Great thread. Hoping to hit Chi Town in the spring and really want to stay at the Sofitel or the Trump. What should sway my decision (other than price) between these two?

Also --- doesn't MJ have a steakhouse there? Is it good? I would love to say i ate at his place even it there are better places just because i am such a fan.

Finally, the architecture tour on the boat - has anyone done that recently? Is it still a must do?

 

No more restaurant for MJ.

Trump is real nice and so is the W. never been to Sofitel.

Did the boat tour this past summer and I enjoyed it.

 

Too bad that there aren't more Chicago folks on here to give you some feedback. Depending if you'll have a vehicle while here or how far you want to go from your hotel some of these recommendations may not apply.

Hotel
Sounds like you're set but if returning in the future I would recommend checking out the Elysian - still head there for a drink

Breakfast
-Meli's - my fav
-Nookies or Toast - for something neighborhoody
-Sunday brunch at the Peninsula - if you want fancy

Lunch
might be a good opportunity for you to check out a pizza joint - expect to WAIT with a pack of tourist zombies at any of those places downtown
-The Purple Pig - surprisingly solid place in the tourist zone off the Mag Mile
-Big Star - pretty solid Mexican (a bit of a hike from where you're staying)

Dinner
The places mentioned (Gibson's etc) are nice and good but not really my style. I usually stay away from the Gold Coast for dinner.
-Blackbird - 'new' American - might be a good spot for your lady's b-day dinner but def check out the website to make sure it's her/your scene ahead of making a commitment there for an important date like that
-The Bedford - 'new' American - in the basement of a bank - you can eat inside the vault :]
-Gilt Bar - 'new' American - good food and drink scene
-The Bristol - 'new' American place that uses a lot of local foods from the midwest (a bit of a hike from where you're staying)
-Leopold - Belgian tastiness! (a bit of a hike from where you're staying and def off the beaten path)

Motor
-Bentley Gold Coast (Lambo spot) is pretty awesome and worth dropping by
-Willow Automotive Services on the South side is my personal favorite place to ogle at vehicles - amazing private collection in there and sometimes cars are for sale. I would recommend calling ahead if you're serious about getting a look around because it's not always open.

Not sure if it was you or someone else mentioning something about going to Jordan's restaurant - meh, I went there when I was younger and got all geeked out about it but only go if you're a crazy Jordan fan. Better to go check out the Jumpman statue outside the United Center. If you're really into b-ball then depending on when you're here I would recommend checking out a local high school game at one of these schools to see what Chicago basketball is all about

I could go on - PM me if any of these spark your interest and you need more recommendations.

Enjoy your visit

 

^ awesome review - thanks so much! ^

 

Moabite, that was awesome thank you. Heading to Chicago in the morning, can't wait it'll be my first time. Really looking forward to the food, the city and the sightseeing!

 

In the windy city as I type this

 

welcome! enjoy our first snow fall......


where you staying?

 

A suite at the drake

 

^

very nice, are you here for a special occasion?

 

Birthday week, I come to Chicago few times a year, this is were I was born