Chicago - walking distance from House of Blues Hotel?

Dead · 09-27-06, 02:39 PM

The wife and I are going to be in Chicago for a few days in October (5-8) and will be staying at the House of Blues Hotel. I've looked at the previous discussions on things to do in Chicago, but don't really know where many of the things listed are relative to where I'll be.

Here are the Otter suggestions I've compiled so far.

Sites
Sears Tower's observation deck
Wrigley Field
John Hancock building
Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate
Buckingham Fountain

Educational
Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit)
Field Museum of Natural History
Shedd Aquarium
Adler Planetarium
Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free.
Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm)

Live Entertainment
Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group
Oprah's Harpo studio
Zanies is good for standup
Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club

Other Entertainment
Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest
Magnificent Mile
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain
There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to.

Food
Gibson's Link
The Capital Grille Link
Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain)
The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building)
Gene & Georgetti's Link
Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken.
O'Briens -- Good American food
Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat)
Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp
Chicago Chophouse Link
Ruth's Link
Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had!
Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place)
Billy Goat Tavern
Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building
Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had.
Heaven on Seven

So, which are close enough to walk from the HOB?

If anyone was really industrious, a ranked list of these (and any other ideas) might be useful too.

Save Ferris · 09-27-06, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dead

So, which are close enough to walk from the HOB?

Sites
Sears Tower's observation deck---not close
Wrigley Field---Hella far away
John Hancock building---pretty close
Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate---not close
Buckingham Fountain---far

Educational
Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit)---far
Field Museum of Natural History---far
Shedd Aquarium---far
Adler Planetarium---far
Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free.---far
Architectural boat cruise---very close(http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm)

Live Entertainment
Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group---far
Oprah's Harpo studio ?
Zanies is good for standup ?
Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club ?

Other Entertainment
Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest---sort of far
Magnificent Mile---not too far
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain---far
There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to.--?

Food
Gibson's Link---close
The Capital Grille Link ?
Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain) ?
The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building) ?
Gene & Georgetti's Link
Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken.
O'Briens -- Good American food
Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat)
Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp
Chicago Chophouse Link
Ruth's Link
Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had!
Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place)
Billy Goat Tavern
Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building
Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had.
Heaven on Seven

If anyone was really industrious, a ranked list of these (and any other ideas) might be useful too.

Check out www.metromix.com they always have lots of info on these places too

Michael Ballack · 09-27-06, 03:05 PM

Even if you can't walk, take the "L". The public transportation is pretty good in Chicago. Not quite as good as London's "Tube" but pretty good for a non New York city.

sundog · 09-27-06, 03:10 PM

Within striking distance:

Museum of Contemporary Art
http://www.mcachicago.org

edit: 1 mile from HOB

Gene Siskel Film Center
http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org

edit: .4 miles from HOB

JasonF · 09-27-06, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dead

Sites
Sears Tower's observation deck -- about 8 blocks
Wrigley Field -- 30-40 blocks
John Hancock building -- about 8-10 blocks
Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate -- about 8-10 blocks
Buckingham Fountain -- about 10-12 blocks

Educational
Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit) -- about 60 blocks
Field Museum of Natural History -- about 20 blocks
Shedd Aquarium -- about 20 blocks
Adler Planetarium -- about 20 blocks
Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free. -- about 25-30 blocks
Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm) -- 1-3 blocks

Live Entertainment
Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group -- about 10-12 blocks
Oprah's Harpo studio -- about 15-20 blocks
Zanies is good for standup -- about 10-12 blocks
Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club -- about 15-20 blocks

Other Entertainment
Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest -- about 6-8 blocks
Magnificent Mile -- about 2 blocks from the hotel to the south end of the Mag Mile
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain -- about 10-12 blocks
There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to. -- about 30 blocks

Food
Gibson's Link -- about 10-12 blocks
The Capital Grille Link -- about 8-10 blocks
Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain) -- about 2-4 blocks
The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building) -- about 12-15 blocks
Gene & Georgetti's Link -- about 6-8 blocks
Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken. -- about 10-15 blocks
O'Briens -- Good American food -- about 15 blocks
Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat) -- about 20-25 blocks
Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp -- about 6 blocks
Chicago Chophouse Link -- about 3-4 blocks
Ruth's Link -- about 3-4 blocks
Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had! -- closest one is probably 3-5 blocks away
Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place) -- about 6 blocks
Billy Goat Tavern -- about 3-4 blocks. This one is tricky to find -- it's on lower Michigan Avenue, toward the south end of the Mag Mile
Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building -- about 8-10 blocks
Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had. -- about 3-4 blocks
Heaven on Seven -- about 3-4 blocks

So, which are close enough to walk from the HOB?

