Things to do in Chicago. And Pizza.

[Keef]

Myself and a few friends will be going to Chicago for the auto show. We've got a day at the show, and two more days to do stuff. We'll probably be staying at the Sheraton downtown, within walking distance to the Navy Pier, Billy Goat, and downtown of course. I and one of the guys have been there before and so we decided we must attend a show at Medieval Times and maybe even go to the Art Institute, the Sears Tower and stuff like that. We know most of the typical touristy stuff to do there, but we want some things that aren't touristy, like I did in New York.

Our biggest issue is pizza. We want Chicago-style pizza. The real stuff. Anyone know a famous or classic type of place to go? Is there a place that defines Chicago pizza? We want that place, or at least something close.

So how about sharing some not-so-typical Chicago roadtrip ideas. Many thanks.

 

[Omnis]

You could go to the original Uno... Uno and Due I guess. Or Gino's East in the city. Both of those places will be real touristy though. Can't vouch for any of them... not a fan of deep dish pizza.

 

[YSSMAN]

When will you be in Chicago? I'm planning on heading down there for the auto show too...


As for what to do, I guess it depends. Whenever I'm down there (normally when its pretty warm), we go run around at Grant Park, do some shopping on Michigan Ave (Swwweeeet! Lego Store!), and visit with my Aunt and Uncle who live near the Navy Pier. Really, we just are kinda there for a few days when we go. So, that means actually going to the neighborhood grocery stores, making dinner, and so on. If we do go out, we normally dive into a bar or restaurant that my Aunt and Uncle like (can't remember the names of any for the life of me), and see what they recommend. I can't recall a time we've ever gone looking for Chicago-style pizza (I'll be honest when I say I don't like it), but there are more than enough options out there that will treat you pretty well.

Check out the episode of No Reservations for some Chicago food ideas. Otherwise, don't hesitate to leave the city and head out to the suburbs for something cool. Its too bad its winter time, because there is Redamack's up in New Buffalo (MI). Greatest burger joint in existence, evar.

 

[Spencer]

There's a bunch of good deep dish pizza places. Gino's East is the traditional one but there's also Lou Malnati's or Giordano's. Really depends on what you want and your preferred tastes as all three are pretty different in their sauces and crust

The Sears Tower (now Willis) is a bit pricey to go up in but if you get a clear day its a great view and the new addition on the west side of the tower is pretty cool. Its a plastic "bubble" that comes out from the tower. You look between your feet and its straight down to the ground.

If you get to the near west side, there's some great Italian places on Taylor Street near UIC.

 

[Philly]

I went there once. For Pizza, I recommend Giordano's. There's one a block off Michigan. Their deep dish is one of the best pizzas I've ever had.

Also, there's a really rich area up at the north end of Michigan Street. There's a nice shop that sells Bentley's and other assorted gussied up VWs in the area as well if you're interested in getting closer to the exotics than the ropes will let you get.

 

[Spencer]

And if you get to the western 'burbs there's a Lambo dealer in Westmont and a Ferrari/Maserati dealer in Hinsdale and a Bentley, Rolls, MB dealer in Westmont as well. All on a stretch of Ogden Ave within 3 miles of each other.

 

[Omnis]

Keef is more interested in exotic women/dancers than exotic vehicles. Show 'em your wankel.

 

[Joey D]

Medieval Times was horribly expensive, we looked at going there but decided it wasn't worth it.

It's no longer the Sears Tower either, it's the Willis Tower or something like that. If you go up in it go when it's dark because it's pretty awesome. They also have a glass floor observation deck now too which is supposed to be pretty trippy.

One thing we did that wasn't all that touristy was we found a small out of the way bar that had a local blues group playing. They seem to be all over the city so it shouldn't be hard to find one and it's well worth it. You don't pay a stupid amount for drinks like at the House of Blue and it's a lot more low key.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Blues. Duh.

And NO, don't got to any 'hip' blues club. They ain't got no blues there.

 

[Keef]

You could go to the original Uno... Uno and Due I guess. Or Gino's East in the city. Both of those places will be real touristy though. Can't vouch for any of them... not a fan of deep dish pizza.

How is an enormous human being like yourself not a fan of enormous pizza? I've never even had it personally but I don't go to Chicago very often. Like NY, gotta try the local flavor. For food, whether it's touristy or not, if it's original it's original.

When will you be in Chicago? I'm planning on heading down there for the auto show too...

We're going at a weird time, Wednesday the 17th through Friday the 19th. Because they all three work in the same department at the same store (they're butchers) they can't all get off on the weekend at the same time. We'll probably spend all day Wednesday at the show and screw around the rest of the time.

...shopping on Michigan Ave (Swwweeeet! Lego Store!)

Swwweeeet!

Greatest burger joint in existence, evar.

The Billy Goat Tavern is just down the road from the hotel. I'll definitely be getting myself some cheeseborgers, Coke, and cheeps.

There's a bunch of good deep dish pizza places. Gino's East is the traditional one but there's also Lou Malnati's or Giordano's. Really depends on what you want and your preferred tastes as all three are pretty different in their sauces and crust

The Sears Tower (now Willis) is a bit pricey to go up in but if you get a clear day its a great view and the new addition on the west side of the tower is pretty cool. Its a plastic "bubble" that comes out from the tower. You look between your feet and its straight down to the ground.

If you get to the near west side, there's some great Italian places on Taylor Street near UIC.

We may be eating entirely too much pizza if there's that many traditional places and they're all different. Also, the Tower is cheap. It cost me 50 bucks to get up the Empire State Building.

Medieval Times was horribly expensive, we looked at going there but decided it wasn't worth it.

It's worth it to me and Josh but our buddy Evan is a brokedick so we'll have to skip it. Eating huge chicken breasts and jousting? YUP.

One thing we did that wasn't all that touristy was we found a small out of the way bar that had a local blues group playing. They seem to be all over the city so it shouldn't be hard to find one and it's well worth it. You don't pay a stupid amount for drinks like at the House of Blue and it's a lot more low key.

Blues. Duh.

Blues? Apparently my musical knowledge is lacking. I'm surprised Josh didn't come up with the idea, he's the music guy. If it's not too cold we'll stroll around and look for some blues.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

It's no longer the Sears Tower either, it's the Willis Tower or something like that.

Yep, but I think I'll always call it the Sears Tower until somebody doesn't know what that is.

How is an enormous human being like yourself not a fan of enormous pizza? I've never even had it personally but I don't go to Chicago very often. Like NY, gotta try the local flavor. For food, whether it's touristy or not, if it's original it's original.

Skip the pizza. Go here and get a Polish with fries and then look for a place to get an Italian Beef. And make sure not to get mugged.

 

[SRV2LOW4ME]

Rent a room at the W. What you do there is your business, just make sure to use saran wrap.