Chicago questions

[fredthefalcon]

Cheesecake factory is a glaring example of what I can't stand with regards to restaurants

/end chain restaurant rant

But if everyone thought this way, how would Penney on "Big Bang Theory" support herself as a struggling actress?

[hammb]

Cheesecake factory is a glaring example of what I can't stand with regards to restaurants

/end chain restaurant rant

But if everyone thought this way, how would Penney on "Big Bang Theory" support herself as a struggling actress?

LMAO!

The gf & I were shopping @ Easton in C-bus a few months back and I refused to eat at Cheesecake factory (found a freaking awesome local eatery in German Village called Skillet). She, however, insisted we go in there so she could get a piece of cheesecake to go.

I was shocked to see that Penny's Cheesecake Factory uniform is apparently not a standard uniform across the chain...huh. I was also shocked (again, not really) that there was almost a 2 hour wait for a major chain restaurant with thousands of awesome local eateries to choose from throughout the Columbus area.

[Lord_Byron]

Before I join Hammb in the threadjack rant on chain restaurants, I'll give my Chicago advice.

Lady Byron and I used to go there quite a bit when my 401(k) recordkeeper was in Lincolnshire. That said, it's been a while since I was there and many of the good places we used to eat are gone.

If you want some nice local flavor and you're on Michigan Ave, the original location of the Billy Goat Tavern is near the Tribune Building on the lower level. It's fun to go for Chee'burger, Coke, (no pepsi) Chips (no fries).

Actual Billy Goat Tavern Video with Belushi Skit Highlight

I also agree with the upthread post that Michigan Avenue is now very much the same as you get in any upscale mall. I'd recommend browsing through the galleries in River North. You won't buy anything, but it's fun to look at the art. If you're determined to shop, I'd check into going into one of the neighborhoods that's got small stores and boutiques that you won't find anywhere.

Now on the chain restaurants -- here in Rochester there is a huge Italian-American population and as a result, there are scores of excellent family owned Italian restaurants serving not only classic Americanized Italian food but regional and nouveau as well. All are accessible and most are very reasonably priced. Yet, there are ALWAYS lines at Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill and Carraba's. I just don't get it. . .

I'm convinced that it comes down to the words of Homer Simpson: "I never try any foods that I haven't eaten before."

End of rant.

FF, hope you have a great time in Chicago. If you ever need any New York recommendations, I can be much more help since I've been there much more often recently. . .

[factman]

Ditto on the Billy Goat Tavern. I never go to Chicago without having lunch there.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Sounds like the Billy Goat Tavern is a Must Do! I appreciate all of the advice and will gladly take more. I'll be doing some internet research soon. My key words are "Cheap" or "Free" regarding things to do or a place to stay (but not too cheap, as in yucky cheap hotels!).

[h2oville rocket]

Now on the chain restaurants -- here in Rochester there is a huge Italian-American population and as a result, there are scores of excellent family owned Italian restaurants serving not only classic Americanized Italian food but regional and nouveau as well. All are accessible and most are very reasonably priced. Yet, there are ALWAYS lines at Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill and Carraba's. I just don't get it. . .

I'm convinced that it comes down to the words of Homer Simpson: "I never try any foods that I haven't eaten before."

End of rant.

FF, hope you have a great time in Chicago. If you ever need any New York recommendations, I can be much more help since I've been there much more often recently. . .

A quick click on the Billy goat Tavern reveals several locations- doesn't that make it a (GASP!) CHAIN?

[factman]

There is only one REAL Billy Goat Tavern and that is the one under Michigan Ave close to the Tribune Bldg!

[BillyLP]

I live in Chicago and I say skip the steakhouses all together and take on some Chicago style pizza. My personal favorite is Giordano's but Lou Malnati's is pretty good as well. As far as your hotel deal downtown, that's a pretty good price for staying right in the city. The hotel I always recommend is the Best Western River North because it is free parking and it's only three blocks from the magnificent mile. The zoo in Lincoln Park is also free and pretty nice, and of course there is always the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, which aren't free but totally worth the cost of admission.

[Falcon Fanatic]

I live in Chicago and I say skip the steakhouses all together and take on some Chicago style pizza. My personal favorite is Giordano's but Lou Malnati's is pretty good as well. As far as your hotel deal downtown, that's a pretty good price for staying right in the city. The hotel I always recommend is the Best Western River North because it is free parking and it's only three blocks from the magnificent mile. The zoo in Lincoln Park is also free and pretty nice, and of course there is always the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, which aren't free but totally worth the cost of admission.

I like the parking idea!! I am going to check that out! My daughter said she wanted to go to the Shedd. I've been there and know what an awesome place it is! It's also a little pricey depending on which option you choose! thanks for info!! I may be sending you a PM for more info!

[BillyLP]

I live in Chicago and I say skip the steakhouses all together and take on some Chicago style pizza. My personal favorite is Giordano's but Lou Malnati's is pretty good as well. As far as your hotel deal downtown, that's a pretty good price for staying right in the city. The hotel I always recommend is the Best Western River North because it is free parking and it's only three blocks from the magnificent mile. The zoo in Lincoln Park is also free and pretty nice, and of course there is always the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, which aren't free but totally worth the cost of admission.

I like the parking idea!! I am going to check that out! My daughter said she wanted to go to the Shedd. I've been there and know what an awesome place it is! It's also a little pricey depending on which option you choose! thanks for info!! I may be sending you a PM for more info!

Any questions are welcome! I've only been here a year but used to visit with my family 2-3 times a year growing up so I know the sights pretty well.

[RobbyFalcon]

I haven't been in a few years, but as I recall the art museum had special days that were very inexpensive or even free with a suggested donation. There's a lot of purty pictures in that there museum. The science museum is great and so is the Shedd. It's pretty hard to not have a good time in Chicago.

[Flipper]

I could spend a week in the Field museum and still feel like I missed something.

[Lord_Byron]

FF, I know you said you wanted a shopping trip, but I saw the article below on "Mental Floss" and thought of you. . .

What to do for one day in Chicago

[Falcon Fanatic]

FF, I know you said you wanted a shopping trip, but I saw the article below on "Mental Floss" and thought of you. . .

What to do for one day in Chicago

Thanks!! Might have to check out some of those places!!