If anyone was really industrious, a ranked list of these (and any other ideas) might be useful too.

All the estimates are off the top of my head. Rule of thumb: 8 blocks to the mile. Depending on how much you like walking, I'd say anything on the Mag Mile, the Loop, or Grant Park and Millenium Park are walking distance, and anything else is pushing it.

Flashback · 09-27-06, 04:08 PM

I've looked at the previous discussions on things to do in Chicago, but don't really know where many of the things listed are relative to where I'll be.

Google is your friend .. anyway.....

Sites
-Sears Tower's observation deck - good walk - go to Hancock instead. About
a 15 minute walk. However see Signature Room below.
Wrigley Field-North - take red line (the El) and get off at Addison. Lot of
bars around. You can get the red line at State and Grand a few minutes (if that) walk form your hotel.
John Hancock building - better view than Sears ... see Sig below again.
Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate - about 5 minute walk.
Buckingham Fountain - about another 5 minute walk south of Mill park. (read Grant Park).

Educational
Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit) - taxi.
Field Museum of Natural History - about 10 minutes from Buck Fountain.
Shedd Aquarium - same place as Field - next door.
Adler Planetarium - East of Shedd - another few minutes.
Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free. - Taxi - of about 40 minute walk maybe more - guessing here.
Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm) - about 2 minutes - go to Michigan and Wacker - main bridge.

Live Entertainment
Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group - 2nd = up by Lincoln park zoo. Skip Blue Man group -IMO it is not that good.
Oprah's Harpo studio - West side - no tickets? No go.
Zanies is good for standup - about a 2 minute walk south from 2nd City.
Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club - If he ain't playing I ain't going

Other Entertainment
Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest - Grrr. Hate it but about a 10 minute walk.
Magnificent Mile - 2 Minutes and go north from the river for the main stores.
Go south for Mill Park and fountain and Grant Park.
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain - see above - just south of Mill Park. basically the same area.
There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to. - near Wrigley about 3-5 minute walk - Belmont stop (1 stop before Wrigley) on the El (red line).

Food
Gibson's - pretty good - Carmines right by there for Italian is good as well -
it's about a 15 minute walk (see top of Michigan and west a few blocks) to the bar area (Viagra triangle). Near Oak street - and Hancock/Michigan Ave.
The Capital Grille - not coming to me.
Smith & Wolensky - go to Gibsons before - but right by your hotel. Actually Chicago Chophouse is my favorite steak place.
The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building) - blah. Not bad but go to all of the above. I hate it because they took my bar/pool table away to make room for this place. Was fun when ball players played a day game and hung out there for a bit after a day game.
Gene & Georgetti's - not bad - but see Chop.
Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken - love the Prime rib - right by 2nd City/Zanies. Actually a few doors down from Zanies.
O'Briens - not sure but this may be by Fireplace as well.
Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat) - no clue.
Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp - no clue.
Chicago Chophouse - ah - just saw this - my favorite steak place. Others may not agree.
Ruth's - not a fan but about a 5 minute walk.
Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had! - hate it hate Chicago style pizza with a passion.
Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place) - see above. Both are about a 5-10 minute walk. But ugh.
Billy Goat Tavern - couple of minutes below Michigan. Great place to go when you are buzzed.
Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building - go there instead of the observation deck (elevator are in the main lobby) for free. Walk around and if you want grab a drink at the bar.
Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had. - 5 minutes walk
great prime rib I agree.
Heaven on Seven - okay - same walk - closer than Lawrys.

