664498 Tue Nov 03 16:01:42 -0800 2009 1 7 Chicago Area 0 5153421 Will be staying at the University Club on Millinium Park. Where within walking distance do we find the best "authentic" Chicago food? Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tue Nov 03 16:01:42 -0800 2009 287313 The Shepherd 1 5156767 There's so much within walking distance it's hard to narrow down. Mercat a la Planxa is a very high-end tapas joint not too far away, a few blocks south at Congress and Michigan. The Gage is right near you. Gastropub. But it's really easy to get around Chicago...you can walk a couple of blocks west and hop the Clark #22 bus northbound and get to Oldtown, Lakeview, Andersonville and a lot of other neighborhoods. Hopleaf, in Andersonville, is a real Chicago favorite. It features Belgian ales and really terrific food. Their mussels are incredible, but everything is good and they suggest an appropriate ale to go with your meal. It's a loud, raucous and friendly neighborhood joint. I know a lot of people think this town is about deep dish pizza and hot dogs, but that's not really true. I'd look at this board for stuff that interests you, then figure out how to get there. Or, you can hop the Brown Line a few blocks north of your hotel and one block west, get off at Western, then cross the street and go to Spoon Thai and get the translated menu of authentic Thai dishes. Dirt cheap and interesting. For the less adventurous, the Thai fried chicken and banana blossom salad are a good starting place. If what you want is the Chicago dog experience, walk north on Michigan and turn left at Jackson and walk up to the Sears Tower. Just before you get there, there is a place on the left called Luke's (open for breakfast and lunch only). Great Chicago dogs and some of the best fries I have ever had, along with Italian beef and polish sandwiches. Wed Nov 04 17:51:06 -0800 2009 5153421 104864 Pete Oldtown