Labour Day Weekend Help

[squirms]

I am coming back to the Windy City from Toronto for Labour Day weekend. I have not been to Chicago in about 5-6 years so I am sure that a lot of things have changed. I will be up for the weekend for 4 nights with a bunch of Windy City n00bies and I would like to showcase some of the best that the city has to offer in terms of food. I have already done a fair bit of research and I have narrowed down the trip's best possible "eatabilities" ; ) to a few selections. If there is anything on here that I should avoid, please let me know. Conversely, if there is anything else that I should add feel free to suggest a spot or two or three ; ) We will also be staying at the Thompson so it would be nice to eat around there, but we can definitely travel for something that is worth it.

From quick, cheap and easy grab n go lunches to quality foodie spots starting at the lower end of the spectrum ; )

- First up, we have to do up some Deep Dish pizza and for that I gather that any of the following would suffice ... Uno, Due, Lou Malnati's.

- For Italian Beef Sandwiches / Chicago Hot Dog's ... with the following options of Al's Beef, Hot Doug's and Wieners Circle.

- XOCO for a quick Mexican lunch or how about Topolobampo for lunch?

Now I know about Alinea, but I am guessing that it might even be too late to get a reservation for a large group, especially for the long weekend? How about these other spots ...

- Blackbird looks very intriguing to me as does the Publican for Brunch or dinner.

- Mercat

- Everest (I hear the view is very nice, but I can't figure out the price-point for it by searching through the website)

- Graham Elliot ... myself and the GF are big Masterchef fans so this spot has really piqued our interest as well.

- Longman & Eagle ... for brunch perhaps.

- Nomi

- The Terrace (for a drink or two) + Sixteen @ Trump

Are there any other good breakfast spots that would go down well? Also, are there any other spots similar to the Terrace @ Trump, where we could have a drink and take in the sights of the Chicago skyline? Or somewhere where we could have a lunch / breakfast and take in the skyline? Looking for a place with a spectacular view of the city / skyline.

And in closing, because it is Labour Day weekend, will I have trouble finding things open on Monday? Are most resto's / shopping areas closed or do some places in the touristy areas still stay open on Labour Day Monday?

-----
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Al's Beef
7132 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654

[nsxtasy]

I love your objectives! I'll take a stab at answering your questions.

>> We will also be staying at the Thompson

I'm guessing you're referring to the Sax Hotel, in Marina City...?

>> - First up, we have to do up some Deep Dish pizza and for that I gather that any of the following would suffice ... Uno, Due, Lou Malnati's.

Yes, those would be the best choices. Pizzeria Uno and Due at Ohio and Wabash, and Lou Malnati's on Wells, are about the same distance from the hotel, to the northeast and northwest respectively.

>> - For Italian Beef Sandwiches / Chicago Hot Dog's ... with the following options of Al's Beef, Hot Doug's and Wieners Circle.

The best option in the downtown area for both of these items is Portillo's, whose location on Ontario is a few blocks from your hotel. Wiener's Circle is no better, doesn't have Italian beef, and it's three miles away. Hot Doug's is not a place for Italian beef or Chicago hot dogs; they specialize in exotic sausages. It's extremely inconveniently located (especially by public transit) and you'll be waiting in line for 60-90 minutes or more. And the food doesn't wow me, although a lot of other folks like it. It's a place that mostly tourists go, based on my conversations with others while waiting in line. If you are interested in exotic sausages, there are other places with more convenient locations and without the lines, including Franks n Dawgs in Lincoln Park, Westminster Hot Dog in the Loop (walkable from the Sax), and Heat in Wicker Park. Personally, I'd just hit Portillo's and not worry about the sausages. But if you still want to go to Hot Doug's, check their website shortly before your trip; they're very good about posting vacation/holiday closings in advance.

>> - XOCO for a quick Mexican lunch or how about Topolobampo for lunch?

I think Topolobampo is great for lunch. Chicago has a number of restaurants that specialize in creative provincial Mexican food - it's the best in the States for this, a real local specialty you don't find elsewhere - and Topolobampo is one of those places. (XOCO is not; it's more fast/street food oriented.) Topolobampo can be pricey for dinner but lunch is reasonable. Note that they are closed Sundays and Mondays and don't serve lunch on Saturdays. If you're interested in lunch there for Friday or Tuesday, make a reservation NOW (it's probably too late to do so for dinner). If you can't get a reservation there or you need another day of the week, consider going to either Mundial Cocina Mestiza in Pilsen (take the CTA Pink Line to 18th Street and the restaurant is a half block east of the el stop) or Mexique in West Town (take the CTA #66 bus up Chicago Avenue). Both are open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays as well as dinner; both are closed Mondays.

