Need some advice from Chicago parents

Parent Cafe
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<p>Oh, I agree it can be done - I was just saying that for newbies with limited time, it might be more pleasant to spend the walking time and energy actually up and down North Michigan Avenue, where they can pop into stores, grab a bite to eat, etc. and then take a quick cab to the Museum Campus, where you still have plenty of opportunity to take a nice stroll along the lakefront and then go to whichever museums strike your fancy. </p>

<p>Is the #146 bus the one that drops you right in front of the Adler?</p>

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<p>MaterMia, my son moved to Chicago last July. I’ve spent about 7 days total, in Chicago, so I’m speaking as a tourist/new visitor. I’ll be saving this thread for future reference. </p>

<p>You will be in Chicago with 6 people- are they all walkers? If so Chicago would be lovely to walk around, and I did lots, around the Gold Coast, Michigan Ave, Lincoln Park areas.
I didn’t take the architectural tour, yet, waiting for that perfect weather day. I know that’s a great experience.</p>

<p>For the best “overall” experience of Chicago, those $31 hop on hop off tours were great experience, even for son, who had visited Chicago plenty, his girlfriend lives 30 minutes away. As a new resident to Chicago, he would say that was one of the more memorable things he did! </p>

<p>I second reading the book, Devil in the White City-(you’ll learn how parts of Univ of Chicago were landscaped). And, then follow up with this movie-Magic in the White City
Nearly 28 million visited the Fair. Dubbed the “White City,” it inspired future innovators such as Henry Ford and Frank Lloyd Wright, debuted the Ferris Wheel and Cracker Jack®, and, in many ways, marked the beginning of the 20th century. Against the backdrop of 1893 s troubles with workers’ rights, prejudice, discrimination and corruption, the World s Columbian Exposition cast a brief ray of hope for the future of humanity. Filmed in high definition, “EXPO - Magic of the White City” immerses viewers in one of the world s biggest extravaganzas and one of the most unforgettable events in American history.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> EXPO - Magic of the White City DVD: Gene Wilder, Claire Litton, Gene Wilder, Mark Bussler, Mark Bussler: Movies & TV](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/EXPO-Magic-White-City-DVD/dp/B000977JBW]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/EXPO-Magic-White-City-DVD/dp/B000977JBW)</p>

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<p>^ clarification- when we did the Hop on and off tour- we stayed on the entire time- and just got off for the Willis Tower. So we didn’t try to see all those places, we just soaked up the sun, breeze and Chicago skyline, and bit of history. Total time 2 hours- but saw much more than walking could ever provide.</p>

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<p>Ok - one more thing - after digging a bit more - and looking at londondad’s recs - I think we have too expensive of a place saturday night - and too dressy. Business casual won’t be our football game attire. Any ideas for a good, fun place saturday night? Girl and the goat is booked solid. I think we could eat there at midnight!</p>

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<p>Fronterra - I’m not thinking Mexican. Charlie Trotters was jackets …</p>

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<p>An update - in case anyone looking for similar iideas in Chicago, or going to parent’s weekend.</p>

<p>We went in Friday and ate at Potillos - good, nice environment. Dogs and such. Easy walk. That night we went to Navy Pier at Riva’s crabhouse. We booked on open table and asked for a table by the window - and we got it, lovely water view. Food was very good, and priced ok. Service very good. Entree’s came with a side, which as you know, isn’t always the case. The Navy Pier closes down pretty much at night, but a few things open. It’s got an indoor shopping area, some places to see, looked like some outside “shows” etc. We could have killed a couple hours here, but didn’t plan on it. </p>

<p>Did some shopping up and down Michigan Avenue. Bought the $15 Chicago transit pass at the airport - took the train in to the city. Worked fine. Used the heck out of that pass. </p>

<p>Saturday morning, took the subway and bus to University of Chicago. Our student gave us a walking tour - terrific campus. Visited the Oriental Museum as suggested - amazing. Small, but terrific. Then went to the parent’s lunch/picnic … $15 for game and lunch. Not a big stadium, and not a lot of seating. (Our high school is bigger.) Stayed for the first half, nice weather. </p>

<p>Went back to the city - and had dinner at Topolabambo. Quieter than Fronterra, which is next door. Beautifully decorated. Food was beautiful and tasty - but expensive and small portions. Service was excellent. We spent almost $400 for dinner and we were all still hungry. Walked back to the hotel and ordered a deep dish pizza to be delivered to hotel - it was very good. Can’t remember name of pizza place.</p>

