE IT!!
ReplyDeleteI always hit up the MCA, and the Art Institute (at MCA there are stroller tours on the first Wednesday of every month, but since those have already been mentioned I thought I'd suggest The Oriental Institute Museum.
ReplyDeleteIt's a truly amazing collection, and right next door to the Robie House.
If Toby has any interest in mummies, or Egypt, I think it's worth a stop
I'm a Chicagoian, living on the north side! There are tons of options for fun things to do. I don't know when your planning this trip but in the summer there are fests every weekend. Also the Bean and Millennium park are a must. If you like museums the Art institute, Science and Industry and Field Museums are nice and if you are willing to head out to the burbs Toby would love the Kohl's children museum in Glenview!
ReplyDeleteThis website might help:
http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html
The Bongo Room is a MUST for brunch. It's in Wicker Park and has the most delicious/decadent/can't-stop-thinking-about-one-year-later pancakes. You certainly have to do the boat tour. And if you and Alex are Wilco fans, you'll be in your element (YHF corn cob buildings!!). Chicago is exceptionally easy to get around-cabs and CTA are great. Sunset from the top of the Hancock building is unreal. Make sure to get up to the bar and order a bevvie or two. The Art Institute is one of the best galleries in the world and Millenium Park is just across the way. There is often free (and beautiful) music at Pritzker Pavillion - bring a blanket and some vino. There is nothing like Chicago in the summer. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteX to the O
If you can finagle a night out without the baby, The Hideout is a very special little dive bar. It's where Kelly Hogan (back up singer for Neko Case) and Andrew Bird started out. Go there and order yourself a wooden leg or a PBR and enjoy the great live music and casual, laid back atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteAnother bar we really loved was The Green Mill. Go there for jazz. It's where Al Capone and the rest of the gangsters used to hang out!
Shedd's Aquarium. Awesome
ReplyDeleteYou should visit Lincoln Park (my new neighborhood!). The Lincoln Park Zoo is free and in the middle of the public park (so its mostly outdoors!) and would be perfect for Toby! It's right next door to the Lincoln Park Conservatory, which is full of beautiful flowers and plants. It's so peaceful to just sit on a bench or explore the flowers and koi fish.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Zoo, if you are looking to grab dinner in Lincoln Park, there are so many delicious places! The Athenian Room is an authentic Greek restaurant with HUGE portions and mouth-watering fries (Bonus: It's also Tina Fey's favorite! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/22/tina-fey-loves-chicago-di_n_772385.html). There's a newish burger place called Butcher & The Burger which is BYOB, so you could bring your own Goose Island Chicago-brewed beers.
DEFINITELY rent bikes because as other posters mentioned, the roads are flat and very bike-friendly. Especially Lincoln Park! Armitage Ave has a bike lane and lots of great shopping, too!
I fell in love with Chicago after visiting, and ended up moving here a month ago! I'm so excited for you and your family to explore! xo
I've lived in Chicago since 2007 (except for a few months' stint abroad) so reading these recommendations is making me remember why I love this city so much.
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please go to Quartino on N. State Street. I lived in Rome for 4 months and this is the best Italian I've had since. Every time I visit, I feel instantly transported back to Italy. Just make sure to have reservations! Cheap house wine!
LP Zoo will be good, as will the beaches for an afternoon of sun with the skyline behind you. Go to the zoo on a Saturday when the Green City Farmer's Market is taking place.
Millenium Park is a given...but if you happen to be in town on a Monday evening, they have free summer concerts from 630 - 830. It's the best place to gather with 100s of your closest friends, bring a picnic and a couple bottles of wine and enjoy summer in the city.
You're going to have an amazing time! For the boat tours, I recommend Wendella - it's the best. Enjoy!
Not a Chicago tip but was reading your criteria for travel and thought that Toronto might be up your alley for the next round! We are often compared to Chicago in terms of the vibe, the skyscrapers, the beach, etc... but have our own flair as well. Cheap flights from Newark to Toronto too via Porter... like, crazy cheap.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! I am a nanny in Chicago right now and one of my favorite places to take my kid that hasn't been mentioned yet is the Peggy Notebaert Nature museum. It is beautiful, very fun for littles, and just a little bit north of the Lincoln Zoo. I hope you guys have fun!
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago! Mr. Sandwich and I were there a few years ago for a family anniversary, and added a few days to the trip so that we could see the city. He'd never been, and I hadn't been in years. Here's the post I wrote about what we did (and, of course, where we ate):
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I would go back to the Chicago Chop House in a heartbeat--not only was the meal incredible, but we loved the whole experience.
I really love Pastoral (http://www.pastoralartisan.com/) It's an artisan cheese shop, and they make the BEST sandwiches and salads - especially if you want to get a picnic to go... or if you just need some fancy meats and cheeses for your plane ride back home :)
ReplyDeleteDMK Burger Bar is a must-visit. Although it does have a bar, there are always families having a great time when I visit (which is at least twice a month). All their beef is grass fed and they give to a different local charity each month. Plus, the design is wonderful and the atmosphere is really fun. It is right off the brown line and super easy to get to. I'm sure you, Toby and Alex would love it.
ReplyDelete-Check out free music Mondays at the Pritzker Center and have a picnic.
ReplyDelete-Get Italian Ice at either Mario's (on Taylor Street) or Niko's (in Bucktown on Damen Avenue).
-Get Brunch at The Bongo Room (my favorite is the BLT Benedict and their coffee is awesome!!) or Toast (and order the Lavender Mascarpone Pancakes).
-Go to the Maxwell Street Market on Sunday and get some tacos.
-Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art
-Get steak at Tango Sur and bring your own bottle of wine
-Get Chinese at Lao Sze Chuan in China Town
-Check the schedule for Movies in the Park and picnic and watch a movie outside
-Check out the architecture in Hyde Park and visit some old bookstores and the Smart Museum
Hope you like my suggestions! Welcome to my hometown and hope you enjoy it!
Downtown Chicago is great, but mostly chains in terms of shopping and restaurants. I'd recommend getting out into the neighborhoods for the independent shops and restaurants. Lincoln Park is great, as are Andersonville, Ukranian Village, and Wicker Park.
ReplyDeleteHands down, my favorite date night with the husband: Start at Big Star for amazing fish tacos, whisky, and some rowdy local flavor. Then cross the street to Violet Hour for amazing unique drinks, and a hushed gentleman's club vibe. After that, head over to Danny's for some good old, no clubbing, just fun dancing (in an old house!).
ReplyDeleteI grew up outside of Chicago, so I don't have the insider take on it but still have some favorites!
ReplyDelete- Macys on State (the old Marshall Fields). Macys at Herald Square cannot hold a candle to this store. Check out the Tiffany ceiling. Worth popping into.
- Nearby is the Chicago Cultural Center. Another building to pass through for the architecture inside.
- For kids, I think the Museum of Science and Industry is waaay more fun than the Field museum: The coal exhibit, the submarine, and the miniature palace, for starters!
-Pullman on the south side is extremely fascinating.
Excellent choice, one of my favorite cities if not my favorite.
ReplyDeleteSeveral things that people have mentioned: the architecture tours are great, also if you have the chance to check out any of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, do it. Near the Loop, you have the museums, Millennium Park, across from the Art Institute of Chicago is a great gastropub called the Gage.
Wicker park has had some mentions of great restaurants already, but one to add is icream http://www.icreamcafe.com/, you can custom create your own ice cream, frozen yogurt from scratch. They have great vegan options too...you choose your base, flavors, mix-ins, and even color and they pour the formula into these mixers where they use liquid nitrogen to freeze into a tasty treat.
For some more adult time, try The Violet Hour for some great coctails.
Garretts popcorn already got a mention, which you can find at O'Hare or mostly downtown. Also downtown is Portillos....the chocolate cake shake is a must have.
we love chicago!! my husband is from there.. a few tips as i see you have many already (;
ReplyDeleteeat: frontera grill, and have one of their specialty margaritas. (call now for a reservation)
gino's east, the original location for deep dish and a little chicago history
see: millennium park & the bean, museum of science & industry, the field museum, navy pier
go: if you have time a game at wrigley field
shop & walk: rush street
xo, tiffany
Chicago is such a fun city! We actually just visited last week for a quick vacation! We took the Architectural Boat Cruise for the first time and it was great (get there early though b/c seating is first come first serve).
ReplyDeleteAlso catching a Cubs game is a must! Toby would probably enjoy the Field Museum (dinosaur exhibit) or the Aquarium. For adults Rosa's Jazz club is quite good as well!
Good luck trying to swim in Lake Michigan. BRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you are free on Friday night, go to Improv Shakespeare at Improv Olympic (iO). The show is so great and affordable ($14 a ticket).
ReplyDeleteFor beach time, go to Ohio St. It's very clean and less busy, and it is right next to Navy Pier!
For Toby, Lincoln Park Zoo is very fun... and free! It is small enough that you can see everything in one afternoon. Also, I have heard great things about the Children's Swedish American Museum in Andersonville! The Art Institute is amazing and in the new modern wing they have a spot for children to create their own art. And next door in Millenium Park they have a great fountain that is shallow and kids love to play in!
My husband and I live in Chicago and we love it! I hope you have a great time in our beloved city!
You have to listen to some Jazz. That is the heart and soul of Chicago. The Museum of Contemporary Art does free live Jazz every Tuesday Night. It's very family friendly. There's a small park children can run around and play, or if you want a romantic night for two, there's a terrace where you can dine.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mcachicago.org/programs/now/all/2012/e1017
I highly recommend the boat tour you mentioned. My husband and I are from the Chicago area, but have lived out of town for several years now. We've recently returned for a visit, and a family remember treated us to the same boat tour. Normally, I'm not into touristy things, but it turned out to be a lot of fun and very informative. Great photo opportunities as well!
Have a great time!
I live in the Lincoln Park area (which is beautiful and totally worth a walk around if only to look at all the sweet flowers and quaint shops) but there is a burger place right off the "L" and a block or two from my house called Butcher and the Burger. Incredible. I got the grass-fed beef burger with the curry-coconut-honey rub on a pretzel bun with some avocado and goat cheese. Delish! Website here-http://butcherandtheburger.com/dinner-menu/
ReplyDeleteAnother awesome place is Pops for Champagne, it's a beautiful little champagne bar downtown that's the perfect balance of fancy and low-key... Perfect place to grab a quick glass of bubbly before or after dinner... There's also a speak easy located in the basement called Watershed that's very dark and sexy! I recommend both!
