Illinois-Chicago

Chicago Honeymoon (Colorado Bride)

Hello, Chicago Knotties!My FI and I are planning our honeymoon and we'd like to come to Chicago.  We would love some recommendations of places to stay that aren't too pricey but would feel special, places to eat, and things to do/see!We're major foodies and we love our gourmet fare, but Colorado doesn't "do" comfort food the way the Midwest does so we're hoping to get some greasy goodness while we're in Chicago, too!  Any favorite places, from street carts to six-course tasting menus?Also, we enjoy museums and will wander to just about anywhere if it sounds like it might be interesting (Pine furniture of early Tasmanian settlers?  Let's go!), so what are the highlights we should see?  We have a habit of going to a zoo or aquarium everywhere we travel, so we'll be looking for something of that nature in the area.We're used to being able to walk or take public transit safely and easily, and we sometimes are a little too comfortable with it for big city life.  Seriously, last time I walked home in the dark I was worried about a young mountain lion that had recently been sighted- people don't cross my mind as a threat!  Are there places we should avoid walking after dark or anything like that?  I'm guessing your wildlife isn't much of a threat :-)Thank you so much for reading all that!  I'd be more than happy to return the favor if any of you need info on Colorado (Front Range/ metro area and most of the ski resorts and mountain towns), Lake Tahoe, CA, or Tasmania, Australia... Locals ALWAYS have the best advice, so I really appreciate anything you can share!Cheers,Amy
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Re: Chicago Honeymoon (Colorado Bride)

  • edited December 2011
    Personally I LOVE the Museum of Science and Industry (but I'm a science nerd...). It is very intereactive and there are some really neat exhibits.
  • edited December 2011
    The W Lakeshore is a GREAT hotel to stay at; it's not right in the heart of downtown *meaning, not on the magnificent mile* but it IS downtown - and within walking distance to everything. The Hard Rock Chicago is also great. It's right downtown, and again...walking distance to everything. The rooms are nice, they have great options for room service, and they are walking distance to Bacino's pizza, which IMHO offers the BEST deep dish pizzza - so if it's comfort food you're looking for - write that down on your list of places to visit! If you wanted to stay more on the Magnificent Mile, there are a TON of hotel options. The Rush/Division area is a great place to eat/socialize. There are several different bars/restaurants within that area, and again...walking distance to many of the hotels.If I think of anything else, I'll let you know!Good Luck!
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    Finally...we are Mr. & Mrs.!!! WooHoo!!!

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  • morgie44morgie44 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Chicago has a lot of great boutique hotels that are a little more reasonably priced than some of the bigger hotels... Hotel Monaco, Allegro, and Indigo.I haven't been personally, but I have heard really great things about the Chicago architecture cruises.  Also the Shedd aquarium is great.  For food, of course pizza!  Everyone is going to have their own favorites... I like Lou Malnotti's and Pequod's.  There are also a ton of great steakhouses in Chicago.  David Burke's primehouse is a favorite for us.  We also have some great ethnic neighborhoods:  Chinatown, little Italy, Greektown etc.  that are worth a visit.  Some of my favorite other restaurants are Cafe Iberico or Quartino for small plates, Carnivale for Latin food, and Portillos for Italian Beef, hot dogs, and burgers.The signature room (on top of the Hancock) is great for drinks with a view, but I wouldn't recommend eating there, overpriced for not so great quality.
  • edited December 2011
    To stay:Palmer House Hilton: recently restored and gorgeous; you can often find great deals on priceline.comRestaurants:Chicago has amazing steaks and I recommend any of the following: Morton's, David Burke, Ruth's Chris, Gibson's (also, sign up at these restaurants' websites- you will get email deals and awesome $50 pp dinner deals)Frontera Grill: Rick Bayless just won Top Chef Masters for a reason. My advice is to share small plates, as you get more for your money. It's still a little pricey.Bonsoiree: Fine dining in the Logan Square neighborhood. It is fantastic fine dining without the fine dining price tag.Rosebud (Little Italy Location): Chicago Italian food- definitely share entrees because they are huge!Piece Pizza: Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood. This is not Chicago style pizza (gasp!) but thin crust with a wide variety of toppings, huge selection of beer on tap, and live music. This place is so fun to begin a night out.Kuma's Corner: Avondale neighborhood. Seriously the best burgers in Chicago- more of a lunch place.Things to do:Are you going to be in Chicago over the summer or winter? There is so much to do, but knowing the season helps!Areas to avoid:Southside and Westside. Seriously. Do not take the green line further than Ashland or the blue line further than Racine (avoiding the west side). Do not take the red line further than Cermak-Chinatown.
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  • morgie44morgie44 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I just wanted to pop back in and say that there are a lot of areas on the southside that are perfectly safe.  Both the mayor and the president live on the south side.  You have to be careful where ever you go.  Obviously, there are places that are unsafe to walk around in on the south side, but there are places I wouldn't want to go walking at night on the northside either.  OK rant over it just really annoys me when people make blanket statements about over 100 square miles of a city when they have never actually spent any real time in the dozens of neighborhoods to realize that the whole southside isn't Englewood.
  • edited December 2011
    I would look into staying at the James Hotel. It's a boutique hotel with a great, modern feel and gorgeous rooms! Very reasonable too and just a block off Michigan Ave. Activities: Shedd Aquarium is awesome. And Lincoln Park zoo is free! Not sure when you're coming, but around the holidays they have it lit up very pretty with lights. All of the museums are excellent too. Restaurants: - West Town Tavern (upscale comfort food)- Butterfly Sushi (BYOB)- Geja's (fondue - a splurge, but super romantic) - Lou Malnati's (Chicago-style deep dish pizza)- North Pond- Blackbird- Sola Hope this helps! Enjoy :)
  • edited December 2011
    Thanks, everyone!  We're getting SO excited!!!  So many ideas!!!!  You rock!
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  • edited December 2011
    morgie: I have family and close friends that live in Beverly. I certainly am aware that the whole southside is not dangerous. Also, I myself live in Oak Park and frequently take the green line. It's just that when someone is not from Chicago, one often does not realize how quickly neighborhoods can change. Walking one block can take you from a great area to a dangerous area. OP asked what areas to avoid and knowing that she is probably not familiar with the dynamics of Chicago neighborhoods, I was purposely giving a blanket warning.
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