Overall, majority of all hostels provide basic free amenities including free parking, free Internet access, free laundry. But, it is always recommended to check before booking a Chicago hostel online. If you book a Chicago youth hostel online then you do not pay any booking fee.

Note: Some hotels might be charging money for certain amenities.

1) Urban Holiday Lofts
Address: 2014 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, USA
Urban Holiday Lofts hostel is one of the cleanest and safe place for backpackers. Hostel provides spacious rooms with all basic free amenities including laundry, and Internet access.

Beds starting from:$17.00

Urban Holiday Lofts Hostel Chicago

2) IHSP Chicago Hostel at Damen CTA
Address: 2nd Floor, 1616 N. Damen Ave, Chicago
http://www.ihspusa.com/

If you are looking to stay and party in Chicago on budget then I recommend you to book a bed at IHSP hostel. You can party till late night or early morning as very nice nightclubs, bars and pubs are located close to IHSP hostel in Chicago. If you decide to go party somewhere that requires train commute then nothing to worry, IHSP hostel is conveniently located close to CTA station. Female rooms at IHSP hostel feature jacuzzi tub. Also, you can get free shuttle to airport, greyhound station and Amtrack stations.

Beds Starting from:$22

IHSP Chicago Hostel at Damen CTA

3) Chicago Getaway Hostel
Address: 616 West Arlington Place, Chicago, Chicago, USA
http://www.getawayhostel.com/

Chicago getaway hostel provides comfort with style. Overall, Chicago getaway hostel has friendly atmosphere onsite. Hostel amenities include kitchen, modern common area to meet other backpackers, dorm accommodation and private room for stay. You can enjoy great restaurants, bars and nightclubs around the hostel. Also, Michigan lake and top attractions in Chicago are located within short distance from the hostel.

Beds Starting from:$22.00

Chicago Getaway Hostel

4) Oak 112 Hostel
Address: 112 West Oak Street, Chicago, USA

Oak 112 hostel near downtown Chicago is located in the Gold Coast. Only 8 to 10 minutes from Lake Michigan beach and downtown Chicago. Overall clean and safe accommodation along with basic free amenities.

Beds starting from:$23.00

Oak 112 Hostel

5) H.I. Chicago Hostel
Address: 24 East Congress Parkway, Chicago
http://www.hichicago.org/

H.I. Chicago hostel is one of the famous best value hostels. Hostel is located in downtown Chicago. Overall place is very safe, clean and budget friendly. It is conveniently located close to Chicago’s top things to do such as museums and shopping area.

Beds Starting from:$30+

H.I. Chicago Hostel

6) Parthenon Hostel
Address: 310 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, USA
http://www.chicagoparthenonhostel.com/

Chicago Parthenon hostel is located close to University of Illinois Chicago. Conveniently located in downtown Chicago from where CTA Blue line station is 1 block away as well as Union Station and Amtrak train station are 4 blocks away. Being 1 block away from CTA blue line station, it is very easy to get to O’hare International airport as well as Midway airport for guests. Also, Chicago Parthenon hostel is LGBT friendly.

Beds starting from: $31.00

Parthenon Hostel Chicago

Comparing Chicago Hotels

By comparing Chicago hotels you can get the best hotel deal in Chicago for your buck. We all know that finding a good hotel in Chicago needs some time but end result will be excellent as you will end up booking a good hotel room in Chicago. You can also read one of my articles “How to find a good hotel in Chicago” to find out steps to find a good hotel room in Chicago. This article gives you tips on comparing hotels.

Chicago hotel comparison you can break into different sections: Location of the hotel, Extra Surcharges & Fees, Hotel Amenities, Online Chicago hotels reviews and break the hotel deal to book a room.

Hotel Location:
While selecting a hotel in Chicago, hotel location matters a lot.  Hotel room rates varies from location to location. If you are planning to stay in or around downtown Chicago then be ready to pay more on hotel booking compare to hotel rooms in Chicago suburbs. There are many top hotels in Chicago loop close to top Chicago attractions and landmarks. People who are looking for a luxurious getaway in Chicago can take advantage of Luxurious hotels in Chicago downtown.

Lakefront hotels are found parallel to Lake Michigan on Lake Shore drive and Michigan Ave in downtown Chicago. Guest can enjoy excellent hotel rooms with lake-view. Lakefront hotel rooms will cost more compared to other rooms in the hotel.

Overall, Hotels in Chicago suburbs are less expensive compared to hotels in the loop. Hotels close to O’Hare International airport as well as hotels near Midway airports will cost more compared to other suburban hotels.  Chicago city and suburbs are very nicely connected with through public transport, rate between $2 to $5. Thus, you can get more cheaper room in suburbs if you decide to pay public transport rate.

Hotel Additional Fees:
The hotel additional fees include extras such as resort fee, parking fee, the use of a fitness center, spa fee on premises etc. Usually resort fee varies somewhere between $5 to $25. Make sure to check the list of free amenities provided by hotels. All hotel amenities are not free especially in downtown Chicago hotels.

Hotel Amenities:
While booking a hotel room, getting the list of hotel amenities is very important. Based on available amenities and your preferred preferences you can narrow down your search. Hotel amenities include breakfast, Wi-Fi Internet, swimming pool, fitness center, room service, in-room appliances, parking, transportation to and from airport and many similar facilities at the hotel.

Make sure to get the list of all hotel amenities and cost detail if there is any involved. Usually Chicago hotels offer free continental breakfast. But few luxurious hotels in Chicago might be charging money for breakfast at the hotel.

Also, if you are planning to stay in downtown Chicago then think twice before renting a car. Considering the parking space limitation and charges, Chicago downtown hotels charge parking fees to guest which might cost you somewhere between $15 to $50.

Read Online Hotel Reviews:
Once you have shortlisted hotels that fits your need and budget, now it’s the time to go read online hotel reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Hotel reviews on TripAdvisor are not always genuine but there is a way to find genuine reviews. Look for the hotel review writers who have reviewed more than 5 to 10 hotels. On TripAdvisor hotel owners might be writing their own reviews and all good things hiding bad part. So, Trust the review written by established writer who has been writing reviews about different hotels regularly.

Found the perfect hotel with great reviews? It may seem like your dream place, but have a closer look at who has written the comments. Travel sites, such as TripAdvisor, do not monitor their reviews so there is nothing to stop a hotel writing its own glowing references. Always look who has posted the review. If it is a new member with only one or two reviews, you can be sure it is a fake. Only trust reviews written by established members with a high number of posts. That way you can be sure it is a real, truthful overview of your potential hotel.

Steps to Shortlist Hotels

• Found list of hotels with great reviews and good price using above mentioned comparison steps? Now it’s time to compare group of those selected hotels.
• Compare any involved additional fees and available amenities. Some downtown Chicago hotels might be charging fitness center fee but same time they might be providing free Internet access and business center access. Based on your priorities you should decide the hotel. For example, if you need to be in touch with work or something through Internet then you might want to book a hotel that provides FREE Internet access.
• Also, hotels with free transportation shuttle service to and from airport are good option as well.
• Look for plus and minus points about hotels based on your preferences to create your short list.

Break the Hotel Deal:
Now you are done with your hotel research and have short list of hotels you are willing to stay. Check out major hotel booking websites such as Priceline, Expedia.com, Hotels.com to note down the room rates for your travel dates. Now, call hotels and try to negotiate room rates. While talking to hotel front desk clerk or agent get additional details about any manager specials or good deals on hotel upgrades.

Check-out Hotel Review Sites
It’s always advisable to research hotel review sites such as Trip Advisor for Chicago. Tripadvisor provides user written reviews for the hotel they have stayed. But, those reviews are not correct all the time. Saying that, you need to do some research on reviews. Before reading Chicago hotel reviews, make sure to find a hotel that fits your needs such as Pets-Friendly Hotels in Chicago, Luxurious Chicago Hotels, Downtown Chicago hotels etc. Once you have found the list of hotels those meet your basic preferences then start reading reviews on Tripadvisor. If you find bad reviews that doesn’t mean hotel is not worth booking. Same way, if you find good reviews that doesn’t mean hotel is indeed great. Hotel owners might be writing their own “great reviews” on Tripadvisor. So, look for the genuine review writers with more than 10 to 15 reviews and judge hotel from their opinion. Trust reviews written by someone who has been writing reviews on other hotels as well.

Compare Hotel Room Rates on Hotel Comparison Sites
Once you decide hotel in Chicago, compare Chicago hotel room rates on multiple hotel booking sites. Chicago hotel room rates vary from one site to another. Sometimes you can get the cheapest rate on small hotel booking websites compare to major aggregators such as Expedia.com, Priceline, Hotels.com, Orbitz or Travelocity. Flight rates varies throughout the week by time and travel dates, so do hotel room rates in Chicago. Be flexible and try to look for a  hotel room for different dates as well as different times of the day. By comparing and checking multiple websites, you can find a good hotel room for less in Chicagoland.

Call Hotel for Additional Discount in Chicago
By now I believe you have finished your research by reading reviews and comparing Chicago hotel room rates online. You have found the best hotel room rate that you are ready to pay and book a room in Chicago. You are not done yet, call the hotel you are planning to book a room and ask for hotel specials. Be polite while talking to front desk person and explain about the rate you have found online. Negotiate to match up price plus ask to give more discount. If hotel denies to give more discount then ask to book a hotel room for the same price over the phone. You must be wondering, what’s the difference between booking a hotel room online for the same price??? Oh well, I have worked as a hotel front desk clerk in past. Truth is that mostly all hotels have pre-allocated hotel rooms for online reservation. These rooms may be not as good as walk-in customers due to rate difference. So, it is always good to break the deal over the phone.

For those who can not get the discount over the phone and decide to book hotel room in Chicago online, they can still get a room of their choice. If you have reserved a hotel room online then try to check-in earlier. Usually early arrivals have more chances to get a room based on their preferences for example: away from front desk or main walkway, on specific floor etc. If you do not have any room location preferences but if you don’t like your assigned room then you can always ask front desk to change. Late arriving guests lose their chance to change room if hotel is fully booked.

See, by now you know the basic secrets of finding a good hotel room in Chicago. Before you start looking for a hotel, check out my opinion about hotels in Chicago.

Downtown Chicago Silversmith hotel

Address: 10 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

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Features:
Silversmith Chicago Hotel is one of the most popular luxurious hotels in downtown Chicago known for its fascinating history. This boutique hotel in Chicago downtown features all the finer trimmings of a luxurious stay and guarantees anyone a truly fabulous experience. Silversmith Chicago hotel invites guests to bask in the lap of luxury as the Chicago Silversmith hotel pampers you with its charming and warm hospitality and services.

Possessing a distinctive character, style and grace, Silversmith hotel in Chicago offers much more than just luxurious accommodation, great food and a good location. Being a truly remarkable hotel, it offers an experience that one is surely not going to forget. An experience laced with warm hospitality, an ambiance enriched with fascinating historical aspects and impeccable array of services.

Why I Recommend to Stay
Excellent Location Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Loop Area and Financial District, the hotel is just two blocks from the Buckingham Fountain and The Art Institute of Chicago. The famed Millennium Park is simply a block away from this magnificent and luxurious property. Situated within the vicinity of Chicago’s main attractions, Silversmith Chicago hotel truly offers the best of both worlds.

Luxurious rooms:
A sense of stylish aesthetics prevails in all the rooms that are accentuated with the classic elements of arts and crafts. All the rooms at Silversmith Hotel in Chicago are excellently decorated featuring a wide array of modern comforts and amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi access, in-room safe, CD players etc.

Plenty of Place for Business Meeting or Events:
This is an ideal hotel for business conferences and meetings with 2,100 square foot of area available for meetings along with the availability of a full support staff. The floor plans are designed in a manner to accommodate business meetings, receptions, events, banquets etc. Whether one is planning a business event or a reception or a party, the facilities and the services at the Chicago Silversmith hotel are guaranteed to exceed one’s expectations. As a whole, the Silversmith Chicago hotel is one of the top business friendly hotels in downtown Chicago.

Historical Hotel in Chicago:
What’s truly magnificent about this Chicago Loop hotel are the rich architectural design and its historic legacy. The hotel is a landmark site in Chicago considering it was built in 1897 and even today embraces the classic style of a bygone era. The intricately designed lobby ceiling and the marble and cast-iron grand staircase are reminiscent of a different era.

Inside Knowledge:
The elevator access is controlled by the room key and therefore once the guests have checked out they wouldn’t be able to access the elevator in order to get their baggage.
The Silversmith Chicago hotel offers a host of additional services such as accessibility equipment, roll-in shower, in-room accessibility and handicapped parking among others.
It is better to ask for a room away from the L train tracks.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t Bring Your Furry Friend: The hotel does not allow any pets and therefore guests need to make alternative arrangements for their furry companions.
• Don’t Smoke at Hotel: Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Do Bring Your Valid ID: The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.
• Don’t Rent-a-Car: If not needed then avoid to rent a car. Valet Parking fee is approximately $49 per day.

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Features:
Experience the perfect blend of chic and sophistication at the luxurious Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Situated in the northern part of the Loop, this Marriott hotel is within close vicinity of Chicago’s thriving social and cultural circuit. This is truly an urban sanctuary in the midst of Chicago’s thriving social and cultural neighborhood. At Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, most of the rooms offer gorgeous skyline views of the city that make you truly revel and luxuriate in the plush surroundings.

Why I Recommend to Stay
The mark of a truly memorable holiday or stay at a luxurious hotel in downtown Chicago is the services, facilities and its proximity to various important and significant attractions of the city. Renaissance Chicago downtown Hotel offers class, style, comfort, and luxury and since it is right in the heart of Chicago, you are never too far from the city’s myriad and fascinating attractions.

Excellent Location:
Situated centrally, the Renaissance Chicago downtown hotel is just few minutes from Chicago’s important landmark and attractions. Enjoying an excellent location, the hotel not only offers gorgeous views of the river and the Chicago skyline but just across the street from the hotel, guests can enjoy the heritage architectural cruise.

Impeccable Facilities:
Though the hotel boasts a sophisticated and an elegant ambience reminiscent of the Renaissance era, the hospitality one experiences is truly warm, caring and considerate. The hotel offers a host of interesting services including an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and excellent dining facilities.

Great Dining Options:
The lobby bar called Bar Nova is a great place to unwind in the evenings after a day of hectic sightseeing. Just before guests head out to experience the thriving nightlife of Chicago, they can grab a quick bite and an excellently made cocktail at this bar. Relish sumptuously prepared American cuisine at the restaurant American that also offers panoramic and gorgeous views of the city.

Elegantly furnished rooms:
The undisputed highlight of Renaissance Chicago downtown hotel is its rooms because practically all of them offer gorgeous views of the Chicago skyline. The thought of waking in the morning to the bright and sunny views of the river and the city is truly irresistible. The rooms are elegantly furnished with all the modern amenities to ensure a pleasant and a comfortable stay.

Inside Knowledge
All the rooms provide wireless Internet access and a spacious work area. All the rooms also feature flat panel television along with the option of selecting pay movies and premium television channels at Renaissance Chicago downtown hotel.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do Bring Your Pet: The hotel allows pets but charges a pet fee of about $45 per stay.
• Do Think Before Renting a Car: There is a charge on valet parking too and ideally one would need to pay about $55 per night.
• Do Bring Your Gym Shoes: Guests need to be 16 or older to be able to use the fitness center.
• Do Not Pollute Environment: Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Do Not Break Rules: The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.

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It’s a great fun to see all the famous Chicago attractions at night including the Buckingham Fountain show, Lake Michigan and Navy Pier. Tour is designed to start with 30 minutes trainning session followed by cruising on eco-friendly segway transportation machine by Michigan lakefront through the Grant Park and the Museum Campus.

At night, you will be able to capture world famous Chicago skyline from the lakefront for a life-long-memory. City segway tours in Chicago, are fully guided tours. Tours allow maximum 8 people in a group. Tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable who will give you highlights of city’s past history and present.

You must be at least 12 years of age to participate in tour. Considering the machine, Pregnant women or anybody with physical challenge are not allowed to participate in tour. If you are under the influence of alcohol then you will not be allowed to participant in City segway night tours in Chicago.

Departure Point: 400 East Randolph Street, Suite 1A Chicago, IL 60601
Departure Time: 6:00pm
Return Details: Returns to original departure point at approximately 8:00pm

City segway tour in Chicago is one of the best available options to go around and see places. Hop on one of the Chicago segway tours to see world renowned Chicago attractions such as Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and many similar Chicago attractions.

City segway tours in Chicago length is approximately 3 hours. Tour begins with 30 minutes training session in the morning. It’s fun to ride the awesome handy machine in downtown Chicago. Your segway tours in Chicago starts from the peninsula through Museum Campus where you can see top Chicago attractions including the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum of Natural History.

City segway tours are scheduled to go along the Lake Front/Monroe Harbor visiting Navy Pier, Buckingham fountain, the Lincoln Statue and Soldier Field. You will be surprised how fun it is to ride segway machine by Lakeshore and downtown.

City segway tours in Chicago include fully guided tour along the Lake Michigan through the Grant Park and the Museum Campus. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and provides very informative orientation including very thorough information about Chicago history and current situation. Riding a Segway tour is one of the best experience in Chicago. Tour is awesome and full of fun.

City segway tours in Chicago are designed to have maximum 8 people in tour per guide. Tour management wants to make sure that all of their client gets proper attention for excellent experience. Large groups can also arrange private segway tours.

As a whole, City Segway Tours in Chicago are one of the best guided tours using Segway machine.

City Segway Tours Departure Point: 400 East Randolph Street, Suite 1A Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago Segway Tours Departure Time: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Chicago Segway Tours Return Details: You will be return to original departure point. Tour is designed for approximately 3 hours.

Additional information

Tour is not appropriate for pregnant women and people under 100 pounds or over 265 pounds weight.

You must be minimum 12 years old and should be able to make motions such as climbing and descending stairs of the machine without assistance.

You shouldn’t be under influence of alcohol.

Damage waiver of $500 needs to be completed and will be pre-authorized on credit card which gets canceled at the end of the tour.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do wear comfortable shoes, because you will be standing on your feet for 3 hours.
• Do bring rain gear and/or warm clothes based on the weather conditions of the day. Chicago is known for its unpredictable weather.
• Do not bring many belongings as you will be cruising around on the segway machine which has very small bags for cameras and purses.

The Palmer House Hilton

Address: 17 East Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603

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Features:
The Palmer House Hilton is a heritage property boasting a rich amalgamation of architectural heritage. Possessing a rich character, The Palmer Hilton Chicago truly glorifies the essence of this magnificent city. The hotel even offers a guided tour where guests can get a glimpse into the historic linage of the hotel and the delicacies that were created in the hotel’s kitchen during World Fair of 1893.

Why I recommend to Stay:
The Palmer House Hilton is a member of National Trust for Historic Preservation and Historic Hotels of America. The hotel offers interesting historic hotel packages that combine accommodation with an extensive tour of the hotel. History buffs and those with a penchant for delving into architectural treasures can surely make the most of the special hotel tour. The Palmer Hilton Chicago gives you the perfect opportunity to not only explore the rich historic legacy but also sample the hotel’s warm hospitality and luxurious comforts.

