http://www.chow.com/boards/7 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:42:07 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848986#7342137 The Next El Bulli menu is EXTREMELY filling. some dishes are very small. but there are several "more-then-1-bite" entree courses that add up big time. not one table around me was finishing every course. this uhockey guy is intentionally trying to be misleading for some reason…. i dont know what Achatz did to him but he mad… FoodHasTheRightToMe Wed, 16 May 2012 08:22:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848986#7342137 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849284#7342124 The James has a little more originality and pizzazz than the Fairmont, and I've heard good things about their breakfast/brunch. If it were any time other than summer the area around the James is much more conducive to wandering, shopping, snacking, and grabbing a train, but given how much I love hanging out in Millennium Park in June, both are good options. I would strongly recommend taking her for a cocktail at The Aviary (closed Sunday-Monday), as there's just nothing like it, although you are not otherwise planning to be in that neighborhood at night unless you go to Blackbird. Also, when you go to Publican, take a stroll through Publican Quality Meats. Even if you don't stay for a meal at PQM, it's fun for foodie window-shopping, you could get a snack for the room, and I've had the pleasure of Paul Kahan being there and chatting every time I've gone. GourmetWednesday Wed, 16 May 2012 08:08:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849284#7342124 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849296#7342062 Wow those noodle dishes have me salivating. I'm so happy for all of these suggestions- I'm moving to Chicago in a few months so eventually I will try all of these places. Thank you! ajaw Wed, 16 May 2012 05:44:22 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849296#7342062 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849404#7341900 Well, then, it depends on what you want more, if it's applicable. If you want a better hot link, definitely go to Uncle John's. If you've never had a "Chicago" hot link, it's a spicy sausage with a strong hit of sage - the flavor most people associate with breakfast sausage. If you are relying on public trans, I might lean towards Honey 1 because of the time involved in getting to Uncle John's. Honey 1's hot links just do not compare to Uncle John's, but Honey One's tips are usually a fine choice. Aquarium smoker bbq is cooked at a higher temp for shorter time than long, slow, texas cue, so don't be surprised if you encounter more fat on the ribs and the tips than with Texas cue. I love both styles, but I'm not averse to eating fat. You can eat around it, and pick it off or whatever, but just be forewarned. Ppl who are not familiar with the style can sometimes be "put off" by the fat. However, as most ppl familiar with meat will tell you, the flavor is in the fat. Aquarium smoker cue just usually doesn't have as much fat rendered off. gordeaux Wed, 16 May 2012 03:26:17 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849404#7341900 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849192#7341855 A few more thoughts: North Pond--you can't beat the atmosphere and view! Balena is new and getting great buzz. Erwin is tried and true, maybe along the lines of Browntrout and Sola. Not terribly exciting these days but solid. GourmetWednesday Wed, 16 May 2012 03:03:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849192#7341855 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849379#7341826 i'm mid 30s and live downtown and would recommend Hub 51 which does get lively as the night goes on if you don't mind 50/50 mix of tourists and locals (we probably go there once a month). if i were to go more local, currently on top is Tavernita. Really good Spanish influence small plates, but NOT standard tapas and a solid drink list. jbontario Wed, 16 May 2012 02:48:29 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849379#7341826 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848328#7341818 Regardles of opinions posted, Roka Akor is really good. It's not cheap and I would recommend the grilled items over the maki but overall its a solid, i think dependable restaurant that you just don't recommend for value. jbontario Wed, 16 May 2012 02:45:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848328#7341818 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849392#7341749 Cab from downtown to Hot Doug's shouldn't be more than $20, probably closer to $15. Catching one back might be a little challenging, but if you walk back South (walk out of Doug's and head to the right) about 1/4 mile to Belmont and you'll be able to catch a cab. At lunch, taking the Kennedy (90/94 expressway) shouldn't take more than 15/20 mins from Embassy Suites. Hot Doug's is great and no need to waste time for duck fat fries, the regular fries are great. Don't waste your time getting a Chicago dog, they are really not that special anywhere, and why waste space when you could have a foie gras sausage. I just looked at Today's Specials on the website and I might need to drive out for lunch tomorrow and hope he still has a "Cherry-Infused Venison Sausage with Fig Mustard and Smoked Provolone Cheese." jbontario Wed, 16 May 2012 02:20:36 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849392#7341749 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849390#7341387 Totally understood. So where would you go for dawgs? I've already planned a trip to Franks for Lyonnaise fries and a brunch or salmon for