Chicago visit help

[Vishenka69]

We'll be in Chicago for 3 days at the end of the month. We've been there before and have already done all the "major" touristy stuff and are now looking for more interesting and quirky suggestions. I would also love neighborhood recommendations for hotels. Something close to public transportation (most likely won't have a car) but away from Michigan Ave. I know only Auspicious may get my references but are there any neighborhoods in Chicago that are like Williamsburg or Lower East Side? Any kind of restaurant/exhibits/events musts will also be appreciated. Thanks.

[Auspicious]

I know only Auspicious may get my references but are there any neighborhoods in Chicago that are like Williamsburg or Lower East Side?

I definitely don't know Chicago as well as I know NY (bad suburbanite!), but I think the Chicago equivalent is Wicker Park. If anyone has a different opinion I defer to them!

[MarissaNicole]

What type of food do you usually like and will you be on a budget?

I would definitely recommend Heaven On Seven - affordable, and they have spicy food for those who like it, and milder food for people like me. There are several locations as well.

Lincoln Park is a very nice yuppy area - but I don't know what the room rates are like or what the hotel is like.

DH and I are staying at the new LaQuinta Inn this fall and we got a really good deal - $80 with AAA discount!

[alison]

The new Renzo Piano Art Institute wing looks fantastic! http://www.artic.edu/aic/

The park district around there (Grant and Millenium Parks) are nice with plenty to see, and you can visit them on the same day that you do the Art Institute.

Lincoln Park is a nice place to live, and it's easy to get around from there to most places in Chicago, but there isn't really much to do there. There is, however, and nice stretch of beach close by, the park, and zoo (it's free).

Southport (the part just west of Lakeview and Wrigley Field) has a fun boutique-y shopping district. Here's a link. Southport Ave. is mentioned about 2/3s of the way down. Old Town (North/Wells) is also nice for shopping and restaurants.

We like Adobo in Old Town for upscale Mexican food. http://www.adobogrill.com/

Sushi Wabi in the meatpacking district (just west of downtown - take a cab).
http://www.sushiwabi.com/

Bittersweet for a tasty and light lunch.
http://www.bittersweetpastry.com/

[seaside*bliss]

Have you had "Garrett's Popcorn"? Try the mix (carmel and cheese) it's the best!!

[Momo]

Julie have you & your DH tried the restaurants owned by Rick Bayless ?

http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/

[migirl]

Make reservations for Frontera (the Rick Bayless place) early, my DH tried to go there a few weeks ago and was turned away with a 2-hour wait for a table!

Bear in mind I was with my kids, but we had fun in the Millenium/Grant Park area. It's a nice place to walk around and see things.

We've enjoyed brunch at the West Egg Cafe many times.

I think that's it for my contribution to this thread.

[Momo]

I forgot to mention Anne Sather's for a great breakfast or brunch (Swedish Cuisine)! They have four locations.

http://www.annsather.com/

[Vishenka69]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll make sure to look into all of them. We're not on a strict budget but don't want to spend oodles of money either. Something worth the stay/food vs just the ambience or the scene is more our thing.

Tempo is my favorite brunch / breakfast place (I even dragged Auspicious there).

Even though I've been to Chicago a zillion times, I don't have much to offer b/c I always stay with friends/family and visit rather that seeing the city. I've always intended to take the architectural boat tour, though.

[alison]

I took my MIL on the boat tour. It's more tour than actual architecture, but it was still fun. You go along the Chicago River, and then do a tiny part along Lake Michigan.

[Auspicious]

Tempo is my favorite brunch / breakfast place (I even dragged Auspicious there).

It was really good.

I agree with Alison about the boat tour. I had been to Chicago tons of times but we did this when we were there in May and it was great. I know it's touristy but we hit up the House of Blues and listened to some live music (no cover!) and had drinks. We also went out to Oak Park via the el and had a great afternoon checking out all of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes. Btw Marissa, we stayed at the new La Quinta place and it was super nice and brand NEW for really cheap compared to other hotel options. We booked on Hotwire.

[Momo]

I'm sorry i didn't put all of my suggestions in one post. If you have the time and you enjoy flora & fauna go check out The Chicago Botanic Garden.

http://www.chicago-botanic.org/

[Vishenka69]

Thanks for more tips. For the boat tours, are they all the same or are some better than others? For instance, in NY, the ones that leave from downtown (and are harder to find) are way less-touristy and cheaper than the midtown ones.