Historic Site:
Staying at a historic site is always a fascinating experience and The Palmer House Hilton guarantees an unforgettable experience. Possessing character and a rich historic legacy, the Palmer Hilton Chicago is more than a luxurious hotel. It is a heritage site and the elaborate and opulent interiors of the lobby transport you to an era of rich historic past.

Impeccable Facilities:
This hotel is the perfect venue for conferences because it offers amazing conferencing facilities. The Empire Room reserved for conferences, meetings and weddings possesses a stately look and exudes an old world charm. The Palmer Hour Hilton hotel also offers an indoor heated pool and a full service health club thereby allowing fitness enthusiasts to continue with their fitness regime. Spread over 10,000 sq foot, the health club is extremely impressive and is equipped with the latest cardiovascular equipments. The grandeur and opulence of the Palmer Hilton Chicago hotel’s facilities is also evident in its rooms that are extremely elegant and carry the theme of classic French Renaissance décor.

Excelling Dining Options:
When at the Palmer House Hilton, the option of having afternoon tea under the canopy of one of the most historically famous lobby ceilings is an experience that must be indulged in. The Lockwood Restaurant and Bar offers the ultimate in dining experience with its impressive menu of delectable delights. The extensive menu is matched by an equally impressive wine list and therefore it is the perfect place to enjoy a fine dining experience.

Inside Knowledge:
The grand lobby of the Palmer House Hilton Hotel features 24-carat gold angels, 14-carat gold leaf paint guilds and lavish candelabras. The lobby’s rich historic character is further accentuated and highlighted with Greek mythology frescoes by the celebrated Lido Lippi.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do Bring Your Furry Friend: The Palmer House Hilton is pet friendly but charges a pet fee of $75 per stay.
• Do Not Try to Pollute Environment: Smoking is permitted in some of the rooms.
• Do Not Worry About Facilities: The Palmer Hilton Chicago hotel offers a host of accessibility features such as accessible bathroom, accessible path, in-room accessibility, handicapped parking and roll-in shower in some of the accessible friendly rooms.

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The Baha’i House of Worship
Bahai Temple Centenary100 Linden Ave.
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-853-2300

Hours: Auditorium and Gardens: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, year round
Welcome Center and Bookstore: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m daily;  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer

Hotel Monaco Chicago

Address: 225 North Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60601

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Features:
Hotel Monaco Chicago, a Kimpton Hotel is one of the top 40 hotels in the U.S. and beckons guests to come and experience award-winning services, sumptuous cuisines and exceptional accommodations. Overlooking the Chicago River, Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Chicago is steps away from the famed Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s Cultural Mile and Millennium Park. This luxurious boutique hotel in Chicago possesses a certain character that exudes warmth, familiarity and a feeling of being at home even when away from home.

Why I Recommend You to Stay

With most of the rooms offering excellent views of the Chicago River along with the outstanding service that one can expect from hotel Monaco Chicago, it is not surprising that most guests return to experience the joy of warm hospitality and luxurious comforts. The guests are made to feel extremely special and all their needs and requirements are met in an extremely efficient manner. Most guests visiting hotel Monaco in downtown Chicago agree that the Monaco hotel Chicago offers excellent customer service and any concern or issue is taken care of immediately. Excellent location, great food, fantastic views and impeccable service are just some of the highlights of this fabulous luxurious boutique hotel in the Loop.

Excellent Location:
Most of the rooms are overlooking the river thereby offering fascinating views all day long. Early mornings one can simply enjoy the breathtaking views of the river from the comforts of their luxurious room. The Monaco hotel Chicago is situated within close vicinity of all the famous landmarks and attractions of Chicago.

Impressive Service:
There is no doubt that Hotel Monaco offers excellent service to all its guests because customer satisfaction is one guaranteed way of gauging a hotel’s performance. With guests having all good things to say and ensuring they revisit and stay at the same hotel, it is obvious that the staff at the Hotel Monaco is doing something right. They truly follow the dictum, ‘Customer is the king’ because every guest is made to feel like a king or a queen.
Free Wine Tour: The Monaco hotel Chicago, hosts a wine tour every evening where guests get to enjoy and sample wines from around the world and an opportunity to mix and mingle with other guests. Between 5 and 6 in the evening, the wine tour is hosted at the lobby and some of the finest wines are offered.

Inside Knowledge
The moment you step into the Monaco hotel Chicago, you can be rest assured of being treated like a VIP because everyone in the hotel will address you by your name starting from the doorman to the rest of the staff. The hotel Monaco Chicago also offers free morning and coffee and tea service and therefore one can enjoy the blissful experience of a fresh cup of brew overlooking breathtaking views.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do Bring Your Furry Friend: The Monaco Hotel Chicago is pet-friendly.
• Do Not Smoke: Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Do Bring Your LGBT Friends: The hotel is also affiliated with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)

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The Hotel Burnham Chicago

Features:
Selected by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best places to stay, Chicago Hotel Burnham is a boutique hotel that blends the old world charm with contemporary luxuries. Situated within National Historic Landmark site, the Reliance Building, Hotel Burnham Chicago is an architectural delight and invites guests to experience the legacy of this rich heritage. The hotel is situated within the vibrant and colorful neighborhood called The Loop and it is minutes from most of Chicago’s important sights and attractions.

Why I Recommend to Stay:
There are many reasons on why one should stay a the Hotel Burnham Chicago, but if one had to pinpoint the best part about staying at this hotel, it would definitely be the architecture and the warm and hospitable service provided by the staff. Hotel Burnham Chicago is truly an architectural marvel and anyone with a bit of interest in architecture would find it a delight staying at this heritage property. This 122 room boutique hotel in Chicago loop captures the city’s glorious past and the illuminating present with its distinctive architectural style of ‘The Chicago School’.

Excellent Restaurant:
At Chicago Hotel Burnham, the Atwood Café is known for its intimate ambience and is a typical American restaurant serving a host of interesting dishes. What is truly spectacular is the décor, as one gets to step into a dining room with 18-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and contemporary style and elegance.

In Room Spa Services:
One of the highlights of the hotel Burnham Chicago is the in room spa services, where guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy various spa treatments in the privacy of their guestroom.
Extremely helpful Staff: All the luxurious hotels is the Loop offer a host of services and facilities but what makes one hotel different from the other is the kind of assistance the staff provides. The staff at Hotel Burnham Chicago is extremely helpful and always eager to please the guests and assist them in the best possible manner.

Inside Knowledge
The hotel Burnham Chicago is absolutely kid friendly and offers a host of services to ensure the little guests are made to feel extra special and enjoy a happy stay. Each child is given a KimptonKids welcome gift.
Chicago hotel Burnham is also known for being eco-friendly and it ensures it follows eco-friendly practices that are clearly evident through the various services offered. The hotel provides eco-friendly bath amenities, organic coffee and tea, paperless check-in and check out and ceramic mugs are made available.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do Bring Your Furry Friend: Hotel Burnham Chicago is extremely pet friendly and accepts any number of pets without any limitation on weight or size. This is one of the few hotels that are pet friendly in every sense because it does not have any restrictions on the kind of pets and secondly there are no additional or extra charges.
• Do Not Think of Pollute Air: Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Do not Break the Rules: The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.

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Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner and Show has been very famous since long time. You can have great fun at the only speakeasy dinner show in Chicago Tommy Gun’s Garage. You get entry through EL tracks and you get entry when you say the password. Upon password verification you will be traveled back to speakeasy era of 1920s. I would say overall dinner show in Chicago is one of the best night out in Chicago that you want to experience and never forget.

Story…
During 1920s, the sale and manufacturing of alcoholic beverage was outlawed and it was strictly prohibited. Regardless of the prohibition, Al capone and his team refused the law and started serving alcohol, hotbox entertainment and gambling illegally through speakeasies across the Chicago city.

About Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner Show Chicago…
The moment you enter you will get speakeasy feeling of 1920s as you see silent movies playing. The whole set up at this Chicago Dinner theater gives ideas of historic events occurred in twenties. A wall replica of St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, 1928 model “A” Ford car and pictures of gangsters and mafias are hard to miss.

Without any doubt you will enjoy music of 1920s including songs of Cole Porter, Fats Waller, George Gershwin. The “Mugs” and “Molls” dance and sing to Cole Porter, Fats Waller and many more … all played by orchestra are excellent. Main comedians, “Vitor”, “Gloves”, the “Mugs” and the “Molls” keep the show going with their non-stop comedy and dangerous fun. They will make sure to entertain you by including you in participation while dancing and singing.

Show is full of fun filled with music and comedy. Make sure to hide your hooch because you never know you might get raided by officer Murphy’s team. And if you got caught drinking alcohol, you might get asked to perform sobriety test on the stage.

Overall show is audience interactive “speakeasy” full of comedy and music from old twenties.

Special Offer! – Kids under 12 years of age gets FREE Tommy Gun’s Garage souvenir!

Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner and Show in Chicago Schedule details
As we know Chicago is very well known for the extreme weather conditions and cold. Considering the weather conditions in Chicago.

• January - Some thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
• February Through March - Thursday through Sunday
• April Through September - Wednesday through Sunday
• October Through December - Thursday through Sunday

Following are few menu items of the Dinner theater. It may change anytime:

“Big Jim” Colosimo: fresh baked Lasagna
The Kingpin: Prime-Rib. It’s the perfect rib that’s big enough for the Boss.
“Big Bill” Thompson: Baked salmon with other ingredients.
“Don’t Call me Chicken”: Boneless Chicken Breast served with sauce.

Dinner menu also includes salad or soup, veggies and other non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are not included. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

I would recommend you to go for Tommy Gun’s Garage Dinner Show Chicago at least once to experience the speakeasy entertainment of gangster world from twenties.

What I Liked about the Blue Man Group Show

• One of the best family friendly shows in Chicago
• Kids can enjoy visual experience such as lights, colors and tricks.
• Adults can enjoy visual experience as well as humor and social commentary of the Blue Man Group.
• The pulsating, excellent original Blue Man Group music will give you jumping experience.

Tips: Try to avoid bringing children under 5 years of age. The Blue Man Group show is not recommended for children under five. Also, ticket is required for all children to have their own seat.

Additional information

• The Blue Man Show tickets does not include parking, food, drinks or hotel pick-up or drop off.
• The Briar Street Theater in downtown Chicago is handicap accessible. So if you need ADA seats then please advise the need at the time of booking.
• The show uses fog and strobe effects during the performance.
• The Blue Man Show is full of paint and other nontoxic materials. These materials might reach to the audience sitting in the first few rows. Be sure to dress accordingly.

Top 10 Collections of the Art Institute of Chicago

African Collection
African collection at the Art Institute of Chicago covers artistic expressions and sculptural creation of African culture. Collections’ artistic expression focuses on the south of the Sahara whereas sculptural elements focuses on traditions of Central and West part of Africa. This entire collection offers various items including masks, beadworks, furniture, ceramic works from African countries. These collectible elements are the largest in an American art Museum.

American Collection
American collection section at the Art Institute of Chicago includes thousands of paintings and sculptures from very very old days. When I say old days means starting from the 17th century to the present days. American collection includes world famous Alfred Stieglitz’s collection including other contributors like James McNeill Whistler, Winslow Homer. It also includes images by Edward Hopper, Diego Rivera, Grant Wood and many similar painters.

Arms, Armor, Medieval, and Renaissance Collection
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Arms, Armor, Medieval and Renaissance collection houses variety of objects, paintings and sculpture showing the facts about religious and daily life. These collection arts are made in Europe over a period of more than 500 years. These paintings and sculptures give visitors an idea about the Renaissance era in countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and France.

Asian Collection
Asian collection at The Art Institute of Chicago showcase thousands of objects featuring ancient Asian culture that includes China, India, Japan, Korea and other countries from southwest Asia. Main must see objects include Chinese bronzes, ceramics; Japanese textiles, paintings and screens; Indian and Persian miniature paintings. Also, Indian and South Asian sculptures are world renowned.

Contemporary Collection
The contemporary collection at the Art Institute Chicago includes arts, painting, sculptures and installations from 1945 to the present. As of today there are more than 1000 art works including works by world renowned artists Willem de kooning, Gerhard Richter, Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell and many similar.

European Painting and Sculpture Collection
European painting and Sculpture collection is one of the finest collection not only in Chicago but also in the world. The Art Institute features more than 3500 painting works from the 12th century through mid 20th century. Most significant works include over 400 works from major Impressionist and Post-Impressionist. Rare paintings and sculptures from countries such as Spain, Italy and Northern Europe are remarkable at European painting and Sculpture collection.

Modern Collection
Modern collection represents excellent artwork by world famous artists from Europe and the Americas. Modern art collection includes work by world famous icons of the age including Matisse’s Bathers by a River, Orozco’s Zapata, New Mexico, Picasso Old Guitarist and many more.

Photography Collection
Started by Georgia O’Keeffe in 1949, Photography collection represents historical work beginning from 1839 to the present. Georgia O’Keeffe donated the Alfred Stieglitz collection in 1949 as a startup. Photography collection includes works by famous masters including Paul Strand, Eugene Atget, Edward Weston and Andre Kertesz.

Textile Collection
Textile Collection represents over 13,000 textiles and 66,000 sample swatches starting from 300 B.C. to the present. The collection represents the great samples and textile work from 16th and 17th century showing english needlework as well as printed and woven materials from 18th and 19th centuries. Overall great work on fibre.

Thorne Miniature Rooms
Thanks to Mrs. James Ward Thorne and craftsmen who created these miniature rooms. Mrs. James Ward Thorne guided craftsmen to construct models on a scale of inch to one foot. There are total 68 Thorne Miniature rooms in collection. These miniature models give an excellent idea about European interiors from late 13th century to the 1930s as well as American furnishing from 17th century to the 1930s.

Now as you know the top collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, plan a trip to Museum as part of next weekend activity or Chicago trip. If you have a Bank of America card then you can get FREE admission to the Art Institute of Chicago through Bank of America Museum on Us promotional offer. Also, You can save money by purchasing either Go Card Chicago or Chicago CityPass.

Have fun visiting the best collections at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Chicago Hard Rock Hotel

Address: 230 N Michigan Ave  Chicago, IL 60601

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Features:
Situated near the famed Magnificent Mile, Hard Rock Chicago Hotel, the first thing that guests notice as soon as they step in is the musically inspired décor, guaranteed to inspire anyone to adopt a musical temperament. Housed within a 1929 Carbide & Carbon Building, Hard Rock Café exudes a vibrant and a colorful ambiance with every floor representing a rock star theme. Each and every floor at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago reflects a décor inspired by rock stars and there are no points for guessing that guests staying at this hotel are made to feel like rock stars too. The musically inspired Art Deco theme blends in seamlessly with the warm and inviting ambiance. Come and get inspired in the musically intoxicated atmosphere of this plush hotel offering a beacon of comfort and luxury.

Why We Stay:
Music lovers and those with a penchant to experience uniqueness must visit this 40 stories tall luxurious hotel in Chicago downtown. Since the Chicago Hard Rock hotel is all about rock and roll music, therefore it isn’t surprising that even the restaurant and pub called Angels & Kings is known for serving a selection of cocktails and sumptuous foods while the guests enjoy live rock and roll and karaoke rock and roll. With every guest made to feel extremely special, the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago offers the best of Chicago – amazing location, thriving nightlife and unmatched services.

Excellent Location:
What is extraordinary about the Chicago Hard Rock hotel is the location because you are never to far away from the thriving social and nightlife of Chicago and yet you can get to enjoy the best luxurious hotel in Chicago. Situated on the famed Michigan Avenue, Hard Rock Hotel is hardly minutes from the Millennium Park and the famed shopping center of the Magnificent Mile.

Impeccable Service:
Another amazing aspect of this hotel is the warm and friendly service the hotel staff provides. They are extremely courteous and in case of any concerns, they are more than willing to address it immediately.
Value For Money: This luxurious hotel offers complete value for money considering it offers some of the most attractive rates and deals on stay and the kind of luxurious comforts one gets to enjoy, it is truly worthwhile.

Inside Knowledge
What is extremely unique about Hard Rock hotel Chicago is the availability of in-room guitars and therefore those with a penchant for music can hold their own private jam session in their rooms.
The Rock Shop within the Chicago Hard Rock hotel is truly a delight for any music lover because one is sure to find exclusive selection of the work of noted artists and performers.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do Bring Your Furry Friend: Hard Rock Hotel is pet friendly and is open to pets that weigh less than 40lbs. The hotel also offers plenty of gifts and organic raw diet for the pets. The goodies in store for your adorable pet include a collapsible bowl, grain-free treats, and Hard Rock Hotel guitar dog toy and signature hotel dog tag.
• Do Not Pollute Enviornment: Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Do Not Break Rules: The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.

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The Hotel Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Address: 200 North Columbus Drive  Chicago, IL 60601

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Features:
$50 million transformation has made the Fairmont Hotel, Chicago the beacon of style, elegance and sophisticated. Step into the fashionable lobby of the Fairmont Chicago hotel to experience the luxury and opulence of grandeur through its exquisitely done interiors. Situated next to the Millenium Park, Fairmont Hotel is a short walk from the Magnificent Mile and the pier and therefore you are never far away from the thriving cultural scene of Chicago.

Why You Should Stay:
There are hotels in Chicago that exude exuberance and then there are other hotels in Chicago that exude an aura of calmness and tranquility. The Hotel Fairmont Chiago comes in the latter category where understated luxury meets a quite haven of peace, as if time has stopped to soak in the few blissful moments. If in the chaos of daily life, you are looking to escape to a quiet corner, then the hotel Fairmont Chicago gives you the perfect opportunity to gather your thoughts amid a luxurious and blissful environment.

In the heart of Chicago:
Situated right in the heart of Chicago, the Fairmont Chicago Hotel is just half a block from Millennium Park and one block away from the famous Michigan Avenue. Step in to experience the enchantment of luxury and step out to discover the enigmatic charms of Chicago.

Award winning restaurant:
At the the Hotel Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, the award winning Aria restaurant and bar is known for its engaging concept and sumptuous yet experimental cuisines. This restaurant is known for its glassed-in kitchen where exquisite Indian tandoori dishes are prepared. Those with a penchant for treating their taste bud to something new will enjoy the New-world Asian cuisine favorites that this restaurant offers. Cheese and wine are any connoisseur’s delight and the Eno Wine Room is a delectable oasis of cheese, wine and chocolate. Discover sensory pleasures as you indulge in handmade truffles and bars, exquisite collection of more than 35 different cheeses and a delectable assortment of wines from all over the world.

Luxurious Spa:
The 11,000 sq foot spa has attracted the world’s notable dignitaries and celebrities due its signature landmark of offering exclusive and luxurious spa services. Surrender to a luxurious state of bliss with personalized skincare, body treatments and massages. The staff of certified professionals offers rejuvenating experience through a range of holistic spa treatments.

Inside Knowledge:
Guests allergic to down feathers can request for non-allergic pillows and the housekeeping at the Fairmont Chicago hotel is gracious to extend any kind of assistance required to make your stay a comfortable one.

