Visiting in June, feedback on this list please!

I will be visiting in June with my family; 5 year old (with a lot of dining experience), husband and my parents for my mom's 60th birthday. We arrive on a Sunday afternoon and leave Friday morning. We eat all kinds of stuff and would love some feedback on the places I've picked out so far. Will be staying at the Mariott residence inn on Walton but have a car and my dad knows the city pretty well.

So far I've got the following, mostly for dinner options but if something's better for lunch please let me know:
Lou Malnati's
Parthenon
Brasserie Jo
Cafe Spaggia
Lao Sze Chuan
Publican - for Sunday night dinner
Topolobampo

We'll be doing the museum thing quite a bit: Field Museum, Aquarium, Art Institute so any lunch rec's close to those would be appreciated as well. I feel like Portland's got some great food but we don't do deep dish pizza, good chinese, eastern european, or beef sandwiches/hot dogs too well. Any other Chicago-only foods that we shouldn't miss? Any good food related shops (chocolate, pastry, wine...) that we shouldn't miss either? Oh, and how is Chicago for dining with children? Portland is almost overly kid-friendly sometimes and my daughter is a well-behaved diner, but I don't know what the vibe is like for bringing a kid out to eat there...

Thanks for the help, I appreciate the feedback!

There are a gazillion places so first up what do you like? Do you want something special that is found in Chicago, just good food, places that aren't going to be on the beaten path, etc.

Are you willing to travel outside of the downtown area for food, or are you pretty much confined. Lover of food or foodie?

Here folks will help you cover as much or as little as you like.

If you are hungry for a quick lunch the day you are at the Art Institute, there are two solid, kid-friendly options nearby. (I would say just eat in the cafe in the basement but in the winter when I was there with my 5 year-old it was closed. I would imagine it will be open by June but just in case.) I say you go to Hamburger Patty's on Monroe, just one block west of the museum, one door down from the Au Bon Pain. They make great, old fashioned diner style burgers, but they also have both turkey and veggie patties as options and you can get any of them with sauteed mushrooms and onions on top. Get them to go if your party is willing (the pace is tiny and bleh) and go back to the Art Institute to eat in the gardens that sit on either side of the building. The gardens closer to Monroe are shadier but those on the south side have a water element that is calming. Nothing like merging the high and the low with burgers and sculpture. Kids can romp and amble and you can enjoy your burger. And your family. (Don't miss the basement family/kid area of the Art Institute, especially the mIniature rooms.)

Second choice along these same lines is to send someone who isn't that much into art over to Fontano's on Jackson, just a few blocks south and then one block west and have them order a few Italian sandwiches and bring them back and eat them in the Art Inst garden or over in the Lurie Garden or on the Great Lawn at Millennium Park. Fontano's does veggie options and a Caprese (and even boring old turkey, which is what my kid would eat).

Hope this is helpful.

bjt

Another good option for lunch near the Art Institute is cuban sandwiches from Cafecito (see LTH thread here).

Since you'll be here during the week, a lunch visit to Hot Doug's would be a good option(multiple LTH threads exist, big one here). Sausage is clearly a big thing here in Chicago, and Doug does an incredible job. Not really close to any of the museums you mentioned, but worth the detour.

Have fun,
-Dan

p.s. Please bring pastrami and a big plate of pickles from Kenny & Zukes

dansch wrote:Another good option for lunch near the Art Institute is cuban sandwiches from Cafecito (see LTH thread here).

Since you'll be here during the week, a lunch visit to Hot Doug's would be a good option(multiple LTH threads exist, big one here). Sausage is clearly a big thing here in Chicago, and Doug does an incredible job. Not really close to any of the museums you mentioned, but worth the detour.

Have fun,
-Dan

p.s. Please bring pastrami and a big plate of pickles from Kenny & Zukes

With my husband in tow, that pastrami wouldn't last the plane ride!

