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Any Must-See Spots in Chicago? Please help!

benjsbenjs Toronto, ON Posts: 9,003
edited February 2013 in The Porch
Just starting to decide what to do during the days I'm there, and I understand Chicago's got a lot going on... are there many (or any) GREAT things I should see that are preferably affordable? I'm a guitar player, music lover, food lover, and am totally happy even just walking around if someone can point me in the direction of an interesting area (both in terms of scenery and architecture). Down and dirty but authentic food places would also be appreciated - thanks a lot in advance!
'05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2

EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
Post edited by Unknown User on
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    58823005882300 Posts: 813
    Hey I can help you out. PM me and we can chat. How many days you going to be there? Chicago has endless avenues of fun.
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    58823005882300 Posts: 813
    5882300 wrote:
    Hey I can help you out. PM me and we can chat. How many days you going to be there? Chicago has endless avenues of fun.


    Actually we can trade ideas since I will be in your neck of the woods on Friday. I have never been to Toronto so your information would be greatly appreciated as well.
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    Pushin Forward BackPushin Forward Back Posts: 890
    Gibson's steakhouse for a fine meal -
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    benjsbenjs Toronto, ON Posts: 9,003
    Pushin Forward Back wrote:
    Gibson's steakhouse for a fine meal -
    That's the kind of place to go with my parents, when a meal's on them I think :lol:
    '05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2

    EV
    Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
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    davidtriosdavidtrios Posts: 9,732
    The Sears Tower has added an all-glass platform that protrudes from the building on one of the top floors. I'm from Chicago and want to see it.
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    SawyerSawyer Posts: 2,411
    'Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company'.......trust me

    www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com
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    58823005882300 Posts: 813
    Sawyer wrote:
    'Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company'.......trust me

    http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com


    Really? I have to disagree with this one. I have only been a couple times but both times I thought it was average. I was super excited to go and thought it was going to be great too. You have to do pizza but I would stick to deep dish at Gino's, Edwardo's, or Lou Malnati's. Can't go wrong here.
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    SawyerSawyer Posts: 2,411
    5882300 wrote:
    Sawyer wrote:
    'Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company'.......trust me

    http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com


    Really? I have to disagree with this one. I have only been a couple times but both times I thought it was average. I was super excited to go and thought it was going to be great too. You have to do pizza but I would stick to deep dish at Gino's, Edwardo's, or Lou Malnati's. Can't go wrong here.


    i wholeheartedly disagree
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    LukinFanLukinFan Florida Posts: 29,028
    edited July 2009
    Soldier Field- there's actually a preseason game that Saturday night.

    My dream = PJ and a Bears game in Chicago - same weekend 8-)
    Post edited by LukinFan on
    www.RLMcDaniel.com

    1996: Ft Lauderdale
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    2016: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, JazzFest
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    Tuolumne MamaTuolumne Mama Posts: 1,210
    Wrigley Field is always fun on a nice summer day.
    ======================================================================
    "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pine.


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    EP75861EP75861 Posts: 6
    Wrigley is definitely a great place to go in the summer... Even if you don't actually go to a game (which I highly recommend), Wrigleyville itself is a lot of fun. Lots of great bars in the area.
  • Options
    58823005882300 Posts: 813
    LukinFan wrote:
    Soldier Field- there's actually a preseason game that Saturday night.

    My dream = PJ and a Bears game in Chicago - same weekend 8-)


    Nice call Lukinfan! The Cubs are in LA that weekend though so a game at the Friendly Confines is out! :cry:
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    gndcd402gndcd402 Posts: 2,558
    VIC THEATER! come see our lady peace blow the lid off the place on saturday 8/22 :D
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    benjsbenjs Toronto, ON Posts: 9,003
    gndcd402 wrote:
    VIC THEATER! come see our lady peace blow the lid off the place on saturday 8/22 :D
    I would, but I'll be in Toronto seeing one of the greatest guitarists around! For those of you who don't know Tommy Emmanuel, check this out.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYzajpeAWuA
    '05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2

    EV
    Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
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    WoobynabWoobynab Posts: 50
    I would reccomend two places:

    1. The John Hancock Tower. It is the 2nd tallest tower in Chicago. It only costs $5 to go to the top. The Sear's Tower is like $25 and usually has long lines.

    2. I would also reccomend the Chicago Art Museum. It is one of the most extensive collections in America, and cheap too.
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    PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    Sawyer wrote:
    'Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company'.......trust me

    http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com

    = BAD
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
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    PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    LukinFan wrote:
    Soldier Field- there's actually a preseason game that Saturday night.

    My dream = PJ and a Bears game in Chicago - same weekend 8-)

    No offense, but preseason is weak
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
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    PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    FoxyMHMama wrote:
    Wrigley Field is always fun on a nice summer day.