Do’s and Don’ts

• The Fairmont Chicago Hotel requires government issued photo identification and a credit card at the time of check-in
• Small pets are allowed at a fee at the Hotel Fairmont Chicago.
• The hotel Fairmont Millennium Park offers valet parking service at a fee of approximately $54 per night
• Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.

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Trump International Chicago Hotel Review

Features:
Towering above the Chicago River, Trump International Chicago Hotel and Tower truly enjoys an enviable location. This magnificent skyscraper 5-star hotel in Chicago is regarded as the second tallest building in the Chicago after Willis Tower. The hotel is known for its modern chic décor, world-class facilities and warm hospitality where everyone is made to feel welcome and special. The Trump tower hotel’s prime location along the Chicago River offers some of the most magnificent views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.

Reasons You Stay:
Trump International Chicago Hotel and Tower offers more than just a luxurious stay because it makes you feel important as the guests in the Trump tower hotel are addressed by their names and the service offered is truly impeccable. Besides, which it is a hotel that is modern and chic but retains its flavor of familiarity and warmth. Fodor’s Chicago 2010 has ranked the hotel’s spa and pool as one of the best in the city.

Excellent Location:
Soaring high above the Chicago River, this exclusive 5-star Chicago hotel is minutes from Chicago’s landmarks and attractions. It offers direct access to a number of important sights such as the Art Institute, Millennium Park and Orchestra Hall. The thriving Magnificent Mile along Michigan Avenue is also at a stone’s throw from the hotel offering eclectic options for nightlife.

Impeccable Facilities:
The facilities at the Trump International Chicago hotel are truly impeccable considering the rooms are large and spacious and the bathrooms have a TV mirror, which means you can watch the TV while enjoying a luxurious shower. Some of the other facilities that are distinct to this hotel are the personalized stationary and business cards provided on request and custom-stocked mini bar based on personal preferences.

Luxurious Spa:
Decadent is the word that comes to mind when one visits the spa at Trump International Hotel and Tower. The spa is spread over an area of 23,000 sq foot and is specially known for offering gemstone infused oil massages, hydrating masques and a host of other spa treatments. The Citysearch editorial has described the spa as the ‘Bentley of hotel spas’.

Inside Knowledge:
What is extremely exclusive to the Trump International Chicago hotel is the luxury wardrobe storage and management service, which is specifically designed for frequent visitors. The guests at the Trump tower hotel can keep their personal and clothing items in Chicago rather than carrying it around with them at each visit.
Another interesting fact about the hotel is the services provided specifically for children. A host of services are offered such as robes and slippers, kiddie cocktails, MP3 players with kid friendly music, PlayStation and Xbox.

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do Bring Your Furry Friend – Trump International Chicago Hotel and Tower is pet friendly and therefore visitors need not leave their pets behind anymore. The hotel provides an array of amenities for pets such as dog bed and blanket, In-room dining menu, water bowl and fresh bottled water and toys.
• Don’t Pollute Environment – Smoking is prohibited within the hotel because the hotel is completely smoke free.
• Don’t Break the Rules – The minimum check-in age at the hotel is 21 and depending on the hotel policy extra person charge may also apply.

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Chicago city Hop-on Hop-off tour is fully narrated for your fun experience. Considering cold winter, these bus tours are heated during cold weather. During spring and summer season, you can take advantage of double Decker bus. These sigh seeing bus tours are operated by Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.

Chicago city Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is scheduled to cover 13 magnificent miles of Chicago downtown and the loop. You can have more organized two hour long bust tour full of fun in Chicago.

Chicago City Hop-on Hop-off tour is best for…
Chicago local or Chicago travelers with family
One of the best option for the first time Chicago travelers.
Best way to see the sites in one day Chicago trip.

Inside Knowledge

• If you are planning on 3-Day getaway or 3-day fun things to do in Chicago then upgrade to the 3-Day ticket. With 3-Day ticket you can hop on and off the bus tour as much as you want from  scheduled stops for 3-consecutive days in Chicago. 3-Day ticket includes 3 neighbourhood tours – West Loop Chicago Neighbourhoods, North Loop Chicago Neighbourhood and South Loop Chicago Neighborhood.
• Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can not reserve seat in advance. Do not carry too many bags or luggage. You are allowed to carry one small bag with you for free. If needed you need to get approval for additional bag that will cost you money.

Where can I hop-on / hop-off bus tour?

• Millennium Park – Tour Bus/Trolley stops at south side of Randolph, East of Michigan ave.
• Michigan Ave Bridge – Tour Bus/Trolley stops on NW corner of Wacker and Michigan Ave
• Garrett Popcorn / Theatre District – Tour Bus/Trolley stops on NW corner of Dearborn and Randolph by Petterino’s
• Palmer House
• Art Institute – Tour Bus/Trolley stops across from Museum at Michigan/Adams.
• Hilton Chicago – Tour Bus/Trolley stops at Michigan & 8th near bus stop on NW corner
• Field Museum – Tour Bus/Trolley stops E of the south main entrance.
• Sheraton Hotel – Tour Bus/Trolley stops N of corner of Columbus and N. Water across from NBC Tower
• Navy Pier – Tour bus/trolley stops at the South end of the horseshoe drive
• Magnificent Mile – Tour bus/trolley stops at the NE end of Michigan Ave bridge
• Water Tower – Tour bus/trolley stops SE corner of Pearson and Michigan
• John Hancock Observatory – Tour bus/Trolley stops at the SE corner of Delaware and Michigan
• Hard Rock / River North – Tour bus/Trolley stops on W side of Clark between Ontario and Ohio
• Skydeck Chicago Willis Tower – Tour bus/Trolley stops on SE corner of Wacker/Jackson
• Chicago Theatre / Macy’s on State Street – Tour bus/Trolley stops on E side of State Street under the marquee.

Chicago City Hop-on Hop-off tour Departure Time:
Operating hours: May 23 – September 7 – Morning 9:00 am until night 8:00 pm. Last pickup is scheduled at 6:00pm)
September 8 – May 22 – Morning 9:00 am until night 7:00 pm. Last pick up is scheduled at 5:00pm

Usually bus tour vehicles will come to each stop every 10-15 minutes during Spring and Summer season. Winter schedules and frequency might change based on current weather condition in Chicago.

What to Expect on Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Tour
You get unlimited fun, plus….
You get FREE sample bag of Garrett popcorn
You get FREE Hershey Bar
You get 20% discount at the Park Shop. This shop is closed during winter season.
Also, assistance is offered to wheelchair passengers.

What not to Expect on Chicago city Hop-on-Hop-off Tour?
You don’t get food and drinks.
You don’t get Hotel pickup and drop off

Top things to do in Chicago during your Chicago bus tour:
Chicago bus tour route includes top Chicago attractions for your fun experience. Take advantage of Chicago bus tour to visit world renowned museums, landmarks, parks and many similar places.

• Millennium Park
• Michigan Ave Bridge
• Garrett Popcorn / Theatre District
• Art Institute
• Field Museum
• Navy Pier
• Magnificent Mile
• Water Tower
• John Hancock Observatory
• Hard Rock / River North
• Skydeck Chicago
• Chicago Theatre / Macy’s on State Street

I enjoyed traveling through Chicago Downtown by this popular Chicago bus tour. You must visit few of top Chicago attractions not limited to Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History and Skydeck Willis Tower. I loved Chicago Hop-on Hop-off tour as it gave me flexibility to plan my day according to my schedule.

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Blackbird Restaurant Review:
Blackbird restaurant in Chicago is contemporary designed with minimal yet stylish décor excludes a chic and a fashionable ambiance. Blackbird restaurant is the perfect venue to meet up with colleagues, friends and associates after work for a couple of drinks and a great meal or generally mingle over the weekend when the noise decibel can get really high.

This stylish restaurant is all about sharing fun, excitement and enthusiasm over a glass of wine or cocktails while you dig into some scrumptious delights. The fare is quite interesting and diverse and includes a range of specialties that offers an opportunity to those who enjoy sampling new and different delicacies.

At Blackbird restaurant the menu boasts savory delights such as caprinelle Pyrenees cheese salad with parsnip cake, pickled green, tomatoes, coriander and marche or baby octopus confit with pears, hazelnuts, chickpeas and eucalyptus. Another delicacy includes the foi gras terrine with puffed barley, whiskey sponge cake, maple and sage.

The main entrees brims with an array of relishing specialties at Blackbird restaurant and there is always something for all kinds of taste-buds. The wood-grilled California sturgeon with parsley root, broccoli, mustard spaetzel and dried black bean is one such specialty among the array of delicacies.

At Blackbird restaurant in Chicago, seafood enthusiasts should not miss out on butter-poached lobster with sea beans, lime pickled turnips, flageolets in a spicy fig broth. Duck breast with black raisin, savoy cabbage and sauerkraut dusted yukons or roasted Colorado lamb with spring pea falafel, asparagus, vermouth and fromage blanc are some other relishing dishes.

If you wouldn’t like to go for the a la carte menu, you can even opt for the tasting menu that also includes quite a mouthwatering assortment. Additional wine pairing is also available with this special tasting menu. The bar at Blackbird restaurant definitely represents the stylish and glamorous aspect of this restaurant and is well stocked with a range of interesting cocktails, wines, beer, cognac, port, sherry, Madeira, brandy and calvados.

Though drinks perfectly compliment the choice of food, one cannot forget that a meal is considered incomplete with some sweet decadence. Choose between seasonal sorbets or the elaborately prepared desserts such as the ovaltine ganache or cirollo chocolate with milk meringue, cupuacu and tonka bean ice cream.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

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MK Restaurant Review:
Considered to be one of the topmost restaurants in the city, MK restaurant in Chicago truly offers an array of unique and popular delicacies. The décor reflects an understated elegance and minimalism design and offers a classy yet cheerful ambience to enjoy the company of your friends and family over a great meal and drinks.

The menu mainly focuses on a range of meat and seafood specialties. The contemporary design combined with chic and stylish table settings and impeccable service truly makes MK restaurant world-class in every sense.
The cuisine offered is delicious and simple yet creatively presented. Choose a range of delicacies from the a la carte menu that boasts exquisite and luxurious items such as cold kumamoto oysters, ravioli with root vegetables, sage and parmigiano, lobster with horseradish, lambs lettuce and lemon lobster roe.

At MK restaurant in Chicago, for those who like to experiment with their food can choose charcoal grilled baby octopus served with braised bell peppers, leeks and agrumato olive oil.

One must not miss the pan seared john dory along with caramelized Brussels sprouts and red beets in bacon butter sauce. Seafood lovers can even choose pan roasted scallops with smoked bacon meyer lemon puree, caramelized sunchokes and chervil or salmon grilled over charcoal and accompanied by Chinese mustard glaze bok choy, shitcake mushrooms in ginger soy vinaigrette.

Meat lovers can feast on rabbit, veal, venison, steak and liver. Alternately one can also order roast venison short loin along with Tokyo turnips, glazed parsnip, cardamom scented carrots, cracked black pepper and chocolate sauce. Another delicacy is the roast leg and crispy loin of farm raised rabit served with glazed pearl onions, anson mills grits, mustard greens and cherry reduction.

Complement this array of delicious delicacies with the apple extravaganza that includes miniature honey-crisp apple pie, huckleberry port jam, apple cider and buttermilk ice milk or even crème brulee, which comes in four flavors including classic vanilla, Vermont maple, Ceylon cinnamon and dark chocolate.

All these delectable delights are sure to delight and impress you and create a truly unforgettable dining experience at MK restaurant in Chicago. Therefore, the next time you are in Chicago and looking to enjoy a sumptuous treat, then MK restaurant should not be given a miss.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Willis Tower has setup a modern globe sculpture on northwest plaza at Adams Street and Wacker drive. This new globe sculpture is a symbol of global organizations that list Willis Tower as their business address. Overall, excellent sculpture. Good for photography in Chicago.

I love eating a lot like a bunny on Easter. For me, Easter means spending time with friend and family at one of the best restaurant in Chicago and grab a nice Easter brunch in Chicago city. When it comes to brunch, following list of restaurants are my favorites. I have tried all of them and without any doubt I vote them for the top Easter Brunch restaurants in Chicago.

And yes, do not underestimate these restaurants, they get packed during brunch hours on Easter day. First time I couldn’t get a table on Odyssey Cruise as I did not have advance reservation and cruises were booked for the Easter brunch hours. So, my 5 cents, always make sure to reserve a table/seat in advance.

Easter Brunch and Dinner Cruises at Navy Pier
It’s one of the best experience to celebrate Easter on the water. Odyssey Easter brunch cruise offers great brunch buffet menu, Easter bunny Goodie bags for kids and live entertainment. Adults get complimentary glass of champagne or mimosa during cruise. I loved the amazing views of Chicago skyline from the cruise. I would say it is worth trying at least once for Easter brunch in Chicago.

Address: 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago
Phone: 866-305-2469
Easter Hours: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Boarding begins at 11 am and Brunch cruise departs at noon)
Cost: $66.90 adults, $40.90 children. Reservations required.

Lake Shore Cafe at Ramada Chicago
Lake Shore cafe is located at Ramada hotel in Chicago downtown. This restaurant is serving Easter brunch in Chicago since last few years. Menu price is cheaper compare to other restaurants. At Lake Shore Cafe brunch menu includes steamship round of beef, roast turkey, baked ham and Omelets. It also includes waffles and desserts like cakes and pies. During brunch adult gets complimentary glass of champagne. Seating arrangement of Easter brunch at Lake Shore Cafe offers great views of Michigan Lake. Please make sure to call and make a reservation in advance for Easter brunch in Chicago.

Address: 4900 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago
Phone: 773-288-5815
Easter Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: $26.95 adults, $12.95 children. Reservations required.

Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues
Add southern touch to your Easter brunch in Chicago. Yup, Gospel Brunch menu at the House of Blues is full of varieties. You can create your own Omelet that is suitable to your taste buds. Menu includes fried chicken, seafood, variety of breads and many more dishes for selection. During brunch, you can enjoy the live performance.

Address: 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago
Phone: 312-923-2000
Easter Hours: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free – Child (under 6) ,$22.00 – Child (6-12) ,$37.50 – Adult. Reservations required.

Rockit Bar & Grill
Rockit Bar & Grill has multiple locations in Chicago. Rockit Bar & Grill is one of the best restaurants to grab Easter brunch in Chicago. You can get advantage of brunch specials to save some money. At Rockit Bar & Grill you can enjoy great food including variety of salad, lamb burger Benedict. Drink  specials include $5 Bloody Marys and Mojitos.

Address: 22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
Phone: 773-645-4400
Easter Hours: 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies based on dishes.

Bin 36
Bin 36 is one of the best brunch restaurants in Chicago. Bin 36 brunch menu includes Omelet, traditional Eggs Benedict, Crab Eggs Benedict, Corned Beef Hash, Salmon, Asparagus Salad,  Scrambled Eggs and many more dishes. Long story short, For Easter brunch in Chicago, you will never go wrong at Bin 36.

Address: 339 North Dearborn, Chicago
Phone: 312-755-WINE
Easter Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $42 For Each Adult, $22 For Children Under 12, FREE for Bunnies Under 14

Gage
At Gage you can add Irish touch to your brunch. You can get traditional Irish brunch at Gage restaurant including Eggs Benedict, Alaskan salmon Benedict, Smoked Salmon, Spicy Black Beans, French Toast, Basket of freshly baked goodies and House Made Corned Beef Hash. There are other dishes that you order to celebrate Easter brunch in Chicago.

Address: 24 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Phone: 312-372-4243
Easter Hours: 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Varies based on order.

Signature Room at the 95th floor of John Hancock Tower
I would say, Signature Room at the 95th floor is the way to celebrate Easter in luxury. Yup, the Signature Room is high end restaurant where you can eat like a king. One thing I noticed was that portions are not large, so when you order make sure to confirm with your server first. For brunch you can enjoy made-to-order omelets, toast and many more available dishes from the brunch menu.

Address: 875 North Michigan Avenue, 95th Floor, Chicago
Phone: 312-787-9596
Easter Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Reservation required.
Cost: Average $65 adults, $25 kids.

As you know my favorite restaurants where I usually grab Easter brunch in Chicago, now let me know what are your favorite restaurants to enjoy Easter brunch in Chicago.

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Foodlife Restaurant Review:
Foodlife is an extension of a standard food court comprising of 14 kiosks that offer an eclectic mix of various specialties on the mezzanine of Water Tower Place mall.

Foodlife restaurant in Chicago offers almost everything ranging from typical comfort food to exotic delights. There 14 different kitchens that prepare all kinds of tasty morsels. The rotisserie section includes spit roasted chicken which is served with two sides and a muffin and meal of 3 sides that offers choice of 3 dishes and a muffin. The other category is hickory smoked BBQ which offers pulled pork sandwich, Texas BBQ brisket, BBQ ribs special and giant baked potato.

For those who relish stir fry dishes can choose an assortment of vegetables along with a choice of either tofu, tenderloin, chicken and shrimp, select your cooking style and enjoy it with Thai BBQ sauce, vegan mushroom broth, Kung Pao sauce or Teriyaki sauce.

Comfort food is a favorite with most and Foodlife restaurant in Chicago offers fried chicken and specials such as buffalo wings, meat loaf, pot roast, jambalaya, stuffed peppers fried chicken, turkey dinner, prime rib and chicken pot pie. These can be enjoyed with a side dish of your choice such as mashed potatoes, oven roasted potatoes, peas and carrots, macaroni and cheese or sweet potatoes.

For those who are conscious about calories can choose to create their own salad from over 30 toppings. The options available are a choice of regular or large greens to which you can add grilled chicken breast, applewood smoked turkey, fresh tofu or white albacore tuna salad. You can always teem it up with sushi or soup dish. Under maki sushi, you can choose between roasted vegetables, California, spicy tuna, Philadelphia and Acapulco.

At Foodlife restaurant, soup section includes New England clam chowder, turkey chili, vegetarian chili, fully loaded baked potato, tomato basil bisque, broccoli cheddar, beef and pot-roasted vegetables. There’s even pizza and pastas where pizza is served by the slice and the options include personal pan pizza cheese and personal pan pizza stuffed.

The grill section at Foodlife restaurant includes Chicago style hot dog, hamburger and cheeseburger. To accompany your meal you can order orange juice, smoothies and shakes and a choice of delectable desserts. Overall The Foodlife restaurant in Chicago is a good place for all kinds of food lovers.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

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Zealous Restaurant Review:
Zealous restaurant in Chicago redefines cuisine by offering exquisitely prepared delicacies in a true artistic manner. It is not about just food, it is about being passionate and committed towards crafting masterpieces that will leave an everlasting imprint on the mind and hearts of its guests.

Zealous restaurant in Chicago enchants with its uniqueness, inovativeness and the desire to create and offer the best. A modern and contemporary décor will mesmerize you while the ambiance and service will create a warm and comforting zone around you and the classic creations will render you speechless.

Once a warehouse, Zealous restaurant has been converted into a luxurious haven of pure indulgence and decadence. The 15-foot glass enclosed wine cellar that houses more than 750 wine selections occupies the center stage at the restaurant’s plush dining room.