Now my guess at time is debatable - but put a few of these in the same
area and you will be fine.

rocketsauce · 09-27-06, 04:11 PM

please don't limit yourself to walking distance around there otherwise you'll end up eating at either Harry Caray's or Rock n' Roll McDonalds. If you guys feel like going to Chicago's premeir sportsbars you can come visit me at work at Joe's Sportsbar on Weed St. (www.joesbar.com). Sigh....I get bored at work......

rocketsauce · 09-27-06, 04:13 PM

Oh yeah, great seafood go to King Crab on Halsted. A ways away from your hotel but the El gets you there. In fact I'm going this saturday for my 1 year anniversary.

rabbit77 · 09-27-06, 04:19 PM

Just checking in.

If you're into theater, check out Wicked.

Flashback · 09-27-06, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketsauce

please don't limit yourself to walking distance around there otherwise you'll end up eating at either Harry Caray's or Rock n' Roll McDonalds. If you guys feel like going to Chicago's premeir sportsbars you can come visit me at work at Joe's Sportsbar on Weed St. (www.joesbar.com). Sigh....I get bored at work......

Joe's? If you are a college kid fine, but for me - hell no. I live about a mile
from there too.

There are plenty of nice places to eat in his area that is walking distance.
If he is naming Chop, Smith, Gene or Gibsons I doubt he is looking for dining at McDonalds. And most of those places are right by him.

rabbit77 · 09-27-06, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketsauce

Oh yeah, great seafood go to King Crab on Halsted. A ways away from your hotel but the El gets you there. In fact I'm going this saturday for my 1 year anniversary.

Congrats!

Today is our 3 year anniversary and we're probably going to Gibson's (in Rosemont) Saturday.

Numanoid · 09-27-06, 04:25 PM

Might I suggest The House of Blues?

rabbit77 · 09-27-06, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numanoid

Might I suggest The House of Blues?

Meh, not much playing while they're there...

10.05 Matt Nathanson with Carbon Leaf
10.06 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
10.06 Louise Setara
10.08 2006 Radio Rebellion Tour

leepyswetr · 09-27-06, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketsauce

Rock n' Roll McDonalds.

Save Ferris · 09-27-06, 04:37 PM

You should only go to McDonalds if you are black.

Neitzl · 09-27-06, 05:17 PM

Right across the street from Harry Carays is a great steak place, Keefers. Also, right next door to the house of blues club is a great restaurant/wine bar called Bin 36. Try it out, great flights of wines and some pretty tasty food. If you want to go dancing, try Excalibur or Visions (i think) right up the street on dearborn. There's a par 3 golf course downtown somewhere, I've never actually come across it though. I don't like King Crab too much, but I think Catch 35 on wacker dr is very good.

Numanoid · 09-27-06, 05:28 PM

"10 Pin" is right next to the HOB hotel and is a nice way to warm up for the evening with a martini, a few games of bowling, and picking some choice '80s music videos that play on the giant screens hanging over the lanes.

ChiTownAbs, Inc · 09-27-06, 07:05 PM

my thoughts .... in italics

Sites
Sears Tower's observation deck Skip, go to Hancock's Signature Room and have a meal. Two birds, one stone, and it's within walking distance of your hotel
Wrigley Field Cubs don't play here in October, but it's on the Red Line at Addison
John Hancock building Go, go, go, and keep your wallet close by. You will thank me later
Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate Close to your hotel, must see park
Buckingham FountainWithin walking distance from Millenium Park, another must see, though the fountain may be shut by the time you are there.

Educational
Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit)You will need to take a bus there. Have not been in probably 20 years
Field Museum of Natural HistoryExcellent, but if the Bears are in town, I would not go on that day. Bears & Field Museum share a parking lot and it's quite chaotic around there during gamedays
Shedd AquariumNext to Field, this is not a short walk from your hotel AT ALL. I would take a bus
Adler PlanetariumAnother museum on the campus. Have not been in a long time
Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free.Will need to take a bus, quite a hike from HoB
Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm)Good, but I will give you the URL to a better cruise

Live Entertainment
Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group For either I would check out HotTix (http://www.hottix.org) for day off half off tix. Both shows are really good
Oprah's Harpo studio Skip. Nothing to see. Seriously.
Zanies is good for standup Have not been
Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club Good club. Short bus ride from hotel

Other Entertainment
Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the MidwestDespite the cries about how touristy it is, just suck it up and go. It's actually not ALL that bad.
Magnificent Mile You will hit this while walking to John Hancock
Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain See Millenium Park above
There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to.