Website here-http://popsforchampagne.com/
Chicago is the most incredible place in the summer! Go to the beach, grab a hot dog and try to get to one of the hundreds of festivals held every weekend in all different kinds of neighborhoods!
So jealous! I'm from Chicago but won't be able to make a visit this year! :( There are so many wonderful museums and aquariaum that Toby would love. And Ginos East is the place for some amazing pizza!! Hope you all have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteShedd Aquarium is great! Toby will love it :) navy pier is also a lot of time, especially at night. I hope you all have a great chicago trip!
ReplyDeleteChicago Botanic Garden. Pizza. Oooo, and going to see Chicago live in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteOh, and one of your biggest fans...Melissa Blake of So About What I Said blog....is a Chicagoan; betcha she would have some GREAT recommendations!
Chicago Botanic Garden. Pizza. Oooo, and going to see Chicago live in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteOh, and one of your biggest fans...Melissa Blake of So About What I Said blog....is a Chicagoan; betcha she would have some GREAT recommendations!
I was just in Chicago over Memorial Day and had a fabulous time, it's a great city! I did the Architectural Boat Tour through Wendella and it was 75 mins and totally worth it. I'd also HIGHLY suggest taking Toby to the Lincoln Park Zoo...it's a great zoo and the nice part is it's totally free! Plus, when you're at the zoo, I'd suggest spending some time in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago...it's such a young, fun area and it's more neighborhood-y...kind of like a less hipster Brooklyn :) Two restaurants we just ate at in the Lincoln Park area that I'd recommend are Cafe Babareeba for dinner--it's an AMAZING tapas place, everything we ordered was incredible plus they have pitchers of different types of sangria (and I've heard they have a great brunch too!) We ate breakfast at a place called Elly's which had awesome pancakes! Here's a link to my post with some more photos/details:
ReplyDeletehttp://inthepinkandgreen.blogspot.com/2012/06/chicago-wedding-weekend.html
You guys are going to have a great time!
Love Chicago. I took my son when he was a toddler and very child friendly. Also have gone with friends. So much to do. Some of my favorites... the architectural tour is so worth it and a boat ride for the little guy, the Shedd is amazing, Millenium Park the Bean is awesome, The Goat is cool and Garretts Popcorn. I never go without hitting some consignment stores like McShane's Exchange. Also you probably have a Paper Source where you've been but if not its a great on. Wicker Park is awesome and hang out around Armitige Street. Public transport is very user friendly so park and ride. Great B and Bs that are kid friendly The Two Urns is one of my favs.
ReplyDeleteI'm from Barcelona and Chicago it's been my only visit to the United States. I wrote a post here here explaining what we did and saw during those holidays! You'll love everything there!
ReplyDeleteYou will never read down this far but if it's hot, there's a wonderful, child-friendly fountain in Millenium park where kids of all ages have a fine time. Also, don't miss the Impressionist collection at the art museum - it's worth the price of admission just to see those. Even Toby could endure a museum for that long and it's an amazing collection of paintings, most of which you will have seen in art books that don't begin to do them justice.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Chicago all 50 years of my life. I only read a few of these comments. Don't know how much time you have.
ReplyDeleteYes, the architectural tour is incredible, on the river. Go the the Shedd Aquarium. Rent bikes and head up the lake shore. Stop at North Ave. Beach (sandy one) and then up a bit further to Lincoln Park Zoo which is my favorite zoo dating back to the 1860's. Leisurely walk around Millennium Park, fireworks every Wed. and Sat. by Navy Pier. Catch a Cubs game at the famous Wrigley Field and sit in the Bleacher seats. Too much good food for every meal. Walk up Michigan Ave. and stop in whatever shop seems like fun. I prefer top of the Hancock vs. Sears Tower.
The architectural boat tour run by the Chicago Architecture Society is hands down the best. Don't go with Chicago line one. Wendella Boats has some good tours too, including ones that go out on the lake.
ReplyDeleteI love Chicago!!!! My sister lives there and I visit every chance I get. The architectural boat tour is so cool! Great way to see the city! My favorite restaurant in the city is definitely Publican! They specialize in pork but have the most amazing roast chicken. The same restaurant group also owns a taco stand called Big Star. They're so good and they have great drinks! Have fun!!!
ReplyDeleteA priceless SNL skit with John Belushi at Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteEat burgers, & no Pepsi...Coke there.
;)
lots of museums and free events at the parks! and there's sears tower and the home/church of Kevin McAllister from Home Alone!
ReplyDeletehere is my very condensed list:
-the girl and the goat
-XOCO
-garrett's popcorn (this is everywhere and MUST TRY!)
-lou malnati's
also, did you know intelligentsia came from chicago?! i had a cup at lou malnati's and learned that fact there!
hope you have a great time! chicago is awesome because there are so many great places that even if you dont end up at the recommended eateries, you'll still enjoy the culture and find a great place to eat!
Oh, yes!! I forgot to mention Yolk for breakfast/brunch (I'm the Green Zebra fanatic)! It's popular, so you might have to wait, but it's well worth it. Huge menu (which often is actually a turn-off for me, but not in this case) sure to please everyone (everyone!).
ReplyDeleteYou have to go to Molly's Cupcakes in Lincoln Park, they are to die for! Also, see a show at Steppenwolf & go to the Lincoln Park Zoo!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Joanna! I am also going to Chicago, for the very first time, in July. Although I'll be there for a summer school at the Univ of Chicago, I am going to utilize all the advice other readers have shared :-)
ReplyDeleteI moved back here three years ago after having spent many years away. While it's definitely not in my top ten favorite US cities to live in (to visit is a different story), I have developed a good list of what do (recently having repatriated, so to speak, and spending a lot of time re-learning the place) and what someone from another urban center might want to do + tidbits of advice.
ReplyDelete1. Do not rent one of those horrid four-wheeler bike/buggie things for the lakefront path. They're plain dangerous (they take up an entire lane). I recommend renting bikes for the bike front path instead with a child carrier.
2. Do the lake front path in the early morning or evening. It is very congested midday and people can get nasty if you happen to stray in their respective path while they're biking/running by you.
3. Public transit isn't ubiquitous but cabs are easy to pick up in the more popular neighborhoods.
4. That said, I bet Toby would get a kick out of riding between the second stories of the building on the elevated track in the Loop.
5. If you like architecture, do the river tour for the Van Der Rohe and 'wedding cake gothic' (i.e. Tribune Tower, etc.) BUT don't miss the interiors of many of the buildings in the Loop. It's a local secret that not many out-of-towners get to see. The Rookery, The Monaduck, The Fine Arts Building all have amazing interiors/lobbies. Plus, the Fine Arts Building is the last public buidling with an elevator operator. I keep an office there and just adore it.
6. Millennium Park has free concerts on the weekends and free Yoga and Pilates on Saturday mornings. If you do a concert, you could easily ride your rental bikes there (but be sure to have a lock as they don't allow them on the lawn) after picking up picnic bits at Fox and Obel (Illinois and McClurg Court), which will be the closest grocery store.
7. Take a pass on Navy Pier. It's depressing with bad chain restaurant food and totally overstimulating... unless it's to go to the Children's Museum. BUT I wouldn't waste time on that when there's plenty other to do an see (I would go to the Shed Aquarium, the Planetarium and the Science and Industry Museum and the Field Museum (in that order) before it). But if you do want to watch the fireworks, you can do it from the steps along the lake just 10 minutes north of there. Or from the fountains right out front of it, where you guys can hang about and splash in the water.
7. One of the coolest museum things in Chicago is the miniatures room in the basement of the Art Institute by the children's stuff. Look it up. It's one of my three favorite rooms there and as a member who lives only a 10-minute walk away, I spend a bit of time in it.
8. The shopping on Michigan Avenue is only worth it if you live somewhere where you don't get big box luxury or masstige stores (All Saints, Nine West, Cartier et al). New York has plenty of it and better versions of the department stores. Not necessary to go there and there isn't really anything special architecturally or otherwise on the street.
9. For free view of the city that's better than the one you get at the Willis Tower, go to the top of the John Hancock Building. During the day or at night. Both beat the pants off of the observatory at the Willis Tower. And it's free. And there's a bar and restaurant if you're hungry/thirsty.
10-20 TBC in next comment!
Yes to the Publican
ReplyDeleteYes to Lou Malnati's (it really is the best)
Yes to the Violet Hour
Also, try Longman and Eagle. Tho may not be the best with the kiddo as they don't take resys
For hot dogs, you must go to Hot Dougs- it's totally worth the wait!
Also, get coffee at Intelligentsia.
Hey! I live in the Chicago area and go to school there... It's really a great city! I would stop by the bean as well as wander Millenium Park. The Art Institute across the street on Michigan Avenue is INCREDIBLE! There is a wonderful old diner just a block away from Union Station called Lou Mitchell's.. I would highly HIGHLY recommend this little place :) I go to UIC right next to Greek Town, on Halsted street... that whole area is full of delicious food and great atmosphere! Lincoln Park Zoo is a great free place to hang out and see some cute critters... so much to do in Chicago!
ReplyDeleteHope you guys have a great time! Exploring the city is just so fun!
Definitely go on a boat tour - that's what my family does whenever friends/family comes to visit us in Chicago. The Field Museum is a lot of fun and has interactive exhibits that Toby will enjoy and the Art Institute is just amazing. I also recommend the Adler Planetarium, it's so fanstastic I actually attempted to apply for jobs there after I got laid off from the shuttle program... The Bean and fountains at Millenium Park are a lot of fun and if you have time you should try to see a Cubs game (and get a hot dog) at Wrigley Field -Wrigleyville in general is an experience! Lincoln Park Zoo is free, the beach is fun, and Gino's East is my favorite deep dish establishment.
ReplyDelete~Rachel
http://headinthecloudsandbeyond.blogspot.com
Two thumbs up for the architectural boat tour, it's fantastic, although you might want to time it for naptime with the baby.
ReplyDelete10. Piece in Wicker Park/Bucktown is just New Haven-style piece that's not quiet what you'd get in New Haven. If you're in Wicker Park, go to: Big Star for tacos, Mico's Italian Ice on Damen (across from a park), Milk and Honey (and kid friendly) for brunch and there are some BBQ places on Division. Black Dog gelato is also great. Also, if you like kefir, Starfruit has a frozen kefir shop on Division. The Lovely Bakeshop on Milwaukee is great for a pastry and hanging on the couch or in the courtyard.