At Zealous restaurant, you can pair each of your delicious courses with your favorite glass of wine. The appetizer course includes specialties such as baby greens with roasted beets and spiced hazelnuts, Polynesian chopped salad with Romaine and hearts of palm.

At Zealous restaurant, other delicious options include sandwich made from crab cake and served with dill toast and mustard-tarragon sauce. The main courses allows you to indulge in a variety of relishing treats such as the crispy sesame Chilean sea bass with rice and noodles in a preparation of red coconut curry sauce.

Those who enjoy pasta can opt for Tagliatele pasta with baby ragout, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and agel goat cheese. Grilled beef filet served with mushroom potato lasagne or seared duck breast with shitcake mushroom confit are also some other favorites.

The Zealous restaurant also offers a vegetarian menu that is inspired by seasonal ingredients and features specialties such as short stack of sweet corn pancakes served with caramelized spring onion, mango chutney and vegetable glaze.

The delicious meal is well complemented by an equally delicious range of desserts that include caramelized banana tiramisu with Macadamia nut brittle crust chocolate biscotti and cranberry-white chocolate bread pudding with Tahitian vanilla ice cream.

Such an irresistible array of culinary delights combined with an equally impressive décor and ambiance at Zealour restaurant in Chicago make it an ideal dining venue on any occasion.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

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Yoshi’s Restaurant Review:
Yoshi’s café is a favorite neighborhood bistro that makes every one feel welcome and at home with its charming décor and cozy ambience.

The menu is truly outstanding that offers a range of exquisite delicacies that are presented in a very appetizing manner. Ever since Yoshi’s cafe in Chicago opened more than 20 years ago, chef Yoshi Katsumura has always shown passion and commitment toward details to create the finest cuisine possible. He has continuously invented and made use of the freshest ingredients to create a range of extraordinary delicacies.

Inspiration is drawn from all kinds of cuisines to create an ideal fusion of Japanese, French, Italian and American.

For starters, you can order mousse pate made of duck liver along with a salad, cornichon and mustard. Japanese pumpkin along with ravioli is yet another specialty that includes goat cheese sauce and herb infused oil.

At Yousi’s cafe, Wagyu beef hibachi style is a brochette of beef and served with sweet miso and sesame soy sauce. The salads menu includes fresh mixed green salad with pear vinaigrette dressing.

The choice of entrees is truly inexhaustible that features specialties such as Wagyu beef burger, which comes with a choice of Wasabi blue cheese, American cheese or Brie cheese along with tomato, mayonnaise, caramelized onions and rosemary French fried potatoes served with mango ketchup.

Oven baked kuro-buta loin, marinated in a mix of milk, bread, Japanese panko with herbs and parmesan cheese and served with mashed purple potatoes and baby vegetables.

Alternately choose Yoshi’s café special maki sushi with shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy mayonnaise, teriyaki if sauce an sour cream mayonnaise garnished with tempura onion rings.

The Yosi’s cafe restaurant also offers an option of Japanese bento dinner that features a combination of delights such as steak with sansho served with mashed Hawaiian purple potatoes, wasabi micro greens, baby vegetables in a mushroom red sauce.

Complementing your choice of delicacies is the range of red and white wines, champagne, sparkling wines, premium sake and martinis that Yosi’s cafe restaurant offers. A dining experience at this place is guaranteed to impress you and you will surely leave with a promise of returning soon.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

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Wishbone Restaurant Review:

Situated at a distance of one block from Oprah Winfrey’s studio and a couple of minutes from downtown City Hall and United Center, Wishbone restaurant is truly a hub for all kinds of people.

The Wishbone restaurant’s unique décor combined with impeccable service and obviously great food makes it one of the most popular dining venues in Chicago.

What makes it different and so endearing to its loyal patrons is that delicious and hearty portions of southern cuisine are available at pretty reasonable prices.

Besides lunch and dinner, the Wishbone restaurant in Chicago also serves great brunch and there can be quite a queue lining up outside. The special wishbone salad is a special combination of mixed lettuce, Guyere cheese, tomato and croutons tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.

The Wishbone restaurant also offers a couple of delights for vegetarians too. There are the black bean cakes prepared with black beans, cilantro, green onions, and green peppers and served with sweet red pepper sauce or vegan with mango salsa.

At Wishbone restaurant, hoecakes are a combination of grilled vegetables prepared in white wine cream sauce over cheese grit cakes and served with coleslaw garnish.

The famous Hoppin’ John with black eyes peas and hoppin’ Jack with black beans is also available. It is served on rice garnished with cheddar cheese, scallions, and tomato.

At Wishbone restaurant, in the main dishes there is much that non-vegetarians will get to enjoy like the special wishbone BBQ pork that is served with a choice of N.C. style pepper vinegar, traditional style BBQ or Lexington style BBQ sauce.

Smoked beef brisket is a preparation of Wishbone smoked brisket slices served with a choice of horseradish sauce or traditional BBQ sauce. Jambalaya Cajun stew is quite a hearty meal that includes a combination of poached chicken, chicken andouille sausage with peppers and onions, which is served with rice in a large bowl.

The Wishbone restaurant also serves crab, crawfish and salmon cakes where each of them are made into patties and served with lemon butter sauce and Yankee coleslaw. The drink menu is equally extensive and covers practically all kinds of cocktails, beers, wines, champagne, single malts and liqueurs.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Trattoria No. 10 Restaurant Chicago Review:
Elegant and classy, Trattoria No. 10 restaurant has been a local favorite since it is known for serving authentic Italian delights in an unpretentious manner. An eye-catching décor adds to the cheerful and inviting ambiance of the place and makes you feel comfortable instantly. The elegant interiors with arched walkways, murals and classy table settings make it an ideal venue for professional as well as an intimate romantic dinner.

At Trattoria No. 10 restaurant, combine a sumptuous meal with some of the finest wines as you can order exclusive red or white wine by glass. Tease your taste buds with a platter of salad or small plates such as grilled calamari along with green beans, radishes, lemon, celery root and arugula all tossed in extra virgin olive oil.

Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil is yet another interesting combination. Prime beef carpaccio with watercress, roasted peppers, artichokes and gorgonzola dressing is juicy and succulent in taste and makes for a great antipasti.

Next, follow it up with shrimp ravioli stuffed with roasted onion, garlic and pine nut puree in a saffron butter sauce or farfalle pasta with duck confit, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, pearl and pine nuts.

Garganelli pasta with steak, roasted red onions, porcini mushrooms, garlic and pine nuts are prepared in red wine promises to be quite a sumptuous delight. Wet your appetite with this fabulous range of antipasti and appetizers before moving onto the main course, which is equally appetizing and delicious.

At Trattoria No. 10 restaurant, there is the American red snapper cooked in herbed butter sauce with haricot verts, leeks, carrots and tri colored potatoes. Hawaiian big eye tuna is also another specialty that sizzles you with its combination of grilled vegetables, basil and lemon zest in a balsamic dressing.

Those who enjoy veal can opt for veal scaloppini with sipanch, tomato, sage, and potato truffle agnolotti in white wine garlic reduction. Chicken lovers can opt for chicken rolled with smoked mozzarella and prosciuto and served on herbed fettuccine alla pizzaiola.

Finally at Trattoria No. 10 restaurant in Chicago, treat your taste buds to something sweet that stays with you even when you are back home. The Trattoria No. 10 restaurant’s specialty desert menu includes the seductively delicious dark chocolate torta, the colorful gratinee raspberries with mascarpone, caramel sauce and toasted almonds, classic tiramisu or the sinful delight of chocolate truffle cake.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

The Italian Village Restaurant Chicago Review:
This traditional Italian restaurant serving authentic delicacies is truly a landmark in Chicago. Designed to look like a replica of a small Italian town, The Italian Village restaurant in Chicago offers a warm and a cozy ambiance to enjoy an absolutely fabulous meal. It tries to incorporate the tradition of spending time with family and friends over hearty meals by creating a different seating arrangement of booths rather than just laying out rows of tables.

At the Italian Village restaurant in Chicago, the menu boasts quite an impressive range of delicacies that cover different types of pastas, seafood, pizzas, panini, salads and chicken and veal dishes. In starters there is the famous chicken broth, garlic bread, shrimp casalinga, minestrone soup and Italian antipasto.

The Italian antipasto is a platter of Italian meats, cheese, vegetables and shrimp. In salads, the options are quite the regular ones such as Caesar salad, seafood salad and the grilled chicken salad.

At the Italian Village restaurant, panini is made out of Italian bread and also available in some interesting combinations that include Italian meatball sandwich, sausage sandwich parmigiana and chicken breast sandwich.

Pizza is a favorite with most and the Italian Village restaurant in Chicago serves the popular thincurst cheese pizza on which additional ingredients such as sausage, bacon, ham, pepperoni, green pepper, tomato, spinach, mushroom, broccoli etc can be added.

At the Italian Village restaurant, the main entrees include a choice of mixed green salad or soup. In chicken, you can order chicken marsala, which includes chicken breast sautéed in fresh mushrooms and mostacciolli and Marsala wine. Chicken rotolini is a preparation of chicken with sage, sausage and prosciutto in a mushroom sherry wine sauce and served with fettuccine pasta.

Seafood lovers can choose the preparation of shrimp and broccoli served with olive oil and garlic. Seafood ravioli is also quite a specialty that is stuffed with blended seafood and served with scallops and shrimp in a creamy tomato sauce.

At the Italian Village restaurant, those who believe that Italian means pasta can choose lasagne, cheese tortelli or fettuccine alfredo while those who can’t do without their meat dishes can opt for the special New York strip steak, broiled Italian sausage or pork chops. This extensive range of culinary delights are sure to impress even the most discerning of guests and make them come back and again at the Italian Village restaurant in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

The Gage Chicago Restaurant Review:
This popular restaurant is Chicago’s first downtown gastropub, which offers an irresistible combination of drinks and food. The range of food specialties is extremely diverse and offers something for all kinds of tastes and palates.

The Gage Chicago restaurant features 300-seats, offering the perfect excuse to enjoy great grub and drinks over the weekend or even on a evening after work. Since the place is open till late therefore, you can meet up your friends and enjoy a couple of drinks and some great food. The décor is completely warm, cozy and inviting and creates the perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind.

At The Gage restaurant, the menu is quite diverse and unique where instead of conventional appetizers, salads and entrees, ‘first’, ‘second’ ‘third’ and ‘fourth’ are used. Olives and pickles, roasted beets, scotch egg with mustard, poached egg of swan creek duck on mushroom toast are served as first section.

At the Gage restaurant, the second section includes mussels, oyster selection, cheese selection, house cured salmon and swan creek rabbit pate.

The third section also covers quite a few interesting delicacies such as warm goat cheese tart, mixed greens with toasted hazelnuts, cherries, Mindoro blue in vinaigrette.

Those who enjoy a good steak can order peppered angus hanger steak with beets, saxon creamery greenfields in sesame dressing while seafood lovers can chose caramelized lobster in lemon quinoa, basil and chili. However, the range of delicacies does not end here because the fourth section also promises to allure with quite an interesting mix of delights.

Choose the sausages and crispy potatoes or the traditional fish and chips. At the Gage Chicago restaurant, one of the signature dishes is definitely the prime burger, a favorite with most that contains onion marmalade, toasted malt roll and local camembert. As a side dish you can always order mashed potatoes, fried zucchini and olives or organic greens and duck.

Besides, choosing the perfect drink to accompany your delicious meal at the Gage restaurant, you need to also save some appetite for the sumptuous desserts. Few of desserts dishes include the white chocolate crème brulee, Meyer lemon tart and chocolate crespelle torte. Those with not such a sweet tooth can always enjoy selection of cheeses with a glass of wine. Whatever may be your preference, you are ought to have a really good time at the Gage Chicago restaurant.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

The Berghoff Chicago Restaurant Review:
The Berghoff restaurant is definitely one of Chicago’s most notable landmarks, since the restaurant is housed in one of the original buildings that was constructed in the Loop after the Great Chicago Fire. Besides the restaurant, the Berghoff restaurant even has a bar that features the finest selection of drinks and it even offers bar specials.

The Berghoff Chicago restaurant offers an interesting combination of German and American specialties. The menu for lunch and dinner are different where lunch also includes sandwiches while dinner menu does not.

Appetizers and salads are practically same for both of them and Alastian onion and apple soup, roasted mushroom sachette and applewood bacon wrapped shrimp are a good choice. Mini brats and knockwurst is a typical German recipe that includes two mini sausages with sauerkraut and is served with buns, Dusseldorf mustard and German potato salad.

At the Berghoff restaurant, a great option as a salad is Panko crusted goat cheese salad, which is a combination of goat cheese medallions sprinkled with Panko herbs and mixed with greens, seasonal vegetables and balsamic reduction. Berghoff house salad is also another specialty that has assorted field greens, grated funnel and asparagus tossed in citrus vinaigrette.

The main entrees feature some of the most authentic German specialties such as wiener schnitzel where German veal cutlet with asparagus and pepper salad is served with Berghoff chips. Sauerbraten is also another popular choice where roasted beef sirloin is prepared in a sumptuous sweet and sour gravy and served with assorted vegetables and whipped potatoes. Jagerschnitzel that offers pork cutlets sautéed with mushrooms, bacon and Jagermeister infused sauce is served with caramelized root vegetables and spaetzles.

At the Berghoff restaurant, if you don’t want to order an authentic German delicacy, you can even choose chicken pot pie, game sausage plate, seared salmon and grilled hanger steak. The lunch menu also includes sandwiches such as the delicious Berghoff burger, roast beef sandwich and halibut sandwich.

There is even a choice of lunch and dinner specials and some of the popular options include Berghoff beer battered cod, stuffed sole, famous Berghoff corn beef and cabbage and traditional lamb stew. However, no meal at the Berghoff Chicago restaurant is complete with relishing one of its sumptuous deserts such as the relishing apple strudel, German chocolate cake or root beer float.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Taveran at the Park Chicago Restaurant Review:
Tavern at the Park refered as being an eatery at the Millenium Park, however the restaurant located across the park in downtown Chicago. At Tavern at the Park Chicago restaurant, everything is about class, elegance and sophistication. From the elegant display of table settings and attractive presentation of dishes to the exclusive décor and impeccable service, the restaurant truly knows how to pamper its guests. Its proximity to some of the city’s most important attractions make it one of the most suitable restaurants to enjoy a great meal.

At Tavern at the Park Chicago restaurant, a touch of creative flair has been added to the typical American fare. The menu is extensive and has something for all kinds of tastes and preferences. Start with one of the delectable appetizers such as chicken and Fontina fondue, warm goat cheese, Portuguese mussels, crispy meatballs or duck egg rolls. All of them have been prepared with the finest ingredients and are guaranteed to taste absolutely delicious.

Follow appetizer up with a delicious soup of tomato basil or classic chicken noodle soup and an iceberg wedge salad or warm duck salad. There is a section in the menu called Tavern classics, which features some of the most delicious and favorite dishes such as chopped steak cheeseburger, chicken pot pie and the all time bestseller fish and chips.

If you are visiting Tavern at the Park Chicago restaurant with your kids, you can be rest assured they will love one of these delectable dishes or the range of enticing pastas that the restaurant offers. There is the popular lobster mac and cheese pasta with Maine lobster, sweet peas, applewood smoked bacon, fontina and goat cheese cream.

At Tavern at the Park Chicago restaurant, Vegetarians can opt for vegetable lasagna, a delicious combination of grilled zucchini and eggplant, tomato fondue, béchamel and Swiss and Mozzarella cheese.

In the main entrees, you have the choice of choosing from chicken and chops, seafood and beef and lamb. Double cut pork chop and brick chicken are the two most popular options. Organic Scottish lamb in seafood and aged New York strip or braised lamb shank in beef and lamb are also quite a favorite.

Tavern at the Park Chicago restaurant’s menu list is also quite extensive which includes names like sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.

Bank of America Museums on Us 2012 – Chicago Museums FREE Admission

Participating Bank of America Museums on Us Chicago’s Museums offering FREE Admission During Year 2012

• Art Institute of Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• Adler Planetarium
• Chicago History Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art

Get ready to experience Chicago’s best art museums and aquarium. All you need is your photo ID along with Bank of America or Merill Lynch Card to enjoy the history and art.

Eligible Weekends of 2012

• January 7th & 8th
• February 4th & 5th
• March  3rd & 4th
• April  7th & 8th
• May   5th & 6th
• June  2nd & 3rd
• July  7th & 8th
• August  4th & 5th
• September  1st & 2nd
• October  6th & 7th
• November 3rd & 4th
• December   1st & 2nd

List of Museums in Chicago

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Field Museum of Natural History
• Adler Planetarium
• Chicago Childrens Museum
• Chicago History Museum
• Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park is the right place to go for snowboarding. It features two ropes on the main slope. Place offers different areas on hills for beginner and experts level snowboarding experience. Park offers annual membership for a reasonable price so snowboard lovers can take advantage to save money. And yes, Ladies can board for free on Wednesday nights. Part of your membership to the park is Ladies Night.  Ladies get a free lift ticket every Wednesday night, excluding Holiday Break. At Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park you can rent equipment at the shop based on your expertise level of snowboarding.

Place also offers good food service so if you are hungry then you can enjoy food at reasonable price at Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park. It is very likely to spend 5 to 8 hours easily at the park. So make sure to plan your trip to Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park accordingly.

Hours of Operation:
Snowboard Park Regular Hours
Monday – Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am-10pm

Chestnut Mountain Resort is located in Galena, Illinois. It has become very well known ski resort and achieved the place in one of the best Midwest ski destinations. Chestnut Mountain resort offers nineteen trails spanning over 220 acres including 475 feet vertical drop.

Whether you are planning for a family fun in Chicago, wedding, conference or any recreation events during winter, Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of the place to consider. Facility offers over 5400 square feet for event space including 100 resort rooms and suites on the mountain with excellent views. It can facilitate any recreation, banquets and/or weddings for 350 guests.

At Chestnut Ski resort in Galena, you can take advantage of 19 runs and largest terrain park. Whether you are at beginning level or at expert level in ski, this ski resort has something for everyone. Resort features skiing and snowboarding and also offers lessons and children programs. Skiing is going to eat up all your energy, nothing to worry – on site restaurants offer excellent food menu. You can enjoy spectacular view from the Sunset Grille restaurant while enjoying the food.

For those who are looking for a budget ski vacation then I would say Chestnut Mountain Resort Illinois is one of the best place to go for skiing on budget.

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]]> http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/chestnut-mountain-resort-galena-illinois/feed/ 0 http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/go-bananas/ http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/go-bananas/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:47:51 +0000 Victor http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/?p=744 Go Bananas Norridge
Address: 4516 N. Harlem Ave, Norridge, IL 60706
Phone: (708) 669-7029
Website: http://www.gobananasfun.com/

Go Bananas indoor amusement center is conveniently located in Norridge, just 30 minutes away from schaumburg, Highland Park, Lincoln Park and Oak Park. Go Bananas is one of the best place for kids birthday parties, games, rides and good family fun time.