>> Now I know about Alinea, but I am guessing that it might even be too late to get a reservation for a large group, especially for the long weekend?

Almost certainly true, but it won't hurt to give them a call to ask. Do so NOW.

If you are interested in the same kind of high-end experience - with lengthy tasting menus, formal attire, budget-no-object pricing, armies of serving staff, etc - consider one of our other "temples of haute cuisine": Everest, Avenues, Spiaggia, or TRU.

>> - Blackbird looks very intriguing to me as does the Publican for Brunch or dinner.

Blackbird has delicious food but the room is VERY noisy, the seating is cramped (the banquette tables are thisclose), and portions are small. I wasn't impressed with the food at Publican (although it's a good place if you're into beer lists), the room is also VERY noisy, and half the seating is two looooong communal tables, although you can express a preference for a private table of 2-6 when making your reservation.

For contemporary American cuisine, I prefer Sable, North Pond, Perennial Virant, and Boka. Sable is only a block or two from your hotel (and also offers amazing artisanal cocktails); the other three are in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, around three miles north.

>> - Mercat

Good restaurant, very lively, our best place for tapas. It's maybe a mile away, a long walk or a short ride by cab/bus/el.

>> - Everest (I hear the view is very nice, but I can't figure out the price-point for it by searching through the website)

I hate when they omit that! It's one of our high-end places, slightly less in price than TRU and Trotter's. Including moderate wine/alcohol and tax/tip, figure $150-225 per person, with the alcohol the big variable. They also have a pre-theater special for 5:00/5:30 seatings, with a set 3-course prix fixe menu for around $50.

>> - Graham Elliot ... myself and the GF are big Masterchef fans so this spot has really piqued our interest as well.

Then go! Not a bad choice.

>> - Longman & Eagle ... for brunch perhaps.

Keep in mind that L&E does not accept reservations, and wait times for seating at dinner are horrendous.

>> - Nomi

NoMI recently remodeled and reopened as NoMI Kitchen. I'm sure the view of the park and Michigan Avenue is still lovely, but I haven't heard any detailed reports about the new menus etc. I know they were aiming for a more casual, less expensive experience though.

>> - The Terrace (for a drink or two) + Sixteen @ Trump

I would not recommend Sixteen. I went there when Frank Brunacci was in charge. I thought the room and the view were lovely, but the food was just decent, not great, didn't really wow me in any way. Chef Brunacci recently left, and I don't think they have appointed his replacement yet.

>> Are there any other good breakfast spots that would go down well?

Tons of them! If you want really creative food, you'll need to travel a couple miles, to places like Bongo Room (either location is about two miles) or Jam (3-4 miles). Close by, you've got Meli Cafe on Wells, with its huge menu. Another option is to walk 1/2 mile east to Fox & Obel, our premier gourmet food store. You can get their wonderful baked goods and prepared foods to go, or have anything from a cup of coffee to a complete meal in the cafe in the rear of the store. I like the cobb omelet. Don't miss their rich cinnamon swirl rolls!

For more breakfast suggestions close to your hotel, see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/693985

And for a more comprehensive discussion of breakfast/brunch with lots of detailed reviews, see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/364403

>> Also, are there any other spots similar to the Terrace @ Trump, where we could have a drink and take in the sights of the Chicago skyline? Or somewhere where we could have a lunch / breakfast and take in the skyline? Looking for a place with a spectacular view of the city / skyline.

One such place is the Signature Room and the Signature Lounge, at the top of the John Hancock Center near the Water Tower. I'd stick with just a drink, because it's expensive and the food is nothing special, but the view from the 95th floor is great, as long as there aren't low clouds.

Of course, there's also Everest, which is on the 40th floor of the Midwest Stock Exchange Building and looks out over the city.