ReplyDelete11. For Chicago-style food, be forewarned that it is heavy. Deep dish piece is basically a pizza within a pizza. Lou Malnati's is (IMHO) the best of the offerings. If you want a beef in a local and very nice setting, Al's Beef has a shop in Little Italy on Taylor Street that's right across the street from another Italian Ice stand (Mario's) where all the neighborhood kids and families go during the summer.
12. Avec is a great place if you're sans child (but there are no reservations). It's my local and even though it's been around for years, it's still hopping and the food is still top notch. The owners of this place also own The Violet Hour, Publican, BlackBird and Publican Quality Meats. PQM is great for lunch and picnic fixings as well. In the same area is Girl and the Goat, Maude's, Graham Elliot Bistro (just opened), Nellcote (just opened), Grange Hall Burger Bar among others. La Colombe is a great new-ish cafe on Randolph and Morgan. Gilt Bar (Kinzie Street) actually has a wonderful menu and very good cocktails. Right next door is the Donut Vault. They have great old-fashioned donuts they sell every morning until they run out.
13. The Green City Market is a very fun farmer's market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from about 7am to 1pm. Good ready to eat food and local and/or organic veg, meat, fruit, flowers, etc. It's in Lincoln Park right across from North Avenue Beach. AND it's right across the street from the Children's Zoo/Farm at the Lincoln Park Zoo (and the LP Zoo generally...)
14. Speaking of North Avenue Beach, if the weather is good and the wind is calm, you guys can rent Stand Up Paddle Boards and paddle around for an hour or two.
15. Museums: As a child, I adored going to the Science and Industry museum. That's where you can wander around the inside of old train cars and air planes an there's a ton of interactive stuff, almost all for children.
16. I grew up in Oak Park and have done the Frank Lloyd Wright thing. It's okay and Oak Park is a sweet village. But it's not something that would interest a kid. However, they too have a great farmer's market (with great donuts!) with live music and the lot on Saturday mornings so you could do those two. And it's walkable between the market and FLW's studio. The Green Line El will let you off right at the farmer's market (Ridgeland stop) or within a 10-minute walk of the tour (I'd get off at Oak Park over Harlem as it's a nicer walk).
17. Check the festival schedule. Chicago has street festivals almost every weekend. They are, generally, pretty much the same festival just in different parts of town, but they're still fun.
18. You can rent kayaks and paddle along the Chicago river. It's fun. Not sure what the policy is with a 1 yr-old but there's a shop in the bottom of the Domaine building that rents them for a very reasonable price and can arrange a guide.
19. Baseball games can be fun. Go to a Cubs game, not a Sox game as Wrigley Field is just an entirely superior experience. The bleachers are the most fun seats but beware the sun if you're out there midday with a toddler.
20. I don't know if you've booked a hotel yet, but Public Hotel is cool and generally pretty reasonably priced. Ian Schrager property, I think.
There's plenty more to share, but I'll leave it at that. Get in touch if you want any more tidbits, although I'm sure you'll have enough from all the comments!
Enjoy!
WHOOO!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, wearing a Mid-West shirt in Chicago is a GREAT idea. Not at all like wearing a concert shirt to the show. I live in Saint Louis, MO and my family lives in Chicago, so I go up there probably four-five times a year.
As for places to explore. Downtown is fun, and a great place to see since you haven't been there. Millennium Park is huge, and beautiful, and great to walk around and people-watch. Millennium Park is ON Michigan Avenue, which is full of shopping and restaurants, although all the stores are places you definitely have in NYC. (I don't know about you, but when I travel, I try to avoid places that can be found at home, unless I need essentials like toothpaste or something).
I think as a family, you should totally go to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium. I STILL feel the magic at the aquarium whenever I go as an adult, and the Museum of Science and Industry has some really, really fun exhibits that little dudes like Toby would really enjoy, I think. Maybe look into getting a City Pass?
Outside of downtown and the typical 'touristy' things to do - spend some time in Wicker Park. It's full of great boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. I highly recommend Big Star (incredible tacos) and The Bongo Room (BRUNCH. Red Velvet Pancakes, anyone?). The 826 Chicago store is in Wicker Park and spy-themed, which is pretty killer.
Lincoln Square is another great neighborhood - as is Andersonville, Lincoln Park (HUGE), Bucktown, Lakeview, the Ukrainian Village, and Logan Square. And when I visited as a kid with my family, we would stay in a hotel on the Gold Coast (now the PUBLIC Hotel) and walk through the Gold Coast (huge townhouses and mansions, right on the lakefront and very near Oak Street Beach) at night and look at all the big, beautiful homes.
Other places to eat (because, I am like Liz Lemon and food is really important to me):
- Pequod's Pizza (personally, my favorite pizza in Chicago. It isn't Chicago-STYLE, but it's really, really good)
- The Bleeding Heart Bakery ("sustainable punk rock pastry")
- Sweet Mandy B's (the best cupcakes in Chicago)
- Sultan's Market for falafel
- Wormhole Coffee (there's a full-size Delorean in there!)
- Gramwich (downtown. SUCH GOOD SANDWICHES and homemade chips and homemade soda and ice cream. Worth the parking hassle)
HAVE FUN!!
You will have SUCH a blast! I love Chicago, so much.
Yay! You're coming over to Chitown :)
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorites:
::Food::
Rootstock
Milk + Honey
Bongo Room
Bite
Lula Cafe
Leopold
Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes
::Drinks::
Violet Hour
Big Star
The Wit Rooftop
Telegraph
::This To Do::
Wormhole for some 80's coffee :)
North Avenue Beach
Museum of Contemporary Art
Lincoln Park Zoo (free) + Nature Walk + Conservatory (beautiful walk!)
Lincoln Park Farmers Market on Sundays
Millenium Park
Have tons of fun!
Everyone's recommendations that I've read are great! I will say though that as a Chicago native living in NY, the #1 thing I miss is deep dish from Lou Malnati's. Hands down, the best in the city. Wrigley Field is my other top recommendation for summertime visitors. It's a totally different baseball experience than you can get at the giant Yankee Stadium or Citi Field.
ReplyDeleteOh! I grew up in the 'burbs on Chicago. I always loved the museums -- The Adler Planetarium is great and so is the Natural History museum. Be warned-- admission into the natural history museum is about $30 for adults :/ but it's great! I've also heard the Museum of Science and Industry is great, especially for kids. I've been meaning to go for about 12 years :p
ReplyDeleteIn general Millenium Park has a lot of fun things see. Cloud Gate, the gardens and Crown Fountain are the main attractions.
http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium/art.html
I also try and make an effort to go to the Downtown Sound series once a summer. If you guys are around on a Monday, it might be a fun evening outting: http://explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/dca_tourism/downtown_sound__new.html
It takes place at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park (which is super rad, and you should at least check it out while in Millenium Park, even if there's no show going on).
I personally find Lincoln Park zoo to be pretty outdated and sad (very small "habitats") but I also haven't been since I was pretty young. It might have gotten better.
I hope you guys have a great time! I love The Chi dearly, I hope it treats you well!
Anna
Chicago is definitely a cool city! I actually work for a travel website where you can plug in your family's interests and it will give you a customized itinerary! Check it out here: www.homeandabroad.com
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fun trip!
As far as deep-dish pizza DO NOT GO to lou malnattis or giordannos or any of that nonsense :) Go to Chicago Pizza and Over Grinder Co. in Lincoln Park.
ReplyDeleteTiny place right on the historic spot of the Valentine's Day Massacre and the pizzas are to die for. They're baked upside down in a bowl and flipped over table side. Best one I've ever had!
Come to Logan Square! My boyfriend and I live here and we LOVE it. There's fantastic eating and it's still somewhat off the beaten path, so it's not crowded with tourists (or a superabundance of hipsters...but it's getting there). Longman & Eagle whiskey bar, Lula Cafe, La Boulangerie creperie--all excellent! The Logan Theater has a lounge with a bar that's great for making a dinner & a movie night out. (Also outdoor movies right on the square at The Comfort Station some nights.) Everything's right off the Blue line at the Logan Square stop.
ReplyDelete--Madeleine
Hi! I'm a big fan of your blog and also the owner of an online Chicago City Guide! We would love to help you plan your trip to Chicago, or simply check out http://upchicago.com to learn more about this fabulous city. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions! Hope you have a great time.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the Museum of Science and Industry! So cool. The have a real U boat that you can tour that was captured from the Germans. Cool coal mine you can actually go down into. Every time we visit Chicago ( 5 vacations and counting) we make it a part of our trip.
ReplyDeleteChicago is amazing! I recommend the longish walk from the Zoo to downtown through Lincoln Park and one other park (can't remember the name). For a good chunk you can walk along the water on this strange wide concrete path. The Aquarium is part of this museum complex right on the lake...and gorgeous place to walk around and the aquarium itself is AMAZING! (even for grown ups:)
ReplyDeleteWicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods are a must, especially to get yourself out of the "touristy" Magnificent Mile and into where the real Chicagoans are! I love Myopic Books, and Lillie's Q for bbq dinner on North Avenue. I saw Piece mentioned; that's also a real must. Check out chicagoist.com and gapersblock.com for events/food/etc. Plus, free concerts in Millennium Park and street fests! Enjoy our city! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you! My husband and I lived in Chicago for two years while he went to business school in Evanston at Northwestern ... if you have a chance, take the Metra, it's a 20 min ride, to walk around Evanston. It's a charming little town and has a great college atmosphere. And if you're there in the morning Lucky Platter has the best brunch! I wrote a little article about all my favorite things to do in Chicago for ELIZA Magazine, if you'd like to check it out: http://www.elizamagazine.com/2011/05/chicago/ Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHere's some of my favorite spots to eat! Hope these links help! Have fun in Chicago! Laura
ReplyDeleteChicago Eats from {Chef Laura at Home}
http://laurajanelli.posterous.com/chicago-eats
My chi-town eats on {Foodspotting}
http://www.foodspotting.com/guides/1944-chi-town-eats/memberships/34324
Do not miss the architecture boat tour! I was hesistant to take it, but my husband and I loved it, you really see the whole city and learn so much, well worth it!
ReplyDeleteChi-town resident here!