<p>The highlight was the brunch at the Hancock tower. Book early. $45 a person. beautiful view, amazing menu, plenty to eat. With four boys - this was a hit. Lots of choices, desserts, breakfast, lunch, seafood …you name. it. Great service. I would highly recommend this - great way to see the view and have lunch. ( Keep in mind, you have to pay to go to the top of the towers and just “look” … so this kind of kills two birds with one stone.)</p>

<p>Hope that helps someone else - and thanks for all of the input.</p>

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<p>Great info Matermia, thanks !</p>

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<p>i might have mentioned the palomar–here’s some news about the chef at sable:</p>

<p>[Chicago</a> Executive Chef Heather Terhune - Sable Kitchen & Bar](<a href=“http://www.sablechicago.com/chicago-restaurant-chef.php]Chicago”>http://www.sablechicago.com/chicago-restaurant-chef.php)</p>

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<p>In Chicago now, and may I say I love it and want to return since I didn’t have enough time! I need to find the thread where I read about the cultural center. Wow! Was I blown away, and I stumbled onto a free chamber music concert in that amazing domed hall.</p>

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<p>Resurrecting this thread to ask: Need recommendations for a lunch or dinner within walking distance of the Palmer House (so, Millennium Park / Art Institute area).</p>

<p>Suggestions I’ve heard: Avec, Blackbird, Vivere, Atwood Cafe. Have never been to Avec, Blackbird or Atwood Cafe, and was at Vivere probably 10 years ago.<br>
Anyone who has recently eaten in this area have any thoughts? This suburbanite is feeling out of it!</p>

<p>Oh - but this does NOT have to be a “showcase” / expensive / over-the-top fancy meal - just a nice, intimate place is fine.</p>

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<p>Blackbird and Avec are not what I would call walking distance – I regularly walk that far, but if you have a guest, I’d get in a cab. Vivere, IMHO, very ordinary food at high prices.</p>

<p>Atwood Cafe is quite good. They are known for their chicken pot pie at lunch.</p>

<p>If you want seafood, Catch 35 is very good, with Asian influences. I usually hesitate to recommend a chain, but McCormick & Schmick does such a good job with everything, I think it merits consideration.</p>

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<p>What about the new restaurant in the Art Institute? [Terzo</a> Piano Chicago :: home<a href=“I%20know%20it%20isn’t%20really%20that%20new%20anymore%20but%20anything%20that%20wasn’t%20there%20when%20we%20lived%20in%20the%20city%20is%20new!”>/url</a> Trattoria #10 is quite intimate - it’s in a basement grotto! [url=&lt;a href=“http://www.trattoriaten.com/t10/trattoria/aboutus.html]Trattoria”&gt;http://www.trattoriaten.com/t10/trattoria/aboutus.html]Trattoria</a> No. 10](<a href=“http://www.terzopianochicago.com/]Terzo”>http://www.terzopianochicago.com/) Tavern at the Park gets nice write-ups. [Tavern</a> at The Park](<a href=“http://www.tavernatthepark.com/]Tavern”>http://www.tavernatthepark.com/)</p>

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<p>Though not what I would describe as ‘intimate’ The Gage is across the street from Millenium Park, has a nice atmosphere and the food is good.</p>

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<p>There are all a few blocks away:
The Gage: good food, fun atmosphere, but quite noisy.<br>
Russian Tea Time: Very good Russian/eastern european food, nice atmosphere
Rhapsody: In the Symphony Center building, a bit more upscale.
Miller’s Pub: for burgers and a simple meal in a classic old joint.
Atwood Cafe: Right in the middle of the Loop, good food. </p>

<p>All of these except Miller’s Pub will require reservations several days ahead for dinner.</p>

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<p>I’ll second Miller’s Pub. [Miller's</a> Pub | 134 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60603](<a href=“http://www.millerspub.com/]Miller’s”>http://www.millerspub.com/)</p>

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<p>I like all of the suggestions. Miller’s Pub is very different from the others in atmosphere, but I think it’s kind of a hoot. If you want authenticity, it’s there.</p>

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<p>Thanks! Which of these would be more quiet / reasonably intimate, but not stuffy or overly formal?</p>

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<p>I second Catch 35, one of my favorite places and close enough walking distance to Millenium Park.</p>

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<p>I"ve eaten at the gage, but outside in the summer. The salad I had was suprisingly good.</p>

<p>I like Nick’s Fishmarket, which is close, and classic.</p>

<p>Also, an oldie but a goodie, the Italian Village</p>

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<p>Wow–Italian Village! Haven’t been there in years!<br>
We used to go to Miller’s Pub after work (I was a block up on Wabash) and I really felt it was old Chicago with all of the pictures of Mayor Daley the elder. My husband says it hasn’t changed all that much.
Would be interested to hear what people think about Rhapsody…</p>