7 days and nights in Chicago

Hi
I'm visiting Chicago with my teenage son for a week (arriving Thursday!). I'm a real foodie and am very excited about the restaurant / diner possibilities and would love some recommendations for diner breakfasts, sushi and then teenage friendly dinners that might offer a middle aged food obsessed woman some interest.

I last visited Chicago 10 year ago, and really enjoyed Wishbone - is it still good? any similar recommendations?

On a similar vein, can anyone recommend a supermarket where I can stock up on US ingredients to sneak home? We're staying on S. Wabash.

Many Thanks

emma, welcome to LTH and welcome back to Chicago.

where on S Wabash? Will you have a car?

and, where are you visiting from?

We are staying at the Silversmith Hotel (no 10? S. Wabash)

We won't have a car - but I'm prepared to travel on trains etc for decent food

We are coming from Manchester in the UK.

My son is a sushi fanatic, which is not something we have much of in Manchester,so I'm hoping to get some good sushi in Chicago. Personally, I love Wishbone style food - soul food etc.

We have 5 children (the others are staying home with dad) so we don't normally eat out much except at cheap and cheerful places (still good), so with there just being the 2 ofus, and the great exchange rate, I'm prepared to splash out a bit, as long as it's not too formal - I want good food rather than designer chairs and wine glasses

Much of what you search for is on the GNR list, searchable by type of cuisune, and which was made into a handy map.

Here's a fairly recent thread about Wishbone.

Hi,

You may want to consult Joby's thread who was visiting Chicago on a budget with family and often using public transportation.

1 week stay in Chicago-these restaurants OK or suggestions?

Suggestions for a girl's weekend - literally came with teenage girls in tow.

While your budget may be more, Joby used a lot of creativity to get the best out of every choice.

The Pound:Dollar ratio being what is it, then going to Katsu - a fine dining sushi experience - will not make you wince. It is one of the Great Neighborhood Restaurants (GNR) MHays linked you to.

Regards,

Thanks

On browsing, I think I might theme my meals, having 1 genre per night:

Italian beef (never heard of this before)

Japanese

Soul food

Chicago Pizza

any ideas on what my others should be?


I'm loving this forum

Hi,

When you have time, could you please outline what ingredients do you buy to stock up on? I know what I buy for Americans abroad: chocolate chips, baking powder (not soda), pecans. For some specific people's tastes: Shake and Bake and Pop Tarts.

There is a Dominick's grocery store south of the loop at Canal and Roosevelt. You could go to the Maxwell St. Market on Sunday morning to eat your fill of Mexican foods, then go shopping.

Regards,

I'll second and strongly recommend a visit to the Maxwell Street Market. While it's basically a flea market, it's loaded with food stalls serving outstanding Mexican food, and some stands where you can buy dried chiles and other ingredients that may not be as available in the UK. And, what teenager doesn't need tube socks?

Mexican. Lots and lots of Mexican. And other Latin American, which I understand remains nearly non-existent in the UK. Good Colombian, Cuban, Ecuadoran, Peruvian, Guatemalan, Argentine and, of a specific type, Brazilian, here.

Thai and Indian are strong in Chicago too, but you have plenty (well, Indian at least; not sure what the Thai food situation might be in the UK's Chicago). Ethiopian is an interesting option, though again I'm not sure if you don't already have it.

Lack of sushi reminds me that Korean might be a nice change of pace for a Brit, too.

That's a great thought JeffB - Latin American doesn't ever cross my radar - infact the only time I have ever experienced it was at a Taco Bell near Wrigley Field on my last visit to Chicago, where the 99c Pizza truly looked liked vomit.

I'm guessing you don't mean Taco bell though

Brazilian? what is the speciality? In the UK a brazilian is only used in reference to a rather intimate form of female waxing.....

I'll add my vote for Mexican, too. I hope you won't be offended if I tell you that the worst Mexican food I've ever had in my life was in Manchester (lunch catered by the University. My other meals there were excellent, especially Indian food). Chicago, on the other hand, has arguably the best Mexican food outside of Mexico itself.