Saturday while in the Lincoln Park area. Doug's is still on the possibilities list, but I'm thinking I'll make it there. Do you have any opinions on the 2 places? JanetLong Tue, 15 May 2012 23:19:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849390#7341387 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848923#7340882 I've eaten at Shaw's for their buffet Sunday brunch twice so far this year, once in each location, and it's outstanding. They have terrific breakfast items (thick-cut caramelized bacon, yummmm), terrific seafood items (crabcakes, chilled shrimp and crab), and terrific desserts (creme brulee, pot de creme). I wrote up a detailed report which you can view at www.chow.com/topics/364403#5927944 - the only thing that has changed since then is the price ($48) and they no longer have hot king crab legs, although they still have them cold. This is my favorite brunch buffet. I have eaten at Reel Club for lunch and dinner and like it a lot, but have not been there for brunch. (I don't even know whether it's a buffet.) It's also worth noting that, since Shaw's and Reel Club are both Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, it's possible they may share ingredient sourcing and/or recipes. HTH nsxtasy Tue, 15 May 2012 19:32:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848923#7340882 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849320#7340411 Mariscos El Veneno (on Ashland across from El Barco) is BYOB, but they have a great michelada mix on hand. Probably my favorite in the city. Big Star's (in Wicker Park) is also solid. Possumlad Tue, 15 May 2012 16:34:29 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849320#7340411 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849307#7339995 Where can I take my 11yr old for his bday dinner, that is fun and entertaining??? mrshooch Tue, 15 May 2012 13:55:57 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849307#7339995 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848900#7338897 Thanks again danimalarkey! Strongly leaning towards Thursday dinner in Logan Square now. But I'm beginning to wonder whether I can squeeze in an extra meal stop back in Logan Square on the way either to/from O'Hare to visit whichever place I don't try out on Thursday evening...! So many places to try out, so little time - and I need to get some sightseeing done as well :) Heheho Mon, 14 May 2012 22:22:42 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848900#7338897 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849042#7338803 Although he didn't specify, based on the dinner plans I'd guess they're looking for Sunday brunch so Frontera's out. ferret Mon, 14 May 2012 21:30:34 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849042#7338803 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848865#7338704 Having lived in NW Indiana for 50 years, I can navigate around Chicago and its environs. I didn't mean to intimate the OP should go to Dyer for a sandwich...but it's what I do when I come back for a visit. Beef stands are ubiquitous around the city; there should be no problem finding one convenient for the OP. Mayor of Melonville Mon, 14 May 2012 20:49:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848865#7338704 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849106#7337898 Thanks, but I've already checked OpenTable (otherwise I wouldn't have posted). You're absolutely right--there are many restaurants that are open according to OpenTable--none of them seem to be very "chow-worthy" though. I'm interested to know whether there are restaurants that aren't listed on OpenTable that are open on Memorial Day for lunch that are well regarded. Called BlackBird--not open for holiday. ellenost Mon, 14 May 2012 15:52:25 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849106#7337898 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849006#7337215 Lula Cafe and Jam and Longman & Eagle and Telegraph are all very good. They're just not in Bucktown or Wicker Park. They're in Logan Square, which isn't all that far, but a different neighborhood. For breakfast or brunch in B/WP, I would agree with the Bongo Room. They specialize in very sweet pancakes (too sweet for me) but also have good omelets. Otherwise Both Feast andToast have a very good breakfast and an outdoor patio to eat in. I would plan on Big Star for lunch and then dinner in the same 'hood at Hot Chocolate or The Bristol or Antico or Ripasso. chicgail Mon, 14 May 2012 03:55:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/849006#7337215 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847808#7336163 Also, no sushi. Sanchez101 Sun, 13 May 2012 13:20:46 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847808#7336163 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847556#7335976 Franks and Dawgs seems pretty interesting - we might try that! Is there a decent Italian Beef sandwich place around N. Clybourn/Lincoln Park? ybnormal Sun, 13 May 2012 04:50:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847556#7335976 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848930#7335866 Glad to hear your trip went well. EL is on a roll. It's starting to be mentioned in the same breath as Schwa. camusman Sun, 13 May 2012 02:49:38 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848930#7335866 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848713#7335337 I'm hearing rumors of Pilsen. They're just so hip ;^) Burritobreath Sat, 12 May 2012 19:58:56 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848713#7335337 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848672#7334921 Yusho before EL Ideas was amazing, but even for