Chicago - Fun, entertaining restaurants to recommend?
Hi Chowhounders,
Hoping to get your expert insight on this topic.
I've never been to Chicago, and will be there in July. Would appreciate your recommendations on a fun restaurant with good food, and possibly entertainment as well.
I suppose fun is a bit of a vague term. I would like to learn what restaurants you consider fun, enjoyable places. What I'm thinking is it could be the entertainment / live music, the ambiance, the view, or something unusual and unique about the place that one wouldn't find anywhere else . (hoping to get some entertainment options in the mix. :) )
I've been searching the forums, naturally , and have caught a few things,
Ala Turka--they have belly dancing on the weekends it seems.
Signature Room--great view, so I understand
Not sure, though, if the food is good at these places.
Where do you recommend? Would appreciate your insight on what's fun to go to (but should have good food), and is a worthwhile experience.
As far as price range, it's a bit flexible, but hopefully the option is not toooo expensive. (not to risk any ire, but personally moto is not my type of place. )
As far as types of food I enjoy; Turkish, Greek, Italian, French, Russian, Irish, English, American, eclectic, Southern, Cajun, Pan Asian, Seafood (no steakhouses please -- no offense meant, I know there are some great places, but not much of a meat eater).
Thanks in advance for your helpful dining feedback. I look forward to your responses. I appreciate you taking the time to share.
By SmeagolDobby
on May 31, 2009 03:25 PM
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This comes to mind:
http://www.pegasuschicago.com/alfresc...
Also, Gospel Brunch @ House Of Blues on Sunday
There are also a TON of places to catch live music after dinner. You might be better off going to one place for food, and then another place for entertainment.
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Signature Room food is good, not great. You can get the same view experience by just going to the Signature Lounge for drinks. (one floor up)
Greek Town is always excellent. My favorite is Greek Islands, but they are really all good, just take your pick.
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Check out Carnivale. I just saw a review for it on www.lthforum.com that got me drooling for it.
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Hi There,
Thank you for taking the time to respond and share your insight. Very interesting places you've mentioned. I've been looking up the places you've both mentioned and they sound great. Thanks also for the insight on the signature room. I was thinking perhaps just drinks also. How pricey are they? More than say, $12 for a cocktail?
I should have added Latin American/Mexican/Central American food to the list as well.... Some yummy options below!
Anyone else like to add?
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Drinks are a little pricey, and what with having little kids, I haven't been in a few years, but $12 for a basic cocktail sounds right. The experience (view) is totally worth it though.
Oh, and if you are going to be here in the next few days - hit up Dixie Kitchen in Hyde Park before it closes!
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For terrific Latin American cuisine and occasional live music (primarily W-F) check out cuatro here:
http://www.cuatro-chicago.com/
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My daughter and I just went to Andy's Jaz club on Hubbard...food is okay but jazz is great definitely worth a visit(she doesnt even like jazz much but loves to go there).Jazz showcase is another place to hear great music and they let you bring in food-so go grab a great burger and onion rings at Hackney's acroos the street and enjoy.Also if the weather is nice, go to cafe outside Tavern on Park restaurant downtown at Pritzger Pavilion-great burgers, people watching, and go for a Rainbow cone next door in the cafe.Go to Millenium park website and you could a wonderful, free outdoor concert that night too. Nothing better in chicago!!!!
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Thanks for adding on. I really appreciate learning about unique Chicago places. Millenium Park has a lot of stuff going on (and not just food related :) )
The Latin American place sounds like fun too. Thanks again for taking the time to write back and share you knowledge and experiences.
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