Charles L. wrote: >Does anyone have a summary of Chicago restaurants that they can email me? >My wife and I will be spending a few days there and would like to sample >some the cuisine there that we cant get here in the bay area. Thanks in >advance. My best recommendation to you is to purchase a copy of Chicago magazine when you arrive -- their restaurant listings are extensive (though not exhaustive) and fairly reliable, and they break them down by location and type of restaurant. Since you don't say where you're staying or what kind of food you like, it's hard for me to make recommendations. If you want Chicago specialties, though, here are some things to look for: Chicago pizza -- order only deep-dish or stuffed pizza. In my opinion the best comes from Edwardo's, which has many outlets. Chicago-style hot dogs -- a proper dog is steamed, served on a poppy seed bun and topped with mustard, chopped onion, bright green pickle relish, tomato wedges, dill pickle spears, hot sport peppers (optional) and celery salt, but NO ketchup. Almost any hot dog stand will do, though Superdawg on the Northwest Side is the most picturesque. Italian beef -- picture something like a french dip sandwich, pre-dipped. The meat is cooked with Italian seasonings and topped with your choice of hot or sweet peppers. A popular option is a combo with grilled Italian sausage added. It's extremely messy and very good. My favorite beef stands are Al's on Taylor Street and Johnnie's in Elmwood Park, but you can get decent beef at almost any Italian beef stand. Note: the difference between an Italian beef stand, a hot dog stand and gyros stand is the sign outside -- nearly all sell all three. Ribs -- for good examples of the Midwestern style, try Bones in Lincolnwood or The Original A-1 in North Pier. Also Carsons. Babyback pork ribs are the Chicago favorite. The ribs should be a bit chewy, the sauce tomato-based and slightly sweet. Steaks -- the epitome of the Chicago steak house is probably Morton's. Eli's gets raves, too -- and be sure to have the famous cheesecake. I also like That Steak Joynt in Old Town. See improvs at Second City afterward. Chicago also has lots of ethnic restaurants, from Afghan to Vietnamese, world-class (expensive) dining and everything in between. Le Francais in Wheeling has a national reputation. Topolambampo, a Mexican restaurant, is supposed to be the best on the continent (i.e. better than Mexico). If you have some specific questions, send e-mail and I'll be glad to help. Leah Smith [email removed]
Chicago, IL
Chicago restaurants
I agree somewhat with the previous article, but the best Pizza
comes from Uno's on (Michigan?) downtown or from Lou Malnati's (I like Lou's crust better, but overall, Uno's is the best there is.)
Definately Bones in Lincolnwood for Ribs.
The best seafood in the town is out in Wheeling at Bob Chin's on
Milwaukee near Dundee. And if you feel like it, the best burger (if you can call it that, served on russian rye, etc...) is down the street at Hackney's.
***Order the Onion Rings!!!!***
Check out the group chi.eats for more info.
Eat well,
-jed
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I've Got Blisters On My Fingers!!!
***********************[email removed]**********************P. F. wrote: >We will be spending a few days in chicago and would like some >recommendations. We always go to Charlie Trotters so that is the kind >of place I am interested in. Thanks, P fitting > While Trotter's has no peer in Chicago (IMHO), there are several other restaurants that I try to make a point to visit in Chicago. The Helmond on Halsted is an excellent, reasonably priced Afghan style restaurant. Always enjoyable. As an appreciator of good wine, dining at Vivere (part of the Italian Village complex on Monroe) is very special since they do not grossly overcharge for wine. Their 45,000+ bottle collection includes great Italian Barolos, French Bordeauxs, Rhones, and California Cabs. The last time we was there we drank an '83 