myself a ton of food. That said, EL Ideas was a better meal than Next - El Bulli, and IMO the most exciting restaurant in Chicago right now. It might not be as 'good' as Alinea, but more exciting and 1/2 the price (1/3-1/4 if you're drinking.) http://endoedibles.com uhockey Sat, 12 May 2012 13:49:09 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848672#7334921 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848778#7334530 OH wow - the Big Jones menu looks amazing. That might justify a trip out to Andersonville alone! ramentime Sat, 12 May 2012 03:04:48 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848778#7334530 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848259#7333936 You can try the old Farmers Creamery (now Kalona) brand at Whole Foods, they use a low-temp pasteurization process. http://www.kalonasupernatural.com/our-process/ ferret Fri, 11 May 2012 20:28:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848259#7333936 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848164#7333467 There isn't much I would recommend right in the Gold Coast itself, but within roughly two miles are five of the very best bakeries for pastry in the entire city: Floriole Cafe & Bakery, Lincoln Park - www.floriole.com Vanille Patisserie, Lincoln Park and West Loop/French Market - www.vanillepatisserie.com Alliance Bakery, Wicker Park - www.alliance-bakery.com Toni Patisserie, Loop - www.tonipatisserie.com Fox & Obel, Streeterville/River East - www.fox-obel.com For more information on each of these and others, see www.chow.com/topics/542316 As noted above, the Lobby, the restaurant in the Peninsula Hotel, does indeed still serve The Chocolate Bar, its all-you-can-eat buffet of 30-40 chocolate desserts, on Friday and Saturday evenings. It's pricey, though, around $35-40. www.peninsula.com/chicago/en/default.aspx#/chicago/en/Dining/The_Lobby For non-pastry confections, I'd second the recommendations for Garrett's Popcorn ( www.garrettpopcorn.com ) and Vosges Chocolates ( www.vosgeschocolate.com ). Another excellent artisanal chocolatier downtown is Canady le Chocolatier, with locations in the South Loop and the West Loop/French Market ( www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com ). Our very best artisanal chocolatier IMHO requires a trip to near north suburban Evanston, for Belgian Chocolatier Piron ( www.belgchocpiron.com ). nsxtasy Fri, 11 May 2012 16:58:12 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848164#7333467 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848613#7333287 Given your price point, the best I can think of is a restaurant in Greektown, such as Greek Island or Parthenon, which offer a number of fish & seafood entrees, as well as various meats, especially lamb. masha Fri, 11 May 2012 15:16:14 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848613#7333287 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848002#7332495 Our server at Nellcote RAVED Ada Street, and I've heard very positive things, but I haven't been. For the same price-point I'd suggest Yusho, Nellcote, Publican, or Avec personally. http://endoedibles.com uhockey Fri, 11 May 2012 00:24:49 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848002#7332495 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847914#7331648 awesome. thanks! FoodHasTheRightToMe Thu, 10 May 2012 17:05:13 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847914#7331648 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847963#7331157 India House delivers, so does Star of Siam. delk Thu, 10 May 2012 12:42:54 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847963#7331157 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847186#7330875 Sullivan,s is perfect.great steaks and seafood. The bone-in filet is excellent. you get a choice of toppings,I chose the Oscar,which is lump crab meat,asparagus and a bear aisle sauce,was delicious, the sweet and hot fried calamari was good,it had Thai or vietnamese flavors.the potato au gratin was good. The quality was high.they have 28 day aged and 56 day dry aged steaks. The red snapper with plum sauce was very good.the prices are reasonable, I like this place better than Jordan's,diktats,gibsons etc. it's right up the block from house of blues. foodwhisperer Thu, 10 May 2012 05:19:44 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847186#7330875 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844687#7330621 And if you sit at the bar you can order off of either the Frontera or the Topo menu. chicgail Thu, 10 May 2012 02:08:01 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844687#7330621 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848503#7330612 It may be so. The place had pretentions, but wasn't very good and the service was abysmal. chicgail Thu, 10 May 2012 02:03:50 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848503#7330612 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848434#7330597 The Whole Foods on Ashland had them last week, $14.99 for a small box, 6-8 shrooms if I remember correctly. GourmetWednesday Thu, 10 May 2012 01:55:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848434#7330597 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848319#7330560 Note that May 19 is the first day of the 3 day NATO summit, which may pose some logistical challenges. You may want to plan on eating within walking distance of your hotel or locations accessible via the L. Vehicular traffic in the Loop and South Loop is likely to be problematic. Street traffic north of the Chicago River and away from the lakefront is less likely to pose challenges. masha Thu, 10 May 2012 01:34:43 