Thanks for the lunch suggestions! As the the first poster's questions, we're probably not driving outside of chicago but will be happy to go outside of just downtown.
I'd also love to hear what you all think of the restaurants I listed as dinner options. Obviously we're only here for 5 nights so we can't eat dinner at all of them so if something is also a good lunch choice, we'd be happy to do that. I've also read some good reviews on here for the Publican sunday dinner thing, is it a feasible place to bring 6 people? I noticed the communal tables and wasn't sure how crowded it may be...
Thanks again!

In lieu of Brasserie Jo, you may want to consider Cyrano's Bistro. I confess I haven't been to either in well over a year, but I remember liking Cyrano's food better and it is more intimate. You can read more about it here:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=13925&p=134960&hilit=cyrano%27s#p134960

I like Lao Sze Schuan but would recommend Spring World as your one Chinatown stop. While I think LSC has some strong points, I've always found it to be rather oily and one note (I'm sure 90% of LTH disagrees with me). On the other hand, Spring World offers a great variety of dishes, excellent seafood, and if you are into the oily/spicy Szechuan thing, they have a little bit of that on their menu, and they do it well (Lamb with cumin for example). Just my two cents.

Best,

M

Also, in lieu of Parthenon (and I think almost everyone here is with me on this) I would hit up Greek Islands for best all-around Greek food, including appetizers and mains. If your sole purpose in going to Greek Town is for gyros, then Parthenon might suffice. If you want a Greek meal, go with the Islands.

Greek Islands
200 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 782-9855

oh, and the Spring World address:

2109 S China Pl
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-9966
www.springworldrestaurant.com

Lou Malnati's
Parthenon
Brasserie Jo
Cafe Spaggia
Lao Sze Chuan
Publican - for Sunday night dinner
Topolobampo

So, going down your list one-by-one:
1. I'm not a big fan of Chicago-style pizza so I can't comment on this. Malnati's is probably a good representation (per my friends who like it and the consensus on the board). Lot's of people like Art of Pizza in the Lakeview neighborhood as well. I prefer thin crust--my current faves are Coal Fire, Great Lake, Crust and Spacca Napoli (in that order).
2. Parthenon: I think you could do better in Greektown, though this place is definitely a landmark. I'd agree with Greek Island. I also like Santorini, though I haven't been in forever. To me, Greektown is not a 'must' in Chicago.
3. Brasserie Jo--This place is solid but doesn't 'wow' me. It is convenient to where you are staying. My favorite bistro is Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square. Not as classic French as B.J. But, great homey, neighborhood feel, beautiful patio (if it's warm enough), delicious food (especially the chicken with sauteed mushrooms and onion frites, their burgers and the pork chop), very nice selection of wines by the glass and beer. If you are in this neighborhood, you could also check out performances at the Old Town School of Folk Music nearby.
4. Cafe Spiaggia: never eaten there
5. I love Lao Sze Chuan. I've never eaten at Spring World so I can't really compare but I would keep this on your list.
6. Publican: haven't been yet but it's high on my list of places to try
7. Topolobambo: I think you could do a lot better at this price point. I would check out posts on Avec (not exactly kid-friendly but if you went for an early dinner, say 5ish, it would probably work with a 5 year old), Graham Elliott, Mercat a la Planxa. For upscale-ish Mexican, check out posts on Fonda Del Mar, Mixteco grill, Mundial Cocina Mestiza, Xni-Pec (o.k. not very upscale, but delicious).

Some other options:
Chicago has great Thai places: Spoon, TAC Quick, Opart, P.S. Bangkok are some of my favorites
Devon for Indian food: I like Uru-Swati (vegetarian) and Khan BBQ a lot. If you go for lunch, check out Argo Georgian bakery
Middle Eastern: Semiramis, Salaam on Kedzie
Mexican (aside from what's mentioned above): Cemitas Puebla, Maxwell Street is really fun with kids if you're here on a Sunday.
Green City Market: you could snack at this farmer's market --right near the zoo and the nature museum.
I'll second Hot Dougs for lunch(during the week!!--crazy line on Saturdays)

I second the vote for Green City Market on Wednesday--with the assumption that they will have the crepe stand back. Between the smoothies from the Seedling guys and a crepe (mmmm butter kase cheese and fresh herbs, or maybe just butter and sugar?) and some good bread and cheese and some of those marinated mushrooms . . . you can have an excellent al fresco lunch and there always seems to be some sort of mellow, kid-friendly music.