Go Bananas offer FREE admission to the facility. Go Bananas indoor amusement center offers plenty of rides and games. If you are looking for a place to arrange kid’s birthday party then Go Bananas is the right choice in Chicago. Minimum 6 kids are required to schedule birthday party at Go Bananas.
Facility features different games and rides including rollercoasters, flying bananas and cars. Kids can play games and can have fun winning great prizes through redemption games. Best part is that parents are also allowed to ride with children.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday    Noon-8:30 pm
Friday    Noon-9:30 pm
Saturday    11 am-9:30 pm
Sunday    11 am-8:30 pm

The Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix

Are you looking for guaranteed fun at a reasonable price? Nothing to worry, The Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix is the way to drive. Whether you are at beginner level in racing or at professional level in racing, the Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix got something for every adult.

Facility offers total 130,000 sq.ft area for your family fun. Your kids can enjoy good food at cafe, arcade games and pool table. So, now adults can bring their kids with them and have fun with family in Chicago.

You must be wondering, whether it is healthy to take children at racing tracks or not. And answer is Yes, it is healthy to take your family to the Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix. The Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix features environment friendly clean burning propane go-carts. This go-cart doesn’t emit noxious fumes, as a result you will not smell like gasoline or exhaust fumes.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 10 pm
Friday 4pm – Midnight
Saturday 11am – Midnight
Sunday: 11am – 8 pm

Real People, Real Racing, Real Fast at The Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix!!

GameWorks is the right choice to have fun playing games, drinking and enjoying good food. Gameworks is known for its excellent games among families. It has been on top list of Chicago’s family fun activities. At Gameworks Streets of Woodfield, you and your family can win prizes by playing video games.

Gameworks is the place where you can take your play to a new level. It’s the time to level up your playtime at Gameworks with attractive interactive games, pool and darts. Whether you are beginner or expert in games, Gameworks got something for everyone.

Life’s a game, it’s meant to be played. Yup at Gameworks you can schedule corporate events, holiday parties, interactive team building activities and happy hour receptions.

Gameworks Streets of Woodfield Hours of Operation
Mon/Tue/Wed 11:00 am – Midnight
Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Sunday 10:00 am – Midnight

Address:

It’s time to visit great family fun center located in Gurneed Mills. Rink Side is only 6 miles away from the Great America Six Flags. Place offers hundreds of video games along with 2000 square foot Laser Tag Arena. Prize ticket redemption game can give you a chance to win prices such as Apple iPads and different kinds of MP3 players.

There are total over 500 different kinds of items available to win. Rink Side cafe offers homemade hand-tossed pizza. Whether you are planning for a special even or birthday party you get everything well organized at RInk Side.

Hour of Operation
Monday-Thursday: 11:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-10:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am-7:00pm

O’Hare Paintball is the best choice for players who are experts in painball as well as beginner without any experience in paintball game. Facility provides fun safeway in superwised play area. Customer service at O’Hare Paintball is excellent who can help you with maintainance, strategy and questions related to paintball game. Currently there are two types of field layouts: Speedball paintball layout and Scenario paintball layout. If you are interested in watching the game then you can watch all game action from the outside.

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Wed By Appointment Only (Reserved for Parties)
Thu – Fri 5PM – 10PM
Sat 12PM – 10PM
Sun 12PM – 7PM Share or Bookmark This Post:

]]> http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/ohare-paintball-park/feed/ 0 http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/sushisamba-rio-restaurant/ http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/sushisamba-rio-restaurant/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:25:14 +0000 Victor http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/?p=720 Name: Sushi Samba Rio Chicago
Cuisine Type: Latin American, Sushi
Address: 504 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.595.2300
Web Site: http://www.sushisamba.com/
Hours of Operation: Monday and Tuesday 11.30am to 11pm
Wednesday to Friday 11.30am to 1am
Saturday 11.30am to 2am; Sunday 12pm to 11pm
Reservations: Reservations suggested
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – jumbo shrimp with passionfruit, cucumber and cilantro, Sashimi serviche
Cost / Price – $12 to $29

Sushi Samba Rio Restaurant Review:

Bright, vibrant and attractive are just some words that will pop into your head as soon as you see the glowing sign at the front of the restaurant. It is known for its splash of bold flavors, impeccable service and the attitude and passion to create and serve the best cuisine possible. Sushi Samba Rio borrows a little from the three distinctive cultures of Japan, Peru and Brazil to create a potpourri of culinary delights. This passion to create a fusion stems from the historic fact that thousands of Japanese emigrants traveled to South American in the early 20^th century in the hope of earning fortunes. Therefore, an integration of cultures resulted in the creation of a variety of amazing delicacies that belonged a little to each of the three countries.

The SushiSamba Rio restaurant offers the same creative explosion of culinary flavors, aromas and tastes with their unique, distinctive and extensive menu. Seaweed salad and seared otoro kobe beef are popular choice of cold appetizers while miso soup, salt and pepper squid and jumbo lump crab cake are the favorites under hot appetizers. Originated in Peru, Anticuchos are extremely popular in Peru and the restaurant offers a choice of chicken and smoked teriyaki, sea bass and miso, duck breast and ginger sweet soy and eggplant and mustard miso.

At Sushi Samba Rio Chicago restaurant Sashimi serviche, a delicate preparation of yellowtail in ginger, garlic and soy; jumbo shrimp with passion fruit, cucumber and cilantro or octopus with kalamata olives, roasted peppers and chilies are some of the delectable combinations that you can enjoy. Serviches in Spanish means raw fish marinated in lime, olive oil and spices.

At SushiSamba Rio Chicago, the main dish section includes the special crispy red snapper prepared in a spicy red curry sauce and served with scallion, ginger and coconut rice. Braised beef short rib is also quite popular that is served with sweet corn arepa, aji panca, roasted corn and shishito peppers. Some of the interesting samba rolls include rainbow dragon, Copacabana, unagi tamago, samba rio roll and bobo brazil. You can easily match up these delicacies with samba signature cocktails and Latin classics cocktails.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Shoreline Skyline Lake Tours are scheduled to run weekends during March through mid-November and daily starting from April 1 to mid October.

Sunset Lake Tour
Shoreline offers 45 minutes long sunset boat tour for visitors’ convenience. This sunset lake tour starts from Navy Pier in Lake Michigan. Sunset lake tours are scheduled to start half-hour before sunset every evening starting from June, July, August and September.

Lake Fireworks Cruises
Shoreline is offering 45 minutes long Lake Fireworks Cruises which includes Lake Michigan tour followed by a front-row seat for the Navy Pier Fireworks view from the boat. These lake fireworks cruises in Chicago starts on Saturday night from June 4th, departing at 9:30 pm. Starting June 15th, every Wednesday night Shoreline’s lake fireworks cruises departs at 8:45 p.m.

Following Video Courtesy: Shoreline Sightseeing

Courtesy Shoreline SightSeeing Skyline Tour Video

Shoreline Architecture Fireworks Cruise
During summer season, Navy Pier has fireworks celebration in Chicago. Watching fireworks at Navy Pier is always a great experience but through Shoreline architecture fireworks cruises, visitor can have the best views of Chicago downtown and Navy Pier’s fireworks at night from the boat. This Architecture Fireworks cruise journey includes sailing in Chicago river in downtown which ultimately ends with Navy Pier’s fireworks celebration. Usually, Saturday night Fireworks cruises start from June 4 departing at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday night Fireworks cruises start from June 15th departing at 8:30 p.m.

Chicago By Night Chicago River Architecture Tour
Shoreline’s ChicagoByNight tour is designed for the 60 minutes duration. This nighttime architecture cruise starts from Shoreline’s dock at Ogden Slip in the Chicago river. Tour will take you down the Chicago river through Chicago’s world famous skyscrapers and historic buildings. Be ready to know the history of the Chicago starting from Great Fire of 1871. You will pass through world famous building such as Wills Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower, Tribune Tower and Marina City. Boat features cash bar for guests refreshment. So having couple of drink during cruise is not a bad idea at all.

Signature Lounge in John Hancock Building on 96th Floor
Having couple of drinks on the top of John Hancock building at Signature Lounge is the best way to impress your sweet heart. I would say it is the most romantic place in Chicago. Place is little expensive but hey, it’s worth spending some bucks for couple of drinks on a romantic date in Chicago downtown. Usually, the place is crowded during weekend, so be ready to wait for 15-30 minutes before you get a table. Especially, you would enjoy the sunset and night views from top of the John Hancock Building in Chicago downtown. For dinner you may want to go one floor down to Signature Restaurant or all the way down on the ground floor at Cheese Cake Factory. Trust me, you will create a life long memory with this perfect date.

Montrose Harbor – a short walk from Montrose Beach on Lake Shore Drive
Montrose Harbor is located north of Lincoln Park. As we all know that Chicago downtown is very well known for the best skyline views. From Montrose Harbor, you can enjoy the great views of Chicago downtown across from the lake. Usually during evenings, at Montrose harbor you will see lot of joggers, walkers and bikers along the path but after the dark, you will have the best time of your life with your loved ones. You can cuddle by water on harbor and enjoy the breath taking shiny Chicago downtown skyline along with Navy Pier views. And yeah, be ready to have a close encounter with chirping seagull over the head. Apart from skyline, during evening you can enjoy great wall paper perfect scenes created by many sailing boats passing by in Michigan lake. I would say, Montrose harbor is a good place for a romantic picnic date. As in general, Lincoln Park in Chicago is famous for the lovers and singles. In other words, love is in the air of Lincoln Park. If you are interested in animals then you can also plan a visit to Lincoln Park  Zoo, which offers free admission. Check out more information about Montros Harbor.

Listen & Get Lost with Chicago Jazz Tunes – Home of Blues
Chicago is famous for Jazz and blues music, in fact city is known as the home of Blues. There are plenty of Jazz clubs and restaurants in Chicago that offer live Jazz music along with food. You can pick one of the venues to sit and enjoy Jazz music while having dinner with your lover.  Best Jazz club and restaurants include Andy’s Jazz Club, Elate Restaurant Chicago, Green Mill, Jazz Showcase Chicago, Katerina’s, M Lounge and The venue. Out of all I would recommend Green Mill Jazz Club, the most famous jazz club in Chicago. This place used to be a hangout for Al Capone and his henchmen. Green Mill Jazz Club is known for the music history since 1930 offering great music by great performers. During the show you will experience the complete pin drop silence except soothing jazz tunes flowing through the room. Tunes will touch your hearts so make sure to cuddle during the show. You must check out jazz music show schedule on Green Mill Jazz Club website.

Here are address of my favorite Jazz Club and Restaurants in Chicago:

Andy’s Jazz Club
11 East Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.642.6805
http://www.andysjazzclub.com/

Elate Restaurant
111 West Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60654-8706

The Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773.878.5552
http://www.greenmilljazz.com/

Jazz Showcase Chicago
806 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 360-0264
http://www.jazzshowcase.com/

Katerina’s
1920 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago
Phone: (773) 348-7592
http://www.katerinas.com/

M Lounge
1520 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605-2900
Phone: 312.447.0201
http://www.mloungechicago.com/index.htm

Horse Carriage Ride on Michigan Avenue in Chicago Downtown
Horse & Carriage ride in Chicago has been very famous among lovers. It sounds over romantic like old movies but it’s worth trying. Chicago horse and Carriage ride in downtown is located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street across from water tower place mall. This horse drawn carriage rides are offering services since 1980 in the city. Horse and carriage ride in Chicago downtown gives you the choice of open or enclosed carriages. During cold days, service offers lap blankets for guests comfort. This romantic carriage ride will cost you somewhere between $40 to $90 based on the length of the ride. Make sure to check weather before planning a romantic carriage ride on Michigan Avenue. Horse carriages do not operate if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, rides will not be available during any storm or any weather advisory situation. So, you must checkout the weather before planning a ride. I would say, it’s a different magnificent romantic experience on magnificent mile.

Fine Romantic Dinning in Chicago
Finding a romantic restaurant in Chicago is very easy. You can find a very expensive romantic restaurants to budget friendly romantic restaurants in Chicago with little efforts. Very expensive restaurants such as Tru, Les Nomades, L2O and Alinea are very well known nationwide for great luxurious service and food. Trust me, if you are budget oriented then these restaurants are not a good choice, it might cost you in $$$$ figures. Following list of restaurants are reasonable to consider for a romantic dinner date in Chicago.

List of Romantic Restaurants in Chicago:

Spiaggia Restaurant Chicago
One Magnificent Mile, 2nd Fl.
980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-2750

Bistro Campagne
4518 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
773-271-6100

Cafe Absinthe
1958 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
773-278-4488

Kiki’s Bistro
900 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610
312-335-5454

Prosecco
710 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610
312-951-9500

Also, if you and your sweetie like wine, then you might want to choose restaurant that allows you to carry your own bottle of wine. It is called Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB). You will have to just pay maximum $5 corkage fee. Corkage fee is subjected to vary from place to place.

List of Romantic BYOB Restaurants in Chicago:

Caro Mio
1825 W. Wilson Ave. – Chicago
773-275-500

Bonsoirée
2728 W Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Tango Sur
3763 N. Southport Ave. – Chicago
773-477-5466

Wakamono
3317 N. Broadway – Chicago
773-296-6800

Plan a Romantic Date at the Museum Campus
Chicago city is full of people, if you are planning for a quiet date to avoid the hustle and bustle of the town then I would recommend a visit to the museum during weekdays. Usually, museums in Chicago are crowded with families during weekends but weekdays are good for dating couples. Chicago’s museum campus features the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Adler Planetarium. You can pick one of those for your perfect date in Chicago downtown. Once you are done visiting museum, you can take a stroll parallel to Michigan lake towards Navy Pier along the harbor. Also, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium are also good options to consider.

Above mentioned activities and places are just a partial list of romantic things to do in Chicago. But as a whole, despite of the city’s busy routine life, there are plenty of places and romantic things to do in Chicago to please your sweetie. Do you think of any places or activities that can be added to above list?

Name: Sushi Wabi Restaurant Chicago

Reservations: Reservations suggested
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Spider roll, Dragon sushi
Cost / Price – $12 to $30

Sushi Wabi Restaurant Chicago Review:
From the name itself it is evident, this place is all about sushi, style and glamour. The restaurant possesses the atmosphere of a nightclub rather than a conventional eating joint. Chic, contemporary and trendy, there is even a DJ that plays live music during the weekends. There couldn’t be a better venue for those planning on a night out on a weekend. The food, service and the atmosphere are absolutely eclectic and put you in a festive and a party mood immediately.

At Sushi Wabi Restaurant in Chicago, The menu is an innovative blend of appetizers, entrees and different types of sushi specialties. The range of appetizers is absolutely appealing and irresistible and it is available as both cold and hot appetizers. Most of the appetizers do contain seafood such as the ebi and soba salad, bay scallop, tuna tataki and sunomono. Ebi and soba is a preparation of orange sesame shrimp in chilled green tea soba noodle salad. Bay scallop is served with an assortment of fresh seaweed, tomato, onion, lemon, avocado sour cream sauce, chives and tobikko. In hot appetizers, one can choose hotategai, which includes seared sea scallops made in an apple and plum puree or yakitori where skewered chicken is seasoned and then grilled and brushed with redy miso paste.

Those who prefer vegetarians, at Sushi Wabi restaurant they can choose asupara, a hot grilled asparagus topped with saikyo factory sweet miso sauce. There are a variety of different kinds of sushi offered under nigiri and they include blue shrimp, hamachi, ikura, masago, saba, sake, smoked salmon, Suzuki and tako. Sashimi is offered as a platter too that includes 10 pieces of assorted fresh fish of sashimi ume and 15 pieces sashimi matsu. Maki also features a variety of sushi specialties among which dragon, Ecuador, negi-hamachi, salmon skin, seared salmon, spicy shrimp, spider and tekka are some of the most popular options. Spider roll includes succulent soft shell crab with cucumber, masago, mayo, pepper vinegar sauce and sesame. Dragon on the other is made up of tempura shrimp, avocado, unagi, mayo, masago, eel sauce and sesame. To compliment your sushi selection at Sushi Wabi restaurant Chicago, you can either choose the Japanese drink sake, Japanese beer or stick to white or red wine.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name: Spiaggia Cafe Restaurant Chicago Downtown
Cuisine Type:

Spiaggia Restaurant Review:
Spiaggia, which literally translates to ‘beach’ in Italian is named because it offers magnificent views of Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach. Regarded as one of the finest Italian restaurants, Café Spiaggia restaurant has won innumerable reviews and recognitions over the years. Ever since it opened in 1984, this exclusive restaurant has been known for creating world-class Italian cuisine that is matched by an equally impressive wine menu, elegant décor and impeccable service.

At Spiaggia restaurant in Chicago downtown, chefs team including Tony Mantuano and Sarah Jayne Grueneberg, excels at combining flavors and textures to create distinctive culinary masterpieces that Chicagoans would love. The chef team takes keen interesting importing the finest Italian products to produce exquisite creations of culinary delights. Wood-roasted diver scallop with Parmigiano Reggiano and mushrooms or wood-roasted pancetta wrapped rabbit loin and rabbit sauce with olives, tomatoes and fried sage are a great way to start your sojourn of Italian cuisine. Italian food and pastas are synonymous in more ways than one and the restaurant too offers exquisite preparations of pasta dishes. Corn flour spaghetti prepared in Sicilian olive oil cured tuna, tuna pottarga and fresh Ahi tuna is truly a seafood lover’s delight. Vegetarians can opt for pasta filled with crezcenza cheese and mixed with abalone and beech mushrooms and Savini truffles. For an indulgent pasta dish, choose organic acquerello risotto with sea urchin combined with Maine shrimp and white sturgeon caviar. Besides pasta, you can even choose from a selection of main entrees dishes such as veal tenderloin with crusted semolina sweetbreads, braised Tuscan kale, beans and courtland apple mostarda.

At Spiaggia restaurant in Chicago, one of the most popular meat dishes is the wood-roasted Wisconsin lamb chop, crusty lamb belly, marinated lamb heart with creamy cauliflower along with Taggiasca olives and saffron. An Italian meal is incomplete without a glass of wine and the restaurant’s wine menu offers finest selection of Italian sparkling wine, champagne and white Italian wine. Just like the rest of the meal, the desserts are not only sinfully tempting but also even distinctive. Chocolate lovers can select warm chocolate cake with chocolate-tarragon soup, chocolate pistachio bark and white chocolate gelato. Spiaggia restaurant in Chicago menu includes another sweet indulgence for guests delight. It is the rum soaked brioche with Seckel pear, dark chocolate and whipped cream. Overall, Spiaggia Café Restaurant in Chicago is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name: South Water Kitchen Restaurant

South Water Kitchen Reservations: Reservations suggested
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Pacific white sea bass, Brick oven mussels
Cost / Price – $16 to $26

South Water Kitchen Restaurant Review:
Situated on Chicago River’s South Bank, right in the center of the Loop, South Water Kitchen restaurant is a perfect place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal before or after a theatrical performance or when on a shopping spree in the neighborhood. This 169-seat restaurant is done up in warm colors and features intimate lighting that typically accentuates the classy and the inviting ambience of this place. It tries to recapture the essence of yesteryears when eating together was a tradition in every family. Simple yet classic American favorites are prepared with a modern touch and offer the perfect excuse for families to enjoy a truly delicious meal and spend some quality time together.

