Free afternoon in Chicago, SF Bay needs company (1 Viewer)

[IC FBGCav]

Get in Chicago last Wednesday in September about 1pm. I have to work 8am the next day and fly out at 6pm so getting sloshed is not an option. Staying at the Essex, don't know anything about the area except it is near McCormick Center where I have to be the next day.

Checked and the Cubs are out of town, going to Wrigley for the first time would have been sweet. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Limp Ditka]

You should still be able to tour Wrigley.

 

[saintfool]

I was going to suggest you find the FFA's Chicago thread but the search function is all. Broadly speaking, here are options...

Chicago is a food town. If you have an expense account there are many ways to blow it on a memorable meal. There are more affordable options too. West Town has a number of really good restaurants and bars. A ton of new brewjoints have opened lately.

Entertainment? On a Wednesday? Check out the Willis Tower or the Hancock during the day for a unique view of Chicago. Same with the boat tours.

Theater is abundant and plentiful with Chicago being an incubator for NYC and Broadway shows. Look into Steppenwolf, the Goodman, the Court, Looking Glass and other companies. Want to laugh? Second City, Improv Olympics, the underrated NeoFuturists (which is right around the corner from a beer joint called Hopleaf) and others are there.

Music? There are always shows at Metro, the Vic, and the like with bands/acts touring. Buddy Guy's is good for blues and right in the Loop (downtown). Like Jazz? Cheap but usually good quality can be found at the Green Mill in uptown neighborhood.

If you want to really scratch an itch, get some Ethiopian food.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Try not to get shot.

 

[Frostillicus]

Recreate Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

 

[shady inc]

go to garfield park and look for baby parts

 

[Juxtatarot]

Recreate Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

OH YEAH!!!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

not sure what you are looking for. might help narrow down suggestions.

 

[Bonfire]

Eat an entire large deep dish pizza for lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon/evening regretting your decision.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Go see either the Gateway Arch or the Fonzie statue.

 

[Brony]

Tons to do:

Museum of Holography

National Italian American Sports Hall Of Fame

International Polka Association HQ

 

[D-Day]

Cloud gate was cool to see. Then uber (don't walk) to Willis tower. The river tours are pretty good.

 

[IC FBGCav]

not sure what you are looking for. might help narrow down suggestions.

Been there once before about 10 years ago, hit the Pier, Science Museum, did the boat thing and had wife with me.

Flying solo this time and just looking to not spend the trip in a hotel room. I will only have casual clothes, ie jeans. I guess eating some good food and a few beers would be fine. Would like to stay in the hotel area since I don't know the city well. Plan on calling it the night by 10pm.

 

[IC FBGCav]

You should still be able to tour Wrigley.

This might be the winner.

 

[IC FBGCav]

I was going to suggest you find the FFA's Chicago thread but the search function is all. Broadly speaking, here are options...

Chicago is a food town. If you have an expense account there are many ways to blow it on a memorable meal. There are more affordable options too. West Town has a number of really good restaurants and bars. A ton of new brewjoints have opened lately.

Entertainment? On a Wednesday? Check out the Willis Tower or the Hancock during the day for a unique view of Chicago. Same with the boat tours.

Theater is abundant and plentiful with Chicago being an incubator for NYC and Broadway shows. Look into Steppenwolf, the Goodman, the Court, Looking Glass and other companies. Want to laugh? Second City, Improv Olympics, the underrated NeoFuturists (which is right around the corner from a beer joint called Hopleaf) and others are there.

Music? There are always shows at Metro, the Vic, and the like with bands/acts touring. Buddy Guy's is good for blues and right in the Loop (downtown). Like Jazz? Cheap but usually good quality can be found at the Green Mill in uptown neighborhood.

If you want to really scratch an itch, get some Ethiopian food.

Thanks, will have Google some of these places. It I want to blow my expense on a good meal near hotel, what do you recommend?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I was going to suggest you find the FFA's Chicago thread but the search function is

The Gage is right near there.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gage-chicago

 

[IC FBGCav]

I was going to suggest you find the FFA's Chicago thread but the search function is all. Broadly speaking, here are options...

Chicago is a food town. If you have an expense account there are many ways to blow it on a memorable meal. There are more affordable options too. West Town has a number of really good restaurants and bars. A ton of new brewjoints have opened lately.

Entertainment? On a Wednesday? Check out the Willis Tower or the Hancock during the day for a unique view of Chicago. Same with the boat tours.

Theater is abundant and plentiful with Chicago being an incubator for NYC and Broadway shows. Look into Steppenwolf, the Goodman, the Court, Looking Glass and other companies. Want to laugh? Second City, Improv Olympics, the underrated NeoFuturists (which is right around the corner from a beer joint called Hopleaf) and others are there.

Music? There are always shows at Metro, the Vic, and the like with bands/acts touring. Buddy Guy's is good for blues and right in the Loop (downtown). Like Jazz? Cheap but usually good quality can be found at the Green Mill in uptown neighborhood.