If you are willing to venture into a neighborhood beyond the Loop, Lincoln Square and Andersonville both offer a nice mixtures of shops and restaurants that are good for families. Lincoln Square has Bistro Campagne (mentioned above) and Timeless Toys (an excellent toy shop) and The Book Cellar, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while your little one tears through a pile of books. It's about 4-5 blocks in between BC and the shops.

Andersonville has Great Lake, a tiny pizza place where the pies aren't cheap but they are made with excellent ingredients. Go early and a Tuesday or Wednesday evening would be best. Nearby is Toys, Etc., Women and Children First Book store and the Swedish American Museum's Children's Museum (which is one of the best museums for kids in the entire city).

hope this is helpful!

bjt

Personally, I would select the Parthenon over Greek islands or Pegasus. The food may be less adventurous BUT they do the classics very well,

Habibi wrote:While I think LSC has some strong points, I've always found it to be rather oily and one note (I'm sure 90% of LTH disagrees with me).

I think 90% might be low

I'll second the sentiment that it'd be a crying shame to skip town without getting some great Thai -- Spoon Thai* or TAC Quick being the most widely praised 'round these parts. A quick search of the board will yield multiple threads with suggestions, which you should really take to heart.

Hope you have a good time!

(* - Not to be confused with Thai Spoon.)

If you want to try a good Chicago hot dog, and you should if you haven't had one before, be advised that you do NOT have to travel to the inconveniently located Hot Doug's and stand in line for an hour to get one. Really, you don't.

Two good comments:

1) For pizza, I'd skip Lou Malnati's. If you want that style, I'd go to Art of Pizza in Lakeview or for something slightly different Pequod's on Clybourn. If without a car, well, hmm....

2) If you want a hot dog, yea, skip out on Hot Doug's. You can get a great dog without standing in line for an hour.

kuhdo wrote:If you want to try a good Chicago hot dog, and you should if you haven't had one before, be advised that you do NOT have to travel to the inconveniently located Hot Doug's and stand in line for an hour to get one. Really, you don't.

I would add that going to Hot Doug's for a typical Chicago Dog is a waste of a trip. Hot Doug's is known for their specialty sausages. I'd never go there for a simple Chicago Dog.

stevez wrote:

kuhdo wrote:If you want to try a good Chicago hot dog, and you should if you haven't had one before, be advised that you do NOT have to travel to the inconveniently located Hot Doug's and stand in line for an hour to get one. Really, you don't.

I would add that going to Hot Doug's for a typical Chicago Dog is a waste of a trip. Hot Doug's is known for their specialty sausages. I'd never go there for a simple Chicago Dog.

Me neither. And if you're visiting, that's what you want. A regulation issue Chicago hot dog.

On a different note, if you're heading for the Field Museum, a good place for breakfast or lunch is the Bongo Room on Roosevelt and Wabash. Some info here:

http://www.centerstagechicago.com/resta ... room12.htm

Also, a couple blocks north on Wabash you'll find an excellent artisanal chocolatier at:

http://www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com/

Chinatown- My vote is Moon Palace
Museum Area, Lunch time- 7th floor of Macy's, Kiosk offerings of some of the best chef's and cooks in the City- Marcus Samuelson's burger has the 2nd best milkshake in the city + custard, Rick Bayless Frontera Grill has salads, tortas, quesadillas, and soups made to order, Takashi noodles- Best Value, huge bowl of ramen chock full of veggies and pork if you like; La Brea Bakery featuring La Brea breads for sandwiches

Petterino's- Dinner/Lunch (you may wish to make a reservation if dinner is early or lunch is between 11 am- 1 pm; full service American food, solid offerings with a few special seasonal twists (usually come summer they have seasonal lemonades) best chocolate pudding around(housemade) & I don't even like chocolate, soups, salads, and entrees. Watchout, salads are not inexpensive but 1 could feed 2 adults and 2 kids easily in my opinion.

