643866 Tue Aug 11 13:16:28 -0700 2009 11 7 Chicago Area 0 4937333 My husband and I will be visiting Chicago for the first time this fall, staying at the Homewood Suites in River North. So far on our list is Kuma's Corner (we're big DDD fans and they never come to Philly), Lou Malnatis, Wrigley Field, and Carnivale (with friends). We're looking for: 1. A rockin breakfast spot near our hotel. Breakfast is included at our hotel, but I'm sure we'll want to venture out at least one day. 2. Late night music and drinks- i know Chicago is supposed to be big for live music- anything nearby where we can get drinks and/or a bite? 3. Local beer- what do you suggest we adopt as our beer of the vacation? 4. Navy Pier- we'll be spending a day on Navy Pier. Is the food there decent, or should we steer elsewhere? Thanks for your help! We're really excited for our trip! Tue Aug 11 13:16:28 -0700 2009 12365 jessicheese 1 4937489 I've been meaning to try this joint for breakfast. Check out their menu! http://www.yolk-online.com/ You'll want the Wells Street location, which is closer to where you're staying. I live downtown, and the breakfast places are few and far between. And you don't want to dish out $40 for the buffet at the Drake, I'm guessing (delish, but whoa). I've perused the restaurants at Navy Pier, and I say "meh" to all of them. So many better places to dine. I'm not saying skip the Pier altogether, as it's nice to hang for a while (and there are fireworks on Wed. and Sat. nights), but definitely not dinner-worthy. I guess it'd be okay for a quick bite, though, if you're not looking for any culinary breakouts. Maybe check out Goose Island Brewery? I'm not big on beer, but I love theirs. http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/clybourn_brewpub/65.php And if you like blues, don't miss Buddy Guy's Legends. http://www.buddyguys.com/ Have fun! Tue Aug 11 13:54:50 -0700 2009 4937333 216146 sis2catbat 1 4937756 Since you're interested in Chicago beers, you might want to check this recent NYT article out. It's pretty much on the money: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/travel/28journeys.html When we're stuck at Navy Pier for lunch/dinner, we usually wind up at Riva's. The food's decent enough, particularly the seafood, but you will pay a 10% or so premium for the spectacular view http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/riva.htm Tue Aug 11 15:22:01 -0700 2009 4937333 10261 jbw 1 4939306 For Breakfast: Ohio House Restaurant http://tinyurl.com/n2hw3g For Beer: Clark St. Ale House http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2954 For Italian Beef/Sausage Sandwich: Mr. Beef http://tinyurl.com/3heyeo Wed Aug 12 07:18:32 -0700 2009 4937333 181831 gomexico 2 4939711 No offense, gomexico, but Ohio House? Ew. That's not even a restaurant. More like a greasy spoon, attached to a motel. Like, the kind of motel for four hour "nappers" (wink) and the like. C'mon! Wed Aug 12 08:57:56 -0700 2009 4939306 216146 sis2catbat 3 4945902 Ovbiously, you've not been to the restaurant. I suspect most Chowhounds will appreciate the food, and atmosphere. Fri Aug 14 06:15:31 -0700 2009 4939711 181831 gomexico 4 4947232 Some posters at LTHForum have appreciated Ohio House. For 2009 coverage with quite a few pictures see: http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=23498 Fri Aug 14 14:25:38 -0700 2009 4945902 11364 Eldon Kreider 3 4951475 People here obviously have different tastes but I think your criticism is pretty unfair. No, Ohio House is not a fancy restaurant but anyone who has been there would not have dismissed it as quickly as you have done. The food is pretty damn good in an old-school diner type of way. But service is friendly and breakfast standards very well executed. I kind of like and appreciate the trip down memory road. Sun Aug 16 17:32:52 -0700 2009 4939711 12590 BRB 4 4953025 I've been, and it ain't no thang. Esp. in a city with a lot more to offer. That's MY opinion. Mon Aug 17 10:10:03 -0700 2009 4951475 216146 sis2catbat 5 4953557 I live around the corner from Ohio House and have eaten there a few times. If you want standard 1960's diner breakfast that is made with whatever the Sysco truck dropped off, it's just fine. Order two up white toast, mushy potatoes and stringy bacon, and you'll be satisfied. If on the other hand you want something a little more inventive, I would steer clear. As the OP says, breakfast at hotel is included and I would not turn that down to go to Ohio House since it came off the same truck. If you can reschedule your day so you spend no more than 2 hours at Navy Pier you'll be much happier. In any event, you should walk back off the pier for lunch. Just down Grand at St Clair is Volare, nice northern italian with great service. On Illinois St, is Fox and Obel grocery that has a terrific cafe. Mon Aug 17 12:49:58 -0700 2009 4953025 92421 jbontario 1 4939815 2) Argyle Street area for Sun Wah or Tank and then walk up to the Green Mill for fantastic live music and a slice of Chicago history (Capone hangout back in the day.) 3) Goose Island for beer. Or the new Half Acre Beer Co. products which is actually brewed in the Lincoln Square/North Center neighborgood of Chicago. I have had it at the Hopleaf and it is really good. Wed Aug 12 09:28:53 -0700 2009 4937333 14209 lbs 1 4940067 1. Another vote for Yolk. If you want to venture up to the Lakeview neighborhood, Hearty Boys has the very best brunch of all time, IMO (Sundays only though) 2. Buddy Guy's or Green Mill (Uptown) for live music. Otherwise, you might want to check out the House of Blues schedule, or, if you're into country music, the upcoming acts at Joe's Bar (a large sports bar that features country acts on Fridays - everything from Miranda Lambert to Keith Urban and Brad Paisley). 3. Goose Island is the obvious choice, but for great beer and great pizza, I'd head over to Piece in Bucktown for lunch one day. You can get little tasting sized samples of their in-house brewed, award winning beers for I think $1-2, or big beers for $5-7. 4. Navy Pier, meh. I doubt you will spend an entire day there. There isn't much to see beyond the ferris wheel and taking a leisurely stroll down the pier. I wouldn't waste a meal on NP! Wed Aug 12 10:33:19 -0700 2009 4937333 1100230 thelegalfoodie