If you want to really scratch an itch, get some Ethiopian food.

Thanks, will have Google some of these places. It I want to blow my expense on a good meal near hotel, what do you recommend?

The Gage is right near there.http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gage-chicago

The pictures make it look like a work function is it like that for real?

 

[IC FBGCav]

Just noticed the Adler on the map. Love planetariums, anyone been there?

 

[fantasycurse42]

Hookers & Blow.

YWIA

 

[IC FBGCav]

Hookers & Blow.

YWIA

I can do that anywhere.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

The pictures make it look like a work function is it like that for real?

I'm not sure what pictures you are referring to. I see a ton of pictures of food and not much else.

it's a gastropub. people have weddings and stuff there, but that's mostly in the basement. I'm sure there are work events from time to time as well.

http://www.thegagechicago.com/

Plenty of options and things to do/see down there.

 

[sbonomo]

Portillos and gibsons - thank me later.

 

[tri-man 47]

Just noticed the Adler on the map. Love planetariums, anyone been there?

It's been a while for me at the Adler, but all the museums are excellent. You can walk east along Balbo to get to the lakefront, if it's a nice day, and walk south to the Adler or other museums, or walk north along the lakefront. Another option is just to enjoy the walk up Michigan Ave. (you'll pass the Art Institute) and get near the Bean. A few more blocks and you're at the river, which now has a great walkway both directions - so much to see, if you enjoy people watching. For an unusual meal, you could take the stairs under Michigan Ave. and the Wrigley Building and get to the original Billy Goats for a 'cheeseburga, cheeseburga.' Just north and west of there, though, is the trendy River North neighborhood with lots of restaurants (Weber Grill is great) and bars.

The Red Line el would get you up from the loop area up to Wrigley (you can see it from the Addison stop).

 

[urbanhack]

not sure what you are looking for. might help narrow down suggestions.

Been there once before about 10 years ago, hit the Pier, Science Museum, did the boat thing and had wife with me.

Flying solo this time and just looking to not spend the trip in a hotel room. I will only have casual clothes, ie jeans. I guess eating some good food and a few beers would be fine. Would like to stay in the hotel area since I don't know the city well. Plan on calling it the night by 10pm.

Go to Randolph Street in the west loop and have lunch at the counter at Little Goat dinner. Fantastic food and great beer selection. This should be a home run for you.

 

[urbanhack]

Just noticed the Adler on the map. Love planetariums, anyone been there?

yes, but it's best to go at night

 

[IC FBGCav]

The pictures make it look like a work function is it like that for real?

I'm not sure what pictures you are referring to. I see a ton of pictures of food and not much else.it's a gastropub. people have weddings and stuff there, but that's mostly in the basement. I'm sure there are work events from time to time as well.

http://www.thegagechicago.com/

Plenty of options and things to do/see down there.

http://www.thegagechicago.com/#!/zoom/c1lw6/image_ojq

 

[Christo]

Cloud gate was cool to see. Then uber (don't walk) to Willis tower. The river tours are pretty good.

It's a ten minute walk.

 

[Christo]

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2015-chicago-independent-spirits-expo-martin-duffy

 

[SFBayDuck]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Cloud gate was cool to see. Then uber (don't walk) to Willis tower. The river tours are pretty good.

It's a ten minute walk.

Lol at Don't Walk

 

[Wooderson]

You should still be able to tour Wrigley.

This might be the winner.

I've done this. Well worth it.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Play 18 somewhere cool.

 

[pantagrapher]

If you want to really scratch an itch, get some Ethiopian food.

You *******. Tapas is the way to go.

 

[pantagrapher]

Check out the Chicago Athletic Association, a old private club that recently opened to the public.

 

[regularguy]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

 

[pantagrapher]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

Skip Navy Pier and go to Millennium Park/Maggie Daley Park. The latter is brand new and tailored for kids and families. You can easily burn an entire afternoon there, especially if the weather is nice. (And it's all free.)

 

[IC FBGCav]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

 

[tri-man 47]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

Skip Navy Pier and go to Millennium Park/Maggie Daley Park. The latter is brand new and tailored for kids and families. You can easily burn an entire afternoon there, especially if the weather is nice. (And it's all free.)

...but for young kids, Navy Pier is fun, too. Ferris Wheel, etc. ..and great views of the city, the boats, etc. (A boat tour that goes out into the lake is fun.)

 

[pantagrapher]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

Skip Navy Pier and go to Millennium Park/Maggie Daley Park. The latter is brand new and tailored for kids and families. You can easily burn an entire afternoon there, especially if the weather is nice. (And it's all free.)

...but for young kids, Navy Pier is fun, too. Ferris Wheel, etc. ..and great views of the city, the boats, etc. (A boat tour that goes out into the lake is fun.)