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848319#7330560 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844855#7329812 Went to Ruxbin two Fridays ago with a 2-person group. We showed up @ 5:20 (10 min before they open), and found a small line. The entire line was seated during the first seating (right at 5:30), apart from those whose entire party was not present. From there, it appears that they simply start taking down names and phone numbers once the place fills up, and stop once they are full for the night. Didn't seem to be much different than than any other restaurant, just very small and very popular. I did hear the waitress mention that if you show up past 7 or 7:30 on a weekend, it's very likely that their waiting list will be full for the night. Possumlad Wed, 09 May 2012 19:38:02 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844855#7329812 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847698#7329809 I am a huge south loop fan. If anyone didnt Acadia is pretty amazing! BSpar Wed, 09 May 2012 19:37:53 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847698#7329809 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848251#7329719 This won't answer your question but Tavernita makes a nice variety of barrel-aged cocktails which they'll happily sell you by the glass: http://www.tavernita.com/menus/tavernita_dinner_and_beverage.pdf ferret Wed, 09 May 2012 19:02:09 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848251#7329719 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848190#7328325 Thanks for the ideas. I will check them out. mresera Wed, 09 May 2012 02:02:29 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848190#7328325 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847766#7328242 Oh thanks.i like both of those,and I guess I can eat at the bar. I'm confident on getting in, so I will try. Not sure whether to do sushi tonite or not.GATG sounds good foodwhisperer Wed, 09 May 2012 01:10:06 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847766#7328242 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/794050#7328227 Thanks for this list. When I saw a place named shanghai terrace as best sushi,I figured I would cancel my sushi urge for tonite. But glad to see your list.ive been to japonais and it was good ,way way better than Sunda. Japonica had opened in NYC and was not good at all,but was very nice atmosphere,thy have since closed. I guess I will try Mirai or Katsura. Or arami whichever is closest to River North area, unless someone gives me another one to try on my other post.im starving right now. foodwhisperer Wed, 09 May 2012 01:05:15 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/794050#7328227 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847476#7327847 Try Czervone Jabluszko ( The Red Apple )) in the 6400 Block of North Milwaukee Avenue the next time you're in Chicago. It's a great Polish buffet. Or try Isla Filipino on West Lawrence Ave for Phillpino. Both offer great examples of local ethnic dining frequented by locals. Mobiusring Tue, 08 May 2012 21:40:39 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847476#7327847 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847515#7327452 The South Loop is fine (it's where I work), but most visitors in Chicago tend to spend most of their time eating/playing/shopping north of the Chicago River, in the area closer to the Gleacher Center. There is only a mile separating the 2, but your original post mentioned some trepidation as to cold weather; it's a lovely walk today but in November, it can be cold & blustery. masha Tue, 08 May 2012 19:16:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847515#7327452 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844689#7327403 It's been almost two weeks since our trip, and I still haven't posted to report back... Don't have time for a lengthy/detailed commentary now, but thought a short post would be better than nothing. Thursday night had a very late pizza dinner. We decided to go to Gino's because it was so close to our hotel and the hour was late, but alas they closed at 10 so we just missed the boat. Instead, we went to Lou Malnati's. Had no problem getting a table, given the hour (almost 10:30). Service was excellent for a pizza joint. We didn't hate the pizza (one with sausage, and one with spinach and mushrooms), but were somewhat underwhelmed. Not sure if we would have felt the same about deep dish at another restaurant (it's not something we get at home...we're more accustomed to Neapolitan style). Also had a salad, which was okay (especially the little crispy salami bits, which were really yummy in a gross kind of way) but the dressing was way too sweet. I'm not really complaining though, because I don't think I'd expect much better in a pizza joint. Friday lunch was the Purple Pig after doing an architectural river cruise (note to other tourists: PP is very close to where the boat docks). It was my favourite meal of the trip. I wrote down all the dishes we had (and there were many!!) but I'm not sure what I did with the paper. One of our faves was the crispy pig ear with kale and egg. SO delicious. Texture was lovely, as was the level of acid in whatever it was dressed in. We also loved a salad we had - asparagus, arugula, and hazelnuts. Again, beautifully dressed. We had a slightly spicy house cured pork loin, which was delicious. The worst thing we had was the meatball slider sandwich, which was by no means bad, just a bit too ordinary. Pretty good service, considering how busy they were (perhaps not quite as attentive as they could have been, but not bad, and very friendly/helpful). Friday night was the Publican (not the best