Chicago - Dining & Drinking

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Chicago is a marvelous mix of awe-inspiring architecture and stunning lake views, blues houses and jazz clubs, celebrity (Michael Jordan) and infamy (Al Capone). It is home to the Sears Tower, architectural gems by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, and "da Bears." With this kind of diversity going for it, it's not surprising the city's culinary offerings are world class.

There is something to suit everyone's appetite, from the classic Chicago-style pizza at Gino's East or Pizzeria Uno to mouthwatering hot dogs to pound-heavy T-bones. Fine dining establishments are top-of-the-line and plentiful. Many excellent ethnic eateries also flourish here, whether you're in the mood for generous Italian, hands-only Ethiopian, Indian curries or spicy Thai.

Get to know the many charming (and tasty) areas of Chicago:

The Loop

This is the heart of downtown Chicago, with its elevated commuter tracks, State Street shopping and architectural landmarks. For a taste of classic German food in a classic Chicago setting, you can't go wrong with the Berghoff. The exquisite Everest is a perfect place for big (and big bucks) occasions. And Cajun/Creole-lovers can try The Original Heaven on Seven for the Chicago version of heaven.

While many night-crawlers will want to venture outside the Loop to truly paint the town red, Kitty O'Shea's, a hotel bar in the The Chicago Hilton Plaza and Towers, provides a good setting for an after-dinner drink. Other favorites include the legendary Miller's Pub and the swanky Plaza Tavern.

Magnificent Mile

After shopping for hours in Michigan Avenue's chic shops, you're sure to feel those tastebuds kick in. If you're dressed in the designer duds you just bought, dine at the luxurious Spiaggia (its sister Caf¨¦ is just as popular and a bit less expensive.) The seafood and chowder at the Cape Cod Room in the Drake Hotel really hits the spot after a day of window shopping, especially on a blustery Chicago winter day. The Signature Room on the 95th Floor in the John Hancock Tower offers a meal with a view.

Stepping just off the strip will lead you to a range of memorable dining options. Harvest on Huron features seasonal menus accompanied by jazz and other music with a serious beat. For a great steak to go with your cheesecake, try Eli's The Place For Steak. Popular specialty foods just off the Magnificent Mile include Pane Caldo for Italian fare and Big Bowl for Pan-Asian food.

But what the Magnificent Mile has in high-class shopping and fashionable restaurants, it lacks in nightlife. For a true bar-hopping experience, head to the nearby Rush Street bars in the Gold Coast. One Mag Mile bar to try is the Chicago classic, the Billy Goat Tavern. This subterranean institution features a full bar that will lift your spirits even if you are not in the mood for its signature "cheezeborgers."

River North/Gold Coast

The areas surrounding the Magnificent Mile are home to many innovative restaurants. The River North area, a few blocks west of Michigan Avenue, features several trendy and popular restaurants. An eclectic menu tempts diners at mk, and Frontera Grill puts a different twist on Mexican fare. Coco Pazzo offers Tuscan delights, and Tsunami showcases sushi in a sleek setting. The area is also home to many of the city's theme restaurants like The Original Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's, Rainforest Cafe and Harry Caray's.

The more affluent residents of the Gold Coast, a posh area north of Michigan Avenue, would probably frown at the theme restaurants. They prefer high class, as evidenced by their eateries. Steak lovers should visit Chicago Chop House or the celebrity-favorite, Gibson's. The Pump Room at the Omni Ambassador East Hotel offers a taste of glamour and Chicago tradition. Le Colonial on Rush Street features Vietnamese food with a French influence.

You will also find a popular area for nightlife here. Head toward Rush and Division Streets and pop into Jilly's Piano Bar for a classy, swingin' Sinatra-esque atmosphere. Young guns on the prowl can go to meat/meet market bars like Butch McGuire's, Mother's or Bar Chicago. For a more relaxed setting, head to 3rd Coast, a coffeeshop/bar that serves a great Bailey's and coffee, sweet dessert wines and light pastries.

