Fun in Chicago

Two places that I investigated during previous SOBCons:

Garrett Popcorn: http://www.familytravellogue.com/taste-of-chicago-garrett-popcorn.html

Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza: http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2008/05/06/lou-malnatis-going-local-for-chicago-style-deep-dish-pizza

I also highly recommend the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river cruise: http://www.familytravellogue.com/chicago-architecture-seen-from-a-river-cruise.html

See you there!

Sheila

In Chicago, we're know for steaks and pizza. For steak, I'd recommend Gibson's (www.gibsonssteakhouse.com) Ditka's (www.mikeditkaschicago.com) or Gene & Georgetti (www.geneandgeorgetti.com). Pizza? Lou Malnati (www.loumalnatis.com) has several locations. Pizzeria Uno at 29 E Ohio St 312 321-1000 is very good. Have to mention beef sandwiches too! Mr Been on Orleans and Huron is Jay Leno's favorite. I prefer Buona Beef (www.Buona.com) with locations all over.

Looking forward to meeting you next month!

-- Kurt

You forgot Gino's East (www.ginoseast.com). I was there at the beginning of April (again) and even wrote about it for Becky McCray! http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/2009/04/handwriting-on-wall.html

Thanks for the great suggestions! Keep 'em coming.

Julie Gallaher
http://thingsyoushoulddo.com
http://twitter.com/juliemarg

Greek Town! Be sure to go to Greek Islands 200 S. Halsted and get the saganaki for sure. Artopolis Bakery 306 S. Halsted for fresh baked goods made on site.

Gyros at Daves on 23rd and Western (have a local take you)

Ann Sathers for a good sit down meal (I love their liver and onions) at 929 West Belmont - go at night and enjoy watching the people on the street.

Lou Mitchells downtown for Breakfast at 565 West Jackson -- go hungry.

Wishbone for good Southern food at 1001 W. Washington - across from Oprah's.

Italian eat at Francescas on 1400 West Taylor (Little Italy).

Okay - that should keep you full!

I agree on Gino's for pizza and Lou Mitchells and Ann Sathers for b'fast. Totally forgot about Greek Town! YES.

These are all great food suggestions. The only thing I would add is to make sure you have a chicago-style hot dog while in town.

As for things to do, the Chicago Architectural Foundation provides several great tours. My favorite is the Architectural Boat Tour. http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx

Also, the stroll down the Mag Mile (Michigan Avenue from roughly Chicago Ave to Wacker Drive) is a great way to spend an afternoon--lots of shopping. IMHO, the best views are near Michigan and Wacker at roughly 410 N. Michigan. Right where the river turns there are cool views of buildings both up and down.