LaFemme

BeckyP005

Hey there Jen. I think my hubby and I are going to Chicago next month and would love if you gave us some great places to eat. I don't know where we are staying yet. Last time it was around Michigan Ave. 

The two times we were out there for a wedding the weather was freezing! Oh and is there a cool bar/lounge that we could go to? His friends don't go out much but I would like to do something fun. Any input you could give me would be great. New Orleans is next. I know you gave me info on that but of course I misplaced it. He thinks it would be too hot down there next month. Not sure.

Thanks a bunch Becky!

LaFemmeRousse

Hi Becky!  Absolutely, I'll be happy to pass on all of my favorite suggestions   I'll stick to places around Michigan Ave for now.  Any preference as to what kind of food?  I'll come up with a good list at work tomorrow!

BeckyP005

mark likes all kinds of food it's me that is soo darn picky. I'm more of a steak chicken kind of gal. Boring I know. I just thought if your in Chicago what would be some must eat places and bars to visit. Your always a wealth of knowledge when it comes to travels!! Don't rush. Only if you have a spare minute. Thanks!

LaFemmeRousse

Ok, so here's my list of stuff in the Michigan Avenue area:

Restaurants-

Quartino is small plates Italian.  They have great cheap house wine and really good flatbread pizza, salads, and an amazing in-house salumeria (plates of cured meats, yummy cheese, garnishes, etc.) http://www.quartinochicago.com/

Cafe Spiaggia is the less expensive version of the very fancy Italian restaurant Spiaggia.  It's the Obamas favorite place to eat in town, and the chef is on Top Chef Masters this season.  The food is pretty much the same, just cheaper!  Go here for a fancy meal and enjoy the view of Michigan Ave from the big windows. http://www.spiaggiarestaurant.com/#/cafe/general-info

There are several great Brazilian steakhouses in Chicago.  My personal favorite is Texas de Brazil- it's HUGE and they have an amazing buffet and wine angels.  Fogo de Chao is also nearby.  For basic steaks, there's a Gibsons and a non-chain one called Wildfire nearby too. http://www.texasdebrazil.com/
http://www.wildfirerestaurant.com/

Ben Pao is an Asian-fusion restaurant with their own home-made ginger ale that is to die for.  http://www.benpao.com/

Wow Bao is a quick-service takeout place in the Water Tower mall.  A bao is a small, soft bun filled with different stuff- tradtionally pork, I think, but there are lots of options here and it's a nice place to grab a bite on the go. http://www.wowbao.com/
 
Le Colonial is French-Vietnamese food.  Also fancy, and if you go, sit upstairs- I like that room better.  Very romantic, FI took me here for an anniversary a few years ago. http://www.lecolonialchicago.com/

Bars-

The Drawing Room is very fun and cool.  They specialize in vintage cocktails and have fantastic selections of whiskey, scotch, gin, and bourbon.  Also some yummy small plates, but at least go here for a drink!  It sort of has a speakeasy feel to it.  It's also attached to a club if you feel like dancing afterward http://www.thedrchicago.com/

The Vertigo Lounge is at the top of the Dana Hotel, and they have a swanky roofdeck.  A great happy hour/ early evening spot for a cocktail. http://www.danahotelandspa.com/rooftop-lounge/index.cfm

Clark Street Ale House is very low-key, open late (4 AM), and has a superb beer selection, including one or two rotating options that are cask-conditioned.   We end up there late-night frequently.  I don't think they have a website, sorry!

The Signature Room at the Hancock Building- it's worth your while to visit the top of the Hancock Building to see the beautiful views of the lake and the city, but instead of paying to visit the observation deck, pay for a drink in the Signature Room!  Same price, much more relaxing and romantic.  The drinks are better than the food here, IMO. http://www.signatureroom.com/

Pops for Champagne is- you guessed it- a champagne bar.  You can get a glass or a bottle.  Fun, celebratory atmosphere, and sometimes they have live jazz. http://www.popsforchampagne.com/

Desserts-

Vosges Haut Chocolat has THE BEST and most inventive truffles in the entire world.  A must-visit if you like chocolate at all!  There's a location right on Michigan Ave. http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/boutiques

Berry Chill is just like Pinkberry- healthy, tangy frozen yogurt with probiotics and your choice of dozens of fun toppings.  The State Street location always has a line out the door on warm evenings.  http://www.berrychill.com/

Is that a good start?  All of these places will be walkable from Michigan Avenue, assuming you'll be staying north of the river.  Let me know if there's anything else you want to know, including sightseeing stuff.  I didn't even include the deep dish pizza places, so let me know if you're interested in those as well!

BeckyP005

Oh my you are awesome!! Thanks so much. When I have time this weekend I will have to go on those websites.