Lincoln Park, Lakeview/Wrigleyville

This is a fun, vibrant community, famous for its boutiques, restaurants and bars. With so many great options, it is impossible to list them all. For starters, you might try sushi at Sai Caf¨¦, a taste of Spain at Emilio's Tapas, French at Aubriot or anything on the menu at Charlie Trotter's. Theatre-goers frequently start their evenings with the Italian fare at Vinci.

North of Diversey Avenue, you will find yourself in the Lakeview neighborhood with its plentiful restaurants. Enjoy fork-free Ethiopian eats at Mama Desta's Red Sea Restaurant or cozy sushi dining at Shiroi Hana. Fabulous French fare at comfortable prices comes courtesy of Bistrot Zinc. On Belmont Avenue, the Swedish Ann Sather's is a popular weekend brunch destination. Near Wrigley Field, The Outpost offers global cuisine, and the original Mia Francesca draws crowds with classic Italian fare.

If you are in the mood to see live music after dinner, see who's playing at the Elbo Room, which features a mix of jazz, rock and spoken word concerts. Another area institution is The Metro, where several local bands like the Smashing Pumpkins started their careers before making it big.

Bars line the streets in these areas. Popular destinations include the Cubby Bear, Hi-Tops and Murphy's Bleachers in Wrigleyville. In Lincoln Park, Kincade's, Durkin's and Glascott's are among the many favorites. Many in the gay and lesbian community head to Sidetrack, Roscoe's Tavern or Girl Bar on Halsted Street for their nights on the town.

Hyde Park

This community is known for its diversity, the University of Chicago campus and the renowned Museum of Science and Industry. The culinary offerings are limited, but it offers some gems. Mellow Yellow is a charming local spot with award-winning chili and rotisserie-chicken. The Calypso Cafe offers Caribbean cuisine under a corrugated tin ceiling. And, as one of Chicago's most popular Southern roadhouse-style joints, the Dixie Kitchen is a can't-miss with catfish, corn fritters and country-fried steak.

Chinatown

It may not be one of the largest Chinatowns you'll visit, but its restaurants hold their own with many authentic offerings. One perennial favorite is Evergreen. For weekend dim sum, Phoenix is your best bet. If you want more than just Chinese, Penang's extensive menu boats an array of Southeast Asian treats.

Wicker Park/ Bucktown

Caf¨¦ Absinthe serves up creative French bistro fare, as do the intimate Le Bouchon and Cafe Matou. A relative newcomer located just outside the Wicker Park area is Mirai, where sushi is served in a trendy metal-and-glass club setting. The Meritage Cafe and Wine Barcombines Pacific Northwest and Asian influences, with an emphasis on seafood. The funky MOD serves up high-end versions of American classics. For a supper club feel and killer martinis, try Club Lucky. And Leo's Lunchroom draws raves for its tasty and inexpensive sandwiches.

It will not take you long to realize that Wicker Park is no slouch in the nightlife department. Holiday Club, The Note, and Mad Bar are just a few of the neighborhood favorites.







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Sears Tower Skydeck


See Chicago from its Tallest Building
 233 S Wacker Dr
Chicago, IL 60606
+1 312 875 9696
http://www.theskydeck.com
Sears Tower Skydeck
Museum of Science and Industry


Technological Treasury
 5700 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637-2003
+1 773 684 1414
http://www.msichicago.org/
Museum of Science and Industry
Berghoff


Classic German restaurant
 17 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL 60603
+1 312 427 3170
http://www.berghoff.com/
Berghoff
Billy Goat Tavern


Classic Chicago dive
 430 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 222 1525
http://www.billygoattavern.com
Billy Goat Tavern
Pizzeria Uno


The ORIGINAL, accept no others
 29 East Ohio
Streeterville
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 321 1000 / +1 866 600 8667
http://www.unoschicagobarandgrill.com/
Pizzeria Uno
University of Chicago


Gothic campus, birthplace of the atomic bomb & breeder of Nobel Prize Winners
 5801 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
+1 773 702 1234
http://www.uchicago.edu
University of Chicago
Wrigley Field


A cathedral to baseball
 1060 West Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613
+1 773 404 2827
http://cubs.mlb.com
Wrigley Field
Original Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's


Fast food, fun theme
 600 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 664 7940
Original Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's
Glascott's


