Just booked a weekend trip to Chicago - any suggestions?

[Universal]

Worked a good bit today to finalize my Chicago plans. Here's the lineup I settled on:

Friday - Dinner at Gibsons Steakhouse followed by bottle service Rooftop at theWit Hotel.

Saturday - Dinner at Japonais followed by bottle service at Cuvee.

We're also going to see Million Dollar Quartet on Saturday afternoon. And I'm sure we'll spend quite a bit of time (and too much money) on Michigan Ave.

I will post a trip report when I get back.

[manda]

+1 for Underground!!! Really I love anything that Billy Dec owns (Sunda, and Rockit on Hubbard is a favorite of mine too).

Hubbard between State and Clark is fun too.

There is also always a festival like every weekend so be sure to check out metromix for that.

Rush and Division is always a good time. Ladies, watch out for the grabby 50+ men, lol. If you are looking for a sugar daddy (or mamma) that is the place to go.

Tavern on Rush is also a prime people watching spot if you can get a seat outside.

[manda]

Also,

If you are on Michigan avenue at Millenium Park, right below the Bean is Park Grill. They have to-die-for Mojitos! I had quite a few pineapple mojito's the last time I was there.

[Mr Blond]

Lot of great advice so far in this thread. Gibsons definitely gets a nod as far as steak goes. But, I'd have to say you NEED to grab a burger at Kumas Corner. Easily one of the best burgers in the country (I drove cross country eating burgers and can vouch for this joint.) *Diner's Drive-Ins & Dives clip of it too.
http://youtu.be/Uf44RcjTcww

I hate to admit it, but as a New Yorker, I really like Chicago, almost better than NY these days... great city.

[manda]

Glad you like the city! it is a lot of fun in the summer.

Kumas is fantastic! how long was your wait? We usually put our name in, head across the street for a few drinks, then are able to be seated. The summer is nice because the patio is open, otherwise, good luck getting a table within 1-2 hours on the weekend.

[hug it out]

All good suggestion, only time is a limiting factor.

Bottle service is good, but I wouldn't put too much money into it since the bar scene in Chicago is more happening.

There are many bar areas in Chicago. To name a few, Division Street, Wrigleyville, Southport Corridor, Lincoln Park, Bucktown/Wicker Park.

Don't forget the Beach too. North Ave beach with castaway. Oak Street Beach if you want a more chill scene.

Also, if you're a more foodie person, a lot of popular places like manda says have long wait, so it might not be worth the wait. But hit up the Logan Square area for Hot Dougs or Kumas, but personally I think it's overrated.

[Mr Blond]

Glad you like the city! it is a lot of fun in the summer.

Kumas is fantastic! how long was your wait? We usually put our name in, head across the street for a few drinks, then are able to be seated. The summer is nice because the patio is open, otherwise, good luck getting a table within 1-2 hours on the weekend.

Waited about 90min. We just stood around and drank and talked to others waiting. Next time I go back, I'll do that, cause it was packed!

I love Chicago. If the winters weren't worse than ours in NY, I'd move there.

[hug it out]

Also, check out the neighborhood festivals. You do want to do Chicago activities, not trying to replicate Vegas exp in Chicago.

July
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/e...estivals4.html

August
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/e...estivals5.html

[sailboat310]

The posts above do hit on the hotspots. For a bar/lounge atmosphere you may want to check out the Paris Club or Hub 51 (sub 51 is the club). They are run by the same outfit. I thinks its a bit more upscale than the other places. Both places are great restaurants that also house a lounge.

As for the Rush/Oak area (aka the Viagra triangle), there are some great restaurants such as Carmines, Gibsons, Tavern on Rush, etc. It's the hotspot for trixies looking to hookup with wealthy older guys. Great place for people watching at night. Across the street you'll find plenty of bars to crawl through.

For the tourist thing, don't forget about the Architecture tour on the river. From the trump hotel you should be able to get to the loading areas via a 15 min walk....

[Universal]

Well, I'm back. Here are the high points:

- Trump Hotel is legit on all fronts.

- Roof at theWit hotel and Cuvee are both a good time. Really enjoyed both. Roof is more of a lounge while Cuvee is a true club.

- The lounge/patio at Japonais is SICK. Maybe the best all-around meal we've ever had. It was like the land of the beautiful people on Saturday night. I strongly recommend making reservations downstairs. It was a $150 minimum spend for two for a guaranteed table down there, but it was worth every dime.

- Didn't enjoy Gibsons nearly as much. Steak was too well done on the outside for my liking and the service/scene was just OK. Wish we would have gone with Mastros instead.

- Michigan Avenue is heaven for women. Every shop, designer, etc... you could ask for.

- Really liked Chicago overall. Clean, beautiful city and the locals were great. It's obviously very different from Vegas, but still a great weekend for us.

[Chitown Rik]

Glad you had a good time while here. It's a fun town to be in especially over the summer.