For sure. Navy Pier gets a bad rap, but it's fun. But one problem is that it's kind of removed from anything else. Millennium/Daley is right in the middle of the action. And you can always catch a boat ride up the block at Michigan and the river. Which reminds me: the new Chicago Riverwalk is excellent. Not as much of a kid thing, but cool.

 

[D-Day]

Cloud gate was cool to see. Then uber (don't walk) to Willis tower. The river tours are pretty good.

It's a ten minute walk.

I was trying to be sensitive, but you go ahead and tell FAT UJB to get some damn exercise and save the $5.

 

[SFBayDuck]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

 

[IC FBGCav]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

Well if you want to grab a meal and some beer let me know, the first few rounds are on me. My schedule is wide open at this point.

 

[Brony]

Check out the Chicago Athletic Association, a old private club that recently opened to the public.

had my wedding reception there.

 

[Brony]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

I ran the lakefront on Monday morning (I stayed at Doubletree very close to where you are). Sunrise was 10 minutes into my run. While a cliched path, the combination of no humidity, crystal clear skyline and sun coming up made it one of my favorite runs of the year. From your hotel, once you get on the path, you can go north or south and still have 7+ miles of unobstructed path. ####ing awesome.

 

[Brony]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

I ran the lakefront on Monday morning (I stayed at Doubletree very close to where you are). Sunrise was 10 minutes into my run. While a cliched path, the combination of no humidity, crystal clear skyline and sun coming up made it one of my favorite runs of the year. From your hotel, once you get on the path, you can go north or south and still have 7+ miles of unobstructed path. ####ing awesome.

I should add that it's flat as a pancake so that might throw you off, but.... lots of Offdee 7+s out there which more than makes up for lack of mountains.

 

[urbanhack]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

I ran the lakefront on Monday morning (I stayed at Doubletree very close to where you are). Sunrise was 10 minutes into my run. While a cliched path, the combination of no humidity, crystal clear skyline and sun coming up made it one of my favorite runs of the year. From your hotel, once you get on the path, you can go north or south and still have 7+ miles of unobstructed path. ####ing awesome.

I should add that it's flat as a pancake so that might throw you off, but.... lots of Offdee 7+s out there which more than makes up for lack of mountains.

also lots of idiots on the Divvy bike rentals. watch out for them.

 

[saintfool]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

Skip Navy Pier and go to Millennium Park/Maggie Daley Park. The latter is brand new and tailored for kids and families. You can easily burn an entire afternoon there, especially if the weather is nice. (And it's all free.)

...but for young kids, Navy Pier is fun, too. Ferris Wheel, etc. ..and great views of the city, the boats, etc. (A boat tour that goes out into the lake is fun.)

For sure. Navy Pier gets a bad rap, but it's fun. But one problem is that it's kind of removed from anything else. Millennium/Daley is right in the middle of the action. And you can always catch a boat ride up the block at Michigan and the river. Which reminds me: the new Chicago Riverwalk is excellent. Not as much of a kid thing, but cool.

there is a Belgian beer bar down along the pathway too.

 

[Brony]

Good timing. I'm headed there this weekend (Fri-Mon) with the family along with some friends and their kids. The other guys and I are going to the GT/ND game all day Saturday, but we'll be sightseeing the other days. The Field museum is the only definite thing on our list. I'm sure we'll wander through the parks and by the lake along with maybe a boat tour. What other suggestions considering we'll have kids with us (ages 6-11)? Navy pier worthwhile? We're staying at the Hyatt Regency.

I have kids similar age and we just were tourists in our town this weekend. I'd second Pantag's pick of Maggie Daley Park. Your kids are in the sweet spot for that. Like anything else, it gets annoying when crowded so going early is better. I'm not a fan of Navy Pier but to each their own. At least it shouldn't be as crowded as mid-summer.

My kids really liked Dylan's Candy Bar on Mich Ave. which is close by your hotel. Eataly on Ohio St. is newer concept that is something you can't get everywhere and will have something for everyone (bar). In the past, my kids have liked the observatory at John Hancock - go to the lounge at the 95th restaurant. Great views. Cocktails are overpriced but the view is free so still works out cheaper than the tourist observatory.

Chicago riverwalk has come a long way and is a good stroll.

As mentioned above, Billy Goat on Lower Michigan is uniquely Chicago experience. May not be the favorite location for everyone, but will be memorable.

 

[SFBayDuck]

:sehorn: I'm going to be there at the same time.

For work? Fun? Or a run?

I have a work event on Wednesday at the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Quick trip, flying in Tuesday night and back out Thursday morning. Where should I run on Wed morning?

Well if you want to grab a meal and some beer let me know, the first few rounds are on me. My schedule is wide open at this point.

Sounds good!

 

[omahawildcat25]

Take the downtown architecture boat tour. Relaxing way to see the city and learn some interesting tidbits of Chicago's history.