Fun neighborhood pub
 2158 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773 281 1205
Glascott's
Miller's Pub


Ribs, beer and good times
 134 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603
+1 312 645 5377
http://www.millerspub.com/
Miller's Pub
Ann Sather's - Lakeview


Favorite for Swedish food and breakfast
 929 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 348 2378
http://www.annsather.com/
Ann Sather's - Lakeview
Big Bowl Cafe - Cedar Street


Thai with a twist
 6 East Cedar Street
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 640 8888
http://www.bigbowl.com/
Big Bowl Cafe - Cedar Street
Butch McGuire's


Loud pick-up bar
 20 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610-2294
+1 773 337 9080
Butch McGuire's
Charlie Trotter's


Upscale and intimate dining favorite
 816 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-4308
+1 773 248 6228
http://www.charlietrotters.com/
Charlie Trotter's
Elbo Room


Diverse music, great atmosphere
 2871 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 549 5549
Elbo Room
Mirai


Sweetest sushi in town
 2020 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773 862 8500
Mirai
Harry Caray's


Legendary sportscaster's place
 33 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 828 0966
http://www.harrycarays.com/
Harry Caray's
Pump Room


Wine, dine and dance in Sinatra's footsteps
 1301 N State Pkwy
Omni Ambassador East Hotel
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 266 0360
http://www.pumproom.com
Pump Room
Heaven on Seven


Very unusual Cajun restaurant
 111 N Wabash Ave
Garland Building, 7th Fl
Chicago, IL 60602
+1 312 263 6443
http://www.heavenonseven.com
Heaven on Seven
Leo's Lunchroom


Homemade potato salad, pops and sandwiches
 1809 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773 276 6509
Leo's Lunchroom
Jilly's Piano Bar


Chicago, Chicago that toddlin' town...
 1007 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 664 1001
http://www.jillyschicago.com
Jilly's Piano Bar
Coco Pazzo


The best Italian restaurant in the city
 300 West Hubbard Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 836 0900
http://www.cocopazzochicago.com
Coco Pazzo
Cubby Bear


The definitive sports bar
 1059 West Addison Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 327 1662
http://www.cubbybear.com/
Cubby Bear
Metro


Garage-style music
 3730 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60613
+1 773 549 0203
http://www.metrochicago.com/
Metro
Kitty O'Shea's


Neat Irish pub doubles as hotel bar
 720 S Michigan Ave
Hilton Chicago
Chicago, IL 60605
+1 312 922 4400 x4452
http://www.hilton.com
Kitty O'Shea's
Roscoe's Tavern


Roscoe's Tavern
 3356 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 281 3355
http://www.roscoes.com
Roscoe's Tavern
Sidetrack


Gay video bar
 3349 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 477 9189
http://www.sidetrackchicago.com
Sidetrack
Mk


Expressive cuisine
 868 North Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 482 9179
http://www.mkchicago.com/
Mk
Mia Francesca


Where food is art
 3311 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 281 3310
http://www.miafrancesca.com/clark/index.html
Mia Francesca
Colonial


French-Asian fantasy
 937 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 255 0088
http://www.lecolonialchicago.com/
Colonial
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse


Beef-eater's paradise
 1028 North Rush Street
(corner of Bellevue and Rush)
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 266 8999
http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Phoenix


Classic Chinese cooking
 2131 South Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
+1 312 328 0848
Phoenix
Tsunami


Sushi with style
 1160 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 642 9911
http://www.tsunamichicago.com
Tsunami
Penang


Southeast Asian favor
 2201 South Wentworth Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
+1 312 326 6888
Penang
Mellow Yellow


Award-winning rotisserie chicken
 1508 East 53rd Street
Chicago, IL 60615
+1 773 667 2000
Mellow Yellow
Mama Desta's Red Sea Restaurant


Affordable Ethiopian eats
 3218 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 935 7561
Mama Desta's Red Sea Restaurant
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop


Catfish and corn fritters in a roadhouse setting
 5225 South Harper Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
+1 773 363 4943
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop
Shiroi Hana


Wrigleyville sushi house
 3242 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 477 1652
Shiroi Hana
Cafe Spiaggia


