I'm originally from Illinois, but I've never been to Chicago. In a couple of weekends, it looks like I'm going to be visiting a friend in the area for a few days, and I'll have some free time. I'm hoping some of the local members can give me some recommendations.

What are the dos and don'ts? I can find all of the normal touristy stuff on my own, so I would love to get some ideas for things to do and places to eat that are a little more off the radar. Thank you in advance.

Places to eat:

Mr. Greek on Halsted and Jackson near UIC for a gyro.

Johnnies Beef near Harlem and North Avenue for a combo, wet with hot peppers.

Chinatown is always worth a trip. 7 Treasures on Wentworth has some pretty good Wonton Soup. BBQ King House for BBQ pork in Chinatown Square.

One thing I have never seen outside of Chicago is a breaded steak sandwich. They have them at Ricobene's on 26th and Wentworth. I guess that's technically Chinatown.

https://order.easyfoodnow.com/...oryid=38481708144655

If you're into guitars, check out Chicago Music Exchange. It's an incredible guitar store, tons of high end gear.

I can spend a full day in the Field Museum and do whenever I can. The bird exhibits fascinate me.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/at-the-field

If you like good authentic Thai food, then I recommend Jin Thai in Edgewater. 5458 N Broadway.

If you like craft beer, I would suggest the Long Room in Ravenswood. A good bar with lots of craft beer choices but not the hype and crowd of The Hopleaf. Beautiful old wood bar. Great owners.

Worth every second/penny, imo:
Architecture boat tour.
Sears (Willis) Tower.
Cubs game and Wrigleyville.

If you can get a reservation at The Girl and The Goat, I highly recommend. That area on the west side our Randolph Street is full of great restaurants. If you can eat pizza at Pequod's, do it.

A THIN pizza from anywhere. Deep Dish is for the tourists.

I grew up in Chicago and never heard of deep dish until after I moved away. (nothing wrong with it though)

The German sub at the science museum. Rent a bike and ride the trail along the lake.

Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium. The museum of Science and Industry is great for engineers and hands on stuff. The U 505 submarine is pretty cool. I do not care for Navy Pier at all. You can easily spend a full day at one of the museums.

Since you are from downstate, be careful and do not talk to strangers. LOL

"Lost Lake"

And while you're visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, swing under the railroad tracks and wander through the University of Chicago. Gaze at the gargoyles above the the quiet quadrangles with nattering Nobelists hobnobbing below.

Where are you staying, will you have a car and are you into sports? Let me know.

Gene & Georgetti's Steakhose - Near North Side - MMMM Good

http://geneandgeorgetti.com/

Food wise, try the Greek Islands on Halsted.

Also have a food trip to Eataly on Ohio street.

Lots of good recommendations from the other members.

Growing up in chicago I would recommend the following for food:

Pizza, real chicago pizza not that deep dish crap--

http://vitoandnicks.com/
If you must eat deep dish then here--

https://www.loumalnatis.com

http://www.pizanoschicago.com/

Greek food is great in greektown, my favorite restaurant closed(The Parthenon) so I defer to the following--
http://greekislands.net
/
https://greektownchicago.org/roditys-restaurant/

For just sandwiches and such---

http://www.fontanossubs.com

https://www.ricobenespizza.com
http://cornedbeeffactorychicago.com

Chinatown is a good spot.https://chicagochinatown.org

most of these are available by a short train ride or walk, there are a few exceptions but all of the neighborhoods listed are suitable if your going to drive.

Chicago Museums are great, thats all on that. if you want to see a baseball game I recommend the White Sox, but I am biased. but both teams accessible from downtown easily.

if your staying somewhere other than downtown let me know. Lastly I may have a bunch of free time over the next few weeks, if you want to meet up I may be able to join you for lunch somewhere. let me know in my post and I will send you my email.

Shawn

One word:

Superdawg

quote:

Originally posted by mikeyspizza:
A THIN pizza from anywhere. Deep Dish is for the tourists.

I grew up in Chicago and never heard of deep dish until after I moved away. (nothing wrong with it though)

AMEM!

The Field and the Science & Industry museums are worth a trip.

But for a small museum that's less well-known, check out the Pritzker Military Museum and Library:
http://www.pritzkermilitary.org/

It's primarily a military history library, but there are lots of small military exhibits scattered around the building.

quote:

Originally posted by mttaylor1066:
And while you're visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, swing under the railroad tracks and wander through the University of Chicago. Gaze at the gargoyles above the the quiet quadrangles with nattering Nobelists hobnobbing below.

My daughter and son in law are both graduates of U of Chicago, so I've enjoyed time there. The bonus was my daughter's graduation reception being at the Museum of Science and Industry. Lots of food and drink and the run of the museum which was reserved for the guests. I spent a lot of time on the German sub and nearly exhausted the enthusiasm of the tour guide.

Bahai Temple in Wilmette, is off the beaten path and worth a visit. It is fun to cruise Lake Shore Drive up through Evanston and Northwestern University with stops along the lakefront. Have fun and post some photos when you return.

Do not walk and gaze up all the tall buildings as you will immediately be pegged as a tourist. Stroll along Michigan Avenue and see all the stuff you could never afford in the high end shops.

I

In addition to what has already been mentioned:

Check what traveling exhibit is at the Art Institute, its free on Tuesdays (or at least used to be).

The Brookfield Zoo is world class, educational, and just plain fun.

I never went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, but I hear it's good as well.

Portillo's has really good Italian or Sausage Sandwiches, and, of course Hot Dogs.

I don't know what those thin pizza mopes are eating, but Chicago style pizza is deep dish. That thin stuff is Old World/New York.