Grab & go but different, for lunch + inexpensive - Wow Bao on State & Lake (disclaimer, founding chef is a friend of ours, but 2 bao(enough for 1 adult + housemade gingerale is less than $5, if my memory is correct). As a family order a 6 pack of bao in different flavors and go from there.

Coffee/ Tea-
Intelligentsia Coffee on Randolph, just east of Wabash, west of Millenium Park (local roaster featuring local biz. sweets and sandwiches)

Argo Tea Cafe- Citywide, but the emphasis is on tea and tea-based drinks. Try the Earl Grey Tea Latte or a teapucchino or the iced cold green tea ginger twist, muffins, fruit, quiche on offer as well (quiche is super rich & amazing).

Lunch- sorry, I did mean Bombon Americano- will get you covered for a sense of Mexican pastry and sandwiches on Clark street, closer to Watertower

Early Dinner- Graham Elliot- Seasonal American Cuisine, a tie for me for 1st or 2nd best carrotcake in the entire world!

Outside of Downtown, but the neighborhoods of the City (this is where the culinary gems tend to be found)

Pizza (not Chicago-style, but fabulous)- Spacca Napoli

Lula Cafe- Seasonal American in a casual setting, great on a weeknight and kid friendly (also open for breakfast and lunch all days except Tuesday's)

The Brown Sack- Probably my favorite restaurant right now in any style and at any price. Closed Sunday's and Monday's. The best milkshake in the city of Chicago, and great sandwiches (hot and cold made to order)- cash only ATM on the teeny tiny premises

Sunday Brunch- Green Zebra, again kid friendly and no wait if you get there at 11:30 ish.
Shawn McCain's seasonal offerings (they make there own specialty sodas there) vegetarian(not much in terms of mock meat offerings or tofu) with one crab sandwich offering

You can find links on the forum for takes on all of these places. If you want more information let me know, now you can see why I asked if there were any restrictions or must have's + transportation outside of downtown issues.

This group is all over the place with folks who would drive to the ends of the earth for the best food item and those who would never walk more than 2 blocks from where they live to get good food.

Peace,

Lou Malnati's is a great choice and there are locations downtown.

Topolombapo is one-of-a-kind. There are a fair number of upscale Mexican places in Chicago, but most are more comparable to Frontera Grill in terms of the level of sophistication and balance between authenticity and creativity. If the menu at Topolo interests you, stay with that. If you think the menu at Frontera Grill is more what you are after, go there or one of the many other excellent (and less crowded alternatives). Near downtown, I'd recommend Salpicon.

Cafe Spiaggia is a favorite of mine. I haven't tried the Sunday dinner at Publican, but the regular menu is excellent and the Sunday menu gets great reviews here.

Darren72 wrote:Cafe Spiaggia is a favorite of mine.

yes i'd second that... would probably go for lunch rather than dinner, equally good and allows you to try somewhere else for dinner

If you're looking for unique-to-Chicago options, an Italian Beef sandwich is a must. Al's Beef is a very solid choice and not too far from where you'll be, plus they have a (small) parking lot. I don't want to say Al's is the best Italian beef in the city (that could be a contentious statement around here...everyone has their favorites) but it's definitely in the running for the title. You can also get a pretty solid Chicago-style dog at Al's.

Al's Beef
169 W. Ontario
312-943-3222

I tried to post earlier, but it got lost - don't forget the G(reat) N(eighborhood) R(estaurant) list, which also has a convenient map feature and a printable pocket guide for when you find your plans have gone awry and you're not where you supposed you'd be. You'll be able to find info on favorite hot dog stands, pizza, and the other important Chicago food groups you're looking for.

Lunch- Cafe Bombon will get you covered for a sense of Mexican pastry and sandwiches on Clark street, closer to Watertower

I can't make heads or tails of this. Did Bom Bon reopen? When? And where is it, if it is in fact open? This is news to me.

Please advise; I won't use their website, as it's been virus-ridden for ages (my computer warns me against it every time I've tried over the past two years!).

