Chicago

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Chicago Trip

A December 2004 trip to Chicago by B238

This is a guide to the Windy City. Having lived there, I hope I can help anyone with interest in going there.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent MileBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Marriott"

I stayed here during a weekend in December just so I could avoid the crowds that I knew would hit (I lived in Lincoln Park). The hotel has a good location. It is on Michigan Avenue a couple blocks from the river. The inside is plain and very open in the middle. The lobby is almost like a bar. It wasn't the best set-up I have seen.

The rooms are a pretty good size, with really nice bathrooms. They have floor-to-ceiling windows that tend to let some cold air in the room. There is a nice sitting area that is comfortable, unlike the bed. The coffee in the room is $5 per bag and poorly marked; you'd be better off going to Starbucks a block away. Breakfast is expensive and not that good, and if you valet, it will cost you about $35 a day, $20 if you self park. The views are not the best, so I would try another location. The Drake, the W, or the Monaco would all be better.

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by B238 on February 16, 2005

Marriott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 N MICHIGAN AVE Chicago, Illinois 60611
312-836-0100

Signature Room at the 95th FloorBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Signature Room"

My personal favorite, the Signature Room is on top of the John Hancock building,= on the 95th floor (the bar is on the 96th). It offers amazing views. Get a window seat on the south side of the restaurant and you will look out over downtown. It is very classy and romantic. The food is excellent, and there is a wide variety of foods to choose from. You will most likely need reservations for dinner, especially during holidays (which can be done online). When I was there in December, the line for the bar was wrapped around the building - it must have been awful. It is a neat experience, but look to spend well over $100 for two, or even closer to $200. If you are afraid of heights, I would avoid this restaurant.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by B238 on February 16, 2005

Signature Room at the 95th Floor
875 North Michigan Ave Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 787-9596

Wiener CircleBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Wiener's Circle"

I lived across from The Wiener Circle for a year and never got tired of going there. It looks like a shack from the outside, and there are no surprises inside. The burgers are better than normal fast food and the fries are good. The real reason to go there is for the laughs. Try going to the circle after hours, after midnight. It is a place like Dick's, where they make fun of you, especially if you are of a Caucasian background. It is no place for kids or the faint of heart, but you will definitely get a laugh. Words of wisdom: avoid the cheese sauce at all costs.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by B238 on February 23, 2005

Wiener Circle
2622 North Clark St Chicago, Illinois 60614
+1 773 477 7444

Hey! SushiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Another restaurant that I loved was right next to where I lived. It's in Lincoln Park (north of the city) and very easy to get to. The restaurant is really comfortable. You walk in and have the chance to sit at normal dinner tables or at a couch. The couches are nice but a little tight at times. The environment is nice, with candles and great service. There is no view - you look out at McDonald's. The food is excellent, and there is a lot there for everyone.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by B238 on February 23, 2005

Hey! Sushi
2630 N Clark St Chicago, Illinois 60614
(773) 248-3900

Giordano's on RushBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "GIORDANO'S "

Giordano's is great Italian cooking. If you want to get the most out of your money, try the Chicago-style pizza; it is really filling. If you are familiar with Uno's Pizzeria, that is exactly what you'll get when you order any Chicago-style pizza. The two that I love are well located, one being right near the Sears and the other off of N. Michigan. The environment is like a higher-class version of Pizza Hut to be honest, but it's enjoyable.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by B238 on February 23, 2005

Giordano's on Rush
730 North Rush St Chicago, Illinois 60611
312/951-0747

Taste of ChicagoBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

This was the first thing that I did when I moved to the city, and I was disappointed. The crowds were out of hand, and you will get pushed all... day... long. The beer is watered down, and buying the tickets and waiting in line is a nightmare. The food is pretty good, and there is a lot of it. As for the entertainment, that just depends on the day you go. When I went, it was Counting Crows, which I thought was okay. The problem is that it gets so crowded that you can't find a place to stand where you can see, let alone sit. I was a little annoyed the whole day, but I think it could be a good time if I were drunk and with a group of friends. If you're single, you should probably check this out.

About the Writer

B238
B238
Columbus, Ohio

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