Chicago

[tarheelmjfan]

We're making a last minute stop in Chicago on our way to Wisconsin. We'll only have tomorrow & half a day Sunday to get a quick glimpse of the city.

If you only had time for one tour, which one would you choose? I'm thinking we'll either do the Hop on Hop off bus or an Architectural river cruise, unless there's a better tour to see as much of the city as possible with very limited time. If the two I mentioned are the best, which of those would you choose?

Also, where should we try to eat? Pizza will definitely be one of the meals.

FWIW, we're staying downtown & probably won't want to wander too far with such a short stay.

 

[RamblingMad]

There is a LEGO exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry worth checking out.

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/2022/the-art-of-the-brick/

Downtown I like Pizzeria Duo. I used to eat their lunch special a lot.

The Berghoff and Russian Tea House are also both great.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There is a LEGO exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry worth checking out.

https://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/2022/the-art-of-the-brick/

Downtown I like Pizzeria Duo. I used to eat their lunch special a lot.

The Berghoff and Russian Tea House are also both great.

Thanks. I'll look these up.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We're making a last minute stop in Chicago on our way to Wisconsin. We'll only have tomorrow & half a day Sunday to get a quick glimpse of the city.

If you only had time for one tour, which one would you choose? I'm thinking we'll either do the Hop on Hop off bus or an Architectural river cruise, unless there's a better tour to see as much of the city as possible with very limited time. If the two I mentioned are the best, which of those would you choose?

Also, where should we try to eat? Pizza will definitely be one of the meals.

FWIW, we're staying downtown & probably won't want to wander too far with such a short stay.

Well, welcome to Chicago.

I've been here all my life and have not taken any of the river or lake boat tours. However, I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews of the Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, I think it runs about 90 minutes to 2 hours. We did do the Hop On/Off tour one time when a dis poster from Ohio came here some years back. Our only time doing that, it was great also, but more of a day long tour, if you want it to go that long. I think the boat tour would give you a bit more in depth aspect of the city whereas the bus would sort of skim several surfaces, more run by you and what you want to do at the various stops.

As for pizza, I would go with Due's also. Or Uno's, the original of the two, 1 block away. Both have the same food. If you get a sausage pizza, I do recommend you ask for 'crumbled sausage'. Their standard recipe is a solid layer of sausage, like a pork hamburger patty almost, as the sausage component. I had that the first few times I ate there (or Lou Malnati's also) and it was just too much sausage, too greasy for our tastes. If you get another topping, or a combination of toppings, other than sausage, no special instructions. And, if you go there, and you REALLY like sausage, then get the regular, the patty sausage. Their pizza is a Chicago classic.

Here is a map link.

https://goo.gl/maps/iqoTqZLu8H9Jensm9

Even though I have lived here for all of my 78 years, I'm generally not much help to visitors as like so many people who live anywhere, they do not usually do much of the 'touristy things' themselves. And I rarely, very rarely, go Downtown. I suggest trying to visit Millennium Park over on Michigan Ave. Again, I have never been there (amazing, I know), but it always seems like on of THE spots to visit. As is Navy Pier.

Here is a tourism link.

https://www.choosechicago.com/

Do enjoy your brief visit.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Well, welcome to Chicago.

I've been here all my life and have not taken any of the river or lake boat tours. However, I have heard nothing but wonderful reviews of the Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, I think it runs about 90 minutes to 2 hours. We did do the Hop On/Off tour one time when a dis poster from Ohio came here some years back. Our only time doing that, it was great also, but more of a day long tour, if you want it to go that long. I think the boat tour would give you a bit more in depth aspect of the city whereas the bus would sort of skim several surfaces, more run by you and what you want to do at the various stops.

As for pizza, I would go with Due's also. Or Uno's, the original of the two, 1 block away. Both have the same food. If you get a sausage pizza, I do recommend you ask for 'crumbled sausage'. Their standard recipe is a solid layer of sausage, like a pork hamburger patty almost, as the sausage component. I had that the first few times I ate there (or Lou Malnati's also) and it was just too much sausage, too greasy for our tastes. If you get another topping, or a combination of toppings, other than sausage, no special instructions. And, if you go there, and you REALLY like sausage, then get the regular, the patty sausage. Their pizza is a Chicago classic.

Here is a map link.

https://goo.gl/maps/iqoTqZLu8H9Jensm9

Even though I have lived here for all of my 78 years, I'm generally not much help to visitors as like so many people who live anywhere, they do not usually do much of the 'touristy things' themselves. And I rarely, very rarely, go Downtown. I suggest trying to visit Millennium Park over on Michigan Ave. Again, I have never been there (amazing, I know), but it always seems like on of THE spots to visit. As is Navy Pier.