ReplyDeleteThe Publican might not be Toby or budget friendly. Go right down the street to Publican Quality Meats for lunch. You can get sandwiches to go with the same awesome stuffings for a fraction of the price. I like the smoked salmon sandwich.
The Girl and The Goat is a bunch of hype. I like it's neighbor Haymarket. It's owned by the same people but much more approachable. You can order craft beer by the 4oz glass so you can get a "flight" of them. Plus, you can see all of the beer making vats through glass walls.
I second the suggestion of Eleven City Diner. "Hot Soup!"
Just stroll or bike around Milwaukee avenue. Fun hipster scene and lots of cool shops, restaurants and interesting people watching!
Can't wait to hear about your trip!
After 7 years in Chicago...
ReplyDeleteI would eat here-
http://hoosiermamapie.com/
http://www.hotdougs.com/
http://nightwoodrestaurant.com/about.html
http://www.longmanandeagle.com/
http://www.tablefifty-two.com/
http://www.girlandthegoat.com/
I would see this-
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
http://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium/art.html
http://chicagogallerynews.com/galleryguide.asp
I might see this. ( It's free, but I hear it's dodgy)
http://www.lpzoo.org/
I would look at this from afar and not waist my time.
http://www.navypier.com/
Architecture Tour IS awesome. Really fun in the summer--I'm from Chicago and I love this tour! Dinner at Ruxbin and Longman & Eagle is a MUST (Longman & Eagle is also an Inn! Would be such a cute place to lodge). Ruxbin doesn't take reservations, so best to get there right when they open. Art Institute w/ new modern wing is awesome, then you can walk right over to Millenium Park--Toby can play in the face fountains! See the bean and the bandshell. They also have a lot of summer concerts there so check out the schedule. And if you can see some theatre and improv: Second City, Steppenwolf, The Goodman, and Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier.
ReplyDeleteChicago is such a rad city! I recommend eating at Bongo Room for breakfast. They have pretzel pancakes with white chocolate sauce! It sounds sweet and weird, but it's surprisingly perfect. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete1. Architectural boat tour, for sure!
ReplyDelete2. Hancock building for the views -- be sure to go the bar for a drink instead of the observation deck. The best view is found in the ladies' room!
3. The Shedd Aquarium is the best!
4. Armitage for shopping -- such a cute area.
Have a blast!
omg, these are the MOST amazing comments!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI JUST came back from Chicago and this lovely food tour was the absolute BEST:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.zerve.com/ChicagoFoods/Bucktown
I learned more about Chicago's architecture, neighborhoods, and had amazing food. Lisa was our tour guide and she lives right in the 'hood that she's walking you through so she knows everyone.
Definitely give this a shot!
You MUST check out Howl At the Moon, a dueling piano bar! It's the best one in the city!
ReplyDeleteyou MUST go to howl at the moon, a dueling piano bar! it's the best in the city!
ReplyDeletearchitectural boat tour is the best! And I'm sure Toby will love it too! Have fun in Chicago!
ReplyDeletekisses
My Husband & I really enjoy Chicago Summer Dance. It starts in mid-July and is a free dance lesson with live music and dancing in Grant Park. You can participate or just watch on the grass. But it's fantastic and free! :) You can find the schedule here: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/related_event_search.html?pageHandle=/content/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/dca_tourism/Chicago_SummerDance
ReplyDeleteAlso, I recommend ICream which is a really unique ice cream store only located in Chicago. They make the ice cream right before your eyes using dry ice. And it's SO good! http://www.icreamcafe.com/
Enjoy! There are so many wonderful things we love about our city. :)
chicagoan here raising 2 small kids in the city. go to millennium park fountains with toby then eat at park city grill. you will also be right next to the art institute if you want to head there. skip navy pier and the deep dish pizza - they are both disgusting. i'm serious! go to chicago pizza oven grinder's on clark in lincoln park and get their pot pie pizza, but get there early, like by 5. agree with the poster about sultan's on north ave in wicker park for lunch then walk all around that neighborhood and stay for dinner (just tell cabbie damen, north and milwaukee). there's a good little park right there in wicker park for toby. check for which neighborhood festivals are going on when you are here - some are really great and almost always have a kids section. old town school of folk music does one in lincoln square in july that is great. blues fest already happened but jazz fest is in august. there's also movies in the parks all over the city at dusk. just google to find one near where you are staying. and if for some reason you can get a sitter, head to B.L.U.E.S on Halsted - complete dive bar with the best blues singers in the city. so much more i could write, but definitely the boat tour!!! beautiful way to see the city.
ReplyDeletearchitectural tour - YES.
ReplyDeleteXOCO for churros - YES.
lincoln park zoo - YES.
Lori's Shoes @ Halsted & Armitage - YES.
Girl & the Goat - YES.
soo many good restaurants!
museum campus - yes
navy pier on wed & sat nights for fireworks - yes.
have a great time!!
Best pizza: Lou Malnati's
ReplyDeleteBest hot dogs: Portillo's
You have to have Italian beef, also! I love it from Al's.
Also, cupcakes at Sweet Mandy B's.
Also biased, here- grew up in the Chicago 'burbs (not afraid to say it!) and have lived in the city (Ukrainian Village) for over a decade.
ReplyDeleteEveryone here has given you great advice. It's a beautiful city with so much to do; it really depends on where you're staying, and how you want to get around (bike? El? car?).
- Lincoln Park Zoo. Although zoos make me sad, penguins in general make me happy. Free! There's a most beautiful garden and conservatory on the same grounds, and a hidden gem: the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool. It's like heaven, in a garden.
- If you're in a garden-y mood and further west (the zoo is on the lake), Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the prettiest places in the city, hands down. Take the green line to get there.
- For REAL Mexican food, Taco Veloz on Chicago Ave. They have karaoke Friday nights, all in Spanish. It's amazing.
- I agree that Lou Malnati's pizza is the best Chicago style pizza. Piece (which someone else mentioned; located in Wicker Park) is not Chicago style, but is really super delish.
- Hot Doug's is good, but very very busy ALWAYS. Do not go there hungry, or you will get angry waiting in line.
- The Field Museum. 'Nuff said.
- On the waterfront, I think Montrose beach has the best views (if you walk further North, you hit Foster beach, which is less crazy, and more my speed).
- Shopping? I avoid Michigan Ave. like the plague (then again, I don't like crowds, so I think it's just me!). Division St. (Penelope's, Paperdoll...tons of lovely places) in Wicker Park is fun; for more expensive, designer-y things, Damen Ave. in Bucktown (Marc Jacobs, Cynthia Rowley, etc) is what the folks are liking these days.
I hope you have a blast with your family! So many wonderful pieces of advice in these comments, you're going to have a tough time visiting Chicago just once. :)
Cheers,
Mindi
Yay! You're coming to the city I call home now! I agree that the Lincoln Park zoo is a must, especially if you have a little one in tow. Also, the Shedd aquarium is great and something fun to do if the weather is not perfect (happens all the time in the midwest). I love walking around outside; some of the cutest neighborhoods are Old Town, Armitage street area (also good boutique shopping), and one of my favorites- Lincoln Square, which is the original neighborhood for German immigrants and has lots of great Brauhaus bars and a terrific rooftop grill called Gene's Sausage Shop. Also, make sure to check out the festivals going on while you are in town! Every weekend in the summer has tons of fun street festivals with various themes. :)
ReplyDeleteTake Toby to see Sue the T-Rex at the Field Museum!
ReplyDeleteI'm slammed at work right now but I'm from Chicago and have a ton suggestions for you. I'll post them tonight!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely do the architecture boat tour, its a fun way to see the city.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog for SEVERAL Chicago restaurant options under "EAT"
www.glorioffood.com
I love Mana Food Bar in Wicker Park for Vegetarian food, Longman & Eagle is amazing and very "New York" but expect long waits. Hub 51 is great and offers something for everyone.
You can't wrong. I love this city!
I went to Chicago for the first time over Christmas. Here's what I discovered:
ReplyDeletehttp://search-party.blogspot.com/2011/12/windy-city-review.html
It'll be a different scenario for summertime, but hopefully it helps!
LOVE Chicago ... we have friends who live there and we always have the best time when we go. The Architectural Foundation's cruise on the Chicago River was really awesome, so I second that. We also really loved the Chicago History Museum - do it right when you arrive, so you'll know the history of the city you're about to explore! Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinders is also fun, as is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Billy Goat Tavern is also a tradition, but that's a little more on the touristy side. I've heard Girl & The Goat is really good, too. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIf I had to sum up what Chicago is to me in one word...it's Intelligentsia.
ReplyDeleteTheir coffee is outstanding.
http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/locations
Go to the broadway or millenium park location. I know you'll definitely be going to the bean for photos so why not walk 3 mins down the street for a wonderful latte!! :) You will love it!
I just went to Chicago for the first time earlier this year, loved it!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a ton of recommendations already but adding mine here :)
-Hot dogs at Hot Doug's (if you can trek out there) and Portillo's
-Pizza at Lou Malnati's
-Doughnuts at Doughnut Vault (but prepare to wait, we did for 1.5 hrs and got the 5th to last donut of the day! really yummy)
-Dinner at Girl & the Goat (or if the wait is too long there, down the street is Maude's Liquor Bar restaurant, which has an amazing french onion fondue dish)
-Hot chocolate and churros at XOCO
-Brunch at m.henrietta's or m.henry's (great place for sweet brunch dishes, one of my all time fav brunches over most NYC places!)
-Architecture boat tour
-Drinks at Aviary
One thing I would not recommend is the Signature Room...it reminded me of going up the Empire State building, only it's positioned as a night time cocktail kind of place, which it is not great for. Seemed very touristy, not worth the time I thought, though the view of the city was nice.
I highly recommend Lincoln Park Zoo, a free zoo just north of downtown that Toby will love!
ReplyDeleteGarfield Park Conservatory is great as well. It's the biggest conservatory of the USA. So stunning! It's beautiful and often has exhibits in it, and (family) activities to participate in a planting party might be fun for a city boy! ;)
Have you ever taken Toby to an aquarium? No? Then you want to visit Shedd Aquarium So much fun!
I'm going too! In September as a belated b-day trip
ReplyDeleteCan you do a post about everywhere you went, so i can copy you?
Thanks!
Hi - plan on renting a bike and going on the lakefront.