    Sunday you can hit up a game on the Southside (much more enjoyable) and go to a PJ show in the same day.
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
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    cindylcindyl Posts: 63
    deadmantalking says-navy pier is the #1 tourist spot in the midwest-great views,a wooden sail boat you can go out on for an hour 28$ , the stained glass museum-free ,and some rides.
    buddy guys club on s.wabash has free show at 6 sat and a cover show later sat. night.
    the instit of art is world class,walk thru grant and millinium parks while in area.open 10 am,18$ per
    to see arch.sites go to chicago cultural center-get map of public art in the loop ,a 2 hour walk will pass picasso statue and all kinds of stuff, they have arch walking and by boat tours -
    google chicago tourism and you'll get a ton of info.
    pre show party /fundraiser auction at morelis both show days ,
    cindyl says-for me the only must see is of course the united center sun and mon nights
    e mail if you need metra directions to any of above or any help
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    davidtriosdavidtrios Posts: 9,732
    PJBuckeye wrote:
    LukinFan wrote:
    Soldier Field- there's actually a preseason game that Saturday night.

    My dream = PJ and a Bears game in Chicago - same weekend 8-)

    No offense, but preseason is weak

    UNLESS- it's game 3: Cutler vs. the Broncos. Game 3's of the preseason schedule are when the starters play most of the games added to the sub-plot of JCut playing his old team.
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    Indifference71Indifference71 Chicago Posts: 14,783
    Sawyer wrote:
    'Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company'.......trust me

    http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com


    I've heard of this place, but have never checked it out. My girlfriend lives not far from there, might have to check it out soon....
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    LiteTheMatchLiteTheMatch Posts: 1,179
    Giordanno's Pizza..


    There are several locations.....


    It's probably my favorite.. Deep-dish cheese


    Mmmmmm

    I want one right now

    I think I will order one after work :):lol:
    A child's rhyme stuck in my head...
    It said "Life is nothing but a dream."
    I've spent so many years in question
    To find I'd known this all along.
  • Options
    benjsbenjs Toronto, ON Posts: 9,003
    Wow! I'm overwhelmed - sounds like there's a ton to do/see/eat in this town - I can't wait.. thanks everyone for your help!
    '05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2

    EV
    Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
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    screamingPJscreamingPJ Posts: 54
    I would suggest Renaldi's up in the Lincoln Park area for pizza (no, not Renalli's the chain): http://www.renaldispizzachicago.com

    For entertainment on non-PJ days, I have always found the Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind show a lot of fun: http://www.neofuturists.org/
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    AtlantaJammerAtlantaJammer Posts: 2,611
    Check out a Sox game. Im going Sat night but Id have to say Sunday Day game will probably be more fun but its going to clash with the meetup... Hot girls in short shorts and skimpy shirts.... 8-)
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    Laf9124Laf9124 Posts: 342
    If you choose to check out the Art Museum, Target of all companies is sponsoring free summer nights every Thurs/Fri from 5-9 pm. Since you said affordable, free works! It's also right next to Millenium Park and Grant Park, and just a short walk(or cab ride) to the Navy Pier and/or Soldier Field. Enjoy Chicago!
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    ewokpeltsewokpelts Posts: 709
    Go catch a sox game.
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    PJBuckeyePJBuckeye Posts: 1,102
    inmytree3684 wrote:
    PJBuckeye wrote:
    LukinFan wrote:
    Soldier Field- there's actually a preseason game that Saturday night.

    My dream = PJ and a Bears game in Chicago - same weekend 8-)

    No offense, but preseason is weak

    UNLESS- it's game 3: Cutler vs. the Broncos. Game 3's of the preseason schedule are when the starters play most of the games added to the sub-plot of JCut playing his old team.

    I guessthats pretty interesting for preseason
    Chicago 6/29/98 - Nashville 8/17/00 - Cleveland 4/25/03- Chicago 6/18/03
    Chicago 5/16/06 - Milwaukee 6/30/06 - Bonnaroo 6/14/08 - Milwaukee (EV)8/19/08
    Chicago 8/23/09 - St. Louis 5/4/10 - East Troy 9/3/11 - East Troy 9/4/11
    Minor League Park 7/19/13 - Milwaukee 10-20-14 - Bonnaroo 6/11/16
    Minor League Park 8/20/16 - Minor League Park 8/22/16
    Minor League Park 8/18/18 - Minor League Park 8/20/18 - Los Angeles 4/16/20
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    ewokpeltsewokpelts Posts: 709
    bears play the broncos IN DENVER.

    they play the new york football giants on 8/22
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    Gern BlanstenGern Blansten Your Mom's Posts: 18,143
    http://www.kumascorner.com/html/staff.html

    saw this place the other night on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"....burger joint in chicago

    I might check it out when we're up there...anyone been there?
    Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)

    1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
    2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
    2013: London ON, Chicago; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
    2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
    2020: Oakland, Oakland:  2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
    2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
    2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana
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