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf- du-Pape for $35; less than the current retail price! One of the finest wines I've ever drunk. The food and service, while not in the league of Charlie Trotter's, is quite good as well. Looking forward to *my* visit to Chicago in about 3 weeks :-) regards, -mm
P. F. wrote: >>We will be spending a few days in chicago and would like some >>recommendations. We always go to Charlie Trotters so that is the kind >>of place I am interested in. Martin M. wrote: >As an appreciator of good wine, dining at Vivere (part of the Italian >Village complex on Monroe) is very special since they do not grossly >overcharge for wine. Their 45,000+ bottle collection includes great >Italian Barolos, French Bordeauxs, Rhones, and California Cabs. The >last time we was there we drank an '83 Chateau Beaucastel Chateauneuf- >du-Pape for $35; less than the current retail price! One of the finest >wines I've ever drunk. The food and service, while not in the league >of Charlie Trotter's, is quite good as well. I can second the recommendation of Vivere, which has the plus that it is among the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. The food is good, though I would say that Spiaggia and Avanzare are better. Another interesting place for Italian food is La Risotteria Nord, which serves some 22 varieties of risotto, all excellent. The menu doesn't say so, but you can get half orders, so you can enjoy the risotto as a first course and have a meat dish as an entree; they had good veal when I was there. Do make reservations and try not to go at prime time -- they tend to overbook. Le Margaux, a small, relatively new French restaurant, is worth checking out. They specialize in game. Of course, some of the best French in Chicagoland is in the suburbs; you probably won't be able to get a reservation at Le Francais, in Wheeling, at short notice, but Le Titi de Paris, in Arlington Heights, is excellent and about half the price. Chicago Magazine's reviews are fairly reliable, especially regarding restaurants at the upper end of the scale. You might look at a copy when you get to town. Leah Smith [email removed]
In A. wrote: > I'm going with a group of college students to downtown Chicago (Michigan > Ave. area) and am looking for some good, inexpensive eating places. Any > suggestions? Thanks. > I strongly recommend Russian Tea Time across the street from the Art Institute. Prices are reasonable, and the food is good. I had a wonderful plate of pelmeni & great carrot salad. The stuffed cabbage comes highly recommended. If you're up for it you can also get a wide variety of vodkas in frosted vodka flutes.
Middlemarch wrote: > I'm going with a group of college students to downtown Chicago (Michigan > Ave. area) and am looking for some good, inexpensive eating places. Any > suggestions? Thanks. > > Katie Try Ed Debevic's diner. A little bit west of Michigan (Wells, I think). Decent burgers, etc. A little hoakey (singing waitstaff), but a lot of fun, and plenty of room for a large group. Eric Ruderman, M.D. Rheumatology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago Phone: 312-226-8228 Phax: 312-226-5572 Any comments are not meant to substitute for a visit to your own physician and should not be construed as specific medical advice.
M.D. R. wrote: >> I'm going with a group of college students to downtown Chicago (Michigan >> Ave. area) and am looking for some good, inexpensive eating places. Any >> suggestions? Thanks. >Try Ed Debevic's diner. A little bit west of Michigan (Wells, I think). >Decent burgers, etc. A little hoakey (singing waitstaff), but a lot of >fun, and plenty of room for a large group. It's on Wells by Ontario. There is (was?) another Ed's out in the Burbs that is less crowded. Good day JSW
There is a rock & roll McDonald's in Chicago. Don't remember address, but it is a hoot. Also Dietkas Diner and Payson's Place, which if still in business offers a happy hour buffet which is unequalled.
