Chicago with Spouse

[dugan2425]

Heading to Chicago tomorrow (husband in meetings) and will be on my own during the day (two days). Need great lunch places, interesting sights (for me,alone) and a place for dinners. Has anyone been to Hub 51? The choices can be pricey (saw the boards about some of the places), but not sure if we can get reservations at the big names... any little gems with great wine lists (most important!)?

[dugan2425]

Thanks so much, knew you all would be helpful!

[Chicagofoodguy]

Stop by and take a look at Millennium Park. See the "bean," the Pavilion, the Gardens, and the Water sculptures. You could eat lunch or dinner or grab a drink outside or inside at the Park Grill, located at Mil. Pk.This is right across the street from the Cultural Center where you can go to the tourist office. Then walk down to the Art Institute, just South of Millennium Park, see some art, and eat lunch, or maybe even dinner (need to check the schedule) in the Art Institute's Garden restaurant. This is a secluded restaurant, in the center of the Art Institute with outdoor seating--great summer restaurant.

Take the Chicago Architecture Foundation's architecture river cruise. This is a great tour for visitors and residents alike. The boat tour goes up and down the Chicago river. You might also look at some of the other tours or boat rides that go out onto the Lake so you can see the view of the skyline, especially at night.

For wine bars/restaurants, if you are staying downtown, check out Bin 36, Juicy Wine Company, or The Tasting Room. Also, there are quite a few BYOB restaurants in Chicago, so you could choose your own wine and take it with you to dine.

www.architecture.org --Chicago Architecture Foundation

[veghound55]

Depends on what you're interested in. If you're looking for a nice loop lunch near museums, there's Atwood Cafe, or Russian Tea Time. If you're more adventurous, Lao Sze Chaun in Chinatown has some of the best authentic Chinese in town. I drag everyone I can there.

For dinner, maybe Blackbird or Avec? They are part of a great restaurant scene on west Randolph. One of my favorites (it's a mostly vegetarian menu) is the Green Zebra on West Chicago--I've enjoyed every meal I've had there. The same chef has a steak place in Printer's Row called Custom House, which has gotten mixed reviews (I haven't been), but I would trust the wine list for sure.

Enjoy the city!

[Holly123]

For interesting sights, go to Chicago Cultural Center at corner of Randolph St. and Michigan Ave. There are Chicago greeters there that can give you suggestions based on your interests. Also, there are a couple of gorgeous rooms in that building worth seeing.