My personal favorite for the view is North Pond. North Pond is in Lincoln Park - in the middle of the park itself, rather than the adjacent neighborhood of the same name. It faces its namesake pond, and the city skyline looms over the opposite shore. It is a renovated building that formerly served as a warming shelter for skaters on the pond. The front room has full-length windows facing the pond; the rear room doesn't, but has an open kitchen along the rear wall that makes it fun. The food from James Beard finalist Chef Bruce Sherman is consistently excellent too. If you don't make it there for dinner, consider it for Sunday brunch. It's an excellent restaurant and its exquisite setting in the park makes it unique and lovely.

>> And in closing, because it is Labour Day weekend, will I have trouble finding things open on Monday? Are most resto's / shopping areas closed or do some places in the touristy areas still stay open on Labour Day Monday?

Well, some restaurants are always closed on Mondays, and I'm sure those won't be open. The Loop is Chicago's historical and commercial downtown area, with high-rise office buildings; some of the restaurants in the Loop may be closed, particularly those that rely on a lunch crowd. The bigger concentration of hotels and restaurants is on the opposite side (north) of the Chicago River, in the neighborhoods of River North, Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile), and Streeterville, and I would imagine most of those places will be open.

My recommendation is to make reservations in advance wherever you're planning on going (including the other days of your trip), and places will tell you if you can't go there because they're closed for the holiday. All of the places we've mentioned, except the pizza and hot dog places, accept reservations in advance, many on Opentable.com as well as over the phone.

Feel free to ask more questions, and enjoy your visit!

-----
Pizzeria Uno
29 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Mundial Cocina Mestiza
1640 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Boka
1729 North Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614

Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

North Pond
2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Mexique
1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654

[squirms]

Thank you for the help & suggestions. It is very appreciated ...

[squirms]

Looks like I missed the boat on lunch @ Topolobampo, I called them today and they look to be all filled up for the Friday on which we arrive. I guess we will try Xoco for a quick bite instead I suppose for our Mexican fix.

: (

For now it looks like we are going to try Blackbird on the Saturday & Graham Elliot on Sunday. Maybe Mercat on Monday as it seems like that is one of the few places that will be open on Monday (of the places that I called).

We plan on going to Bucktown for some shopping on either Saturday or Sunday. Is there anything worth going to in that area for a nice lunch or brunch?

-----
Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Graham Elliot
217 W. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654

XOCO
449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

[nsxtasy]

>> Looks like I missed the boat on lunch @ Topolobampo, I called them today and they look to be all filled up for the Friday on which we arrive.

Sorry to hear that. That's why I told you two weeks ago to "call them NOW". :(

>> I guess we will try Xoco for a quick bite instead I suppose for our Mexican fix.

Topolobampo, Frontera Grill, and XOCO are all in the same location. I suggest going there for lunch, and see how long the wait is at Frontera. If it's not terrible, I'd go to Frontera over XOCO. (If you want to minimize the wait, get there before they open.) Also keep in mind that, if you eat at the bar at Frontera, you can order off either menu, Topolobampo's and/or Frontera Grill's. I find the menu at Frontera and Topolobampo more unusual than at XOCO. You can see the menu for all three places on their website.

>> We plan on going to Bucktown for some shopping on either Saturday or Sunday. Is there anything worth going to in that area for a nice lunch or brunch?

Milk & Honey Cafe is very good; see my report at www.chow.com/topics/364403#5749271 Toast is very good also; see my report in the same brunch topic, at www.chow.com/topics/364403#3543326 And, of course, there's Bongo Room, which I mentioned above; it's located more in Wicker Park than Bucktown, but it's close. They feature creative pancake dishes, such as pretzel pancakes with white chocolate caramel sauce. A lot of people like Hot Chocolate, although I'm not a fan. Beware, a lot of these places get VERY busy on weekends between 9:30 and 1:00.

-----
Bongo Room
1470 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Hot Chocolate
1747 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Topolobampo
445 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Toast
2046 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Milk & Honey Cafe
1920 W Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

XOCO
449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

[squirms]

I know I should have listened to you ... the only thing is that I am going with a group of half dozen or so people so getting the ok on things and getting everyone co-ordinated can take a while ;)

re: getting to Bayless' spots early, our plane comes into O'hare @ 11:00am so I figure by the time we get our luggage, check into the hotel etc the earliest we could go anywhere would be for 1:00 pm. But I guess it's worth giving frontera a shot. I did not know you could order off the Topo menu there. Interesting and thanks for the info, we might give that a shot.

Bongo Room & Toast both look pretty good ... i'm def interested in those 2 spots. Thanks again : )

-----
Bongo Room
1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605