Totally OT-- Where to visit in Chicago

My hubby and I are coming to Chicago on the Amtrak. We are staying at the Palmer Inn. Besides seeing Zanado (sp?) we don't have any other plans.  So, any Ideas on where to visit? Any to die for places to eat?? I have not had surgery yet--hopefully in April or May.
Sharin

I know the city.

I have worked there for about 15 years.

What do you like to eat?

There is everything you could imagine.

My favorite pre-op place in the city is Lawrence's Fishery. Its on about 22 and Cermak. (down by China town.) It is a little dive southen fried fish place. And they know how to make food. It is the best in Chicago. IMHO.

If you are feeling more fancy I would suggest Ditka's. The steak is excellent. It will set you back about $45 a person. But if your staying at the Palmer House I imagine you are coming to town for an anniversery or something.

Watch the movie the  Fugitive alot of it was filmed at the Palmer House. Maybe you will see something that looks fimiliar.

Also don't forget to go see the lake. Wear alot of clothes because it is cold and windy, but it is still beautiful. Montrose beach is the nicest. Mostly because there is parking there. But since I imagine you won't be swimming any beach will be ok.

Maybe hit Navy Peir and the Mag. Mile (Michigan Ave.) and do some shopping.


Have fun.

Dear Sharin:

Here are a couple of websites that may help, since I am not sure what your tastes are:
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html   http://www.meetinchicago.com/attractions/Pages/default.aspx

Chicago is a great city, have fun!

I work about 2 block fromt he Palmer House. 

Well it's COLD here...LOL...I would suggest the BEAN and Millenium Park in the summer.
I would go to Navy Pier (shops and restaurant),and they have an IMAX thearter. Sears Tower (if you're not affaid of hights), ESPN ZONE is fun, as far as food...Dave gave you some good suggestions, however unless you have a car I would not venture to China Town.  When you get to the hotel ask if they have a Where Magazine, it is a monthly magazine hotels have with restaurants and things to do.  You will be close to State Street, there is shopping there.

If you have a specific taste for something let me know I can suggest a restaurant.

I actually do event planning here in Chicago...so let me know if you have any questions.

You've hit two of my favorite things--food and Chicago!!! (Just writing about these made my mouth water and consult the calendar for the next free night to go out to dinner!)

You're arriving via Amtrak at Union Station, staying at the Palmer House and you're seeing Xanadu? Sounds fun.

Also sounds lilke you'll be in the Loop and the Theater district. With no car, you'll probably want to explore in the downtown or north Michigan Avenue areas. I'll limit most of my recommendations to those areas of the city so you're not schlepping everywhere in this cold weather.

There's lots to do! Shopping on Michigan Avenue is kind of fun. If you're coming soon, bundle up! It is as cold here as you can imagine, with wind to boot.

Chicago is known for its pizza, steak and beef snadiwches. It';s a crie to leave without trying some, I think!

If you like pizza, I am partial to Giordano's for their deep dish goodies. There are several in the Loop/Greek Town areas. Just ask at your hotel. www.giordanos.com Easy cab ride or even walking.

If you like beef sandwiches, try Al's on Ontario (http://www.alsbeef.com) or even Portillo's on Clark Street (www.portillos.com). Your hotel can help you.

Also, I often agree with what Chicago Magazine has to say about newer bars and restaurants. Here's their link: www.Chicagomagazine.com

I love Greektown, over on Halsted Street. I like the Greek Islands restaurant alot. Good food. Nice atmosphere. http://www.greekislands.net/

I love the Russian Tea Time, too. Good, hearty Russian food and flights of vodka!! Oh, my! It's half a block from the Art Institute and close to your hotel.

If you like German food, then the Berghoff is  classic right by your hotel. http://www.berghoff.com/

If you like Italian food, right by your hotel is also the Italian Village. Nice atmosphere, good food. http://www.italianvillage-chicago.com/

Maggiano's is a chain but it's good, hearty Italian food, too. http://www.leye.com/restaurants/directory/maggianos-little-i taly

I love the Weber Grill for fairly-priced steaks. There's one north of the loop area, over by Michigan Avenue. http://www.webergrillrestaurant.com/

Oh man, please don't miss the Art Institute! Renior, Monet, Seurat!! It's incredible.

If you like jazz music, you might want to travel north and go to the famous Green Mill: http://www.greenmilljazz.com/

If you like the Blues, you might want to hit Buddy Guy's Legends or the Kingston Mines.

If you can stand the cold, there are some nice things to do, like take pix over by the "Bean" in Milennium Park. Not sure if you'd like Navy Pier in this crummy weather. Now, in the Spring and Summer, it's a must-visit for a boat ride. Now, not so much.

As you can tell, I LOVE Chicago and I love food!!! I could go on and on!

Have a great time!!!!

Nicolle