Food
Gibson's Good steaks, good celeb sightings type of place
The Capital Grille skip. every major city has one.
Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain)skip
The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building)have not been
Gene & Georgetti's this is a good ole boys type of restaurant.
Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken. near second city, good food, highly recommended
O'Briens -- Good American food near second city as well, good stuff
Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat)near second city, but would choose others over this
Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asphave not been
Chicago Chophouse have not been
Ruth's chain, skip
Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had!good
Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place)the original is the best, all the rest is crap
Billy Goat Tavern gasp... i have not been to the orignal
Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock buildingrecommended above
Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had.orgasmic
Heaven on Sevenwalking distance from your hotel, very good spicy nawlins food

ChiTownAbs, Inc · 09-27-06, 07:05 PM

fuck, i think you can weed through my comments. will fix after i get home.

bothanspy · 09-27-06, 10:19 PM

The Bears take on the Bills on the 8th.

And it may be too early in October, but at Milleniunm Park, they set up professionally carved pumpkins bordering the pavillion.

Also, at Michigan and Pearson (I believe) across from the Waterworks, is a Hershey store ( I had never seen one). But they have amazing hot chocolates there. Plus the Borders Flahship store is at that corner. Its huge and no stranger to celebrities.

Also, go by Marshall Fields. Its kinda hard to find, because its mis-labled Macy's.

Enjoy

PS: Happy Anniversary, Rabbit

rocketsauce · 09-27-06, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashback

Joe's? If you are a college kid fine, but for me - hell no. I live about a mile
from there too.

There are plenty of nice places to eat in his area that is walking distance.
If he is naming Chop, Smith, Gene or Gibsons I doubt he is looking for dining at McDonalds. And most of those places are right by him.

Most of the post was facetious. I didn't think he would go to Joe's. And the reason I only named Harry's and RnR Mcd's was because I was just trying to get the point across that he shouldn't limit himself to walking distance in this great city. There is stuff everywhere. Someone already mentioned using Metromix.com, that's a great start because they have user reviews on most places that I have found to be reasonably reliable.

rocketsauce · 09-27-06, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabbit77

Just checking in.

If you're into theater, check out Wicked.

I saw it (and saw Rex Grossman there to boot, who, I might brag, had worse seats than me) and it wasn't bad, mind you it was my first broadway or whatever show. But good luck getting tickets this short of notice. Your best bet would be to go to the steps of the field house right before kick off of the Bears game Sunday and buying some tickets to the game. If you have no luck just turn around 180 degrees and go check out King Tut. I'm going Saturday so I can let you know if it's worth it.

Buford T Pusser · 09-28-06, 12:47 AM

Is Ed DeBevic's still across (and over a block) from the Rock and Roll McDonald's?

cerulean · 09-28-06, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketsauce

I saw it (and saw Rex Grossman there to boot, who, I might brag, had worse seats than me) and it wasn't bad, mind you it was my first broadway or whatever show. But good luck getting tickets this short of notice.

Wicked is excellent. There is a lottery before every performance for $25 front row tickets. Only about 10 people win (2 ticket limit), so I wouldn't count on this if you're heart is set on seeing the show. There's a similar lottery for the Putnam Cty Spelling Bee musical by Water Tower Place.

You might catch other discounted day of show theater tickets at HotTix. Occasionally they have Blue Man Group.

There are free trolleys to some of the main tourist areas during the summer, but I don't know if they are still running during the fall.

I agree with others - Hancock view is better than Sears Tower, Millennium Park is a must-see, Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain are worth a look if you've never been there, the mentioned museums are all good and preference would depend on your interests.

