Fancy to cheap all great.... don't care if its on a "list" I want the locals to tell me~ They dig it! What's the best thing there and why.
I'm a Houstonian and I love Chicago, I'm vacationing there.
2006-09-14 08:00:51 · 9 answers · asked by Denise W 6 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Chicago
YOU GUYS ARE GREAT~ Thanks!
2006-09-15 02:05:20 · update #1
Fancier:
mk: Great wine list, small, but well-chosen. My husband dreams about the carrot-apple soup here. http://www.mkchicago.com/
Naha: Recently voted best burger in town, oddly enough, though I don't eat the burger when I'm there. Best service in town. The only place I can get Bellefon rose in town. The emphasis here is on ultra-fresh & organic. The specials are usually spectacular. http://www.naha-chicago.com/
onesixtyblue: The scallops and crab are always amazing here. The menu changes seasonally, but the chef's creativity with these two items never fails to impress me. http://www.onesixtyblue.com/default.htm
Meritage: Thoughtful wine list, delicious food in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. http://www.meritagecafe.com/
Cheaper:
Lao Sze Chuan: Best Chinese food in town, bar none. In Chinatown, but well worth the trip. The green bean selection alone makes me dizzy -- I have a very hard time deciding between szechuan, salt & pepper or garlic every time I'm there. The Japanese eggplant is to die-for, too. http://www.laoszechuan.com/
Volare: My favorite Italian. The Caesar salad to which I compare all others (lots of garlic). They pretty much do all the basics, but do them very very well. Reservations essential on weekends. It's very crowded unless you're there really early. 201 E Grand Ave.
Julius Meinl: for coffee, tea, pastries http://www.meinl.com/southport/home.html
VTK: Kind of an upscale Thai place, with a twist. Great cocktails, too. The citrus curry is always a temptation, as is the halibut with apples, onions, lemongrass and star anise broth. Homemade ginger ale is great, and they serve my all-time favorite dessert anywhere I've ever eaten, passionfruit souffle. I practically lick the bowl. http://www.vongsthaikitchen.com/
Hopleaf: Where the local beer connoisseurs drink beer and eat French bistro fare. http://www.hopleaf.com/home.html
Hot Doug's: The place for sausage in Chicago. Off the beaten path, but in a really nifty neighborhood called Roscoe Village. http://www.hotdougs.com/specials.htm
Vosges Haut Chocolat: Chocolates with all sorts of amazing spices. Yum! http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/boutiques
Ethel's Chocolate Lounge: http://www.ethelschocolate.com/
2006-09-14 08:54:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the casual dining, go over to Greektown, short cab ride, several really good and fun restaurants there. Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian Barbecue, is an absolute must if you have never been to one. It is a little pricey, but it is all you can eat. The give you a coaster - red and green sides. Servers dressed in gaucho outfits wander the restaurant with all kinds of skewered meats. You want more turn up the green side of the coaster. STAY AWAY from the salad bar!!! It is phenomenal but you get started there and don't have room for the wonderful meats. You best call for reservations (pull up there website for the phone number. We saw Dustin Hoffman there last year. Saturday night - House of Blues - get reservations there, too. Sunday - take in the museums around Grants Park - The Art Institute, Shed Aquarium, Field Museum, Millennium Park - or shop farther north on the Magnificent Miles (Michigan Ave).
2016-03-27 01:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by Dorene 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must want places you wouldn't find anywhere else... In northern Chicago (Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park), I would suggest Gejas, a fondue restaurant, great atmosphere on Armitage I believe, the Chicago Diner, a vegetarian/vegan restaurant on Halsted and Roscoe that's a mecca for those types (actually really good even if you eat meat like me), and of course Gino's East Pizza on Diversy Ave. On the real cheap, check out Mayan Palace on Halsted south of Diversy (tonight's half off Margaritas and the food's quite good), or Phillys Best Cheesesteaks on Belmont by the red line. For steak and people watching, get an outside table at Tavern on Rush downtown. It's not quite as good as Gibsons but a 9pm reservation on Friday night always makes for some laughs at the people wandering around. They also have a few Taco Bell/KFC mix restaurants. This may sink my cred, but I love a few tacos with some mashed potatoes and slaw.
2006-09-14 12:19:58 · answer #3 · answered by highergr0und 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Giordanos stuffed pizza. You have to try it.
Portillos has great Italian beef and chocolate cake. They have good salads too.
If you are downtown, try Lou Mitchell's near Union Station. Great double yolk skillet breakfasts.
Egg harbor also has wonderful breakfasts.
Ed Dbvevick. You need to get insulted by the waitstaff. It is a lot of fun.
Joy Yee Noodle has a place in Evanstan. Great PanAsian food.
2006-09-15 13:29:31 · answer #4 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Edwardo's Chicago Stuffed Pizza!!!!
2006-09-14 23:35:01 · answer #5 · answered by Guppy Fish 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to Bistro Margot in Old Town
2006-09-14 08:02:44 · answer #6 · answered by Stylus Happenstance 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll recommend: The House of Blues, the Melting Pot at downtown.
Joe's at night at Navy Pier (live music).
2006-09-14 08:29:08 · answer #7 · answered by xavier_del_rio 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gibson's for steak
Doug's (best Hot Dogs) very cheap
Ruth Chris
Fogo de Chow
2006-09-15 10:47:49 · answer #8 · answered by Fee_I_Am 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
White Castle Hamburgers - buy a bagful
2006-09-14 08:02:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