Going to Chicago this June for 50th B-day / Bucket List trip; suggestions?

[AlphaLackey]

Hello all,

Some of you may remember a few years ago when I talked about a potential trip to Chicago and asking for advice on what to see.

While that trip never panned out, my 50th birthday is rapidly approaching, and me getting my hands on front-row tickets to They Might Be Giants playing at the Vic days before my birthday has it settled that I'll be visiting your fine city this summer.

Aside from pilgrimages to the Paradise Theater lot (which you all helped me tag on N. Pulaski just before Mayfield) and the "Al Bundy House" in Deerfield, I'm open for suggestions on what I should see or do while I'm there. I've heard talk of an architectural cruise and that, even if not a baseball fan, a ball game at Wrigley is worth it on a basic sports fan basis.

And since I'm an inveterate gambler, I'm not gonna go on vacation and NOT check out any casinos or poker rooms in the area so any advice on those would be useful too.

Am also a big pro wrestling fan, and would have loved Lisa Marie Varon's wrestling themed restaurant in the area, had it not closed. But any similar would be welcome.

Gastronomic recommendations are also useful. Yes, I know that a 'Chicago dog' and a deep dish pizza will be obligatory, but advice on where to get authentic ones will be helpful.

... and yes, still on my list will be a visit to the Madhouse for a meaningful Jets / Hawks game, I have a hunch that opportunity will be sooner than later.

Thanks!

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[scorehawks]

Just got back from 2 game trip. We loved the original Billy Goat Tavern below the Tribune building and Connies for it's atmosphere, staff and pizza.

 

[hawksfan50]

Alpha Lackey ,You mean your trip to Chicago of a lifetime does not include seeing Bedard in the UC ...just because you chose your birthday to visit the city instead of planning a trip during the NHL season when the Hawks havea home game?

I understand ...the Hawks are terrible bottom dwellers even with Bedard..but unless you plan to go back to Chicago again,how could you dare moss the vhance to see Bedardvkivecat thecUC if that is going to be your only visit you expect to make?

 

[x Tame Impala]

Fiddy has a point there

 

[AlphaLackey]

Alpha Lackey ,You mean your trip to Chicago of a lifetime does not include seeing Bedard in the UC ...just because you chose your birthday to visit the city instead of planning a trip during the NHL season when the Hawks havea home game?

I understand ...the Hawks are terrible bottom dwellers even with Bedard..but unless you plan to go back to Chicago again,how could you dare moss the vhance to see Bedardvkivecat thecUC if that is going to be your only visit you expect to make?

Rest assured I will be back again at some point, as “catching a meaningful Jets game at the Madhouse on Madison’s spiritual successor” remains on my list. The confluence of a long time favorite act and my big 5-0 just made this opportunity to good to resist for my first trip.

Bedard’s something special, there’s no doubt about it; the chance of winning my fantasy replay league’s draft lottery next year helps me get out of bed some mornings

 

[BHawk21]

My number 1 recommendation for people coming in from out of town is always Kingston Mines for a night out.

 

[giza]

Chicago is much better when the weather is decent and you can walk/ride outside. I love the lakefront, the riverwalk in the Loop is also darn nice. As far as touristy things to do, that clear floor in the Willis Tower is cool for the thrill seeker. There's tons of restaurants----I like the Chicago Oven Grinder on Clark Street. Tufano's on Vernon Parkway near UIC is good old fashioned Italian and used to have a ton of pictures of Blackhawks on it....check to see if they still don't take credit cards. Someone mentioned Kingston Mines and Blues is always a good call. The music scene is pretty vibrant----I prefer a dinner in Chinatown and then a short ride to Reggies for live music (on 21st and State). It's a city of neighborhoods and every neighborhood has something to offer.