CHICAGO INSTITUTION!

If you don’t know anything about Chicago, surely you know that Saturday night live did a routine from this chicago institution.  Go there and soak up the ambiance.  It’s a must.

Billy Goat Tavern, 
430 North Michigan Ave., 312-222-1525

GREEK TOWN

There are plenty of other restaurants in this neighborhood that are good, once you are in the neighborhood, park, and check them out. Flaming cheese and Uzo will taste delicious any where you go!  Many of the halstad restaurants have valet services, use them!

The Parthenon, 
314 South Halsted Ave., 314-726-2407
The Greek Isles, 
200 South Halstad Ave., 312-782-9855
Santorini’s, 800 West Adams, 312-829-8820
Rodity’s, 222 South halstad, 312-454-0800

PIZZA & ITALIAN

You can go to a number of places in Chicago to get great pizza and italian cuisine.  I’m used to eating at home or with my in-laws, but when we go out, we visit these places.  Every one of us is at least ten pounds over weight, which indicates that we are enjoying the local fare.  Here is a list that shouldn’t restrict you.

Italian Village, 71 West Monroe St., 312-332-7005
Ranalli’s, 343 West Erie, 312-932-0123
Joey Buona’s Pizzeria Grill, 
162 East Superior St., 312-943-3337
Pizzeria Uno, 
29 east ohio, 312-280-5120
49 east ontario, 312-280-5115
619 north Wabash, 312-280-5110
Maggiano’s Little Italy, 
516 North Clark, 312-644-7700
Buca Di Beppo, 521 North Rush St., 312-396-0001
Carmine’s, 1043 North Rush, 312-988-7676

CHINATOWN

The neighborhood is located at the major intersection of cermack and archer.  This is located south of the loop. there is public parking in a pay-lot, and public transportation goes to this neighborhood. It is a long walk from our SPE hotel. Get a ride. Chinatown is a fairly inexpensive place to eat and drink, i cannot say which place is best. When you get there, you can decide. Thai, Indian & Japanese Cuisine  (a number of these restaurants offer vegetarian meals)

Star of Siam, 11 East Illinois, 312-670-0100
Singha Thai Restaurant,  40 North Clark, 312-467-0300
Duck Walk, 919 West Belmont Ave., 312-665-0455
Dao Thai, 230 East Ohio St., 312-337-0000
Kamehachi Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 240 E. Ontario, 312-587-0600
Hatsuhana, 160 East Ontario St., 312-280-8808
Indian Garden, 247 East Ontario St., 312-280-4910

CHICAGO CLASSIC TAVERNS & MISCELLANEOUS GOOD FOOD

Miller’s Pub, 134 South Wabash, 312-263-4988
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap,  41 East Superior St., 312-266-0400
Timothy O’Toole’s Pub, 622 North Fairbanks Ct., 312-642-5282          
Fado Irish Pub, 110 West Grand Ave., 312-836-0066
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, 1028 North Rush St., 312-640-0999
Weber Grill, 539 State St., 312-467-9696
Harry Carey’s, 33 West Kinzie St., 312-828-0966
Mike Ditka’s, 100 East Chestnut, 312-587-8989
Heaven on Seven, 111 North Wabash, Seventh floor, 312-263-6443 (limited hours-call)

NICE PLACES – NO JEANS AT THE EVENING MEAL!

These restaurants are casual for lunch, but for an evening meal, you should dress nicer than we would to work in the black & white darkroom.  I would recommend reservations for friday and Saturday nights.

Heaven on Seven on Rush, 600 North Michigan Ave., 312-280-7774
Rose Bud, 720 north rush, 312-397-0010
Smith & Wollensky,  318 North State St., 312-670-9900
Gibson’s Bar & Steak House, 1028 N. Rush, 312-266-8999
Nick’s Fish Market, Clark & Monroe, 312-621-0200
Shaw’s Crab House, 21 East Hubbard, 312-923-0957
Chicago Chop House, 60 West Ontario, 312-787-7100

VEGETARIAN

Russian Tea Time Restaurant, 77 East Adams St., 312-360-0000
Hannah’s Bretzel, 180 W. Washington St., 312-621-1111
The Whole Grain, 120 E. Randolph St., 312-938-4220
Haifa Café, 163 N. Wells, 312-332-0063
Oasis Cafe, 21 N. Wabash Ave., 312-558-1058
Opera, 1301 S. Wabash Ave., 312-461-0161
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-828-9977
Specialty’s Café and Bakery, 191 N. Wacker Dr., 877-502-2837
Flat Top Grill, 1000 W Washington Blvd., 312-829-4800
Tokyo Lunchbox. 179 W Van Buren St., 312-435-4006

NIGHT LIFE

Walk out the front door of the hotel and let what happens, happen! This city is 24/7 fun and indulgence.... Go find it, most likely it’s right under your nose as you read this guide.  For more information consult, the Chicago reader for the latest gigs and events (www.chicagoreader.com).