In the Wrigelyville area right outside of Wrigley Field, there is a large bar with a couple of different bars and an outside seating area. Lots of TVs and it gets quite busy, especially after a game.
Directly outside the entrance to Wrigley Field. Large bar with decent beer selections. Beers are about 6 bucks, and there are many TVs around... that, and a ton of Cubs fans!
Located on top of the Hancock Center (95th and 96th floors), this bar boasts the best view of the city. That would be true, if everyone wouldn't be standing in front of the windows taking pictures with a flash. If you aren't seated by the window, don't expect to enjoy the view.
And, if you're looking to enjoy the view, just pay for the admission to the Hancock Observatory (94th floor) and see an unobstructed view.
Customers were sloppy and drunk, and the prices were way too expensive for the little value you get out of it.
Also, come at an off-time as this tends to be a trendy hang out. I can only guess that it's everyone's first time, as I'd never go back.
Also known as 17 West, this upscale bar didn't start serving women until the 1960s (which explains why there's only a men's restroom in the bar section). Good, reasonably priced beer selection (the lager was excellent) and samplers in off times. Call to check for lunch times, as we missed the lunch hour of 11:30-2:30 (though they say it's changing).
The Berghoff is known for their meats. I'd highly recommend the bratwurst.
A must-see if you're in Chicago, if for no other reason that to walk the same steps as Ferris Bueler. For the price ($11), it's probably the best value in Chicago.
I'd recommend seeing American Gothic (Wood) and An Afternoon on La Grande Jatte (Seurat), among others. Take your time and enjoy all the available rooms.
The beef sandwiches are second to none. Dripping in au jus sauce, you can't go wrong with the homemade italian beef sandwich. I'd recommend the combo #5: beef sandwich, fries and a drink for about $8. Make this one of your fatty food stops in Chicago.
In one word: unimpressive. It's billed as the best steak house in Chicago, but I have no idea why. It certainly has the classic touches of a steak house: big steaks, walls covered with pictures.
But, it lacks the one thing a good steak house needs: good steak. For the cost (about $30-$35/steak), it drastically underdelivers. My New York Strip was incredibly fatty--about 4 onces on a 16 ounce steak--and tasted closer to prime rib than new york strip. It lost its heat immediately and was luke warm only 1/3 of the way into it.
Excellent popcorn shop on the Magnificent Mile. I'd recommend the chicago mix--caramel and cheese popcorn. Be aware that this place gets very busy, so be ready to wait.
A full restaurant in the middle of the park. Very good salads and excellent thin crust pizza. It's a welcome temperature change between a hot Chicago summer day and the air conditioning and good food.
There's nothing like the original. This is the first Pizzeria Uno and isn't anywhere close to the same as the chain. You'll need to get there during an off-time or be prepared to wait.
It takes about 45 minutes to make the pizza, so you order before you take your seat. Get a salad if you're hungry, but make sure you save room for the pizza--the deep dish sausage was fantastic.
If Uno's line is too long, try Due's down the street. It's exactly the same menu/food.
Small, hole-in-the-wall hot dog joint with excellent hot dogs and cheese fries. It's a late night drunk food place (open til 4am during the week and 5am on weekends).
The staff is rude, and that's part of the appeal. You need to shout out your order. There aren't any restrooms in this small place.