Cafe elegance on the Mag Mile
 980 North Michigan Avenue
Level 2
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 664 8200
http://www.cafespiaggia.com
Cafe Spiaggia
Cape Cod Room


Elegant saloon with a seaside decor
 140 East Walton Place
Drake Hotel
Chicago, IL 60611-1545
+1 312 932 4615
http://dining.thedrakehotel.com/capecod/capecod_intro.html
Cape Cod Room
Note,


Sultry jazz and blues 'til the wee small hours
 1565 North Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773 489 0011
http://www.thenotechicago.com/
Note,
Mother's


The original mama of nightclubs still going strong
 26 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 642 7251
Mother's
Frontera Grill


Colorful Mexican dining
 445 North Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 661 1434
http://www.fronterakitchens.com
Frontera Grill
Emilio's Tapas


Tasty tapas
 444 West Fullerton Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773 327 5100
http://www.emiliostapas.com/
Emilio's Tapas
Holiday Club


Retro rules at this popular spot
 4000 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
+1 773 348 9600
http://www.swingersmecca.com
Holiday Club
Bar Chicago


Lively Division Street dance bar
 9 West Division Street
(At State Street)
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 654 1120
http://www.barchicago.com/
Bar Chicago
Vinci


Popular pre-theatre stop
 1732 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 312 266 1199
http://www.vincichicago.com
Vinci
Outpost


Asian-influenced global cuisine in Wrigleyville
 3438 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657
+1 773 244 1166
Outpost
Murphy's Bleachers


Rollicking Wrigleyville bar
 3655 North Sheffield
Chicago, IL 60613
+1 773 281 5356
http://www.murphysbleachers.com
Murphy's Bleachers
Allen's Cafe


Contemporary American amid art
 217 West Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 587 9600
http://www.allenscafe.com
Allen's Cafe
Kincade's


Quintessential Lincoln Park bar
 950 West Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773 348 0010
http://www.kincadesbar.com/
Kincade's
Durkin's


Popular neighborhood spot
 810 West Diversey Parkway
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773 525 2515
Durkin's
Cafe Matou


French country fare in an elegant bistro setting
 1846 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
+1 773 384 8911
http://www.cafematou.com/
Cafe Matou
Meritage Cafe and Wine Bar


Asian and Pacific influences in a trendy setting
 2118 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
+1 773 235 6434
http://www.meritagecafe.com/
Meritage Cafe and Wine Bar
Club Lucky


1940s-style supper club
 1824 West Wabansia
Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773 227 2300
http://www.clubluckychicago.com/
Club Lucky
Bouchon


French cuisine with a trendy scene
 1958 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
+1 773 862 6600
http://www.lebouchonofchicago.com/
Bouchon
Chicago Chop House


Chicago-style steak house
 60 West Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60610-0483
+1 312 787 7100
http://www.chicagochophouse.com/
Chicago Chop House
Cafe Absinthe


Fine dining that's fun
 1954 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773 278 4488
Cafe Absinthe
Calypso Cafe


Caribbean dining in Hyde Park
 5211 South Harper Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
+1 773 955 0229
Calypso Cafe
Sai Cafe


Sushi specialist
 2010 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773 472 8080
Sai Cafe
Omni Ambassador East


Choice Gold Coast hotel
 1301 North State Parkway
Chicago, IL 60610
+1 312 787 7200 / +1 800 788 6664
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/ChicagoAmbassadorEast.aspx
Omni Ambassador East
Chicago Hilton and Towers


Luxury hotel on Michigan Avenue
 720 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
+1 312 922 4400
http://www.hilton.com/en/
Chicago Hilton and Towers
Drake Hotel


First class luxury hotel with an elegant lobby
 140 East Walton Street
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 787 2200 / +1 800 553 7253
http://www.thedrakehotel.com
Drake Hotel
Pane Caldo


Good place to pick up a bun
 72 East Walton
Chicago, IL 60611
+1 312 649 0055
http://www.pane-caldo.com
Pane Caldo
Evergreen Family Restaurant


Hidden Chinese treasures
 2411 South Wentworth Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
+1 312 225 8898
Evergreen Family Restaurant
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