choice, given that it's a bit similar to PP, but it just worked out that way). I hesitate to say this because it gets so much love, but I felt a bit like the emperor had no clothes. The only things that we really thought were great were the ham, and the cheese we had at the end of the meal, neither of which were actually made in-house. Practically everything we ordered was oversalted (and believe me, I love salt, so if I think there's too much, there's really too much). Again, I'm blanking on most of what we tried (and can't find my list) but I do recall thinking that the best dish we had would have been the squid, if it weren't for the excess salt. Oh, actually, I just remembered another one -- the boudin blanc, which was actually quite nice, and salted appropriately, so I guess I'd say it was my fave after the ham and the cheese. Service was competent, but less than enthusiastic. We hit Frontera Grill for Saturday brunch. Got there about 20 minutes before it opened, and had no trouble getting a table. The service was fantastic, and so was the food (it was my husband's favourite meal, and my second-favourite). We started with the sopes rancheros (little crispy corn boats filled with slightly spicy beef, tomato, avocado and cheese), which were really delicious. We then shared the enchilada with steak and eggs, and a "Sapitos" trio. The enchilada was really good, but very spicy. Our waiter had warned us about the level of heat (quite emphatically) and I sort of wish that I'd listened and ordered something else. I enjoy hot/spicy food, and while this didn't totally blow my head off, it was a bit hotter than would be my preference. The flavour was great though. The sapitos were little corn cakes - one topped with egg, the other with chorizo, and the third with chicken. They were fantastic. Really, really nice flavour. Overall, a great meal. Saturday night was dinner at North Pond. Chicgail, we thought long and hard about whether to change our reso to Tru and I really wish we had. North Pond has a lovely atmosphere, but neither the food nor the service were consistent with the fairly high price. Both of our mains came out lukewarm, in fact. We shared an artichoke soup, which was kind of ho hum, and a crab/avocado salad, which was quite nice, to start. Both of our mains came out lukewarm (which I find unacceptable anywhere, let alone a restaurant of that calibre). We shared a beef dish and a halibut dish. Both were good, but by no means great or memorable. Our waiter seemed a bit too self-important and preoccupied, in spite of the fact that the restaurant wasn't very busy. Oh well, live and learn... I guess this turned out a bit longer than I planned.... Thanks again to all of you for your input/suggestions. I'm really looking forward to another trip to your great city at some point. torontofoodiegirl Tue, 08 May 2012 18:56:33 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/844689#7327403 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848177#7327079 Courtright's is a Michelin star restaurant in a very nice setting in Willow Springs. Another possibility would be Le Vichyssois in Lakemoor. Finally, Vie in Western Springs might be the best if food is paramount. camusman Tue, 08 May 2012 17:17:30 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848177#7327079 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848140#7326541 Yeah, as far as Hopleaf, the upstairs area usually isn't available for private parties on Saturday nights. However! I think they are days away from completing their expansion which might about double the space available. This might allow them a little more flexibility with dealing with private parties so like chicgail said, a call directly to them couldn't hurt. danimalarkey Tue, 08 May 2012 14:08:19 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848140#7326541 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839299#7326244 Thanks for that link Hehe. Because I've never been to Chicago I thought this might not only be a good way to sample a few food items, but the tour itself would be a nice low key introduction to the city. So it's still a consideration on my list. TrishUntrapped Tue, 08 May 2012 07:25:51 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/839299#7326244 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847889#7326067 Lula Cafe is fantastic - go for the weekend brunch or the Monday night arm dinner - $34 without wine pairings. It is a bit far from where you're staying, however. Avec is also a wonderful and reasonably priced option, and Sepia, while pricey, just might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Gourdeaux mentioned Korean BBQ, there are some great spots in the Uptown for Korean BBQ and for Vietnamese food - particularly pho and banh mi. Great for a cheap lunch. kvalentine Tue, 08 May 2012 04:04:47 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847889#7326067 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848093#7325118 Am seeking recommendations for a quiet cafe or bar in the vicinity of Wacker & Michigan/Columbus (near Swissotel & Hyatt Regency). Looking for coffee/dessert or drinks/appetizer, but quiet enough to chat. Thanks much. WeightWatchersNot Mon, 07 May 2012 19:26:07 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/848093#7325118 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847833#7324747 Thanks for the feedback, I feel silly for asking now that I went because the neighborhood felt plenty safe. It was actually a nice night for the short walk and we really enjoyed our meal. PHXeater Mon, 07 May 2012 16:47:52 GMT http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/847833#7324747