What to do in Chicago?

[readymade]

I'm going to Chicago this weekend for my future brother-in-law's bachelor party and am looking for some ideas. We'll be going to Wrigley Thursday night to see the Phillies lose and then again on Saturday for the Cubs and Sox game. I'll basically have Friday to do whatever. I'm already planning on going to the Chess Records/blues museum thing at 2120 S. Michigan Ave and, of course, the Sears Tower.

Any ideas? I like history, guitar gear, and I've recently renounced my vegetarianism (I suppose you just can't do Chicago without having a hot dog).

Thanks in advance!

[RR59CMS]

Make it over to Tommys Guitars & Cafe. Lots of guitars ~ good food!!

[supergenius365]

This weekend? It's the NATO summit. Stay home.

[currypowder]

http://www.neofuturists.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=45

This is one of my favorite things to do in Chicago.

[Fendegibs]

This weekend? It's the NATO summit. Stay home.

Ha, seriously. Everyone I know is getting out of town this weekend!

But, I doubt a bachelor party would be rescheduled...especially if people are coming from out of town. I sincerely hope your hotel is not in the Loop. If you can, remain entirely on the north side and do not attempt to venture downtown. This means skipping attractions like the Bean and Millennium Park as well as the river and the downtown lakefront.

Do a search on TGP for all the Chicago must-sees, and be sure to go to Chicago Music Exchange and Make 'n Music.

[Lone Bear]

The Art Institute!

[Justinb795]

What isn't there to do in Chicago?

[TNJ]

I'm surprised you got a room this weekend...the downtown area will be crazy crowded I'm sure.
Always got to check out either MakenMusic or ChicagoMusicExchange (or both). Get some deep dish Pizza (Uno or Due or Giordanos...or get regular style at Lou Malnati's). Get a Chicago Style Hot Dog about anywhere. Kuma's Corner on the near northside is fabulous...but expect to wait 1-2hrs to get in on a wkd. Seriously...
Museums are always cool...and I love going to the Shedd Aquarium.

Have fun...still can't believe you'll be downtown over a NATO Summit wkd.
:eek:

S.
j

[lankybass]

if you've never had chicago style pizza from chicago, giordanos pizza will change your life. seriously.

[bigdaddy]

if you've never had chicago style pizza from chicago, Lou Malnati's pizza will change your life. seriously.

There's a ton to do in Chicago. it's my kinda town.

[Heritage 80]

There really are tons of things to do in Chicago, but as supergenius365 pointed out the NATO domonstrators will be out in full force (as will be every law enforcement agency known to man), so whatever you do keep this in mind. There will be lots of street closings at best. Arrests have already started. Oh joy.

[stamper]

Also, much of the stuff you would want to do in the loop will be closed, possibly the sears tower observatory. But if you aren't downtown you should be able to do anything as per normal.

[strumminsix]

Malnati's??? Most like it but my favorite for pizza:
http://www.pequodspizza.com/lincolnpark/directions.html

You are with a bunch of guys in your 20s or early 30s, right? Get a pizza a Pequods then hang out at the bars around there or hop in a cab back to Wrigleyville and just have fun. Sure, there are cool or trendy bars and killer live music but you are there with a bunch of dudes you wanna have some drinks, laughs, and nobody is gonna care how "mainstream" the bars are.

[readymade]

Thanks for the ideas. I had no idea about the NATO summit--eek! We're staying at one of the groomsmen's uncle's condo; I'm not even sure what part of town it's in, but I'm pretty sure we'll be able to enjoy ourselves.

[Fendegibs]

Couldn't agree more with strummsix - Pequods is by far the best pizza in the City, and there's plenty around it or it's just a short cab ride to Wrigleyville

You should definitely check the NATO page to see what closures are scheduled. Many of the downtown attractions will be closed and those that are open will be a PITA.

[dumbell78]

Yup Pequods by a mile as far as pizza in Chiacago. I cant wait to get back in August!! Catch a cubs game as well, they are always fun. Hang out on the north side area, avoid downtown with all the NATO crap for sure. Maken Music is a must stop if you want to see some gear.