i would strongly disagree with using Chicago mag. The reviews are grossly out of date and the reviewers are biased to the max. Emilios for tapas Irwin for outstanding American pizza joints -- uno due ginos Scuzzi! loud, big italian tucci milan, italian twin anchors excellent ribs, b ut long waits make sure you go to the new navy pier and the childrens museum. also never too young for a Cubs game
Ally V. wrote: > >I am going to be spending one day in Chicago and would like some >suggestions for breakfast and lunch. Would prefer places that are >casual but have good food. Interested in Italian, Chinese, Seafood >and good breakfast places. We will probably be around the Michigan Ave. >area so we would prefer places around there. Thanks for your help! > >Ally >[email removed] Michigan Avenue is a very long avenue but I will assume you are referring to the shopping area sometimes called The Magnificant Mile. I would recommend Cafe Spiaggia which is located on the second floor of the Mag Mile building on Michigan and Oak streets for lunch. Very good Northern Italian and perfect for lunch. They recently redecorated the place by painting the walls with duplicates of the wall paintings of the Camera dei Sposi from the palazzo in Montova (Mantua). Last time I was there I had a asparagus agnolotti with a parmesan browned butter and asparagus sauce that was delicious! The thin little pizzas are very good also, especially the 4 cheese and sun dried tomato pizza. Another option, but not as great IMHO, is Bistro 110 on Michigan and Pearson, across the street from Water Tower Place. It serves bistro fare, some very good and some just ok. They have a jazz brunch on the weekends. The Oak Tree on the top floor of the mall in the Bloomingdale building at 900 N. Michigan does nice breakfasts and Tempo on State and Chestnut is an always popular spot for breakfast, especially the omelets. Fancier place for *power breakfasting* is the restaurant at the Park Hyatt hotel on Chicago and Michigan. Enjoy your stay! Kate
> > I am going to be spending one day in Chicago and would like some > suggestions for breakfast and lunch. Would prefer places that are > casual but have good food. Interested in Italian, Chinese, Seafood > and good breakfast places. We will probably be around the Michigan Ave. > area so we would prefer places around there. Thanks for your help! Hi Ally, Here are a few suggestions without knowing how much you want to spend! Italian: Spiagga Cafe Pizzeria Uno or Dua (Chicago-style pizza) California Pizza Kitchen (Water Tower Place) Il Toscannio (sp?) on St. Claire Seafood Cape Cod Room (Drake Hotel) Casual, everything: Cheesecake Factory Mitey Nice Grill (Water Tower Place) an upscale food court that has Mexican, Chinese stir fry, almost anything you would want and a great bakery in Corner Bakery. More upscale Italian: Avanzare Bice Also good for lunch, Bistro 110 and Blackhawk Lodge, but they are French bistro and American. Can't help you with breakfast other than hotel dining rooms. Bonnie
Well since you have visited some of these restaurants before, I'm sure you know that Carlos and Le Francais are both in the 'burbs, not Chicago (so you need a car or other transportation option). Ambria is still a good restaurant (a very good restaurant). I don't think Carlos has lived up to its reputation in a long time. Everest is still a very good restaurant, but for the same money I much prefer Le Francais. The Liccione's picked up where Jean Banchet left off without a hitch. The food is outsanding and the service is, too. In fact, one could easily tie the demise (in my opinion) of Carlos to when Roland left it and bought Le Francais. Sorry you don't want to try Trotter's; it is your loss but there won't be any empty tables because of it. Haven't been to Seasons but you might want to consider the Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton. I've never been a fad of what I consider 'fad' or 'celebrity' restaurants but everyone I know that has visited the Chicago Spago has had nothing but high praise; haven't been there yet. If you are just going to do one, I'd go with either Le Francais or Ambria. Make those reservations (for any of the restaurants on your list) well in advance. For meals a little more casual and a little less expensive (you did say you'd be here about a week) I'd suggest: Shaw's - seafood (Hubbard just east of State) Tuscany - Italian (Taylor St.) Extra casual but one of the best darn deals on really good Italian food around - NaNa's (SW corner of Hubbard & State) If you want to do the beef thing you can't go wrong at the Chicago Chop House; just make sure your cardiologist is on call. Dave J. wrote in message ... > > I would like to get opinions on the following restaurants.... > Planning on being in Chicago for our anniversary in August, and trying to > decide between the following restaurants: > Ambria -- haven't been there in years, still a good restaurant? > Carlos -- seems to be having a problem keeping chefs, just heard the latest > one Eric Aubriot left to start his own. > Everest -- > Le Francais -- haven't been there since Jean Banchett, sp, ran the place > with his wife. > Seasons -- > > Don't even mention trotters...met charlie once, pretty damn egotistical and > self centered. I don't believe I'd ever patronize his restaurant. I don't > care how many rave reviews it got. > > We'll be spending a few days, maybe a week in Chicago, just trying to pick > the best of the lot for that special night. Hard choice.... > > Suggestions??, reviews?? > > Thanks, > Dave Jerzycki >
