...and looking for some chill places to hang out for drinks on a friday night in the Loop with my girlfriend.  I've been to Chi before but spent most of my time in Lincoln Park.  We're patial to Lava Lounge in Tremont and Bier Markt in Ohio City while in Cleveland.  Any suggestions UO'ers?

goose island brewpub on n clyburne.  near depaul.

where are you staying while in chicago?

Some suggestions, not all are in the loop

 

Atwood Cafe [www.atwoodcafe.com] I haven't eaten here but some of my staff members have spoken about this place

Signature Room [www.signatureroom.com/lounge/default.cfm?PID=15]  I think its a nice romantic spot

 

I'm not a drinker - but would also suggest the following

Le Bar at the Sofitel Hotel  - I thought it was a nice late 20s, early 30s crowd

J Bar at the James Hotel - Hip, the crowd comes and goes

Jacks Tap - Pub feeling, tons of options.  Its near Union Station.

 

Punch.....paging Punch, the man need some suggestions.

 

Definitely hit the Signature Room at night... overpriced drinks but less expensive than the observation deck. The view from the 95th floor of the Hancock can't be beat.

 

If your gal likes foo-foo chocolate, swing by and treat her at Vosges (chocolate store). You don't have to spend a lot, and let's just say that most women worth mentioning respond VERY well to good chocolate :-D

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/boutiques

 

Two locations - one in the Loop:

Chicago – Downtown

520 N. Michigan Avenue (North Bridge Mall)

Chicago, IL 60611

Ring: 312.644.9450

Hours: Mon-Sat. 10-8, Sun. 11-6

 

And the mothership boutique:

Chicago – Lincoln Park

951 W. Armitage (at Sheffield)

Chicago, IL 60614

Ring: 773.296.9866

Hours: Mon-Thurs. 10-7, Fri-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-6

i've been waiting for MayDay to shout Vosges out!  I knew you wouldn't fail me!  lol  :lol:

 

although I would note that NorthBridge mall isn't in the loop.

 

Honey, as many times as I've had people (both men and women) come back and thank me for that advice, I oughta be Dr. Ruth! :lol:

the billygoat under the mich ave bridge is a must!

 

http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html

 

*** yes i am partial to that place because lorain's don novello wrote the famous old "cheeborger, no pepsi coke" snl skit that made fun of it.

MayDay the barely baked cookies and the aztec truffles are amazing!

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm staying at the W Center City (not as nice as the Lake Shore W, but oh well).

Looking forward to checking out a few of these spots tonight, then heading to a wedding reception at the Conservatory tomorrow night.  Good times.

Thanks again.

You have to go to Bongo Room for brunch!  It's amazing!  There's a South Loop location 5 steps from Roosevelt station.  There's also a location in Wicker Park but I forget where that one is located.  Canady Le Chocolatier has a truffle/gelato shop on Wabash, a few blocks north of Roosevelt and it's amazing!  Right next to my former Chase! 

 

Make sure to visit Punch at Grace O'Malleys 1400ish?? S. Michigan.  It should be the official UO hangout!

the billygoat under the mich ave bridge is a must!

 

http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html

 

*** yes i am partial to that place because lorain's don novello wrote the famous old "cheeborger, no pepsi coke" snl skit that made fun of it.

I didn't even know about that skit on SNL until a few months after I went in there and got screamed at for wanting fries. Hilarious.

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm staying at the W Center City (not as nice as the Lake Shore W, but oh well).

Looking forward to checking out a few of these spots tonight, then heading to a wedding reception at the Conservatory tomorrow night.  Good times.

Thanks again.

 

The W City Center & the Conrad are where I stay when in Chicago.  I love the WCC.   Note to anyone going to Chicago in the future do not - and i repeat - do not book a room at the W Lakeshore!!! That property is a DUMP!  Avoid this Holiday Inn, turned Days Inn turn W at all cost!!!  :x

 

w28th, Are you an spg member?  If yes, when you get to the WCC, tell them you want to be placed in an "alternative suite".  There are nine in the property on various floors.  IIRC, they are the 01/02 rooms.

 

More restaurant suggestions

Visit Sushi Samba [www.sushisamba.com/top.html] I like this location, but would not recommend the NYC or Miami locations!

Wishbone [ www.wishbonechicago.com ]

Bistro 110 [ www.bistro110restaurant.com ]

Parlor [ www.parlorchicago.com ]

Seasons Cafe - in the four seasons hotel (stuffy joint, but my tummy I liked the food)

C'est Si Bon [ www.cestsiboncatering.com ]  This place is ONLY open on Sunday.

Tweet - Organic joint.  My cousin RAVES about this place. The price for service is great

Orange  - The serve green eggs and ham!  They also have other quirky items on the menu. 

If your gal likes foo-foo chocolate, swing by and treat her at Vosges (chocolate store). You don't have to spend a lot, and let's just say that most women worth mentioning respond VERY well to good chocolate :-D

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/boutiques

 

MayDay, thanks for putting "chocolate" in my head!I couldn't get VOSGES out of my head. 

 

After work I made a bee line to Bergdorf and bought 5 candy bars (now 3) and a few other goodies!!  :oops:

 

 

Your name will be said many times tomorrow morning, and not in a good way, as motivation on the treadmill.   If this Bacon candybar wasn't so good...i'd be sooooo upset with you! :wink:

 

You rock!

So how was your weekend in Chicago.  Any restaurants/places of interest anyone on the board should see?