Here is a tourism link.

https://www.choosechicago.com/

Do enjoy your brief visit.

Thanks for the welcome, Dan. We're almost there. I know what you mean about not touring your own city. The only time we do touristy things, except for going to the beach, is when we have guests.

I just booked the architectural river cruise. I was afraid to wait, because it says, "likely to sell out".

Now I'm confused about which pizza place to go to.

 

[gmi3804]

I’ve lived here my whole life and LOVE the architecture tour on the river. Make sure you do the one offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. That one’s the best. And sit on the top deck.

 

[Timandalicia]

We're making a last minute stop in Chicago on our way to Wisconsin. We'll only have tomorrow & half a day Sunday to get a quick glimpse of the city.

If you only had time for one tour, which one would you choose? I'm thinking we'll either do the Hop on Hop off bus or an Architectural river cruise, unless there's a better tour to see as much of the city as possible with very limited time. If the two I mentioned are the best, which of those would you choose?

Also, where should we try to eat? Pizza will definitely be one of the meals.

FWIW, we're staying downtown & probably won't want to wander too far with such a short stay.

We go all the time. River boat tour which also gives you a little of the lake. And you can wind up at Navy Pier. This time of year that’s what I’d do.
Lou Malnati’s is the best pizza.
Don’t forget a Garrett’s popcorn.

 

[Boopuff]

Lived in the suburbs my whole life. I think the river tour is fantastic. Forget the tourist traps. The museums are great, food fabulous, enjoy!

 

[Boopuff]

oops duplicate

 

[gmi3804]

Native here, born and raised.

Museums. Avoid Navy Pier; it’s a tourist trap.

 

[Boopuff]

Native here, born and raised.

Museums. Avoid Navy Pier; it’s a tourist trap.

yes! navy Pier is such a big nothing! Unless you really love the giant Ferris wheel, avoid at all costs

 

[Sweettears]

I agree with most of what’s been said but don’t don’t dismiss Gino’s for pizza. Malnati’s smothers everything in cheese. I agree that you need to ask for crumbled sausage regardless.

 

[gmi3804]

I agree with most of what’s been said but don’t don’t dismiss Gino’s for pizza. Malnati’s smothers everything in cheese. I agree that you need to ask for crumbled sausage regardless.

Not true. Malnati’s puts the cheese right on the crust, then the toppings on top. I prefer it to Gino’s; it’s my favorite Chicago-style deep dish. Order it “well done,” as the bottom crust tends to get soggy otherwise. Don’t worry, it won’t be overcooked.

I grew up a few blocks from original Lou Malnati’s in Lincolnwood, and remember when they opened in 1971!

 

[Sweettears]

Born and raised in Chicago. Have had Malnati’s many times. Way too much chees whether it’s on top or bottom. Can’t taste the sauce.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Speaking Malnati's. That's is generally our go to Chicago style deep dish pizza. No Uno or Due except Downtown. If we want thinner, usually other places. NW suburbs here. There are 2 sit-down Malnati's, north of the River, one on north Michigan, one on north Wells. Most Malnati's are carry out and delivery only. Lou Malnati was the head chef at Uno's after the war in the late 40's, left in early 70's to start his own place, and the rest is history.

If you want less cheese, order less cheese. You want more, order extra. We always order crumbled sausage, easy sauce.

 

[Sweettears]

Speaking Malnati's. That's is generally our go to Chicago style deep dish pizza. No Uno or Due except Downtown. If we want thinner, usually other places. NW suburbs here. There are 2 sit-down Malnati's, north of the River, one on north Michigan, one on north Wells. Most Malnati's are carry out and delivery only. Lou Malnati was the head chef at Uno's after the war in the late 40's, left in early 70's to start his own place, and the rest is history.

If you want less cheese, order less cheese. You want more, order extra. We always order crumbled sausage, easy sauce.

I suppose you can customize your order but it never comes to mind when I’m there. I like the cornbread crust of Gino’s which is my preference.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I like the cornbread crust of Gino’s

Excellent also. A good alternative to LM's buttered crust.

 

[RamblingMad]

Where I grew up in Chicago, Palermo's Pizza was the go to. But that's now a rough part of town, so I gave a downtown recommendation near where I did an internship back in the 90s.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll reply more in depth later. For now, I'm concentrating on having a blast in the city.

Anyway, Lou Manalti's won out. DH liked the idea of a lot of cheese. We're here now. After waiting about 2 minutes, we were escorted to our table. That was a nice surprise.

 

[Kestryl]

If you’re looking for a late night treat and you’re in the area, try Devil Dawgs (we go to the State Street location). They do hot dogs, which are great, but the shakes are amazing. I have this obsession, so any time we’re in the area, I get two- one for then, one for the freezer for the next day.