Architecture boat cruise - The one I've been on is by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, which also does other various architecture tours. This one may be more educational than others and it's the one that was on PBS (at least locally).

Giordano's pizza - I think Uno's, Gino's East, and Lou Malnati's are a lot better. Uno's is where deep dish was invented, and it's not the same as the restaurant chain.

Anyway, HOB is in the River North neighborhood where there are tons of restaurants and bars. HOB itself does a gospel brunch, which I've heard is fun but pricey (I guess you're paying for the show).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bothanspy

Also, go by Marshall Fields. Its kinda hard to find, because its mis-labled Macy's.

rocketsauce · 09-28-06, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cerulean

There are free trolleys to some of the main tourist areas during the summer, but I don't know if they are still running during the fall.

Yeah they are still running as of yesterday. I see them outside of Columbia College, where I attend, on Michigan Ave.

09-27-06, 02:39 PM	#1
Dead Mod Emeritus Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Gone to the islands - 'til we meet again. Posts: 19,053	Chicago - walking distance from House of Blues Hotel? The wife and I are going to be in Chicago for a few days in October (5-8) and will be staying at the House of Blues Hotel. I've looked at the previous discussions on things to do in Chicago, but don't really know where many of the things listed are relative to where I'll be. Here are the Otter suggestions I've compiled so far. Sites Sears Tower's observation deck Wrigley Field John Hancock building Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate Buckingham Fountain Educational Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit) Field Museum of Natural History Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free. Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm) Live Entertainment Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group Oprah's Harpo studio Zanies is good for standup Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club Other Entertainment Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest Magnificent Mile Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to. Food Gibson's Link The Capital Grille Link Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain) The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building) Gene & Georgetti's Link Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken. O'Briens -- Good American food Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat) Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp Chicago Chophouse Link Ruth's Link Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had! Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place) Billy Goat Tavern Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had. Heaven on Seven So, which are close enough to walk from the HOB? If anyone was really industrious, a ranked list of these (and any other ideas) might be useful too. __________________ Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.

09-27-06, 03:05 PM	#3
Michael Ballack DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,777	Even if you can't walk, take the "L". The public transportation is pretty good in Chicago. Not quite as good as London's "Tube" but pretty good for a non New York city. __________________ XBox Live Gamertag: Darth Creepio "The cake is a lie"

09-27-06, 03:10 PM	#4
sundog DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,223	Within striking distance: Museum of Contemporary Art http://www.mcachicago.org edit: 1 mile from HOB Gene Siskel Film Center http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org edit: .4 miles from HOB Last edited by sundog; 09-27-06 at 03:17 PM.

