Help in South Loop area...where to eat?

Got a friend of mine staying at the Hilton Chicago on S Michigan Avenue for a few nights attending a convention at McCormick Place. He was looking for ideas on where to go for food (and other fun stuff) and I just don't know that immediate area real well. I know Grant Park is across the street. No car, but can do public transit, but I think he's more interested in what he can get to by foot or short cab.

Basically he wants to experience Chicago...nothing too fancy, but all suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

For food, Mercat a la Planxa is an excellent modern tapas restaurant in walking distance.

For fun, Buddy Guys, for blues, and the Jazz Showcase, for jazz, are within walking distance.

There's a Harold's Chicken Shack at 636 S. Wabash, just around the corner from the Hilton. Meets the criteria of not being fancy and of experiencing Chicago

Flo & Santos, Yolk, Bongo Room, Eleven City Diner, all have been discussed on here before.

Wow, good start so far. Looks like there is a Lou's a Giordano's relatively close for pizza as well. Anyone know of any good italian beef close?

A couple of other places you might want to search here that are in easy walking distance of the Hilton: Cafecito (Cuban lunch), Chicago Curry House (Indian), Custom House (a bit higher-end, a lot of changes in the kitchen lately), Rhapsody (also slightly higher-end but a favorite of mine with its new emphasis on Italian), Hackney's (hamburgers, beer, and the like).

Strongly second Jazz Showcase and Buddy Guy's and BG's does have a decent Cajun/Southern menu. Lou Malnatti's (on State) for deep-dish pizza, Edwardo's (on Dearborn) for stuffed pizza, but you'd have to cab it to get the best Italian beef in the general area (and across the street--Italian ice at Mario's) at Al's #1 on Taylor (roughly 2+ miles away). There's a Portillo's somewhat closer, but Al's is an experience.

Gioco's gets good reviews and is open again (I have not been).

South Coast Sushi on S. Michigan is very good.

Depending on your definition of walking distance, The Gage on Michigan across from Millenium park is also very good. Good food and great beer and cocktails. It is certainly a short cab ride. If you want something a bit more upscale, Henri is next door to The Gage. I found the food at Henri good, but really enjoyed the space and the service. The overall experience at Henri makes for a very enjoyable night.

Panozzo's Italian Market is at Michigan and 13th. Great sandwhiches and Italian deli items.

On previous suggestions, I find Custom House to be very expensive for the quality. Flo and Santos is good for what it is, but the slow service and slow kitchen make for an overall unpleasant experience.

If I were staying at the Hilton Chicago and wanted a good meal, I'd cross the river and go to the Purple Pig. It's a nice walk up Michigan Avenue, or an easy bus or cab ride. I've worked in the area for more than three years and haven't enjoyed any meals near the Hilton Chicago nearly as much as I've enjoyed my three meals at the Purple Pig.

Ronna

RSMBob wrote:Wow, good start so far. Looks like there is a Lou's a Giordano's relatively close for pizza as well. Anyone know of any good italian beef close?

There's a relatively new Al's outpost on Jackson just east of State. I can't tell the difference between it and the Taylor location. *shrug*

I'll add - http://www.blackieschicago.com/ to the list.

jtm1631 wrote:On previous suggestions, I find Custom House to be very expensive for the quality. Flo and Santos is good for what it is, but the slow service and slow kitchen make for an overall unpleasant experience.

Expense aside, I just haven't been impressed by the food lately. I work nearby and have met clients there on occasion (more of necessity). It's not nearly as good as when it first opened.

RSMBob wrote:Basically he wants to experience Chicago...nothing too fancy, but all suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Manny's yet. It's pretty quintessentially Chicago and a place I love to take visitors.

Also, White Palace Grill, another board favorite and a great late night spot.

I'm in the "Manny's is just eh" camp. Coasting on a reputation and nostalgia. To me it's on par with Eleven City - both are passable but neither stands out. And Eleven City is much closer (although I'd never recommend it; only as an alternative to schlepping to Manny's).

Donna's Cafe
1255 S State
(between Roosevelt Rd & 13th St)
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 461-1005 noted on the web.... Our patio is open! We invite you to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the outside!



Artist's Snack Shop
412 S Michigan Ave
(between Van Buren St & Congress Plaza Dr)
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 939-7855
http://www.artists-cafe.com

Under no circumstances should you eat at the Artist's Snack Shop. Even the coffee is bad.

I was a frequent diner at all the former KDK restaurants. Red Light, Marche & Opera. Gioco is all that is left. I have over 2000 points in their frequent diner program. Anybody have any idea who to contact about the program. I've emailed the contact on the Gioco site without any response.

Did you try calling the restaurant? I think you're most likely to get accurate information directly from them.