The South Water Kitchen restaurant is known for serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch and the menu largely focuses on infusing Midwestern influence with regional American cuisine. Cream of wild mushroom soup is a delicious mix with even duck confit toast and thyme oil. The range of salads available too is extensive and the popular ones include chicken cobb salad, grilled steak salad, grilled chicken Caesar, mixed greens and beet salad. Brick oven mussels, roasted in wheat ale and mixed with shallots, garlic, thyme, butter and grilled raisin is yet another delicious specialty. In main course brick chicken is definitely one of the signature dishes, where roasted amish chicken is served with arugula, toasted hazelnuts, fingerling potatoes and apple cider. Braised beef short ribs prepared in celery root puree and served with roasted carrots, marjoram and pearl onions is also a delectable dish that should not be missed.

Seafood lovers can look forward to enjoying Pacific white sea bass with maine pink shrimp, savoy cabbage, smoked oyster mushrooms and meyer lemon cream. If you plan to visit the restaurant for lunch you can even dig into one of the sumptuous sandwiches such as ‘Waldorf’ chicken salad sandwich, grilled chicken club, sautéed whitefish sandwich and wild mushroom panini. This extensive range of sumptuous delights can be paired with a glass of beer, a cocktail or a glass of wine. A meal at this warm and cozy South Water Kitchen restaurant is guaranteed to leave you in good spirits and make you return time and again.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name:

Web Site:   www.silvercloudchicago.com
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 11.30am to 2am
Friday and Saturday 11am to midnight
Afternoon tea service 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Reservations: Reservations suggested
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Tuna Nicoise, Sloppy Joe burger
Cost / Price – $10 to $20

Silver Cloud Bar & Grill Review:
Minutes away from the United Center and the Loop, this restaurant encourages you to enjoy comfort food without any guilt. It is the place you would think of hanging out with your friends on a weekend, where you can get to enjoy a couple of drinks and some good old American grub. The ambience is always contemporary, energetic and exciting and it does attract a lot of youngsters and singles in the evenings when the jukebox volume is turned up and a party atmosphere is created. However, this doesn’t mean that the place is not popular with families as lunch hour especially on Sundays and early evenings mix of families, groups or friends are seen.

The Silver Cloud Bar & Grill offers a chance to enjoy non-frilly and food that is completely induces a feel good factor. Most of the delicacies are prepared in homemade style and that combined with the charming 1940’s retro style décor make the dining experience that much more special. Listed by Times New York as among the 100 best restaurants, this place surely offers quite a delightful and a hearty menu. As a starter, you can choose any one of the dishes listed under their small bites menu, which includes black bean nachos, artichoke dip, chicken skewers, fritto pie and mac and cheese. The big bowls section of the menu contains hearty portions of interesting combinations of various salads.  At Silver Cloud Bar & Grill, Seafood lovers can choose tuna nicoise, where grilled tuna steak is served with lettuce, rosemary potatoes, eggs, tomatoes, green beans and olives. Another interesting is winter wonderland salad, pieces of skirt steak along with romaine and red leaf lettuces is tossed in the restaurant’s special green goddess dressing, blue cheese, red onions and potatoes. Sandwiches and entrees form the next part of the menu section and they definitely offer some of the delectable delights. One should give the restaurant’s famous Sloppy Joe burger or even the brie burger that has brie cheese and caramelized onions. In the main entrees, chicken pot pie, grandma’s meatloaf and pot roast are highly recommended. However, the finale is definitely the delicious range of desserts including old-fashioned apple pie, chocolate layer cake and fluffer nutter at Silver Cloud & Grill in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Chicago Lakeshore Drive and Waterfront, Chicagoan’s personal playground
Chicago is blessed with ocean like Lake Michigan. If you ask any Chicagoan’s about their waterfront, you will be surprised by their expression. Yup, we all Chicagoan consider Lake Michigan as our own place for recreation. We appreciate the waterfront we are blessed with. Whether it’s chilled winter or hot summer, Chicagoans are always having good time by lake. Navy Pier is located by lake, very nice place to hang out and spend some quality time by water. If you are really into water sailing thing then at Navy Pier, you can hop on the water ski or boat or cruise to see picture perfect views of Chicago downtown.

Chicago Rail, Best way to getting around the town
Chicago city offers very good transportation facilities in different ways, mainly rail. Rail roads are scattered throughout and surrounding city land. Metra and CTA are main rail transportation providers. If you are traveling to Chicago downtown then it’s very likely that you will be riding brown line train, also known as EL train. If you are traveling to Chicago on budget then train will be the good option for commute around the city to avoid car rentals in Chicago and save money.

Enjoy the Chicago’s Neighborhood, time to see the courteous Chicagoan
As most of us know that Chicago has been known and addressed as a “City of neighborhoods”, yup I couldn’t agree anymore. If you want to experience the real way of living of Chicagoans then you must get out of Chicago downtown and go around the city. If you are interested in historic buildings then consider visiting Chicago’s Old Town. For those who are into exotic modern style residents then those must consider Wicker Park and Lakeshore drive area. You will be surprised with excellent lifestyle. Chicago has mix culture which includes races like Hispanic, Indians, Americans, Native Americans and Mexicans. Chicago is also a gay friendly city; if you are interested in knowing gay lifestyle of Chicago then you must consider visiting Halsted Street known as boystown. Overall, Chicago is great place to experience the neighborhood style life.

Now, as you know the best scoop of travel experience in Chicago, get ready to put them on your list of things to do in Chicago and you will never regret.  You will be surprised with the warm gestures of courteous Chicagoan. By the way, friends feel free to share your best travel experiences to Consider in Chicago here. Did I miss any best travel experience to consider in Chicago?

Bank of America Museums on Us – Chicago Museums FREE Admission

Your Bank of America card gets you into whatever you are into – Chicago has many museums and places to go, checkout if your interest you can enjoy for FREE through Museums on Us program.

It’s time to go out and take extra advantage of your Bank of America card; yup Bank of America Museum on Us Chicago program let you enjoy arts and culture first full weekend of every month. It is FREE for Bank of America customers. Each Bank of America Cardholder gets free admission in museums nationwide including Chicago’s best museums.

Participating Bank of America Museums on Us Chicago’s Museums offering FREE Admission

• Art Institute of Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• DuSable Museum of African American History
• Chicago History Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art

Get ready to experience Chicago’s best art museums and aquarium. All you need is your photo ID along with Bank of America or Merill Lynch Card to enjoy the history and art.

Eligible Weekends of 2011

• January 1st & 2nd
• February 5th & 6th
• March  5th & 6th
• April  2nd & 3rd
• May   7th & 8th
• June  4th & 5th
• July  2nd & 3rd
• August  6th & 7th
• September  3rd & 4th
• October  1st & 2nd
• November 5th & 6th
• December   3rd & 4th

List of Museums in Chicago

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Field Museum of Natural History
• Adler Planetarium
• Chicago Childrens Museum
• Chicago History Museum
• Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Name:

Reservations: Reservations accepted for the main dining room.
Payment Methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Grand hot shellfish platter, Cajun popcorn shrimp, sushi
Cost / Price – $14 to $35

Shaw’s Crab House and Blue Crab Lounge Restaurant Review:
Seafood lovers cannot give a miss to this place when in Chicago. Ask any local and they will tell you this restaurant is like a local institution. The bright and cheerful dining room and the oyster bar have a certain festive feel to it and the detailed menu will impress you and even leave you a little baffled on what to order. The Shaw’s Crab House and Blue Crab Lounge restaurant is known for serving more than 40 seasonally fresh seafood entrees along with prime steak. Some of the popular seasonal specialties include Copper River Salmon, Nantucket Cape Scallops, Florida Black Grouper and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Some of the interesting appetizers include coconut shrimp, Cajun popcorn shrimp, oysters Rockefeller, baked blue crab and artichoke dip and Alaskan red king crab bites.

At Shaw’s Crab House and Blue Crab Lounge, in soups lobster bisque and New England clam chowder are highly recommended and you can teem them up with a refreshing platter of double iceberg wedge salad or Caesar salad. The restaurant even serves appetizer platters that are usually a combination of a number of fish specialties. One such platter is hot appetizing combination that includes a mix of mini crab cake, Cajun popcorn shrimp and crispy calamari. Grand hot shellfish platter is yet another option that includes baked clams, crab cakes, coconut shrimp, Cajun popcorn shrimp, crispy calamari and oyster Rockefeller.

The Shaw’s Crab House and Blue Crab Lounge restaurant is also widely popular for its sushi bar that offers a range of sushi specialties. Under the Nigiri Sashimi category, you will find a selection of shrimp, spicy shrimp, BBQ eel, yellowtail, red king crab, spicy crab and fatty tuna. Under Maki Sushi, the choices available include sweet potato roll, Acapulco roll, tuna on top, lobster, avocado and cucumber, rainbow roll, Chicago crazy roll and shrimp tempura. If you are unable to decide, you can even choose one of the sushi platters that have a little of everything. Shellfish Maki, Tuna and Salmon and Grand Sushi are the three platters that are available. The restaurant even serves delectable crab house sandwiches during lunch and some of the most popular options include Tuna salad sandwich, crab cake burger and battered Ecuadorian Mahi Mahi tacos. The seafood menu could not get more extensive and it is definitely a Mecca for seafood lovers.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name:

Reservations: Reservations suggested
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Latkes, Blinchiki, seafood platter
Cost / Price – $10 to $30

Russian Tea Time Chicago Restaurant Review:
This is a popular landmark restaurant that has for years has extended a warm and welcoming service and offer irresistible culinary delights to its guests. This family-run restaurant is more than a traditional tea room where you get a chance to travel through an era of Russian aristocracy, as you indulge in some of the most sumptuous and delectable delights. Capturing the grandeur of the old world is the décor of the place, which urges you to give into some luxurious indulgence. Even the restaurant’s close proximity to Chicago Art Institute, Orchestra Hall and several top theatres, make this place one of the most preferred dining venues in town. The chef and owner Klara Muchnik offers an elaborate menu that features the finest selection of vegetarian fare, poultry, specialty meat dishes and wild game.

At Russian Tea Time Chicago restaurant, the chef has sampled with classic Russian, Slavic and Jewish recipes to create a potpourri of Central Asian dishes. The menu offers a combination of starters, main courses and platters. Most of the recipes sound delicious tempting that the urge to order most of them is difficult to resist. Where starters are concerned, a good choice especially for vegetarians would be classic potato pancakes also known as Latkes, where five pieces of pancakes are topped with sour cream and warm applesauce. For those who prefer non-vegetarian can opt for Blinchiki, a preparation of 2 blintzes stuffed with ground beef and caramelized onions. Tossed in butter, this combination is served with greens and garnished with avocado coriander cream.

In main course short rib stew is a must, which includes beef stew served with mashed potatoes, carrot salad, marinated beets and baby pickle. The restaurant also serves wild game sausages, where wild venison and wild buffalo sausages are broiled and are served with spinach-tossed noodles, sautéed mushrooms and carrot salad. It is even known for its platters such as seafood platter for two that includes smoked salmon, peppered mackarel, Russian herring, Caspian salmon caviar, sardines, 4 fresh crepes and garnished with chopped onions, cucumbers, tomatoes. The best way to wash down all these delicious delicacies is with the famous Russian vodka shot. A visit to Russian Tea Time Chicago restaurant definitely promises a unique dining experience.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name:

RoseAngelis Chicago Restaurant Review:
This is one of the most charming Italian restaurants in Chicago that is known for offering a warm and an inviting ambience and a delectable array of culinary delights. The restaurant occupies space within a series of romantic and enchanting rooms and a garden patio. It is an ideal venue to enjoy a pleasant dining experience or even a romantic rendezvous with your loved one. Though the restaurant is not a vegetarian, however, there are a number of pasta dishes, which are accompanied with vegetables rather than red meat. The service provided is also hospitable and courteous making you feel absolutely comfortable and relaxed. The menu boasts a variety of Italian specialties prepared from the freshest ingredients and some of the finest herbs and spices.

At RoseAngelis Chicago restaurant, start your meal with antipasti such as Bruschetta, toasted Italian bread with a dressing of fresh tomato in basil pesto. For those who enjoy a bowl of nutritious greens can choose Insalata mista, a salad consisting of mixed greens, mushrooms, bell pepper, croutons, kalamata olives, parmesan cheese and all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Those who are vegetarians or prefer vegetarian pasta dish can opt for Mezzalune al Burro, spinach pasta filled with ricotta and pesto and served in a mix of brown butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and Parmagiana. Lasagna al Forno is also yet another sumptuous lasagna dish with herbed ricotta, fresh mozzarella and pine nuts baked in marinara. Non-vegetarians can opt for the delicious spinach ribbon noodle pasta sautéed with grilled chicken and artichokes hearts in tomato sauce and garnished with toasted pine nuts and parmagiana. Seafood lovers will have a feast relishing the special finguini pasta dish prepared in a tomato white wine sauce along with mussels, shrimps, calamari and scallops.

Besides pasta, RoseAngelis restaurant also serves house made specials such as the aged New York strip where 16oz of pepper crusted steak is cooked with gorgonzola and onions and served with grilled asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and mashed potatoes. Zuppa di Pesce is yet another specialty containing fresh fish, shrimp, calamari, scallops and mussels and all cooked in a spicy tomato broth with polenta and farfalle. This place can get really busy over the weekends so try and drop in at a weekday to enjoy a sumptuous meal at RoseAngelis Chicago restaurant.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name:

Reservations: Reservations accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – Rockit Shepherd’s Pie, Rockit Pockits
Cost / Price – $10 to $32

Rockit Bar & Grill Restaurant Review:
If you are planning on having a good time and generally chilling out with some great food and drinks then there couldn’t be a better place than this. Situated in the popular River North neighborhood, this bar and grill is known for offering casual yet mouthwatering menu consisting of salads, sandwiches, pizzas and entrees. The décor too is casual and comfortable yet very stylish and sophisticated, as it combines the natural elements with a sleek and a modern design. The extensive use of natural bricks, beams and a 75 ft. skylight, metal sculptures and chandeliers exude a raw yet a charming appeal. Even the cocktail tables are made from authentic tree stumps and the lounge along with an island bar and 50inch flat screen plasma complete the look of this hip and trendy bar and grill.

At Rocket Bar & Grill , the executive chef James Gottwald excels at adding a delicious twist by fusing seasonal ingredients to the typical American grub. The casual yet hip and trendy character also reflects in its menu card where good old American specialties have been given unique names to match with the restaurant’s eclectic character. For example ‘Rockit Pockits’ is a combination of chopped steak topped with American cheese, sautéed onions and crispy wrap. ‘BBQ Pork Sliders’ is also another interesting dish that comprises of three miniature black angus, tomatoes, lettuce, parkerhouse buns, French fries and pickles. ‘Southwestern Chopped Salad’ and ‘My Sisters Chopped Salad’ are the two signature dishes under the salad section. The first is a delightful mix of BBQ chicken, corn, cheddar, tomato, chili peanuts and jalapeno ranch dressing. The second one promises to be a spicy treat with salami, ditalini pasta, red peppers, corn, eggs, balsamic hazelnut dressing and romaine.

Burgers are one of the specialties of Rockit Bar & Grill. Among all Rockit Burger truly rocks with a stuffing of kobe beef, melted brie, fried shallots, truffle fries, red onion brioche bun and medjol date aioli. For the main entrée choose Rockit Shepherd’s Pie is a preparation of tender braised beef, carrots, green peas, pearl onions, Parmesan crust and whipped Yukon potatoes. Irrespective of what you order, the restaurant’s interesting range of cocktails is a complete delight. You can choose to order ‘The Rolling Stone’, ‘Sunglasses At Night’, ‘The Santana’ and ‘Sweet Home Chicago’.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Name:

Reservations: Reservations accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
Best Known For – lobster ‘bookbinder’ soup, grilled beef tenderloin, pan roasted golden trout
Cost / Price – $15 to $30

Rhapsody Restaurant Review:

Situated in the heart of Chicago in the vibrant South Loop and adjacent to the famous Symphony Center, Rhapsody is undoubtedly one of the most upscale and contemporary restaurants in this part of town. The restaurant’s close proximity to the city’s shopping district, Millennium Park and Cultural Mile, makes it one of the most busiest and sought after dining venues. The restaurant’s 50 seat dining patio set in a beautiful flower garden and dotted is literally an oasis in the midst of this bustling city. The bright and vibrant yellow umbrellas create a cheerful ambience and makes dining a memorable experience. The cuisine is classy yet simple where the stress is on striking the perfect balance between American and global cuisines to create an absolutely imaginative and a contemporary menu.

At Rhapsody restaurant, the starters are unique and varied in every sense where little changes have been incorporated to create a distinctive taste. A must try is the lobster ‘bookbinder’ soup, a curious preparation of lobster croutons and sherry. Rhapsody Picnic Plate is yet another delectable creation that serves chicken liver pâte along with goat cheddar, baguette and pickled red onions. Vegetarians can opt for the delicious garlic hummus that includes olive and tomato salad and pita toasted and garnished with peppers. The classic millionaire’s salad with artichoke, hearts of palm, olives along with grilled chicken or shrimp and tossed in thousand island dressings is quite an interesting option. Where main entrée is concerned, the choices are many and the task of deciding can really put you in a pleasant dilemma.

Those with a preference for seafood can opt for pan roasted golden trout prepared in brown butter and served with potatoes and French beans or even slow roasted salmon made in squash puree and accompanied by pear and snow pea salad and kumquat-ginger relish. Meat lovers will surely relish grilled beef tenderloin or Moroccan spiced lamb shank with beluga lentils, spinach, minted yoghurt and preserved blood orange. Complement each course of your meal are the enticing range of cocktails, wines, beer, ale and cider. However, a meal at Rhapsody Restaurant in Chicago is never complete without a dessert and warm house made cinnamon roll, chocolate soufflé tart and vanilla crème brulee are some of the must tries.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Reza’s Restaurant Review:

The name of the restaurant gives away the kind of cuisine this place would offer, however, from the décor no one would be able to guess, Middle Eastern delicacies are served. The Reza’s restaurant is known for offering a combination of Persian, Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Since most of the dishes are prepared on open fire, therefore it is not unusual to find oneself surrounded by the delicious wafting aromas of kabobs and chops. If you are visiting the restaurant for lunch, you can try a succulent chicken kabob sandwich, lamb kabobs or beef kabob also known as Koubideh sandwich. You can teem up your sandwich with a garden salad or a Caesar salad with grilled chicken or an interesting appetizer like the highly recommended grilled mushrooms.

Those who prefer vegetarian delights must not give grilled potatoes and vegetable kabob a miss at Reza’s restaurant. Thick slices of potatoes are marinated in lemon pomegranate sauce and charbroiled till they turn juicy and tender. The vegetable kabobs are a mix of vegetables that are again barbequed on skewers and served with the chef’s special sauce. If you are planning to have dinner, you can always order one of these delicious appetizers accompanied by a choice of main entrees. Lamb chops are one of the most popular dishes that contain succulent loin chops topped with sautéed mushrooms or lamb kabobs where skewers of lamb pieces are served with grilled tomatoes.