Malnati's??? Most like it but my favorite for pizza:
http://www.pequodspizza.com/lincolnpark/directions.html

You are with a bunch of guys in your 20s or early 30s, right? Get a pizza a Pequods then hang out at the bars around there or hop in a cab back to Wrigleyville and just have fun. Sure, there are cool or trendy bars and killer live music but you are there with a bunch of dudes you wanna have some drinks, laughs, and nobody is gonna care how "mainstream" the bars are.

Couldn't agree more with strummsix - Pequods is by far the best pizza in the City, and there's plenty around it or it's just a short cab ride to Wrigleyville

You should definitely check the NATO page to see what closures are scheduled. Many of the downtown attractions will be closed and those that are open will be a PITA.

[strumminsix]

Where will you be staying at the friends uncle's? Can give different recommendations for that neighborhood!

[westchesterdave]

I love Chicago...always great restaurants, Blues Clubs, some cool guitar.
But coincidentally I'll be at Wrigley on Thursday night to watch the Phils lose to the Cubs as well.
I'm taking my 13 year old as reward for turning his middle school academic career totally around for the better. Going from Philly by train (sleeper) and flying back Friday.
Enjoy the game...maybe we'll have pitching and hitting in the same game and win!

[ChicagoFraize]

Had Pequids wasn't impressed but will try again based on the recs. Lou malnotti's deep dish with pepperoni is to die for.

[SL_22]

if you've never had chicago style pizza from chicago, giordanos pizza will change your life. seriously.
agree. it's fantastic.
if you haven't been, visit skydeck. wonderful view of the city & lake.
after that, walk right across the street to giordano's.

[cpike]

Go to Wisconsin, :wave drink a bunch of beer, :beer then buzz around on your personal watercraft. :drown

That's what everyone from Chicago will be doing while you're visiting. :D

[moosewayne]

Pequod's can't hold a candle to Bricks Pizza. Not even in the same ballpark.
The 4 Amigo's Guitar Show is this weekend but that's way out in St. Charles.
If you're going to Wrigley, you're in walking distance to Chicago Music Exchange.
Good luck getting around this weekend!

[readymade]

Thanks again for all of the info!

[stratovarius]

I've been watching Rick Bayless's cooking show for several years now. If I ever go to Chicago Frontera will be one of my destinations.

[Jeremy47]

Drive west on Irving park road until you get to about 6000w Irving park. You'll see a cool slice of the city and wind up at Midwest buy and sell, a gear-only pawnshop type music store that always has a great and changing inventory.
Walk down the street while eating something. Ride bikes on the lakefront.

[Heritage 80]

I've been watching Rick Bayless's cooking show for several years now. If I ever go to Chicago Frontera will be one of my destinations.

Be prepared to spend big $$$, but also be prepared to be blown away!

[Ultron]

Purple Pig on Michigan Avenue. thank me later.

[partytrain]

Get over to Kuma's corner immediately...order the metallica burger, it'll change your life.

[Ultron]

Get over to Kuma's corner immediately...order the metallica burger, it'll change your life.

Indeed....that place is nuts.


Also check out Hot Dougs nearby for duck-fat fries and hotdogs.

Hop Leaf on Clark Street for ridonkulous selections of beer.

[chandlerman]

Jump on a float at the parade and lip sync to "Twist and Shout". The crowd will love it.

[Varminticus]

If your a Bluesman:
http://www.buddyguy.com/
http://kingstonmines.com/

This place is as good as Kuma's and you won't have to wait 2-3 hours to sit:
http://lockdownbar.com/
Get the Fat Elvis. I had to get an Angioplasty 3 days after,but it was worth every bite.

A healthier choice that is closer to Sox park:
http://zaytunegrill.com/

Drink at:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-gingerman-tavern-chicago
or here, it's about 10 min. west of Kuma's:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/livewire-lounge-chicago

[Fendegibs]

Purple Pig on Michigan Avenue. thank me later.

Agreed...but I wouldn't go anywhere near there this weekend with the NATO conference going on