ReplyDeleteAttend a taping of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me (from NPR)! I've always wanted to win Carl Kasell's voice on my answering machine :)
ReplyDeleteHey Joanna,
ReplyDeleteI see lots of great recommendations including the architecture boat tour, lou malnati's, and the Lincoln Park Zoo (I think Toby would love that!)
I worked at The Art Institute as an intern last summer in their Family Programs. If you're planning on visiting The Art Institute, stop by Family Programs in the new contemporary wing. There's a play room with books, puzzles, and a magnet wall! Also, they have Family tours made especially for showing the little ones art. If you get there early enough (mornings - about 2pm, I think) there is usually an art activity going on in one of the classrooms, too.
Have fun!
Abby
I just got back and spent an evening wandering around Wicker Park. It was full of locally owned restaurants and shops and had a great atmosphere. I also recommend Yolk for breakfast, it's over by the pier and is kid friendly with a delicious menu.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fantastic city! I highly recommend Orange for breakfast. Amazing pancakes and everything. The boat tour is great. Japonais is a fantastic restaurant for a fancy night out. Ask to have a drink first at the outdoor patio! Giordano's is the best go to for deep dish. Do not go to Uno's. Blech. Have a fantastic time.
ReplyDeleteThe Science and Industry museum is a great place to visit for children and adults alike as is the Shedd Aquarium. If you're ok with heights visit the Sky Deck!
ReplyDeleteAlso the zoo is great - and free!!
Also get a CTA travel card, it's like $7.20 each for unlimited CTA and bus travel for a week - well worth it and you can pick them up from CVS
If Dose Market is happening, make sure to head there
ReplyDeleteIf Dose Market is happening, make sure to head there
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite places to visit! My husband and I got engaged in this wonderful city and spent many trips loving every minute of it!!
ReplyDeleteIf you get deep dish pizza a word of warning: even with a healthy appetite you'd be hard pressed to come even close to finish a single pizza. The amount of cheese is out of this world. In fact, a stranger actually tried to give us their pizza because they couldn't finish it!
The El train is excellent as transportation and allowed us to go without car.
If you can afford to go for one really expensive dinner I would definitely recommend: NoMi. The food is amazing, the ambiance beautiful and it overlooks the water tower in downtown Chicago. Gorgeous!
I'm probably the only person who dislikes Chicago...but that's because I've never had a positive experience and i've been there about 10 times (I live about two hours north in Milwaukee, WI). I hope your adventures are more fun than the ones I've had!
ReplyDeleteI adore Chicago! I moved here a little over a year ago, and live downtown in the River North area.
ReplyDeleteSome favorites:
- The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do!
- Biking Lakeshore Drive. Two of my favorite vistas of downtown Chicago are along the path. The first is from museum campus (by the aquarium. you can drive out there as well). The second is north of the city near the top side of Lincoln Park (near the Signal of Peace Monument).
- If you only have time for one museum, I would do the Museum of Science and Industry. It's fascinating and definitely kid friendly. Or the aquarium. That's always a hit with kids.
- The view from the Hancock signature room. Instead of paying for the observation deck, you can go up there to grab a bite to eat. The views are phenomenal during the day or night and one of the walls in the women's bathroom is floor to ceiling windows looking out on the city.
- If you stay in the River North area, eating at La Madia is always a favorite. They have a great late night weekday rate too if you're looking for something post 9pm on weekdays. http://www.dinelamadia.com/
- Movies in the park (free all summer long). Here's a link to this summer's full MITP schedule: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/assets/1/23/2012_Movies_in_the_Parks_Schedule.pdf
My husband's family is from Chicago so we go every year. Many people have mentioned fantastic restaurants and site seeing, but I must mention the neighborhoods. Sometimes we enjoy just biking (or walking) through the different neighborhoods. Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village are a must. Also, if you want to get some good lake time in, I HIGHLY recommend taking an hour (or hour and a half) drive south to the resort town of Long Beach, in Indiana. It is Chicago's version of the Hamptons. Stop 20 is our family spot. You'll love it!
ReplyDeleteAs a Chicagoan, I even find it hard to choose when Chicago has so much to offer. Considering for keeping your little one entertained:
ReplyDeleteChicago CityPass is very versatile.
At the Field Museum, the Extreme Mammals Exhibition just opened May 25.
If you go to "the Shedd", the Wild Reef exhibit is worth it tickets! The Amazon exhibit is a must see, too.
Make reservations for the Terzo Piano at the Art Institute of Chicago on the Bluhm Family Terrace, and you can dine with spectacular views after visiting the amazing museum, and afterwords stroll down The Nichols Bridgeway over Monroe Street into Millennium Park, FANTASTIC photo opportunity!! (especially after viewing some spectacular photography exhibits in the museum. plan what exhibits you'd like to see, 2-3 major exhibits is perfect before you drop from brain exhaustion!)I've yet to have the chance to dine there, but would love to hear about your experience (Michelle Obama brought the women during the NATO summit for an evening to the Art Institute, wonderful area!)
Visit the Sky Deck at opening time on a weekday! much smaller waiting lines. stand across from each other in the extended window boxes for another neat and unique photo opportunity!
There's so much to say, but this was most important! :-)
And: Lou Malnati's (My favorite) Gino's East (My mother's favorite)
Cloud Gate sculpture = "The Bean"
"IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A BALLGAME, ..LET'S PLAY TWO" Ernie Banks -- even though I'm a Sox fan!
I'm so excited for your family, hope you have a ton of fun!
- Andrea C.
My husband and I were there last summer and we took the architectural boat tour and it was great! Definitely a highlight.
ReplyDeleteI've heard this restaurant is amazing: http://www.oldtownsocial.com/
Have fun!
I lived in Chicago and have to agree with most all of the comments...
ReplyDeleteDOWNTOWN
- go to the Hancock lounge for the view (don't pay for observation deck)
- Ghirardelli's, near the Hancock, perfect for ice cream treats, so quaint!
- Millenium park (for free concerts or just the view)
- Navy Pier (touristy but toby will like it)
NORTH
- Lincoln Park Zoo (free and close to the following:
- North Ave Beach (has great view of city)
- Chicago History Museum
WICKER PARK
- Great Vegetarian Eateries (earwax, handlebar, sultans market) and other restaurants
- Great shopping, especially nice second hand stores, record stores, and used book stores (lots of character)
WRIGLEYVILLE
- For a Cubs Game (if you're lucky) or just to walk around
- The nachos at Goose Island (chicago's local brewery) are to die for
**best barbeque SMOKE DADDY's - has live blues/jazz every night with no cover. And has a dessert of a hot cookie in a skillet with ice cream on top
**best non deep dish pizzas - PEACE (has live band Karaoke) and the more upscale wine bar and wood fired pizzas at FRASCA
Have a great trip!!!
With Kids:
ReplyDelete-The zoo and lincoln park conservatory
- A game at wrigley field. Even if you don't like baseball the stadium itself is beautiful
- The beach
- Renting bikes and biking the lakefront
To eat:
-Hopleaf restaurant in Andersonville
for things that you might all love--the field museum, the museum of science and industry, the art institute, and lincoln park zoo.
ReplyDeleteand be prepared for heat. I know it is going to sound crazy, but chicago really does get unbearably hot in the summer. chicago weather is brutal. people die of the heat every summer and of the cold every winter. there was one summer when I has in high school when something like 750 people died in a five day heat wave in chicago. make sure you have plenty of water and that you cool off inside regularly.
Piccolo Sogno for great Italian and Mercadito for awesome tacos!
ReplyDeleteYou will love the architecture boat ride. Also, for the perfect view, I say scrap the Sears Tower and take a free ride to the top of the John Hancock building, where you guys can have a classy drink and sit at the bar. It's amazing. Pequods is the best deep dish pizza, definitely walk through wicker park, and if you keep going West, you will run into Paseo Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican neighborhood. Not a TON to see there, but there is some amazing authentic puerto rican restaurants and you can see the giant steel puerto rican flags. It's seriously just a block or two past Wicker Park.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely recommend brunch in Wicker Park. Silver Cloud or Feast are great. Can't wait to see your photos!
A few things:
ReplyDelete- As some have said, Lou Malnati's is the best for deep-dish. And if you have never had deep-dish before, keep an opened mind, know that it will be weird and different, and get ready for a lot of delicious melted cheese (and if you're at Lou's, a lot of buttery, crunchy crust). Yuuuum.
- Lots of free things to do and see - check the various museum's websites for their free admittance days, look for free fireworks, etc. (Shedd Aquarium is my fav of the museums - love watching the dolphin show as the tank looks right onto Lake Michigan).
- View from Hancock is just as good as Sears Tower, and if you and your husband go up for drinks at the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock, you get as good a view as from the observatory but you don't pay the admittance fee.
- Many people don't realize that Milwaukee is very close to Chicago (a fun 1 1/2 hour Amtrak ride north) and is a very hip and fun city. I would definitely recommend at least a day trip up to have some cheese soup, brats, an awesome brewery tour, and maybe hit a festival depending what weekend you are in town: http://milwaukee.about.com/od/festivalsevents/a/MilwaukeeFests.htm
Have so much fun! Can't wait for the posts to see all the fun things you end up doing!
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ReplyDeleteAdvice from a girl who lives in Chicago! :)
ReplyDeleteTry getting a good range of neighborhoods. Check out Wicker Park and Bucktown during the day for cool shops to visit and iCream (they make ice cream for you on the spot - you pick the ingredients!). Go to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Molly's Cupcakes. Visit Bobtail Ice Cream in Boystown. Have dinner at Sprout (near DePaul). Check out some of the cool vintage stores and used book shops. Visit Evanston to see Northwestern University's beautiful campus. Go to the Bahaii Temple in Winnetka (It's the only one in North America! and SO beautiful!). Check out the Magnificent Mile and The Art Institute of Chicago. Take a bike ride on the lake path on Lake Shore Drive. Feel free to email me if you'd like more advice on places to see in Chicago!
Have a wonderful trip! Maybe we'll run into each other on the 'El' (I interview strangers on the 'El' for my blog).
Oooh thanks for this question!! I'm going to read through all the answers here, because upcoming September I'm going to spend two weeks in Chicago as well and I neeeed lots of tips! So thanks a lot. :D
ReplyDeletexo Andrea
Wonderful and Marvelous
I totally agree with everyone about the Lincoln Park Zoo! Also, it's fun to go to Millenium park and catch a free concert. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra sometimes plays there and you guys can catch a free show and have a picnic!
