s/o Chicago: Some recs please?

tamerbelles

DH and I will be there over Fourth of July weekend for a friend's wedding and for a nice getaway.

We have Cubs tickets for Friday afternoon (Go Cubs go!), and we want to have dinner in Wrigleyville somewhere. Thoughts? I don't want to do a touristy place if they're all going to be packed on game day. (Though I'm guessing they all will be packed)

The next day, we're just going to wander downtown for shopping, exploring, etc. I've been to the museums/aquarium before (back in high school), and DH could care less about stuff like that. Any activities/restaurants/attractions we should check out? 

DLD102

My all-time favorite locale (just moved from Chicago) is Mia Francesca on Clark Street, just north of Belmont.  It's amazing food and no tourists know about it.

tamerbelles

I'll put it on the list! Thank you!

Scout05

Have you done the architecture tour yet? It's a boat down the river, and a must-do whenever we have people in from out of town. I always learn something new, and I've done it a million times. Plus, it's nice to just be on the river.

Also, if you are looking for a way too expensive but with the best view in the city kind of place for a drink, the terrace at Trump Hotel is unreal. This is showing the wrong way, those couches look out at the river  and lake, and it's breathtaking:

 

Some great restaurants in the area:

Sable Kitchen

Zed451

Of course Uno's, and if you are heading into Lincoln Park, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is a can't miss.

 

Oh, and if you really have an afternoon free, the walking food tours are awesome. I did the one in Gold Coast/Lincoln Park w/ my mom, and it was great:

https://www.chicagofoodplanet.com/

 

pokeyswife

The taste of Chicago is that weekend.  It is really good. 

I couldn't do a trip to Chicago without getting lunch at Portillos.  I love their hotdogs and cheese fries.

I also love the museums.  Field museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and the Art Museum are all really cool places to visit.

RachelG83

I wouldn't wish the Taste on anyone.  It's SO crowded it's insane.

Uno's for sure.  It's delicious. 

If you're wandering and shopping getting some pics by the Bean is fun but doesn't take that long.

ValentineBB

Everything in Wrigleyville will be packed on game day and to be honest, the whole neighborhood is touristy.  I'd recommend getting over to Southport avenue, it's still in the neighborhood but has some good places.  Blue Bayou, Tango, some pubs, etc.

Dukos

While I wouldn't call Wrigleyville "touristy" (when I think touristy, I think Navy Pier) it is obviously very, very Cubs oriented and as someone who lives 5 blocks from Wrigley, yes, it will be a zoo on game day.  Southport corridor isn't a bad idea.  I'll second Mia Francesca's, although the Lincoln Park location is not my favorite cause it's crowded.  I'd rec Gibson's Steakhouse if you are looking for a nice steak place, or Gino's East, Uno's or Lou Malnoti's for fabulous Chicago style deep dish pizza. 

BallSox

the taste of chicago.  For reals.  It's nuts.  :-)