09-27-06, 04:08 PM	#6
Flashback DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,283	I've looked at the previous discussions on things to do in Chicago, but don't really know where many of the things listed are relative to where I'll be. Google is your friend .. anyway..... Sites -Sears Tower's observation deck - good walk - go to Hancock instead. About a 15 minute walk. However see Signature Room below. Wrigley Field-North - take red line (the El) and get off at Addison. Lot of bars around. You can get the red line at State and Grand a few minutes (if that) walk form your hotel. John Hancock building - better view than Sears ... see Sig below again. Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate - about 5 minute walk. Buckingham Fountain - about another 5 minute walk south of Mill park. (read Grant Park). Educational Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit) - taxi. Field Museum of Natural History - about 10 minutes from Buck Fountain. Shedd Aquarium - same place as Field - next door. Adler Planetarium - East of Shedd - another few minutes. Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free. - Taxi - of about 40 minute walk maybe more - guessing here. Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm) - about 2 minutes - go to Michigan and Wacker - main bridge. Live Entertainment Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group - 2nd = up by Lincoln park zoo. Skip Blue Man group -IMO it is not that good. Oprah's Harpo studio - West side - no tickets? No go. Zanies is good for standup - about a 2 minute walk south from 2nd City. Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club - If he ain't playing I ain't going Other Entertainment Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the Midwest - Grrr. Hate it but about a 10 minute walk. Magnificent Mile - 2 Minutes and go north from the river for the main stores. Go south for Mill Park and fountain and Grant Park. Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain - see above - just south of Mill Park. basically the same area. There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to. - near Wrigley about 3-5 minute walk - Belmont stop (1 stop before Wrigley) on the El (red line). Food Gibson's - pretty good - Carmines right by there for Italian is good as well - it's about a 15 minute walk (see top of Michigan and west a few blocks) to the bar area (Viagra triangle). Near Oak street - and Hancock/Michigan Ave. The Capital Grille - not coming to me. Smith & Wolensky - go to Gibsons before - but right by your hotel. Actually Chicago Chophouse is my favorite steak place. The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building) - blah. Not bad but go to all of the above. I hate it because they took my bar/pool table away to make room for this place. Was fun when ball players played a day game and hung out there for a bit after a day game. Gene & Georgetti's - not bad - but see Chop. Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken - love the Prime rib - right by 2nd City/Zanies. Actually a few doors down from Zanies. O'Briens - not sure but this may be by Fireplace as well. Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat) - no clue. Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asp - no clue. Chicago Chophouse - ah - just saw this - my favorite steak place. Others may not agree. Ruth's - not a fan but about a 5 minute walk. Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had! - hate it hate Chicago style pizza with a passion. Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place) - see above. Both are about a 5-10 minute walk. But ugh. Billy Goat Tavern - couple of minutes below Michigan. Great place to go when you are buzzed. Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building - go there instead of the observation deck (elevator are in the main lobby) for free. Walk around and if you want grab a drink at the bar. Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had. - 5 minutes walk great prime rib I agree. Heaven on Seven - okay - same walk - closer than Lawrys. Now my guess at time is debatable - but put a few of these in the same area and you will be fine. Last edited by Flashback; 09-27-06 at 04:11 PM.

09-27-06, 04:11 PM	#7
rocketsauce DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,760	please don't limit yourself to walking distance around there otherwise you'll end up eating at either Harry Caray's or Rock n' Roll McDonalds. If you guys feel like going to Chicago's premeir sportsbars you can come visit me at work at Joe's Sportsbar on Weed St. (www.joesbar.com). Sigh....I get bored at work...... __________________ PSN Gamertag: chicubfan

09-27-06, 04:13 PM	#8
rocketsauce DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chicago Posts: 4,760	Oh yeah, great seafood go to King Crab on Halsted. A ways away from your hotel but the El gets you there. In fact I'm going this saturday for my 1 year anniversary. __________________ PSN Gamertag: chicubfan

09-27-06, 04:19 PM	#9
rabbit77 DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Des Plaines, IL Posts: 6,665	Just checking in. If you're into theater, check out Wicked. Last edited by rabbit77; 09-27-06 at 04:22 PM.

09-27-06, 04:25 PM	#12
Numanoid DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Down in 'The Park' Posts: 27,064	Might I suggest The House of Blues?

09-27-06, 04:37 PM	#15
Save Ferris DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 12,690	You should only go to McDonalds if you are black. __________________ This weeks horoscope: “You’ll spend your remaining years hooked up to a machine, which is sad, as it’s the kind that checks e-mail and sends out texts.”

09-27-06, 05:17 PM	#16
Neitzl DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 2,295	Right across the street from Harry Carays is a great steak place, Keefers. Also, right next door to the house of blues club is a great restaurant/wine bar called Bin 36. Try it out, great flights of wines and some pretty tasty food. If you want to go dancing, try Excalibur or Visions (i think) right up the street on dearborn. There's a par 3 golf course downtown somewhere, I've never actually come across it though. I don't like King Crab too much, but I think Catch 35 on wacker dr is very good. __________________ DVDs Comics

09-27-06, 05:28 PM	#17
Numanoid DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Down in 'The Park' Posts: 27,064	"10 Pin" is right next to the HOB hotel and is a nice way to warm up for the evening with a martini, a few games of bowling, and picking some choice '80s music videos that play on the giant screens hanging over the lanes.