ReplyDeleteChicago is such a great city!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things to do when I have visitors in town:
-Definitely hit North Ave or Oak street beach for awesome views of the skyline & a pretty good beach!
-Drinks at the top of the Hancock at sunset so you get views of the city during the day & night. Awesome view & you pay for drinks instead of just riding an elevator!
-My favorite neighborhood spots are Big Star Tacos & Black Dog Gelato in Wicker Park! Big Star has an awesome patio, but it's usually about a two hour wait. It's a fun area to walk around & they will call you when your name is up or there is a walk up window. My fave is the pastor! Then walk the half mile down to Black Dog Gelato, I promise you if you are into gelato it is worth it!! Probably the best I have ever had and I have a minor ice cream obsession! For fancy cocktails, Violet Hour is a great place in the neighborhood. No signs & they repaint the exterior on the outside every few months, so it is kinda hidden, but it is very cool!
-Lou Malnati's deep dish butter crust with spinach is the best pizza in the city in my opinion!
Have a great trip!! With so much to do in Chicago, you can't go wrong!!
My husband and I grew up around the city and now live in Oak Park. For food, Blackbird is a must! Go for lunch to beat the crowds but make sure to make a reservation even for lunch or you will have to sit at th bar. For sweets, go to Hot Chocolate (tip: get the cookies from the front counter and the hot coco, which has homemade marshmallows).
ReplyDeleteToby fun: Lincoln Park Zoo, and it's FREE! :) Millennium Park: Toby can play in the fountains and you can take fun pictures in the Bean. (It does not seem cool until you’re standing in front of it, then you'll see:)) Oak Street Beach: You can people watch and Toby can play in the sand. (Your friend’s blog has pictures from this beach)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely get deep dish pizza. Be prepared for A LOT of cheese. (Heaven) I recommend Lou Malnati's or Uno's.
Architectural boat tour is a must. You can usually get tix day of at Navy Pier (before entrance off to the right by the river). If you have to wait for a boat you can walk around the Pier for a bit.
Go to the top of either the Willis (formerly Sears) tower or the Hancock building for views of the city.
I think you’d like the Bucktown neighborhood. There are too many restaurants/bars/shops to count on Division, Damen and Milwaukee. For a great burger, supposedly one of the best in Chicago, and amazing dessert, try Mindy’s Hot Chocolate on Damen.
Hotels: Waldorf (former Elysian) (chic/modern), The Public (chic/modern), Sofitel (upscale/modern), Four Seasons (upscale/classic), The Drake (upscale/old school).
If you're up for a train ride, I love going to Ravinia (www.ravinia.org) for a concert. It's maybe an hour outside of the city but it's so relaxing. The architecture tour is a must!
ReplyDeleteMust eats:
ReplyDeleteBIG STAR
DAVANTI ENOTECA
GT FISH AND OYSTER
GIRL AND THE GOAT
PUBLICAN
ARAMI
@Lauren - I agree, the free concerts are amazing!
ReplyDeleteAlso try "Jazzin' at the Shedd" on Wednesday nights. The Shedd Aquarium has a live jazz band on Wednesday evenings to play you through the exhibits (which includes Jellies --- very cool for your son). Before museum close you are invited to watch the Navy Pier fireworks from the veranda. www.sheddaquarium.org
The Green City Market is a large open air farmer's market held on North Clark Street right near the Old Town neighborhood every Saturday morning. You can head there to pick up breakfast, lunch, fruit, local foods, etc...
The Dana Hotel is a gorgeous boutique hotel on North State Street reight near delicious resturants and Michigan Ave. shopping - it's like something you would find on Mr. and Mrs. Smith's website.
Tango Sur (in the Lakeview neighborhood) on North Southport is my favorite place to eat in the city. It's an intimate and delicious Argentie Steak House with great food and great prices --- BYOB. After checking this out walk down the block to the Music Box Theater and see if you can catch a cult classic movie, the theater has been there since the 1930s.
For a rowdy time (adult only) - head to a Brew and View at the Vic Theater - they usually show double features and serve dirt cheap beer and pizza. Get ready to quote aloud with the audience!
Hope this helps!
I'm a Chicagoan!
ReplyDeleteGo to brunch at BONGO ROOM or ELEVEN CITY DINER in the South Loop. Both will be good to take Toby to. Don't go to Yolk or Orange, both of those are mediocre.
See the LICHTENSTEIN retrospective at the Art Institute. After Chicago it's going straight to the Tate Modern. If you're hungry after the AIC, go to Sugar Bliss Cupcakes on Wabash for a snack.
Head to the old MARSHALL FIELD'S (now a Macy's) at 111 N. State to see the Tiffany dome/atrium.
Go shopping on N. Clark in ANDERSONVILLE, to Brimfield, Four Sided, Scout, and numerous other wonderful interior decorating and children's stores.
Get a dessert at HOT CHOCOLATE.
Get $3 tacos at BIG STAR.
Go to the top of the HANCOCK BUILDING.
And finally, do go on the Architecture Foundation's boat tour. It's great even for locals like me, because you learn so much about the buildings along the river!
-artfood.tumblr.com
I'm not sure what I can share that hasn't already been shared. My family and I have been on the boat tour you and yours are planning to do and it's really a lovely tour. I'm sure you will enjoy it. The seadog speed boat tours are also a lot of fun; they take you further out on the lake than the architectural tour, but one boat tour will probably be enough. Gino's East pizza is our favorite and you can write on the wall, which is really fun to do for many reasons, but it's cool to return and see your names... still there. :) Argo tea is excellent if you enjoy tea. They have a few locations in chicago, one of which is just a few blocks of michigan avenue. Navy Pier is a lot of fun, of course. The ferris wheel is phenomenal. Flat sammys (SP?) is great little sandwich shop, if you enjoy sandwiches. :) The aquarium is also a lot of fun! Buckingham fountain is a fun spot and great for pictures. In my opinion, Millennium Park is a must; it's where the cloud gate is located, along with some other really great attractions!
ReplyDeleteHurray Chicago! I've lived in Chicago for over five years and it just keeps getting better. You'll never want for fun options in the city (unless it happens to be the middle of winter).
ReplyDeleteI agree with lots of the other suggestions, and just have a few to add:
- If you're going to explore Wicker Park, Myopic Books is the best used bookstore in the city. Several stories of floor-to-ceiling books in a classic Chicago home conversion.
- Visit Old Town neighborhood, eat at Kamahachi sushi, go to a show at Second City (ETC stage has better shows in my opinion), and drink at Old Town Ale House where Belushi and all the great comedians of Second City used to go.
- Art Museum is so beautiful and if you go make sure to visit the Thorne Miniature Rooms downstairs.
- Visit Penguin Foot Pottery in Logan Square for BYOB Pottery Happy Hour. It's an awesome, laid back time where you can come try out the pottery wheel and get a little messy. (Ok, I might be a little biased since I'm a co-owner.)
Hope you enjoy this beautiful city!
Just came back from Chicago! You have to go explore Wicker Park, it's a super cool artsy neighborhood!!
ReplyDeleteWe just got back from a weekend in Chicago... Family stuff I say Lincoln Park zoo for sure, its free and we just took the 151 bus right to it for $2.20 a piece. They have a polar bear, sea lions, and apes that are so cool. You must get coffee at Intelligentsia, amazing. Breakfast at Wildberry cafe, Lunch at the Park Grill in Millenium park. On Friday and Saturday nights there is an orchestra that plays in Millenium park for free. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWHEN I'M IN CHICAGO I ALWAYS ENJOY DOING YOUR MOM.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to get out of the city for minute: maybe an afternoon at Indiana Dune State park would be fun- running on top of the sand dunes (like Sleeping Bear dunes in MI if you have ever been there) ... and in Chesterton Indiana at the A&W, they (last i was there) had fresh blueberry milkshakes..
ReplyDeletebut I'm a country girl, I can't get enough of sand between my toes in summer. I love the big waves in Lake Michigan- such a blast!
Just don't be stuck in the loop - it's a city of neighborhoods, you have to get away from the mag mile. Check out the museums and parks downtown, but skip Navy Pier for sure.
ReplyDeleteBut my best tip is that if you want to get some Rick Bayless (which is soo worth it) but you don't want to spend as much money or time to get it, just go to the Xoco at O'Hare! It's such a gem! I think a lot of people don't know about it but I always plan extra time when I fly out to stop by. Same food as the regular one, only a short line, and it's on your way in/out of the city. And it is really great to eat such fantastic food in an airport, of all places.
Avec has some of THE best food I've ever, ever had. My cousin is in the restaurant industry in Chi-town and he took us there a few weeks ago...fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLongman & Eagle and Revolution Brewery in Logan Square (but get there early, both places don't take reservations!). Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Oak Park. Definitely the architectural boat tour. Big Jones in Andersonville has an AMAZING brunch that does take reservations. If the weather is decent, definitely take a walk or bike ride down the lake shore! I've lived in Chicago my whole life :) Have fun, nothing is better than Chicago in the summer!
ReplyDeleteShedd Aquarium! I remember going there as a kid and just being in awe of everything. My parents bought me a little Shamu toy that I played with in the pool and tub for far too many years.
ReplyDeleteThere's also a water taxi you can take between there and Navy Pier, then you can ride the ferris wheel!
I hope you have a great time!
FROM A CHICAGO NATIVE:
ReplyDeleteMillenium park - play in Crown fountain, free concert rehearsals at lunch at the Gehry bandshell or better yet go there at night with a picnic...dreamy.
Secret for parents with kids...if you need a little down time when at millennium park head over to the art institute's monroe street entrance and you can visit the children's section for FREE...cute library and games to play with.
China Town by water taxi...$8 for an all day pass. When you get off at Tom Ping park you will head through a beautiful pagoda. Head north and follow the crowd as you descend upon a cute courtyard/mall. Check out Lao Schechwan for Don Don noodles...the best!!!
Lincoln Park Zoo is FREE and the best gorilla/monkey house. Cute carousel as well.
And yes Oak Street Beach...nothing in the world is like it!
Have a great time!!!
Pequods and Lou Malnatis are the best pizzas. I dream about them.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely take your guy to the Shedd Aquarium.
And the top of the Hancock for a cocktail for mom and dad!