Go to the Maxwell Street market on Sunday morning, as recommended above, and maybe also for lunch another day try carnitas (delicious pork) at Carnitas Uruapan, easy to get to via the Pink Line L train (catch it near your hotel at Wabash and Adams, get off at the 18th St stop). Carnitas Uruapan is closed on Thursdays and closes at 5 on the other weekdays, 6 on weekends. You order by weight (they suggest a half pound per person). If you want lean meat only ask for carne maciza. Surtido will get you a bit of everything, skin and assorted body parts included. You make simple tacos with the meat and the supplied tortillas. It's very, very good. You can also order a salad of nopales (cactus) on the side.

By the way, Carnitas Uruapan is very close to the excellent National Museum of Mexican Art, on 19th Street between Wood and Damen. Free admission; closed Mondays, open 10-5 Tues-Sun.

Carnitas Uruapan
1725 W 18th St

Old post on C.U.:
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=312

National Museum of Mexican Art
http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

Brazilan food actually represents a very complex Afro-American cuisine with European (Iberian/Italian/German) and Middle Eastern elements. Here in Chicago, as in some other large US cities, the Brazilian form represented is the rodizio/churrasqueria -- over-the-top, all-you-can-eat affairs with huge buffets of very expensive starters (meats, cheeses, salads, etc) followed by an endless procession of skewered, charcoal-roasted meats (mostly beef). If a meat-induced coma sounds OK, and you don't think you will be making it to Rio or BA any time soon, it might be interesting. If nothing else, it will show that overconsumption of meat is not a US-only American phenomenon.

Oh, and there is a glitzy chain that exists in Chicago and NY called Sushisamba Rio that represents a fusion of Japanese and certain S. American cuisines. It's a little bit of a scene, but the food's OK and it almost certainly makes for good people-watching.

Other cuisines, such as Peruvian/Ecuadoran, tend here to be more modest places focused on seafood. If you enjoy sushi, you might consider exploring the various ceviches of Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, etc. The fish and shellfish is lightly marinated in acid (us. lime juice). Similar preparations exist in Southern Europe, but the Latin American forms are ancient and strongly associated with the cuisine.

I'll defer to others on current choices in these areas. I do think that La Oaxaquena makes a mean ceviche along with regional Mexican specialties that one won't find in most of the US, let alone the UK.

Amata wrote:I'll add my vote for Mexican, too. I hope you won't be offended if I tell you that the worst Mexican food I've ever had in my life was in Manchester (lunch catered by the University. /

It's a University speciality...awful food that is

All the recommendations sound great. I'm hoping I can dump the teen on Michigan Avenue and enjoy it all in peace

You might consider signing up for the City of Chicago's free Chicago Greeter program--a trained docent will take you on a walking tour of one of Chicago's many ethnic neighborhoods. It's a fantastic program not many folks even know about. I suggest Pilsen or Little Village (the Mexican neighborhoods) but there are so many to choose from. A walk of Bridgeport could be interesting too, especially if it involved eating at say, Ed Potstickers, Healthy Food (Lithuanian comfort food) or even grabbing a few slutty slices of pizza at Freddie's on 31st Street. Here's the link http://www.chicagogreeter.com Another gem in the city is the Garfield Park Conservatory on the west side. You can take the green line from downtown. If you pack lunches you can eat there, it's a pretty magical place and it's really nice if it's still rather chilly out.

I think Manny's for corned beef sandwiches is a truly Chicago experience, plus it's not far from where you are staying. And Andersonville up on the north side is great for walking, shopping and gnoshing. You and your son might enjoy the "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" show (see the post Cathy2 linked to). Or you could leave him at Kopi Cafe to hang out while you wander Clark Street.

As far as bringing stuff home, you could bring home a bar or two of Chicago's own Vosges Chocolate, it's expensive but if the pound is strong you're laughing. I highly recommend Mo's Bacon Bar. Yes, chocolate and bacon. You can visit their shop in the Nordstrom Building on Michigan Ave.

Enjoy your stay!

bjt

Sorry to piggy back on this topic, but I'll be visiting Chicago for a week also, so didn't want to start a new thread. Will be travelling solo, but the suggestions above have been very useful. What a great forum; wish there was something similar here in Paris...
I'd forgotten about Mexican, but then again I do go to California quite regularly, so get my cravings fulfilled there.

cardesigner wrote:Sorry to piggy back on this topic, but I'll be visiting Chicago for a week also, so didn't want to start a new thread. Will be travelling solo, but the suggestions above have been very useful. What a great forum; wish there was something similar here in Paris...
I'd forgotten about Mexican, but then again I do go to California quite regularly, so get my cravings fulfilled there.

