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Chicago Journals

Dining in the Windy City

A travel journal to Chicago by amber02

High Tea @ the Drake Photo - High Tea, Chicago, Illinois More Photos
Quote: Chicago is a huge city and there are so many different eating places to choose from. Here's a guide to help you choose between all the different places!

Dining in the Windy City

Overview

Quote:
Dining in Chicago can be pretty overwhelming!! There are just so many different places to choose from! But don't worry, I'll help you pinpoint some of the best food and best deals around town!

Quick Tips:

Always look for local booklets for money saving coupons!

Also, if you plan ahead of time, you can look up specials off of local restaurants' websites.

Best Way To Get Around:

There are many ways to get around the city. The CTA buses are one of the fastest and cheapest ways though!

Ann Sather's

Restaurant | "Ann Sathers"

Quote:
This place is not a chain, so it may be unfamiliar to the new visitor. But it is one place that definitely should not be missed! This is the perfect place to go for a good, hearty Swedish-style breakfast. Their menu is small, but there are plenty of good options on it. My favorite thing here is their breakfast wrap, which is a tortilla filled with eggs, veggies, an avocado sauce, and some flavorings! The avocado flavor is really unique and really makes a whole lot of a difference. The taste is amazing! Even better are the cinnamon buns that come as a side. They are warm and gooey and dripping with lots of cream! This place is really reasonably priced and the atmosphere is a lot of fun and very ca...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 22, 2006

Ann Sather's
909 West Belmont Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60657
(773) 348-2378

Signature Room at the 95th Floor

Restaurant | "The Signature Room"

The Signature Lounge Photo - Signature Room at the 95th Floor, Chicago, Illinois
Quote:
Looking for an engagement, anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion spot? If you are looking for the perfect setting for a special occasion, this is the perfect place. This restaurant is located at the top of the John Hancock building, and it has a wonderful view of the entire city.The service here is top-notch and adds to the entire elegance of this restaurant. The menu here is pretty decent, featuring many different options. But in my opinion, overall, the food is only mediocre. Nonetheless, this place is still extremely popular because of the views, elegance, and great service. I would definitely recommend this place for any special occasion, despite the fact that the food is only...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 22, 2006

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

Pasta Bowl

Restaurant

Pasta Bowl Photo - Pasta Bowl, Chicago, Illinois
Quote:
I know most Chicagoans always rave about this place, and it has great, inexpensive food. And the portions are pretty big. But I just think the menu is too small and does not offer enough choice. Also, the pasta sauce seems very bland to me, in desperate need of some seasoning and/or spices. The restaurant itself is well kept and the service was good at lunchtime, when I went. The overall experience was good, but for better pasta, I would definitely go somewhere else.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on August 22, 2006

Pasta Bowl
2434 N. Clark St
Chicago, Illinois 60614
(773) 525-2695

Foodlife

Restaurant | "Food Life"

Quote:
When the entire family is shopping downtown, we usually stop on over here to get a meal that everybody will enjoy.This restaurant is on the lower level of the water tower and is one of the best places to eat along the Magnificent Mile. The reason I say this is that this one restaurant has several different counters, with each one serving up a different type of meal. You can get Mexican, Italian, Chinese, America, or even just soup and sandwiches! Eat what you want and how much you want at this place! The best thing is that this place does not have that cafeteria type fell. It is actually pretty sophisticated. Plus, everybody in your party will be pleased at this place because everybody can fi...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 23, 2006

Foodlife
835 North Michigan Ave Water Tower Place, Mezzanine Level
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(212) 335-3663

High Tea

Restaurant | "High Tea @ the Drake"

High Tea @ the Drake Photo - High Tea, Chicago, Illinois
Quote:
I've been here for high tea in the afternoon a few times. It is definitely an experience to have at some point, especially if you are visiting Chicago. During tea, you get to choose from a bunch of different teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. At about $35 per person, its quite hefty for afternoon tea, but the entire experience is lovely. The atmosphere, service, and ambiance are really amazing and it makes for a very relaxing, yet elegant occasion. And of course the beautiful harp music (played by a live harpist!) adds a very elegant touch.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 23, 2006

High Tea
Drake Hotel
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 787-2200

Fogo de Chao

Restaurant

Quote:
Craving meat tonight? Well, if you go here, you can fill up a month's (or maybe even more depending on how much you eat!) worth of cravings! The amount of meat that you will have access to here is amazing. Just sit down and unleash the green signal and you will be presented with trays and trays of really decadent and flavorful meat (their selection of meat is extensive, and includes some seafood choices too!). Need some sides? Check out their HUGE salad bar that has amazing, fresh choices. They even have a cheese bar, which is heaven for a cheese fanatic (goes well with the meat too!). Wine is not hard to come by here either. Their selection is amazing. Everything here is amazing this restaurant does ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 27, 2006

Fogo de Chao
661 N La Salle Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 932-9330

Big Bowl Asian Kitchen

Restaurant | "Big Bowl"

Quote:
This is a great place to go for some really tasty Thai food. Albeit, it is a chain, it is still worth trying if you are in Chicago. This restaurant is in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the city and is a very happening place.

They have an awesome menu featuring many great Thai dishes. Their shrimp dumplings and Pad Thai are an absolute must-try. The food is very reasonably priced (for being in the city) and the portions are big. The restaurant is very well-kept and has a lot of space. It's usually never so crowded that you have to wait a long time, so it is a great place to go for a fun and delicious meal without a long wait!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 27, 2006

Big Bowl Asian Kitchen
60 E Ohio St
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 951-1888

Flat Top Grill - Lincoln Park

Restaurant

Quote:
This is a fun place to go and sharpen up your stir-fry skills. Well, you don't really get to actually stir fry yourself, but you do get to put the stuff together. You pick from a whole buffet of vegetables, meats, and sauces, then leave your bowl for the cook to stir fry as you watch. Either you can make your own creations or you can choose from their set menus which help you make a good creation. The cool thing is that you don't have to worry if you make a bad combo - you can always start over from scratch!! The whole experience is fun and since its all you can eat, you can do it again and again as many times as you like. However, while it is a fun concept, it is pretty pricey, and unless you really ...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on August 28, 2006

Flat Top Grill - Lincoln Park
319 West North Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 787-7676

Melting Pot

Restaurant

Quote:
Craving some fondue? Well, If you love fondue or are looking to get acquainted with it, then there is no better place than the Melting Pot. There is a lot of fondue here and it is good fondue too. My all time favorites are the cheese fondue (an appetizer) and, of course, the dessert course which is the chocolate fondue!! They also have some other really tasty and unique pairings here. I think this place serves two great purposes. One, you can come here with a huge group and everybody can share and have fun. Or else come with a date for a fun, intimate sort of activity (and one that is different and memorable too!). Either way, this place is tons of fun!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 28, 2006

Melting Pot
609 N. Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60654
(312) 573-0011

De Cero

Restaurant

De Cero Photo - De Cero, Chicago, Illinois
Quote:
This is a really cute little Mexican restaurant. While it is downtown, it is a bit hidden and a wonderful place to look up. Its decor is so inviting, very cute, and you won't be disappointed. They have a great twist on tacos here - you can choose from almost 30 different kinds. Some of my favorites are the ahi tuna tacos and the sauteed shrimp tacos (notice the uniqueness?). The guacamole here is killer as well and a must try. If you are looking for drinks, they can help you with that too! I haven't had any of their drinks but they did have an extensive menu!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2006

De Cero
814 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 455-8114

About the Writer

amber02

amber02
chicago, Illinois

Art Institute of Chicago

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