Chicago is/was known for its beef:
Gene & Georgetti (Franklin & Illinois),
Butcher Shop (3xx w Ontario),
Gordon's (500 N. Clark),
Lowry's
Morton's
Although of lesser price, stuffiness & fame, I like a north side restaurant called The Outpost. Great steaks, although only one or two varieties. They also have great fish/catch of the day and the risotto is to die for. The Outpost is not walking distance, but being 2 blocks south of Wrigley Field on Clark/Sheffield/Newport is easy to get to via a cab from downtown. The main reason I would suggest it is, for a business group, they've got a great well stocked bar, friendly staff, outdoor seating when the weather is nice, and since Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, this is one of the best examples of a great neighborhood restaurant.
Dick G. wrote:
> I'm coming to Chicago in June with a small group of software
> entrepreneurs. We have periodic meeting around the country, and always
> try to include a really memorable dinner; often we find these at places
> that are known to the locals, but not to the guidebooks and such.
>
> We will be staying downtown (Renaissance vicinity) so we need something
> in walking distance. Since this is a welcome business "splurge" for most
> of us, price isn't much of an issue.
>
> Thanks for your help. I'll be happy to reciprocate for Washington DC.
>
> Dick GillChicago, IL
Need some local opinions
Also, Frontera Grill/Topolobampo for great Mexican, Shaw's for great seafood, Spruce, Seasons in the Four Seasons hotel and the Dining Room of the Ritz-Carelton. A short cab ride away in Lincoln Park is North Pond Cafe, a new restaurant located in the park next to the skating pond, with wonderful food using regional products. An ideal weekend could be Shaw's, especially the oyster bar for Friday night, Frontera Grill for Saturday brunch and North Pond Cafe for Saturday dinner. The James Beard awards last week just honored Sarah Stegner of the Ritz, Kevin Luce of Spruce and Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobompo.
Topolobampo. 445 N. Clark. 312-661-1434. Best Mexican restaurant in the US. Possibly the best outside of Mexico City. We are not talking about tacos. H. Dick G. wrote: > I'm coming to Chicago in June with a small group of software > entrepreneurs. We have periodic meeting around the country, and always > try to include a really memorable dinner; often we find these at places > that are known to the locals, but not to the guidebooks and such. > > We will be staying downtown (Renaissance vicinity) so we need something > in walking distance. Since this is a welcome business "splurge" for most > of us, price isn't much of an issue. > > Thanks for your help. I'll be happy to reciprocate for Washington DC. > > Dick Gill
: > Dick Gill Dick, Try Iron Mike's Grille on Chestnut just west of Michigan. They are famous for their stuffed pork chops, and yes its named for Mike Ditka, former player and coach for the Bears and current coach of New Orleans. You might also want to try Magnums at 222 W Ontario. Hope this helps.