09-27-06, 07:05 PM	#18
ChiTownAbs, Inc DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 17,198	my thoughts .... in italics Sites Sears Tower's observation deck Skip, go to Hancock's Signature Room and have a meal. Two birds, one stone, and it's within walking distance of your hotel Wrigley Field Cubs don't play here in October, but it's on the Red Line at Addison John Hancock building Go, go, go, and keep your wallet close by. You will thank me later Millenium Park / Pritzker Pavillion / Sky Gate Close to your hotel, must see park Buckingham FountainWithin walking distance from Millenium Park, another must see, though the fountain may be shut by the time you are there. Educational Museum of Science and Industry (U-505 exhibit)You will need to take a bus there. Have not been in probably 20 years Field Museum of Natural HistoryExcellent, but if the Bears are in town, I would not go on that day. Bears & Field Museum share a parking lot and it's quite chaotic around there during gamedays Shedd AquariumNext to Field, this is not a short walk from your hotel AT ALL. I would take a bus Adler PlanetariumAnother museum on the campus. Have not been in a long time Lincoln Park Zoo One of the oldest zoos in the country, and best of all, it's free.Will need to take a bus, quite a hike from HoB Architectural boat cruise (http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/...ivercruise.htm)Good, but I will give you the URL to a better cruise Live Entertainment Second City (main stage) or Blue Man Group For either I would check out HotTix (http://www.hottix.org) for day off half off tix. Both shows are really good Oprah's Harpo studio Skip. Nothing to see. Seriously. Zanies is good for standup Have not been Buddy Guy's Legend. Very good blues club Good club. Short bus ride from hotel Other Entertainment Navy Pier. It's one of the top 10 tourist attractions in the MidwestDespite the cries about how touristy it is, just suck it up and go. It's actually not ALL that bad. Magnificent Mile You will hit this while walking to John Hancock Grant Park / Buckingham Fountain See Millenium Park above There is a cool store called Uncle Fun that I like going to. Food Gibson's Good steaks, good celeb sightings type of place The Capital Grille skip. every major city has one. Smith & Wolensky Link (also a chain)skip The Grill on the Alley Link (In the Westin Hotel across from the Hancock Building)have not been Gene & Georgetti's this is a good ole boys type of restaurant. Fireplace Inn -- very good ribs and chicken. near second city, good food, highly recommended O'Briens -- Good American food near second city as well, good stuff Flattop Grill -- Mongolian BBQ (All you can eat)near second city, but would choose others over this Nick's Fishmarket. http://www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com/index.asphave not been Chicago Chophouse have not been Ruth's chain, skip Giordano's?! Their stuffed pizza is the best I've ever had!good Uno pizzeria near Rush street (deep dish pizza place)the original is the best, all the rest is crap Billy Goat Tavern gasp... i have not been to the orignal Signature Room. The resturant is located on the 95th floor of the John Hancock buildingrecommended above Lawry's Prime Rib -- some of the best prime rib I've had.orgasmic Heaven on Sevenwalking distance from your hotel, very good spicy nawlins food Last edited by ChiTownAbs, Inc; 09-28-06 at 07:03 AM.

09-27-06, 10:19 PM	#20
bothanspy DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Chicago, only a stone's throw from Chicago (even if you throw like a girl) Posts: 2,455	The Bears take on the Bills on the 8th. And it may be too early in October, but at Milleniunm Park, they set up professionally carved pumpkins bordering the pavillion. Also, at Michigan and Pearson (I believe) across from the Waterworks, is a Hershey store ( I had never seen one). But they have amazing hot chocolates there. Plus the Borders Flahship store is at that corner. Its huge and no stranger to celebrities. Also, go by Marshall Fields. Its kinda hard to find, because its mis-labled Macy's. Enjoy PS: Happy Anniversary, Rabbit __________________ Many Bothan spies died to bring you this information. Bothan's favorite post of the week: BY: Charlie Goose "Ludacris as host? That's radiculis!". (Last Update OCtober 2006) D-V-What?

09-28-06, 12:47 AM	#23
Buford T Pusser DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lighten up, Francis! (Funland) Posts: 26,766	Is Ed DeBevic's still across (and over a block) from the Rock and Roll McDonald's?