Downtown is awesome, but if you're looking for a little slice of neighborhood living, I have to make a plug for my neighborhood, Lincoln Square! It's got the cutest little square, Giddings Plaza, and the fabulous Welles Park (a big hit with the kiddos). Don't forget to stop in at Gene's German Grocery, the Chopping Block, and Merz Apothecary on the square. Lots of awesome, kid-friendly places to eat -- Julius Meinl, Gracia's, Rosded, Costellos. Some great places for grown-ups, too -- Goosefoot, Bad Apple, Du Lire, and Bistro Campagne. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteStay in the Lincoln Park area in a rental home. You will feel like a local and the rental homes are usually gorgeous and accessible to many other areas. Here is a good site for rentals http://www.athomeinnchicago.com/. Keefers is great for steak. The aquarium would be great fun for the whole fam. Love the art museum. Lincoln Park is also good for fun boutiques. Try Lori's shoes. And of course interesting restaurants. Oh and Twin Anchors for ribs. And I can't forget Second City!
ReplyDeletefranks n dawgs for amazing hot dogs and truffle fries. and the lincoln park zoo. it's free and it's gorgeous. enjoy chicago!
ReplyDeletemontrose beach is sort of out of the way, but it's family friendly and there's a dog beach with fairly shallow water where tons of dogs go to splash around. even if you dont bring your own, it's a great excuse to go play with a bunch of happy dogs.
ReplyDeleteJust made a Chicago "to do" list for a friend yesterday! And here it is...
ReplyDeleteFood: must-do Girl and the Goat, Purple Pig and Gilt Bar. All are life-changing. Definitely grab a drink at the Pump Room, too.
Activities: absolutely do the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour, check out a Cubs game and get some fried pickles at the Houndstooth afterwards, see a second city show, do the Half Acre Brewery tour (not so kid friendly, but oh so fun!), hang out on the beach, rent bikes and roll around the coast, and last but not least, walk around Millennium/Grant Park at night to play in the fountains and catch a free concert in the park.
Enjoy!
I'm sure someone's already mentioned it, but Chicago in summer is THE BEST. It's a city of many, many unique neighborhoods, so I'd suggest exploring a few (Wicker Park for hipsters/music/AMAZING food; Lincoln Park for the cute shops, gorgeous scenery, and a (free!) zoo, Lincoln Square or Andersonville for great food and a small town feel (Hopleaf if you're interested in delicious beer)... Stop by a street fair or two if you can!(Check out http://chicago.metromix.com/stories/106-chicago-festival-guide for info)
ReplyDeleteFor the beach, consider skipping North Avenue (it can be a giant frat party) and go to 12th Street. It's a little hidden gem over by the Planetarium, Aquarium, Soldier Field, etc. (aka Museum Campus). If you want to see the skyline from a really unique view, walk over to Northerly Island. It's stunning!
Public transportation makes it super easy to get around, and the bike recommendation is also great. It's a very bike-friendly city.
I've lived here my whole life, and have a million ideas...
oh and you absolutely MUST take toby to the museum of science and industry. just hop on the metra and head down. it's a bit of a zoo but kid heaven!
ReplyDeleteI live in Chicago and it is the BEST city. Food wise, some of the best places around town are The Half Shell, Chickpea, Carmen's deep dish pizza (Better than Giordanos and Lou Mal Natis). City Provisions is right up your alley for a delicious weekday lunch. Julius Meinl has the best coffee, and Margies has the best ice cream. If you want a night out, Piccolo Sogno and Coco Pazzo are great. If you are looking for a great hotdog place, Gene and Jude's is right by the airport (they will kick you out if you ask for ketchup). There are some great antique shops that are super fun in Andersonville. Just being downtown is fun too.
ReplyDeleteThe best Italian beef in the city is Mr. Beef on Orleans. Don't bother with Al's or especially Portillo's (it is not as good as people say it is). I get mine "wet, hot and sweet" haha. It is a hole in the wall, but not in a particularly charming way. I suppose it doesn't need to be with sandwiches that awesome! The Green Mill is a cool jazz club in uptown. If you are looking for a rainy day activity you should check out the Music box theater in Wrigleyville.
ReplyDeleteYou should, of course, go to the beach, but North Avenue and other beaches closer to downtown get a little too crowded. You should head up North on the red line to beaches up in Edgewater and Rogers park. It is a side of the city that is really charming and has a lot to offer. Food up there is AMAZING. Some great spots are Blue elephant on Devon for Thai (best I ever had, so far, great sushi at Indie Cafe and Ethiopian at Ethiopian Diamond on Broadway.
Andersonville is pretty cool and there are often a lot of festivals there.
Chicago's museums are of course an option and I second all the suggestions to catch a movie in Grant park.
I also always recommend people not go to the top of the sears tower, but the top of the Hancock building instead. The view is unmatched anywhere in the city.
If you are downtown looking for lunch, Perry's deli is great! HUGE big-as-your-head, sandwiches. Really delicious,too. They also don't let you use your cell in the deli haha.
Some pretty good French food is at Cyrano's Bistro, I think it is in river North as well. I went a couple years ago and was impressed! While you are there, a cool place to stop in is the Jazz Record Mart, on East Illinois.
If you are looking for a quick delicious lunch, you should go to L'appetito! There are a couple locations downtown. They have really scrumptious panini and other great quick options (like arancini). I lived in Rome for a little while and my friends and I always go there because it reminded us of the street food we had in italy!
I mostly suggest taking advantage of the train and checking out as many great neighborhoods as possible. South, north, and west!
And go to Hot Doug's.
Personally I would recommend skipping all the deep dish places for the most original pizza in Chicago at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. They make a pizza pot pie by putting all the ingredients in a bowl and then covering the bowl with the crust. When they serve it, they turn the bowl upside down and slide it out and your left with a bowl shaped crust with pizza inside! It sounds bizarre but is amazingly good and such a unique experience! Here's the website: http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/
ReplyDeleteAlso for good, inexpensive Italian small plate and delicious bellinis, check out Quartino on State Street!
JO,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely do the boat tour!
Looking for a good Chicago hot dog
Hot Doug’s is great but it is rather out of the way from anything else worth exploring.
Wieners Circle- Traditional Chicago hot dogs..and Cheddar Fries
Portillos- kill two eh birds…go here for Chicago style Hot Dog and Italian Beef
Chicago knows how to make breakfast and brunch:
Lou Mitchells ( everyone gets a doughnut hole while waiting in line and only ladies get milk duds) Free soft serve ice cream after breakfast.
Stick with the basics (eggs, bacon sausage, waffles and pancakes)
Nookies on Wells Street- There are several- but this one is the best.
Toast There are two locations (Wicker Park and Lincoln Park) both of these areas are great for shopping and just taking in the city neighborhoods and small boutiques.
Floriole Bakery and Café- ham and cheese croissants, Quiche, Shortbread cookies- all life changing ;)
Lunch/Dinner
Big Star ( Wicker Park) great outdoor area- get there when it opens- everything is great here especially the pork belly tacos, and guacamole
Lou Malnatis- This is real Chicago Deep Dish…I’ve been eating here my whole life
The Publican , Publican Quality Meats, Black Bird and Avec- all owned by the same people- all very solid
Purple Pig- great wine selections and food to match
Dinner only or Just Drinks:
Au Cheval
The Matchbox
Drinks on the terrace at the Peninsula hotel- while everyone else waits for three hours at Trump
Chicago does have good Mexican food- It will be hard to get into any of Rick Bayless’ resto’s but historically they are worth the wait.
Skip- Italian food- Trust me on this. Of course many will provide a fine dining experience ( Volare and Piccolo Sogno are two of the better options) with nice outdoor spaces, But mostly you will get too much average food with sceny vibes- If you want really good food don’t go for Italian
Skip- The Girl and the Goat
I went on that architectural boat tour with my brother a couple of years ago. It was really interesting and fun, a little pricey but I think it was worth it. We also had really good deep dish pizza, plan ahead when you go to eat it though, especially if you're bringing a hungry toddler along because it takes about 40 minutes for them to cook it. Millenium Park was cool to just hang out in, we bought hot dogs a few blocks away and took them there to eat. We also went up Willis Tower right before sunset and it was beautiful! And of course we went to a cubs game which is great if you like baseball, and it's a really cool old stadium.
ReplyDeleteForgot something. Lincoln Park has Wizard of Oz statues.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many great things to do in Chicago! If you're here on a Sunday, check out the Logan Square farmers market (which starts at 10am). There are a ton of dogs and kids and wackos playing banjos. Toby will love it! Go for brunch first at Longman & Eagle. Its a Michelin starred restaurant in the middle of an actual neighborhood, not a touristy area. They specialize in whiskey drinks, so order something heavy like the chicken and waffles. Down the street there is a great, old fashioned, cheap theater and some cute shops and cafes. Lula Cafe, just around the corner, also has really good local food. A few blocks south is Humboldt Park, which is HUGE, and gorgeous in the summer. There's a sandy beach with a shallow little lake so Toby can waddle in without being afraid of the big waves. And I think you can rent paddle boats from the boathouse on the lagoon in the summer. While you're over there, check out the view of the skyline from the terrace. A few blocks north of the park on Humboldt Boulevard is Miko's Italian Ice, which draws a crowd on weekends. They make all their own ice with fresh fruit. The Logan Square stop on the Blue Line of the El gets you right in the middle of most of this. It's a great area.
ReplyDeleteFor Toby the Children's Museum is amazing and hours of entertainment!