Nothing to apologize for, if anything it could create a synergy between your trips perhaps influencing each other. What are you hoping to dine on?

Regards,

cardesigner wrote:I'd forgotten about Mexican, but then again I do go to California quite regularly, so get my cravings fulfilled there.

Surprisingly, though you would not expect it to be so, the breadth and quality of the Mexican food here in Chicago seems to be much greater than anything I have found in California, so you should not discount trying some of the GNR Awarded Mexicanrestaurants while you are here. All of the other restaurants on the list are excellent as well.

I'm open to all sorts of cuisines, but especially those that are not as common in Paris: Mexican, Japanese, Korean, even Italian, and of course American. I'll try to hit up as many of the GNR awarded restaurants as possible along with doing a bit of sight-seeing as well The tip about the Chicago Greeter program sounds great for tourists traveling alone like myself. Budget is not a problem, but would feel more self conscious dining alone in an upscale place.

cardesigner wrote:Budget is not a problem, but would feel a more self conscious dining alone in an upscale place.

If you are not above dining with some like minded starangers, post a notice on the events board and I'm sure several LTHers will be happy to join you for lunch or dinner. Frequent poster Bridgestonehas done this, for example.

These dishes are more or less unique to Chicago, as opposed to food you can get anywhere in the U.S.:

* Deep-dish and stuffed pizza
* Italian beef sandwiches (and beef/sausage combos)
* Chicago-style hot dogs (Gold Coast Dogs, 17 S. Wabash, should be fine, although there are better places if you're out and about)
* Shrimp de Jonghe
* Chicken Vesuvio (a classic version can be had at Rosebud, 70 W. Madison St, Chicago; perhaps less tasty, but amid more historic surroundings at the Italian Village, 71 W. Monroe.)
* Jibaritos (invented at Borinquen, 1720 N California Ave.)
* And, while they're not precisely unique to this city, we offer better steakhouses than many other parts of this country and most others.

I concur with bjt's recommendation of the free Chicago Greeter tours. I also highly recommend taking in some theater while you're in town (see Chicagoplays; half-price tickets are available at Hot Tix). Also, Chicago has a great live music scene, for almost any type of music, although jazz and blues are particularly noteworthy here.

cardesigner wrote:I'd forgotten about Mexican, but then again I do go to California quite regularly, so get my cravings fulfilled there.

Don't assume that the Mexican food you have enjoyed in California is better than the Mexican food offered in Chicago . . . that could be a big mistake. I would highly suggest visits to the Maxwell St. Market (street foods), Sol de Mexico, Fonda del Mar, BomBon Bakery and Salpicon/Topolobampo/Frontera (assuming a desire to be closer to downtown).

I'll definitely go for some Mexican (Chi-Mex?!) since everyone seems to be raving about it. It's pretty slim pickings in Paris (and Europe as a whole) for Mexican, so even Cal-Mex food is miles better. Will also try LAZ' suggestions for typical dishes from the area. Used to live in Detroit and actually discovered Thai and middle eastern food while I was there along with the stuffed pizzas and coney island dogs. Also acquired a taste for Vernor's Anyone know of a similar forum to this one for the LA or SF area? Would come in handy for my next trip out west. I still haven't arranged for accomodations and haven't a clue where the different neighborhoods and suburbs might be, but will probably be staying somewhat central (East Village, Uptown...)

This is my work in progress, all suggestions and comments welcome

Breakfast:

Wishbone
Heaven on Seven
Lou Mitchell's
Anne Sather
Ina's
??
??

Lunch:
Signature lounge buffet (can't do cocktails with 13yr old)
Italian beef from ??
Street stall in Pilsen
Oysy
Manny's

Dinner:
Katsu
Maltinos
Somewhere Brazilian
A good steakhouse
Somewhere healthy with raw veg to purge a bit
Somewhere with awesome desserts

The planning is too much fun ...I almost don't want it to be Thursday

Hi,

There is very little street food in Pilsen. Walk into a carniceria for tacos and such.

If you go to Maxwell St, probably just show having had your morning beverage, because you will be eating quite a bit.

Regards,

If you enjoy a diner atmosphere, you can't go wrong with the White Palace Grill.

