Walkable from the Drake?

I've got friends coming into town over Thanksgiving weekend from San Diego. On Friday night, we'll be meeting at the Drake for drinks, then heading out for dinner. I'd like to be able to walk there. No particular cuisine in mind, but I'm thinking non-steakhouse, since presumably everyone will have overeaten on Thursday. I'm typically not thrilled with the restaurant selection in the Mag Mile/Gold Coast area, but I'm hoping for suggestions from the LTH crew. I was considering Mexx Kitchen at the Whiskey, but haven't seen many first-hand reviews. Table 52 is getting all the buzz, but presumably an impossible reservation. Good scene/buzz and/or interesting decor would be a plus. Maybe Le Colonial? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I'd pop across the street to Cafe Spiaggia (or Spiaggia, if they're paying).

ParisCat-

There are several threads out there that would help you. Here is one for example. I did a search on "Michigan Ave." (That may not have been the best choice -- lots of options came up. Try "Gold Coast", or "Streeterville" as well.)

I know there has been some recent discussion on Pane Caldo and the Saloon Steakhouse, both very close to the Drake.

Enjoy.

-The GP

I think Pane Caldo would work, as long as you don't mind spending the money. Just on the other side of Michigan Ave. from the Drake.

This is a no-brainer. Cafe Spiaggia. You can get a very light meal there in a fantastic setting overlooking Michigan Avenue.

I agree with the recommendations for Cafe Spiaggia, for excellent mid-priced Italian. I suggest making a reservation in advance. (They accept reservations on opentable.com.)

If you end up choosing Italian, I much prefer Merlo on Maple to Cafe Spiaggia (although I like CS). First, I love the setting. It's in a beautiful brownstone around State and Maple with three levels and lots of dark, old wood -- feels like you're eating in someone's home. The owners are a husband and wife from Bologna (she's the cook) and they're always there (and not in their more casual Lincoln Park location). All of the pastas are homemade and they are outstanding -- my favorites are the Tagliatelle Bolognese, the Taglioline paglia e fieno which has a veal and prosciutto ragu and is topped with white truffle oil, and perhaps my very favorite, the spinach and potato gnocchi in a parmesan sauce with shaved black truffles. The osso bucco and braised lamb shank are also fantastic.

Also, it's not a very long walk from the Drake, although Cafe Spiaggia is certainly a little closer.

Here's the link to their website.

BR wrote:If you end up choosing Italian, I much prefer Merlo on Maple...

I'll enthusiastically second Merlo. Their wine list is outstanding, as well.

You might think about staying in the Drake and going to the Cape Cod Room. I've found it to be a pretty decent seafood place with good atmosphere.

If you want to go high-end and show them a unique Chicago site, then do The Signature Room in the Hancock Building. I had previously heard that it was mediocre but the times I've been there I liked it. You can't beat the view.

John Danza wrote:If you want to go high-end and show them a unique Chicago site, then do The Signature Room in the Hancock Building. I had previously heard that it was mediocre but the times I've been there I liked it. You can't beat the view.

A lot of people like to go to the Signature Room for just a drink, before or after a meal elsewhere. That way, you get the view from the 95th floor without eating an entire meal there.

The quality of the food has gone through lots of ups and downs over the years. It's been a long time since I ate there - thanks for the report.

nsxtasy wrote:A lot of people like to go to the Signature Room for just a drink, before or after a meal elsewhere. That way, you get the view from the 95th floor without eating an entire meal there.

The quality of the food has gone through lots of ups and downs over the years. It's been a long time since I ate there - thanks for the report.

That's a great idea, to go to the 96th for a drink first.

On the food, I thought it was decent. I'm not that thrilled with the wine list, but that's another story. Actually, I was very pleased with their Sunday brunch when I was there during the summer, although it was a cloudy day so there was no view.