Out and About - Make a Day of It
We know many of our visitors are from outside of the Chicagoland area. So we asked our friends at Concierge Preferred to help us identity some chic hot spots, local eateries and fun diversions. They came up with some pretty cool suggestins, so why not make a day of your visit to the Windy City?
Making A Day of It at the Chicago Auto Show
by Cecilia Ehlenbach, Concierge Preferred
If you're planning on heading out to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Saturday Feb. 9 - Monday Feb. 18, at McCormick Place, why not make a whole day of it?
There's tons to do right around McCormick Place, many a quick and easy bus or cab ride away. And you don't even have to make up your own itinerary! We here at Concierge Preferred have a whole list of concierge-approved restaurant and nightlife ideas that are assured to get your engines revving before and after the show. (*All time estimates are by car with a starting point at McCormick Place.)
Breakfast
As they say, breakfast's the most important meal of the day and you'll certainly need fortification before hitting the big show where nearly 1,000 different vehicles and four indoor test tracks await you.
Yolk
1120 S. Michigan Ave., 312-789-9655 (about 7 minutes)
As their name suggests, they cook up a mean egg whether in omelet. scrambled, or benedict form. They also have awesome crepes and French toast, or oatmeal and granola, if you're in the mood for something lighter.
Lou Mitchell's Restaurant
565 W. Jackson Blvd., 312-939-3111 (about 10 minutes)
For nearly 90 years, Lou Mitchell's has opened its doors to the city of Chicago. This is the place to go for an unfussy diner-style breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast, pancakes with syrup, pastries, and the world's finest cup of coffee.
Sweet Maple Café
1339 W. Taylor St., 312-243-8908 (about 11 minutes)
For a Southern-style breakfast, try Sweet Maple Café. They're known for their country scrambles (served over homefries or grits with your choice of biscuit or toast). And if that's still not enough biscuit action for you, order some on the side (cornmeal, sweet milk, or spicy sausage).
Waffles
1400 S. Michigan Ave., 312-854-8572 (about 4 minutes)
In the mood for waffles? At Waffles, they make them a multitude of ways and in many daring flavor combinations. They've got Brussels waffles (light & crispy), Liege waffles (dense & chewy), Cheddar and Short Rib waffles, Mexican Chocolate Waffles ... (the list goes on).
Dinner
After the show, you might feel a little wiped. A quiet, relaxing dinner out is sure to be the perfect remedy and the perfect way to recharge for the rest of the night ahead.
Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., 312-251-7275 (about 10 minutes)
For a schnazzy dinner experience, try Park Grill, located right at the gateway to Millennium Park. They have wonderful steak and fish entrees and specialties, like the Grilled Half Amish Chicken. And after dinner, you can take a little stroll through the park.
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., 312-332-7005 (about 11 minutes)
If you can never decide on a restaurant, then head to Italian Village where three restaurants sit under one roof. You really can't go wrong with any of them: great Italian pastas, meat dishes, and wine by the glass (or the bottle).
Tapas Valencia
1530 S. State St., 312-842-4444 (about 6 minutes)
Want to spoil your woman or man? Do it with a romantic dinner at Tapas Valencia where the specialties are cold and hot tapas and an extremely well priced paella. Add a little sangria and you've got yourself quite the evening.
Flo & Santos
1310 S. Wabash Ave., 312-566-9817 (about 6 minutes)
For pizza and pierogi (who woulda thunk?), you'll want to stop at Flo & Santos. They've got great thin crust pizzas with Italian and Polish-style toppings, sandwiches, chicken and pork wings, and did I mention the pierogi?
Nightlife
The night is young and the city is yours for the taking. Even if you're heading into day #2 of the Auto Show, there's still time for a little nightlife. Check out our suggestions below.
The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., 312-640-1000 (about 12 minutes)
Dress up a bit and hit The Redhead Piano Bar, a fashionable nightspot that prides itself on its excellent live music. So grab a mixed drink and sit piano side as the Redhead performers take you through the hits (singing along is highly encouraged).
Buddy Guy's Legends
700 S. Wabash Ave., 312-427-1190 (about 6 minutes)
Buddy Guy's Legends is the place to go for blues, as any true blues fan will let you know. With live music seven nights a week, the club is always jamming, as is the Southern menu. Who knows, you might even spot Buddy Guy at the bar.
Tommy Gun's Garage
2114 S. Wabash Ave., 312-225-0273 (about 3 minutes)
In lieu of a classic dinner, you could always try out dinner and a show at Tommy Gun's Garage. Their musical comedy review takes you back to the roaring 20s with gangsters, flappers, and a whole lot of audience participation. Plus there's an A-Model Ford on hand.
Jimmy Green's Bar & Grill
825 S. State St., 312-386-9000 (about 6 minutes)
Maybe your idea of unwinding is heading out to sports bar for some brewskies and late night snacks. Jimmy Green's has got 27 screens, an awesome sound system, over 100 beers on hand, and all the nachos, sliders, and all the wings you could want-sounds like you'll be all set.