White Palace Grill
1159 S Canal St

While it seems to be a love it/hate it place, I'm always a fan of Lula's. Their brunch menu is generally excellent, and their dinner specials are creative and well-priced. Located steps away from the Blue line, it's very easy to get to on public transportation. Certainly at brunch, there can be a long wait -- I would suggest arriving on the early side (before 10am) or later side (after 1:30pm).

Speaking of Logan Square, I would suggest Kuma's. Yes, hamburgers (aka beef-burgers) are available worldwide, but I still think Kuma's is special. If you don't mind loud (no, really -- it's loud in there) metal, consider stopping by for lunch (it gets too crowded at dinner).

Similarly, Hot Doug's is just wonderful for lunch -- you can even get that classic Chicago-style dog while you're there.

I also second the suggestion of Frontera Grill -- yes, it's crowded and the waits are long, but with good reason, IMHO. Show up at 5:30pm for an early dinner, or consider stopping in for lunch and the waits should be more manageable. Easily some of the best seafood I've had in Chicago. And so what if it's touristy? These out-of-towners are going to be tourists!

As for food, a hotel on South Wabash puts you close to the new Sam's and Binny's (it's their "South Loop" location) -- both have good, if not small, gourmet grocery sections.

Lastly, while I am a volunteer with the CAF, I would nonetheless recommend taking at least one architecture tour of the city (I prefer the Modern Skyscraper Tour but many enjoy the Historic Skyscraper Tour, too).

Definitely Hot Doug's. Come on, it's not even debatable.

NB: Only open til 4, closed Sunday. Friday and Saturday you can get the duck-fat fries and also stand in a longer line.

We are doing a few architecture tours - the long one and the modern one, and hopefully a boat one - the reason for the trip is that my son wants to be an architect

I'm looking through all the suggestions...thanks so much everyone ...and keep them coming

I agree, Hot Doug's is a total no-brainer. It's a lot of food, but if you get a Chicago-style dog and one of his daily specials, you get tradition and innovation in the same lunch. There are other establishments that are better for a Chicago-style dog, but his is more than respectable (though you'll want to do raw onions instead of the grilled he sometimes offers if you want to stick with tradition). For the specialty sausages, however, he's one-of-a-kind.

I also applaud the decision to have an Italian Beef. I absolutely wouldn't miss it and, frankly, I'd put it ahead of both a Chicago-style dog and deep dish in terms of importance when you're talking signature Chicago gutbusters. The downside is that the best establishments, IMHO, happen to be strewn around the outer reaches of the city, quite a ways from where you'll be staying. Devotees of Al's would disagree, however, so maybe that's a good place to hit. Even if the full depth of Al's allure is lost on me, many whose opinions I respect beg to differ, so I think that's a good choice, and fairly close to where you'll be staying. Plus, when it comes to grungy charm, Al's absolutely epitomizes the Chicago Italian Beef stand. Just be sure to hit the original on Taylor if you go that route. The quality of the satellite stores is dubious at best. Mr. Beef is also relatively close to where you'll be, and when they're on they're fantastic, but they've been so inconsistent as of late that I hesitate to recommend them. I'd hate for your first (and possibly only?) Italian Beef to be a bad sandwich, and recently they've been slinging a fair number of bad sandwiches. If you don't mind trekking a little further, Tore's is probably my favorite near the heart of the city and they're always on. One thing I would urge you to do is get the sandwich dipped. There are those who dig dry, but I'm of the opinion that an Italian Beef is just a sandwich until it's sopping wet, at which point it suddenly makes sense. It's a mess, but that's a good thing.

Mexican has been covered as a can't miss, but the other one I'd urge as an absolutely positively do not miss would be either TAC or Spoon Thai (not to be confused with Thai Spoon) for Thai. They're written about extensively on the board. Read up on some favorites and be sure to hit one of them.

A suggestion for an extremely affordable breakfast/brunch: Podhalanka on Division and Milwaukee for Polish food (they open at 9:00 Monday-Saturday, 10:00 Sunday). I had breakfast there about 10 days ago and it was wonderful! I wouldn't have thought to have soup for breakfast, but the Sour/White Borscht (beetless) soup was terrific, as are the potato pancakes and blintzes. If you do go here, make sure to get the kompot, a fruit drink made from rehydrated berries, not sweet but wonderfully fruity.

There's a thread for this place that's on the first few pages here.

Oh, and it's also very filling, so you could probably skip or at least postpone lunch after eating here.