I reiterate Lula Cafe. Before I moved here two years ago, countless friends, from Chicago and from elsewhere, argued it was the best restaurant in town. Now that I live here, I am a regular devotee. I had an incredible (and phenomenally reasonably priced) meal there last night, and always come away totally impressed.

annak wrote:I reiterate Lula Cafe. Before I moved here two years ago, countless friends, from Chicago and from elsewhere, argued it was the best restaurant in town. Now that I live here, I am a regular devotee. I had an incredible (and phenomenally reasonably priced) meal there last night, and always come away totally impressed.

annak,

What did you eat? Perhaps you could post about it in a Lula thread? I like Lula, but I find that there are both hits and misses on the ever-changing menu, so it's helpful when people post details about recent experiences. Thanks.

kennyz

sundevilpeg wrote:

Lunch- Cafe Bombon will get you covered for a sense of Mexican pastry and sandwiches on Clark street, closer to Watertower

I can't make heads or tails of this. Did Bom Bon reopen? When? And where is it, if it is in fact open? This is news to me.

Please advise; I won't use their website, as it's been virus-ridden for ages (my computer warns me against it every time I've tried over the past two years!).

I think pairs4life must be thinking of "Bombon Americano", on the corner of Clark and Oak, near the Newberry Library. But -- unless things have changed recently -- they do NOT offer the great sandwiches and pastries found at Bombon Cafe on Ashland and Monroe on the West Side. The one on Clark is owned by Laura Cid's sister, I believe, and has U.S.-style bakery items and sandwiches. So this would NOT be a place for a visitor to get a sense of Chicago's Mexican treats.

(the menu is on menupages, by the way, if you are nervous about their own website...)

sundevilpeg wrote:

Lunch- Cafe Bombon will get you covered for a sense of Mexican pastry and sandwiches on Clark street, closer to Watertower

I can't make heads or tails of this. Did Bom Bon reopen? When? And where is it, if it is in fact open? This is news to me.

Please advise; I won't use their website, as it's been virus-ridden for ages (my computer warns me against it every time I've tried over the past two years!).

No. There is still a mediocre Thai-style restaurant in the space on Washington between Wells & LaSalle. I had the right directions, wrong name for this location of the family franchise. It is corrected in my post.

annak wrote:I reiterate Lula Cafe. Before I moved here two years ago, countless friends, from Chicago and from elsewhere, argued it was the best restaurant in town. Now that I live here, I am a regular devotee. I had an incredible (and phenomenally reasonably priced) meal there last night, and always come away totally impressed.

I love Lula too. I should mention, though, that it's probably one of the more Portland-esque restaurants in Chicago - so if pdxwinegirl is looking for something that she couldn't find in PDX, I probably wouldn't put Lula at the top of the list.

So now if you'd go over to the Portland thread(s) and let me know which my 3rd dinner in Portland should be... I've got Le Pigeon and Park Kitchen for sure (two favs we love to go back to) and are trying to choose between:

Navarre
Clyde Common
Farm Cafe
Simpatica
Beast
Cafe Castagna
Ten 01

This will be at the end of a long day down at the wineries, so we may be more interested in places with good beer than in wine...

A Portland thread (there are others)
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=24474

leek wrote:So now if you'd go over to the Portland thread(s) and let me know which my 3rd dinner in Portland should be... I've got Le Pigeon and Park Kitchen for sure (two favs we love to go back to) and are trying to choose between:

Navarre
Clyde Common
Farm Cafe
Simpatica
Beast
Cafe Castagna
Ten 01

This will be at the end of a long day down at the wineries, so we may be more interested in places with good beer than in wine...

A Portland thread (there are others)
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=24474

All of the above are good choices, except for Navarre, which I've always found to be pretty uninteresting. If I was to eliminate one more from that list, it would be Farm Cafe.

I really like Biwa and Tanuki (both Izakaya-style Japanese food) - defintely my two favorite places in town at the moment. Both have great Sake lists, if you're into that. Biwa has a good Sochu list, as well.