At Raze’s restaurant, Chicken lovers can feast on Reza’s special delicacy of boneless chicken kabob accompanied with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Those who enjoy seafood in particular can opt for salmon kabob, considered to be a fish lover’s feast where white fish fillet is seasoned and then sautéed in olive oil. You can even opt for a combo dish, which would be a combination of two non-vegetarian dishes. Koubideh combo is one of the favorites, which offers a delectable combination of chicken kabobs and beef kabobs served with vegetables. All the entrees are served with fresh baked Persian bread, vegetarian soup and a choice of Persian white or dill rice. The choice of delicacies served at Reza’s restaurant in Chicago is truly exquisite and unique where every morsel promises to be a complete delight.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Red Light Chicago Restaurant Review:
Bathed in rich tones of red and accentuated by colorful lanterns, the décor is completely warm and tropical and creates a comfortable and an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a great dining experience. Having received innumerable recognitions and awards, this Pan Asian restaurant is unarguably one of the best dining venues that Chicago has. The chef takes inspiration from Thai, Chinese, French, Japanese and other Asian ingredients to create a culinary explosion of fascinating aromas, flavors and textures. The celebrated chef of this restaurant Jackie Shan has won innumerable awards and has also been named on of Chicago’s ’50 best chefs’ by Chicago Magazine. With her years of skillful expertise and creative talent, it isn’t surprising the various delicacies prepared are absolutely outstanding.

If you really want to treat your taste buds, then a good choice would be to select the chef’s tasting menu, which covers six to eight course including dessert. However, if you prefer choosing your own menu, then an ideal starter would be Chinese egg roll or crispy Maine lobster-mango rolls. Fiery chicken wings prepared in a spicy sweet and sour sauce with Jicama, carrot and beet salad is also a great choice. The specialty of the restaurant is undoubtedly its curries, which is available as Emerald Jumbo Prawn curry with coconut rice, Amish chicken apple curry that contains chicken breast glazed over with honey pomegranate and Panang beef curry prepared in Thai red curry, coconut milk and peanut butter. The seafood entrees are also popular for their mix of interesting ingredients and succulent and tender tastes. Shrimp ninety-nine is as interesting as its name prepared in orange, cranberry sweet chili sauce and accompanied by crispy egg noodle. Asian Paella is yet another spicy dish that surely knows how to scintillate your taste buds with a heady mix of Chinese sausage, mussels, clam, jumbo prawns prepared in lobster tamarind broth and served with Basmati rice. The meal at this restaurant is never complete without digging into one of its delightful desserts such as the special Jackie’s chocolate bag, a heavenly combination of Belgian white chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries and raspberry sauce.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Potbelly Sandwich Restaurant Review:
Named after the potbelly stoves, the restaurant was started in 1977 as a small antique store by a young couple. In order to promote their business, the couple decided to offer sandwiches to their customers. Little did they know, that these sandwiches would soon become a favorite with most who visited the store and soon people started coming only for the sandwiches and homemade desserts. Years passed and the store grew to become a full-fledged chain of sandwich joints all over the country. It is a mistake if one visit’s Chicago and not has one of these scrumptious sandwiches.

The menu offers an assortment of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, shakes, malts and smoothies and sweets. Made with homemade rolls, the sandwiches are stuffed with your choice of fillings that can include turkey, veggies, pizza ingredients, Italian meats etc. You can choose from any one of the interesting combinations of ingredients to make your sandwich really sumptuous and delicious. The sandwiches are served with your choice of mustard, hot peppers, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickle, oil and Italian seasoning. Among the sandwiches, it is difficult to say, which is the best, since all are equally good but if given a choice turkey breast, tuna or smoked ham with Swiss cheese are quite a popular choice. ‘A Wreck®’, is undoubtedly the signature sandwich, since it is the original sandwich made when the restaurant was only an antique store. This legendary sandwich comprises of salami, roast beef, turkey and ham with Swiss cheese and packs quite a punch with so many ingredients. Pizza sandwich with pepperoni, provolone cheese, marinara sauce, mushrooms and Italian seasoning is also the perfect sandwich if you enjoy Italian. Other interesting options that is particular to this joint is the chicken salad sandwich with provolone cheese and Italian sandwich with pepperoni, salami, provolone cheese, mortadella and capicola. To accompany your sandwiches you can also order the restaurant’s special A Wreck® salad, soups or even choose from the irresistible range of shakes, malts and smoothies. This is the perfect restaurant to visit if you are planning a lunch with family or kids or looking to grab a quick bite.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Pizzeria Uno restaurant, which started in 1943 in downtown Chicago is known for inventing the famous Chicago deep dish pizzas. What started, as just one restaurant way back in 43’ is now a chain of restaurants scattered not only throughout the country but also internationally. Pizzeria Uno has undoubtedly become legendary for creating an amazing variety of food and serving amid a unique and a welcoming ambience.

At Pizzeria Uno, you have the option to choose take away or even eat at the restaurant, which has an indoor dining area at the basement and even a little outdoor patio right off the sidewalk. If the weather is perfect, then the outdoor patio should be the preferred spot for dining. Though this place is famous for its pizzas, the Pizzeria Uno restaurant also offers an assortment of fantastic soups and salads, pastas and chicken entrees, burgers and sandwiches and steaks, ribs and seafood. However, the pizzas do occupy a place of prominence and coming to this restaurant and not ordering a pizza is like an unthinkable thought. Cheese, sausage and pepperoni pizzas are available in different sizes and they can be enjoyed with a number of additional toppings such as chicken, extra cheese, olives, jalapeno, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and green peppers.

At Pizzeria Uno Pizza place, Numero Uno is definitely a signature pizza that is topped with gracious amounts of extra cheese, fresh sausages, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Spinoccoli is also another favorite and a perfect choice of pizza for vegetarians, which has a pesto base topped with a blend of cheeses and fresh tomatoes. The other option for vegetarians is the Veggie pizza that again has extra dollops of cheese, mushrooms, onions and green peppers.

You can choose to compliment your deep pan pizza with an interesting appetizer such as garlic bread with cheese, cheese sticks or Buffalo wings. Alternately, Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce, grated cheese and croutons or special salad bowl topped with salami, tomatoes, onions, Swiss cheese and giardiniera are also great options. After all these sumptuous food, you can decide to end your meal on a sweet note with the Pizzeria Uno restaurant’s special Uno deep dish sundae that offers a sinful combination of giant chocolate chip, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Come evening and the place transforms into a lively hangout where everyone is in the mood to party and is usually a preferred venue for most youngsters and singles. Most of the restaurant’s loyal patrons do agree Piece restaurant is one of the best places for pizzas in Chicago since the portions are huge, the toppings are generous and the award winning beers are a perfect compliment to the delicious pizzas. All the styles of pizzas contain Parmesan cheese, olive oil and oregano.

At Piece restaurant, you have the options of choosing from red, plain or white thin crust pizzas and each of them can be topped with your desired selection of toppings. The red ones are the traditional pizzas using a base of tomato sauce and mozzarella and you even have the option of choosing BBQ sauce. The whites are plain crust sprinkled with olive oil, diced garlic and mozzarella cheese. The plain is the original New Haven pizza, which contains a generous amount of garlic sauce along with garlic, extra Parmesan and olive oil. However, this type of pizza does not contain mozzarella. The choice of toppings includes jalapenos, olives, anchovies, green peppers, garlic, spinach, BBQ sauce and banana peppers.

The Piece restaurant also offers premium range of toppings that contains fresh tomatoes, Italian sausage, mashed potatoes, fresh basil, bacon, artichoke hearts, broccoli, ricotta cheese, chicken, pepperoni, meatballs, sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers. Besides, pizzas the Piece restaurant also offers a selection of salads, sandwiches and appetizers. It goes without saying; a meal at this place is obviously incomplete without downing a couple of its award-winning hand-crafted brews such as the popular Rye Beer, German-style Kolsch Bier or American style pale ale.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

At Petterino’s restaurant, step in to experience a culinary extravaganza as you will be greeted with the sight of elaborate table setting replete with crisp white folded linens, uniformed servers carrying silver trays and the chef churning out some of the most delicious and dazzling meals. The Petterinos restaurant’s glories can be traced through the numerous caricatures depicting a number of well-known and celebrated actors, directors and writers who have been regular patrons of this place. The menu is truly varied and diverse and offers an assortment of exquisite culinary treats.

The menu for soups and appetizers consists of a number of mouthwatering delights that are meant to give you a preview on what’s to follow. Minestrone soup with parmesan, crab cake with roasted corn and tartar sauce, French fried calamari or artichoke heart fritters are just some of the irresistible delights you can indulge in. The next course can either be the choice of selecting a salad or ordering a chicken entrée or steak. The Petterino’s restaurant’s Caesar salad is definitely one of the best or you can even opt for Petterino’s salad of mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers and radishes. For those who would like to skip and directly order one of the delicious chicken specialties can choose chicken pot pie with pastry crust or chicken Parmigiana in marinara sauce.

Petterino’s restaurant boasts serving the best steaks in town and they truly mean it when they say they are the best. Some of the favorites with most are the strip loin pepper steak with mashed potatoes, bistro steak with blue cheese crust and Yankee pot roast with braised vegetables and natural juices. The Petterino’s restaurant in Chicago also offers sandwiches, pastas and special luncheon salads.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Penny Noodle’s Shop Restaurant’s Review:

This is the place to visit if you are looking for a hearty meal at completely affordable prices. Specializing in Thai and Asian cuisine, the Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant really knows how to pamper its guests with tantalizing aromas and succulent delights. Whether you select a complete meal like a bowl of noodle soup or go for an assortment of various dishes, Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant will surely exceed your expectations in every respect. A must try at this restaurant is the special Vietnamese spring rolls, which has rice paper roll filled with noodles, sprouts, lettuce, green onions, cilantro, basil and carrots and accompanied with a tart mustard sauce.

Chicken Satay is yet another favorite that is served with Penny’s special homemade peanut sauce. Those who enjoy their salads can opt for shrimp salad tossed in a spicy sauce or beef salad in a dressing of spicy lemon sauce. At Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant, those who like vegetarian more can choose cucumber salad; steamed broccoli with Dijon Soy dressing; Chinese green with oyster sauce or stir fried cabbage with tomatoes. Noodles in a bowl are a specialty at Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant and there are a number of combinations one can choose from.

The choice of beef or chicken is available in a soup, which also contains rice vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, ground peanuts and it is seasoned with soy sauce. Egg noodles with barbecued pork, Thai Ravioli and Sesame beef noodles are other options that are also available. Vegetarian bowl with rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, cilantro and peanuts is a great option that vegetarians would love at Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant.

If you don’t prefer noodles in a bowl, you can even take your pick from stir fried noodles, which is particularly known for its hot pepper noodles with chili sauce, onions, red peppers, basil and your choice of either tofu, chicken or beef. With such varied and hearty choice of meal it isn’t surprising Penny Noodle’s Shop restaurant is a favorite among most Chicago locals. You really never need an excuse to visit Penny Noodle’s restaurant where the food is great and it will surely not hurt your wallet.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Related Chicago Restaurants:

• Northside Bar and Grill Restaurant
• North Pond Restaurant
• 312 Chicago Restaurant
• Robey Pizza Company Chicago
• Shaw’s Crab House

• Mondays to Thursdays 11am to 9.30pm
• Fridays 11am to 10.30pm
• Saturdays 10am to 10.30pm

Reservations: Reservations accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cash
Best Known For – grilled beef tenderloin, roasted sage and garlic half chicken
Cost / Price – $10 to $30

Park Grill Restaurant Review:

Situated within the extremely popular Millenium Park, Park Grill restaurant attracts a large number of guests and it is particularly busy over the weekends. Park Grill’s location along Chicago’s celebrated Michigan Avenue combined with its award winning stature makes it one of the most famous restaurants of the city. The Park Grill restaurant exudes a bright, cheerful and a classy ambience that immediately puts you in a celebratory mood. The restaurant not only boasts a great location but is also regarded as one of the best for serving an assortment of exclusively prepared dishes. Park Grill restaurant is also a preferred place to dine for those who plan to catch a play at the Pritzker Music Pavilion or those coming for a leisurely stroll in the evenings to the park. Some of the non-vegetarian starters that you can order include roasted jumbo prawns, crab cake, duck confit flat bread and roasted scallops with autumn lentils.

At Park Grill restaurant, vegetarians can order a platter of hand crafted cheeses, garlic and tomato hummus or artichoke and spinach gratin. The starters can be followed by a hot bowl of soup such as French onion soup, roasted pepper and fennel soup and you can even add to it a platter of delicious salads including the classic Caesar salad, apple and fennel salad or butter lettuce salad. Though, most of the dishes at Park Grill restaurant are equally appetizing, however, if you had to really choose, you should opt for roasted sage and garlic half chicken; grilled 12 oz of sirloin; crusted and grilled beef tenderloin or peppercorn crusted kobe burger. These definitely stand out for their succulent flavors and tastes and are surely a favorite with most non-vegetarians.

Vegetarians need not lose heart as they can too enjoy an assortment of vegetarian delights such as ricotta ravioli with garlic, pine nuts, basil and extra virgin olive oil or mushroom risotto with truffle butter and talleggio cheese. With such great cuisine, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the food has won hands down even with the world’s leading food critiques and popular magazine reviews. Wine Enthusiast, 2009 has given an accolade of ‘Unique Distinction’ while Crain’s Chicago Business, 2010 has recognized Park Grill restaurant as the best restaurant.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Related Chicago Restaurants:

• Northside Bar and Grill Restaurant
• North Pond Restaurant
• 312 Chicago Restaurant
• Robey Pizza Company Chicago
• Shaw’s Crab House

• Dinner: Mondays to Thursdays 5pm to 10pm;
• Fridays and Saturdays 5pm to 11pm
• Sundays 5pm to 9.30pm

Reservations: Reservations accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cash
Best Known For – pappardelle, grilled baby octopus, hand-rolled cavatelli with mushrooms
Cost / Price – $7 to $30

Osteria Via Stato Restaurant Review:
Discover an authentic Italian dining experience at this popular restaurant where the chef truly takes you on a magical journey of unique aromatic flavors, succulent tastes and colorful presentations. The place has an atmosphere of a casual Italian tavern where warm aromas drift from the kitchen and entice you to sample its assortment of delicacies. The chef excels at preparing a truly diverse range of delectable delights covering an assortment of bruschetta and salads, antipasti, pastas and a host of other specialties. Osteria Via Stato restaurant also offers one comprehensive menu called the famous Italian dinner party, which includes antipasti, two pasta dishes, a main course and sides. You can even opt for the a la carte menu and decide on your own set of dishes.

In antipasti you can order a variety of dishes such as Parmesan crusted sweet onion, house marinated olives, mini veal meatballs, Artisanal cheese plate and grilled baby octopus. The delightful assortment of salads will surely impress those who are conscious about what they eat and love their greens. Roasted beets with goat cheese and micro greens, chopped salad of roasted chicken, romaine and celery or frisee, a combination of pears, bleu cheese and walnuts are just some of the appetizing salads that you can enjoy at Osteria Via Stato restaurant.

Italian and pastas are synonymous and there couldn’t be a better destination to sample delicious and authentic Italian pasta than Osteria Via Stato restaurant. As per chef’s recommendation, you should definitely opt for chef’s signature pasta dish of 3-meat raghu called pappardelle or hand-rolled cavatelli with mushrooms. For those who can’t do without their spaghetti can choose the tantalizing dish of spaghetti in crushed tomatoes and Calabrian chilies. The tavern’s menu of specialty entrée dishes is also quite varied and interesting. At Osteria Via Stato restaurant, you can choose to feast on braised beef short ribs in parsnip puree and red wine sauce, roasted duck breast with turnips and cherries or pork shank with Tuscan kale and white beans.

Seafood lovers need not lose heart as there are couple of excellent seafood dishes too including seafood stew brimming with sea scallops, calamari and market fish in a spicy tomato broth or pan seared trout in sunchokes and in brown butter vinaigrette. Each of the courses can be accompanied by a nice chilled glass of cocktail or a glass of vintage Italian wine at Osteria Via Stato restaurant.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Related Chicago Restaurants:

• Northside Bar and Grill Restaurant
• North Pond Restaurant
• 312 Chicago Restaurant
• Robey Pizza Company Chicago
• Shaw’s Crab House

• Lunch: Mondays to Fridays 11.30am to 2pm
• Dinner: Sundays to Thursdays 5pm to 10pm; Fridays and Saturdays 5pm to 11.30pm

Reservations: Reservations accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cash
Best Known For – kamakazi burger, chopped Asian shrimp salad, grilled artic char, Kung Pao beef
Cost / Price – $11 to $25

Opera Restaurant Review:

Opera restaurant in Chicago does not only boast an excellent selection of delectable dishes but it is also know for possessing one of the most attractive decors in town. Opera restaurant has been rightly named Opera since it is bright yet subtle and elegant in its décor and atmosphere. The bold red and orange combination creates a warm and a romantic aura and this is equally matched with the exceptional array of Chinese delicacies. Redefining Chinese is the chef who creates a visual and a sensory delight of aromas, textures and tastes.

Start your culinary sojourn to this Asian wonderland, Opera restaurant, with lobster springrolls, crispy wings, prawn dumplings, crab cake sliders, salt and pepper calamari, chopped Asian shrimp salad, hot and sour soup or Opera House salad. The main entrée at Opera  restaurant features an assortment of delicious Chinese specialties such as Singapore noodles, firecracker chicken, a preparation of chicken breast in roasted chilies, cilantro and scallions. Crisp orange beef and Kung Pao beef where the first one is accompanied with lettus, scallions, peas and the second one comes in a chili-garlic black bean sauce with roasted peanuts and cilantro.

Tsing Ta Fish and Chips are also a favorite with many at Opera restaurant which include east coast cod fish fried in Tsing Tao besan batter served along with togarashi chips. The kamakazi burger truly promises to offer a sumptuous pleasure as it is filled with American kobe, cheddar, home made pickles, secret sauce and the choice to opt for fried egg at no additional cost. Another dish at Opera restaurant, which is sure to please your taste buds, is the grilled artic char prepared in a Thai curry red sauce and served with honey lemongrass baste, eggplant and oyster mushrooms. Vietnamese chicken prepared in ginger spring onion marinade and Kalbi tuna served in Wasabi parsnip puree, caramelized soy and sesame are also quite unique and interesting in their flavors at Opera restaurant. Besides, the main course, as side dish you can order Opera restaurant’s house fried rice, spinach and garlic sauté or peas and mushroom stirfry. Irrespective of whatever you choose to order, you are guaranteed to return to experience a perfect blend of impeccable cuisine, tasteful décor and excellent hospitality at Opera restaurant in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Related Chicago Restaurants:

• Northside Bar and Grill Restaurant
• North Pond Restaurant
• 312 Chicago Restaurant
• Robey Pizza Company Chicago
• Shaw’s Crab House

Oak Tree Restaurant Review:

Situated within the classy Michigan indoor mall, Oak Tree restaurant boasts a warm and a cheerful ambience and is one of the most ideal places to dine at after a day long shopping. If you are lucky enough then you can opt for the table alongside the windows overlooking Michigan Avenue from Oak Tree Restaurant. The nature inspired murals lend a very bright and a vibrant atmosphere to the restaurant and it creates a perfect setting for an enjoyable dining experience. The Oak Tree restaurant offers delicious breakfast, an interesting lunch fare and even a bakery that makes a range of scrumptious artisan breads. This place is truly known for its varied and delicious epicurean delights that include an amazing assortment of warm and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, toasted cheese along with refreshing coolers, smoothies and juices.