Dave J. wrote in article ... > > I would like to get opinions on the following restaurants.... > Planning on being in Chicago for our anniversary in August, and trying to > decide between the following restaurants: > snipped< > We'll be spending a few days, maybe a week in Chicago, just trying to pick > the best of the lot for that special night. Hard choice.... > I would also recommend shaws!!! Great seafood and oyster bar! Craig
Been to Chicago last two years for "eating vacations." Le Francais last summer -- everything I'd hoped for (although the road construction out front was a bit disconcerting. Weird location for what some think is the best restaurant in the U.S.!) Speaking of weird locations, we also ate at a place called Arun's, very very upscale Thai, probably 30-40 blocks north of the Magnificent Mile (I'd guess 10-15 blocks north of Wrigleyville, but my Chicago geography isn't all that good). Unbelievable artistry both in cooking and presentation -- carved vegetables, great juxtaposition of fiery stuff (Thai chiles) and cooling sauces. $65 per, I believe, brings you about 15 small courses. A fabulous experience. Ate at Trotter's the year before -- Charlie stopped by our table, and he does need a second toque to hold his ever-expanding head, but I couldn't fault food or service, even at his prices. (A counterpoint -- my wife thought it was overrated, even more so after we ate at Arun's and Le Francais the following summer.) One other off-the-wall suggestion, pan Yair-zit-ski. Get back to your rootskis at lunch with a meal at the Busy Bee, followed by a trip to the Polish American museum, both within a 5-10 minute drive of downtown. joe bonwich [email removed] Dave J. wrote in message ... > > I would like to get opinions on the following restaurants.... > Planning on being in Chicago for our anniversary in August, and trying to > decide between the following restaurants: > Ambria -- haven't been there in years, still a good restaurant? > Carlos -- seems to be having a problem keeping chefs, just heard the latest > one Eric Aubriot left to start his own. > Everest -- > Le Francais -- haven't been there since Jean Banchett, sp, ran the place > with his wife. > Seasons -- > > Don't even mention trotters...met charlie once, pretty damn egotistical and > self centered. I don't believe I'd ever patronize his restaurant. I don't > care how many rave reviews it got. > > We'll be spending a few days, maybe a week in Chicago, just trying to pick > the best of the lot for that special night. Hard choice.... > > Suggestions??, reviews?? > > Thanks, > Dave Jerzycki >
>Speaking of weird locations, we also ate at a<BR> >place called Arun's, very very upscale Thai...<BR> <BR> Arun's deserves its reputation. It's not really a weird location, it's just not in an area frequented by tourists, an upscale area, or near other noted restaurants. Unfortunately, I was unable to get reservations when I was in Chicago this past weekend, so maybe we shouldn't be telling everyone about it. ; )
On Sun, 29 Mar 1998 15:45:13 -0600, "Karl S. Huf" Someone wrote: >Well since you have visited some of these restaurants before, I'm sure you >know that Carlos and Le Francais are both in the 'burbs, not Chicago (so you >need a car or other transportation option). > >Ambria is still a good restaurant (a very good restaurant). >I don't think Carlos has lived up to its reputation in a long time. > >Everest is still a very good restaurant, but for the same money I much >prefer Le Francais. The Liccione's picked up where Jean Banchet left off >without a hitch. The food is outsanding and the service is, too. In fact, >one could easily tie the demise (in my opinion) of Carlos to when Roland >left it and bought Le Francais. Try Brasserie Jo on W. Hubbard--it's Jean JoHo (from Everest)'s more casual place. A bit of Alsacian influence...wonderful! > >For meals a little more casual and a little less expensive (you did say >you'd be here about a week) I'd suggest: >Shaw's - seafood (Hubbard just east of State) Yeah, Shaw's is great... >Tuscany - Italian (Taylor St.) No no no...Mia Francesca is MUCH better...oh, the carpaccio!! >If you want to do the beef thing you can't go wrong at the Chicago Chop >House; just make sure your cardiologist is on call. Wrong again...old and tired. Gibson's is the best steakhouse in Chicago...maybe the country. There are hundreds of good places to eat in Chi...one of our favorites for dirt-cheap but really good is Stanley's Tap and Kitchen. Lincoln and Armitage, I think...the daily specials never cost more than 10 bucks or so and they're really good. Great ribs...super collection of bourbons, too, if you're into that! Oh, and don't forget Topolobambo...might be the best Mexican (REAL, classic Mexican) restaurant in the U.S. Next door is Frontera Grill, same owners, less expensive, less formal. DA PS Everyone I know calls it Wrigleyville...maybe you're just old and stubborn...:)