ReplyDeleteGo to the Bongo Room for brunch - it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the shirt. Born and raised in MN we are corn fed, carb loving, caring people! Chicago is fabulous too and I have yet to have a bad meal anywhere...enjoy your trip:)
ReplyDeletein all seriousness, chicago is my favorite city. it has everything new york has to offer but is an intimate city.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in Chicago my whole life! Obviously think it's the best city in the world :)
ReplyDeleteDeep dish pizza: Gino's East of Pequod's
Hot Dogs: Portillo's
Tourist attractions: Architectural Boat Tour, Lincoln Park Zoo (free!), Millennium Park (fountain that's great for kids)
Shopping: boutiques on Armitage in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park area, Water Tower Place
Dinner restaurants: Sunda, The Purple Pig, Slurping Turtle, Girl & the Goat, Piccolo Sogno
I was born and raised in Chicago also. Chicago pizza and oven grinders is by far the best pizza in the city (or country)! Such a unique place and worth the wait. Must get the mediterranean bread and remember, cash only! Quality and excellent BBQ at Chicago Q in the Gold Coast, Lillie Q's in Wicker Park or Smoque on the outskirts of city (was on diners, drive in's and dives). Two of my favorite BYOBs are Caro Mio in Ravenswood and Sushi Torro on Clark st in Lincoln park. Stop by Molly's cupcakes or Sweet Mandy B's for excellent cupcakes. The boat tour is an excellent choice and north avenue beach is awesome as well. Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteI am a Chicagoan and have to say, Chicago deep dish isn't my fave. Maybe fun to try once but it's super heavy and I can usually only manage one piece. Instead, try Italian-owned Spacca Napoli (right off the Montrose brown line stop) for some authentic Naples style pizza. Awesome outdoor seating and anti pasti, too. Definitely go see a free outdoor concert in Millennium Park and go to Lincoln Park Zoo, as many have suggested. Go up to Andersonville to check out the lovely design shops. Worth the trip up north for sure! Enjoy--it's a fabulous city :)
ReplyDeleteWaiting For Sunday: http://maddisonhamil.blogspot.com/
i live in chicago and do a lot of eating...here are my recs:
ReplyDeletedinner at the publican in the west loop. (second choice in the west loop: girl and the goat...but way harder to get a table.)
spend a day in bucktown/wicker park, tons of shops, little galleries, and people watching:
-big star has amazing tacos and margaritas
-birchwood kitchen is adorable with great staff, atmosphere, and food, patio in the back
-bake is the cutest little bakery where the pastry chef/owner's young son hangs out all day so it's great for kids (and the pastries/cookies are sogood!)
-awesome vegetarian/vegan options: native foods cafe or handlebar
-brunch: (do not go to feast! nothing special) the bongo room or toast...there will be a wait at both.
-toby-free cocktail time: the violet hour (and/or big star...across the street from one another)
-non-deep dish pizza: piece pizza (also a brewery!)
toro is this tiny little sushi place in lincoln park that has made it so i don't want to eat sushi anywhere else ever (the sunny roll!)
lakeshore bike tours are really fun and a great way to see the city. you can do one that starts in millenium park and go to the bean before or after. chicago in the summer is the best...have a great time!
You must get some Garrett's popcorn, the Chicago mix!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
Oh! and have a meal at Ed Debevic's! The waiters are rude to you, it's a lot of fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.eddebevics.com/
Bobby's Bike Hike is a great place to rent bikes from, or take a guided bike tour of the neighborhoods. It's located in Streeterville, near the lake, so convenient. I take all my out of town visitors here for a tour, so much fun!
ReplyDeleteUncommon Ground for breakfast or lunch is also amazing. DMK burger and Burger bar are also good local restaurants. The first two use local ingredients and organic when possible.
ReplyDeleteI live in Chicago and I have a few tips for ya! Spend as much time along the lakefront as you can! Oak Street beach is a 5 minute walk off of Michigan Ave and there's a cute cafe (Oak Street Bistro) that serves food and drinks right near the Hancock Building. You'll want to explore the Wicker Park neighborhood (take blue line to Division) and walk west. Dine al fresca!!! Plenty of kids out and about. You might also like Frontier, a restaurant just south of Division on Milwaukee Avenue. They have a crazy awesome 'hunted and harvested' menu along with a huge stuffed bear at the bar (patio is pretty kickass too). Old Town (neighborhood) at North & Wells is also pretty neat.
ReplyDeleteWe went on a couple of the walking food tours....the wicker park one goes to many of the places that have been mentioned....Piece, Hot chocolate, sultans market, icream and more....great way to eat a lot of great food and learn about the history of the area...
ReplyDeleteYou will not regret the boat tour! My husband and I live here, and if you want to have a fun date together with an awesome view, go to the Roof Top at the Wit Hotel - it's downtown and has a fun atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI recommend exploring a neighborhood like Wicker Park (great bars, night life, boutique shops, phenom fro-yo) versus spending all of your time in the downtown loop. Our FAVORITE restaurant is called Longman & Eagle in Logan Square(http://www.longmanandeagle.com/), and knowing what I do about you two, I just think you would really love it too! The restaurant also created some amazing rooms they rent per night for travelers like you!
Toby would love the Lincoln Park Zoo (right by the lake, you could walk there after), the Shedd Aquarium, or checking out the boats by the many piers. Happy planning!
Joanna,
ReplyDeleteWhile you're in Chicago, you MUST MUST MUST see this modern dance group called Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. They are amazing- I get goosebumps every time I see them! I'm actually from central Illinois but I drive to Chicago every chance I get to see these guys. I don't know when you're planning on going to Chicago, but here's a link to their performance dates:
http://www.hubbardstreetdance.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=131&Itemid=139
They perform worldwide so if you don't get to see them in Chicago, you should for sure keep an eye on when they will be in New York. And if you sign up for their e-mail list, they will send you discounts!
Another vote for the Publican! And Ravinia. And the pizza, its so good, but being a New Yorker, it'll be a shock to you! :)
ReplyDeleteOak Park, where Frank Lloyd Wright got his start is also gorgeous.
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of my favorite museums anywhere in the world. It is packed with famous work after famous work and is not to be missed! Pizano's Pizza is right up the street and has some of the best deep dish pizza.
ReplyDeleteAHHH I'm moving to Chicago at the end of the summer and my boyfriend is already there, but he's working to much to go out exploring yet. This post and the comments are making me SO impatient!
ReplyDelete-Nandu is a great Argentinean restaurant.
ReplyDelete- If you like BBQ, you must visit Fat Willys.
-The arch. tour is awesome.
-Walk the river walk- free and gorgeous.
-Kayak the Chicago River.
-Al's beef
-Marios italian ice
-Sweet Maple Cafe- on a weekday (weekends are too packed)
-Go catch a movie at the Music Box.
-If you like the Blue and Jazz, Kingston Mines is an awesome place to grab a drink and listen to some music.
a museum i haven't seen mentioned is the chicago history museum--it's amazing! and really kid friendly too. i could wander around that place for hours.
ReplyDeletehead up north to devon, the center of chicago's indian and pakistani neighborhood-- it feels like a different world up there.
the violet hour and aviary are great for fancy cocktails-- the former is more casual and cheaper than the latter.
molly's cupcakes in lincoln parks has swing seats-- toby might like that ;)
toby would also probably love the museum of science and industry, which has a model of a coal mine you can descend into, or the field museum, with sue the dinosaur!
the art institute and the architectural tour are two popular must sees.
a few neighborhoods to check besides the popular gold coast/loop and bucktown/wickerpark would be andersonville (traditionally swedish, really chic and adorable), pilsen (mexican/latino), hyde park (the south side can be a bit sketchy, but i would go here just to wander around the university of chicago's beautiful campus), and chinatown.
make sure to check out whatever festivals are happening when you're here.
outside of the city there's oak park, a gorgeous little suburb that was home to ernest hemingway and frank lloyd wright-- take the frank lloyed wright studio tour. up north there's ravinia, a great place to catch summer concerts-- get lawn seats and have a little picnic with wine/cheese, etc. another good place for outdoor concerts is millennium park, usually free.
the tribune tower is my favorite building in the city, and it's right in the gold coast off the mag mile (if you take an architecture tour, they'll point it out). it has stones from famous buildings and monuments all over the world in it-- places like castles and the great wall of china and stonehenge, etc. it's so fun to walk around and check out!
Former Chicgoan here. You are going to have a BLAST in Chicago. Be sure to go to Millenium Park
ReplyDeletehttp://explorechicago.org/city/en/millennium.html, The John Handcock Observatory http://jhochicago.com/en/ and og course have some PIZZA! And if you have time do one of the tours offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation http://www.architecture.org/
-amy
My perfect Saturday morning = run along the lake + breakfast at Green City Market + watching the polar bear swim at the zoo.
ReplyDeleteThe University of Chicago in Hyde Park! The neighborhood is beautiful, and the campus looks like something right out of Oxford. You can get there by taking the Metra from downtown Chicago to 55th St, and walking West a few blocks to the University.
ReplyDeleteThe Violet Hour in Wicker Park.
ReplyDeleteIntelligentsia Coffee to get your caffeine fix.
ReplyDeleteBongo Room for great brunch and insane pancakes. The wait can be long on weekends, but get your name on the list and wander around some of the shops nearby in Bucktown.
Gino's East for deep dish pizza. Bring a paint pen and write your name on the walls.
Al's Beef for a dipped Italian Beef.
Hot Chocolate for hot chocolate.
Garrett's Popcorn. Try to find an alternate location to the one on Michigan Avenue--the wait can take awhile.
Millenium Park. Quick drying clothes preferably, as kids will get wet.
Rent a bike and ride along the lakeshore.
Rotofugi for toys. More collectible toys, but still kind of fun to browse around.
Hot Tix for 1/2 price tickets to shows. Nice location in the Visitor's Center across the street from the Water Works on Michigan Avenue.
Born and raised Chicago chica here. Let me know if you need a car service. My bro-in-law owns one of Chicago's best and I can get you a "family" rate...as in my familia ;). And last thing, do NOT put ketchup on your hot dog. If you must, do NOT let anyone see you ;) LOL
ReplyDeleteSome suggestions that maybe you haven't gotten:
ReplyDelete1. Chicago Electric Boat Company for little electric boats you can take on the river.
2. Zanies for comedy in a small club.
3. Green Mill for historic jazz venue.
4. Happy Village bar for having beer outdoors - like hanging out in a friends backyard.
5. Check out the Chicago Reader... going to a street fest might be fun and they'll have the skinny on what's happening when you plan to be here.
Touristy things that you should do (time/interest allowing):
1. Art Institute
2. Boat Tour (Architectural Society)
3. Cubs Game
4. Millenium Park
5. Buckingham Fountain
6. Beaches - Maybe Montrose Ave?
L'Appetito is a must. I recommend it for lunch or dessert. They have delicious pasta salads or the "La Bomba" that I'd recommend sharing. Also you must eat a cannoli. I'm pretty sure they are the best in the midwest.
ReplyDeleteAlso The Congress hotel is a great place to stay and makes it easy to walk everywhere.
Breakfast at M. Henry on the north side. http://www.mhenry.net/
ReplyDeleteBrioche French Toast and Lemon Crab Cake Benedict! Mmm!
If you and Alex can steal a couple hours alone, you should go to the Music Box theater. They play old movies and the space is really romantic, classic, and special.
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