Cucumber-Lime cooler, a raspberry mint aqua fresca, ginger lemonade or white grape spritzer is just some of the delicious thirst quenchers you can order at Oak Tree restaurant. Along with one of these drinks you can choose to nibble on toasted-cheese such as ham and grujere; arugula, mozzarella and grilled onions; cheddar and asparagus; fontina along with spinach and ham. Alternately order a juicy and a sumptuous salad preparation of spring greens, roasted turkey, Swiss gruyere, eggs and tomatoes in thousand island dressings or warm spinach salad with egg, mushroom, lardon and sweet wasabi dressing. You can even opt for the Oak Tree restaurant’s special house salad, Texas chicken salad or the classic Caesar. If you are not in the mood for a salad, you can even select harvest of vegetables with chicken soup or Tuscan vegetable soup along with a platter of warm or cold sandwiches.

Duck breast with mango chutney, grilled chicken breast, turkey club with French fries, bacon lettuce and tomato are some of the most delectable options as warm sandwiches at Oak Tree restaurant. The cold sandwich contains a selection of Tarragon chicken salad sandwich, roasted turkey breast sandwich, tuna salad sandwich and glazed ham sandwich. The Oak Tree restaurant even serves a hearty fare of turkey hash and poached eggs; roasted hot turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy and grilled seasonal vegetables. Oak Tree restaurant also serves absolutely scrumptious breakfasts that include a range of delectable delights such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, French toasts, eggs benedict etc. Undoubtedly, Oak Tree restaurant is one of the most affordable places where you can enjoy a delicious and a healthy food.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Related Chicago Restaurants:

• Northside Bar and Grill Restaurant
• North Pond Restaurant
• 312 Chicago Restaurant
• Robey Pizza Company Chicago
• Shaw’s Crab House

The Northside Bar and Grill menu consists of non-fussy and simple yet delicious food items encompassing a range of interesting salads such as the much sought after chicken chopped salad or the special Northside Caesar. The chicken salad is a real delight which features grilled chicken, bacon, green onions, pasta, avocado and tomatoes while the Caesar is the classis salad where you can choose chicken, tuna steak or salmon.

The Northside Salad is yet another favorite at Northside Bar and Grill that offers a delicious platter of mixed greens with tomatoes, carrots, olives, broccoli served with one’s choice of dressing. The Original Big Burger is one of the most sinful temptations that include the best half pound, which is tender and juicy and one has the option to add cheddar, bleu cheese, feta, mozzarella or even pepper jack. The delicious mini cheese burger at Northside Bar and Grill with the choice of American, Swiss, Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese and the bacon bleu burger containing crispy bacon, angus burger and bleu cheese served with grilled onions and mushrooms are also quite a popular choice.

At Northside Bar and Grill , Besides burgers, the range of sandwiches is also quite varied featuring a mix of all time favorites such as grilled chicken sandwich, BBQ chicken sandwich, strip steak and then there are sandwiches, which are quite not so conventional. Grilled catfish sandwich has a Cajun fillet, which is served on a Kaiser roll accompanied by lettuce, tomato and potato chips. The other options at Northside Bar and Grill  restaurant include Grilled Reuben on Rye, which is a combination of corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese all mixed up in a thousand-island dressing. Round up your delicious meal with a tempting apple pie or chocolate caramel brownie.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

• Lunch: June through September, Wednesdays to Fridays 11:30 am to 1.30pm
• Dinner: Tuesdays to Sundays from 5.30pm
• Brunch: Sundays 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Reservations: Reservations recommended
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cash
Best Known For – Sea scallops with squash, red snapper with sweet potatoes, black bass in apple cider
Cost / Price – $12 to $39

North Pond Restaurant Review:
Situated within the expansive greens of the beautiful Lincoln Park, North Pond restaurant provides one of the most enviable settings as it offers a magnificent view of the city’s dramatic skyline. The restaurant is housed in an edifice that was built in 1912 as a shelter for ice skaters and has been now redesigned as per the Arts and Crafts tradition.  The celebrated Chef Bruce Sherman incorporates the artistic tradition with his culinary expertise to create a range of mouthwatering and creative cuisines. He also draws his inspiration by purchasing fresh and extraordinary ingredients from the farmers at the local market. The combination of simple yet delicious recipes combined with a fusion of freshest produce creates an exemplary menu of delectable delicacies. Interesting and varied is what one would think of the menu at North Pound restaurant where first course dishes include unique combinations of seasonal produce. Sea scallops with raisins, walnuts, spinach Parmesan tortello and apple kabocha squash sauce make a great first course option. Other first course delicacies include Egg and smoked caviar accompanied with potato puree, spinach coulis, croutons and caviar. Another preparation is Foie Gras seared and served with artichokes, huckleberries, gingersnaps and Cipollini onions.

Those who enjoy experimenting different food can choose octopus and mussels salad at North Pond Restaurant. Green lovers can opt for pears and lettuce salad or beets and citrus salad. The main course is equally sumptuous featuring a range of exotic delicacies. At North Pond Restaurant, beefsteak with Parmesan cheese accompanied by broccoli, carmelized shallot and piccolo farro in red wine syrup is quite a feast. While those who prefers pork over beef can choose the preparation of Berkshire loin, braised belly and Andouille sausage in peppers, caramelized figs and cranberry black bean ragoût.

Also, at North Pond Restaurant , Seafood lovers can look forward to enjoying black bass in apple cider broth or red snapper fillet with bacon filled sweet potatoes, apples, beets and sprouts. Each course can be accompanied by a fine glass of wine from the North Pond restaurant’s extensive wine menu list. However, the dining experience at North Pond is never complete without sampling one of its tempting desserts such as the scrumptious apple caramel tartelette or chocolate ganache slice with huckleberry sorbet or a delicious ice-cream with almond biscotti and chocolate pudding. Besides the dinner menu, the restaurant is also known for its special Sunday brunch and seasonal tastings.

Chicago Restaurants Gift Certificate Guide:

Go Chicago Card Review in Brief:

• Free Admission to over 30 Chicago attractions.
• You can see attractions as many as you want until the validity days of Go Chicago Card
• Free color Chicago guidebook is included

How Does Go Card Chicago save your money?
Go Chicago card saving is on going effort. Yup, Go Chicago Card Company works with Chicago local attractions, tours, zoo, museums to accept card as ticket. As, currently Go Chicago Card drives more than 2.5 million visitors to Chicago attractions, they get huge discount on entry fees. Those savings are passed to every individual buying the card through discounted entry price. It really helps us saving lot of money compare to buying individual admission tickets.

Oh, well everybody needs a proof before buying anything. I don’t blame you.. I am one of you as well. We must know certain things before we buy anything. Considering the need I have come up with following real saving example that can give you insights on the beauty of Go Chicago card saving. Example is based on the family of 4 people, 2 adults and 2 kids. Admission tickets calculation is based on 2 adult members and 2 underage kids for 3 day Chicago vacation trip.

Chicago Day One Itinerary
Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Pass See the sites, and use for transportation…….($102)
The Field Museum…………………………………………………………………..($68)
Willis Tower Sky Deck …………………………………………………………….($44.90)
Navy Pier (rides and fun)…………………………………………………………..($60)
Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Cruise……………………………………………($44)

Chicago Day Two Itinerary
Shedd Aquarium – with the Go Card just skip the line!………………………. ($63.80)
Hancock Observatory………………………………………………………………($48)
Adler Planetarium…………………………………………………………………..($88)

Chicago Day Three Itinerary
Museum of Science and Industry………………………………………………….($44)
Notebaert Nature Museum…………………………………………………………($30)
Tall Ship Sail…………………………………………………………………………($68)
========================================================================
Total spend if purchased separately…………………………………………($660.70)
Cost of Go City Cards for the whole family 2 adult and 2 child, 3 day card   $389.96
TOTAL Savings with cards…………………………………………………….. $270.74

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Go Chicago Card includes following list of Chicago Attractions and tours:

• Adler Planetarium
• Arlington Park
• Brookfield Zoo
• Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Chicago Childrens Museum
• Chicago History Museum
• Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour
• Gray Line Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
• Gray Line: North Side Tour
• Gray Line: South Shore Tour
• Gray Line: The Grand Tour
• Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
• Lincoln Park Zoo Carousel and Childrens Train
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Navy Pier
• Navy Pier Adventure Golf
• Navy Pier Carousel
• Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
• Navy Pier Light House
• Navy Pier Wave Swinger Ride
• Shedd Aquarium
• Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural River Cruise
• Shoreline Skyline Boat Tour
• Willis Tower Sky-deck Chicago
• Tall Ship Windy
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Field Museum
• The Hancock Observatory
• The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Now as you know the advantage of Go Chicago Card, go ahead and buy it now to save money on Chicago Vacation trip.

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

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]]> http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/go-chicago-card/feed/ 0 http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/312-chicago-restaurant/ http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/312-chicago-restaurant/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:30:06 +0000 Victor http://www.chicagovacationstoday.com/?p=328 312 Chicago Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Italian
Address: 136 N. LaSalle Street at W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60602 -  Adjacent to Hotel Allegro Chicago
Phone: 312-696-2420
Web Site: http://www.312chicago.com/
Hours of Operation:

• Monday 7am – 10am and 11am to 3pm
• Tuesday to Friday 7am to 10am and 11am to 10pm
• Saturday 8am to 11am and 4.30pm to 10pm
• Sunday 9am to 3pm (brunch); 11am to 9pm (bar) and 4.30pm to 9pm

Reservations: Suggested
Payment Methods:  Cash, Visa, Master Card etc..
Best Known For – (Caciucco Livomese a spicy tomato broth with sautéed clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, tuna and lobster.)
Cost / Price – $17 – $32

312 Chicago Restaurant Review:
Situated adjacent to Hotel Allegro Chicago on the Loop, 312 Chicago restaurant has won many admirers with its warm and welcoming ambience and its creative and an authentic Italian menu. The burden for offering an irresistible combination of culinary delights goes to Chef Luca who possesses exceptional talents and passion for creating authentic Italian food at 312 Chicago restaurant. Born and brought up in Italy, Chef Luca transports the authentic flavors of Italy right to the heart of downtown Chicago. The chef and his team inspire to create the finest with some of the most exquisite range of ingredients that result in a delightful array of simple yet classy and sumptuous culinary delicacies at 312 Chicago restaurant.

A visit to this sophisticated, classy and elegant 312 Chicago restaurant is guaranteed to please your palate with its range of carefully prepared mouthwatering dishes. Start with a steaming bowl of soup such as the sumptuous Tortellini in Brodo, a savory chicken broth with cheese filled tortellini, carrots, celery and onion. You can team up your soup with a refreshing Mista salad, a delectable mix of 100% organic mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and red wine vinaigrette. At 312 Chicago restaurant, the starters will surely whet your appetite and create an irresistible temptation for the main course.

Rigatoni Bolognese, a combination of ground veal, pork, beef, red wine and tomato is quite a delectable choice and a favorite with most ardent meat lovers. For those who enjoy experimenting must try Bucatini, a mix of sautéed octopus, shrimp, ground onion, celery, tomatoes, carrots, anchovies and garlic at 312 Chicago restaurant.  Alternately, those who prefer something more conservative can opt for Pollo, a roasted farm chicken breast with crispy leeks, onion farro and parmesan butter or Filleto, which is a grilled beef tenderloin with wild mushrooms, truffle butter and fingerling potato.

Seafood lovers at 312 Chicago restaurant should not miss Caciucco Livomese, a spicy tomato broth containing sautéed clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, tuna and lobsters. Complimenting an exquisitely prepared meal is always a fine with bottle of wine. You can choose your favorite red or white from the 312 Chicago restaurant’s extensive wine menu list. The 312 Chicago restaurant’s special Sunday brunch is also something to look forward to since the brunch does promise to make your Sunday extra special. From enjoying an elaborate buffet of splendid Italian specialties to digging into a range of sumptuous desserts, the 312 Chicago restaurant revels in pampering one’s taste buds. Whether you are on a business or a leisure trip, a visit to 312 Chicago, an exclusive Italian restaurant is without a doubt a must visit.

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel Chicago

Navy Pier is undoubtedly one of the most important attractions and signature landmarks of this city. History of Navy Pier started in early 1900. Built in 1916, this impressive 3,300 foot long pier is today a bustling entertainment venue offering a combination of carnivals, rides and attractions, food court, boat dock etc.

There is so much to do and see that it is easy to get confused and lost in this bright and colorful wonderland. If you are visiting Navy Pier, then your first stop should definitely be the Pier Park. Situated on the upper deck, this landscaped area features a Navy Pier Ferris wheel, a charming musical carousel, a traditional swing and even an 18-hole miniature golf course. The seven minute ride on the 150-foot high Ferris wheel will not only provide you with an exhilarating experience but it will also allow you to enjoy unmatched views of the Chicago skyline and the Michigan Lake.

Made out of 36-hand painted animals, the Musical Carousel recreates the magic of the golden age of 1920s and gives your children a chance to experience the glory of a bygone era. While your kids enjoy the exciting rides, you can always play a game of golf at the miniature golf course.

If golf doesn’t interest you, then a visit to the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is a must. Here you can get to see more than 150 stained-glass windows that are displayed against illuminated cases. The museum is truly remarkable and features works by Frank Lloyd Wright, John LaFarge and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Chicago Children’s Museum is situated right on the Pier and offers a blend of interactive exhibits thereby encouraging children to learn in an entertaining and a fun filled environment.

More fun and adventure await you at the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze and Transporter FX. You get to enjoy a truly exhilarating experience as you twist and turn and navigate your way through the 4000 sq ft of the exciting Funhouse Maze. Alternately, you can notch up your thrill level at the Transporter FX. Here you can enjoy high-speed ride to the Antartica, the Moon, Wild Africa or even choose to race in the Grand Prix. Whatever option you may pick, you are guaranteed to feel the thrill and excitement of the ride.

After all the exciting rides, you can opt for a guided tour of the lakefront on a Segway. The Segway-authorized touring company conducts tours that start from Navy Pier and heads north, passing through the beautiful Gold Coast neighborhood and reaching the historic Drake hotel.

Besides the various interesting rides and tours, the Pier also offers immense possibilities for dining and shopping. The food court in the Family Pavilion is open year round where you can sample an array of delectable delights. You can also try out any one of the popular restaurants such as the Billy Goat Tavern, Bubba Gump, Dock Street Café and Harry Caray’s Tavern.

Shopping is always fun on a full stomach and Navy Pier offers quite a few interesting options where you can spend to your heart’s content. It is one of the best places to take back home a little souvenir as a memento of your unforgettable experience.

Finally after a day of fun, thrill and adventure, the best way to round up your visit to Navy Pier is to watch the magnificent display of fireworks. A sight so amazing, it will surely stay with you forever.

Navy Pier Park Chicago Tickets Discount & Coupons:

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the go Chicago card:

• Adult $15.00, Child $15.00

Operation Hours:

• April-October: Hours change seasonally.
• Closed on thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Navy Pier
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 800-595-PIER
www.navypier.com

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Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

Situated in Jackson Park in Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry is considered to be one of the most popular museums in the world. It is in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and Lake Michigan and is regarded as the best in interactive museums. The museum boasts over 2,000 exhibits and it is advisable to reserve a day at least in order to see most of them.

One of the oldest exhibits is an interactive Coal Mine, which first made an appearance in 1934. Over a period of time, various advanced mining techniques have been incorporated, however, the highlight is undoubtedly a simulated tour down into the dark and unknown interiors of a coalmine. It transports you to an era when workers had to go down hundreds of feet with hardly any security and safety features. Another popular exhibit is a German submarine, U-505 that has been in the museum since 1954. It was captured in 1944 and it depicts the reality of a claustrophobic life under the sea.

The Transportation Zone features exhibits on land and air transportation. It has the world famous 999 Empire State Express, which was the first to achieve a speed of 100 miles per hour. It also has two World War II planes and the first diesel powered train.

At the exhibit ‘All Aboard the Silver Streak’ visitors get to enjoy a guided tour on one of America’s first diesel-electric passenger train, famously known as Pioneer Zephyr. Apart from this, the other interesting exhibit, Transportation Gallery allows you to discover fascinating aspects of various modes of transport such as the trains, airplanes and cars. You get the chance to board the engine of the Empire State Express 999 or observe the functioning of an actually United Airlines Boeing 727.

Yet another interactive exhibits is the Genetics and the Baby Chicken Hatchery, which shows how genetics alter animal and human development. At the hatchery you will get to see chicks come out of their shells and take their first steps and even get to learn about cloning and how genetic engineering can make frogs’ eyes glow.

From the scientific lab move onto something more charming like the Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, a fascinating reminiscent of a fairytale wonderland. This miniature palace will surely charm you with its impressive range of tiny treasures that includes murals and paintings, chandeliers ensconced with diamonds, emeralds and pearls, ancient statues and the tiniest bible dating back to 1840. Any kid who visits this place is really going to have his or her hands full for an entire day and would want to come back again for more.

A recent addition to the museum is the Henry Crown Space Center. It consists of a five story OMNIMAX Theater, which shows the story of space exploration in detail along with a space-shuttle experience. It also flaunts the Apollo 8 spacecraft, which was the first one to orbit the moon. This is truly once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed at any cost.

Last but not the least is the Yesterday’s Mainstreet, which is based on a street from the beginning of the last century. It has old fashioned fixtures, fire hydrants and several shops that started some huge Chicago businesses like the Jewel Tea Company, Berghoff’s Restaurant, Dr John B Murphy, Commonwealth Edison, Nickelodeon Cinema and many others.

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is designed to fire your imagination and take you on a truly unique and an unforgettable journey.
Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Tickets Discount & Coupons:

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the go Chicago card:

• Adult $20.00, Child $14.00

Operation Hours:

• Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am-4:00 pm;
• Sunday, 11:00 am-4:00 pm;
• Closed on Christmas Day

Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-684-1414
www.msichicago.org

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Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art

Chicago has always been synonymous with art, culture and architecture. It is home to a number of world-renowned attractions, museums and galleries. Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago is known globally for enjoying a prominent place on the Chicago cultural circuit. Art aficionados will find the museum particularly interesting considering it houses a number of fascinating exhibits. The museum was founded in 1967 and is known to contain thousands of objects of post World War II visual art.

Situated in downtown Chicago, the museum is housed within a building that was designed by Josef Paul Kleihues. Though the exteriors may not look very bright, but as you step inside, you will be greeted with a warm, welcoming and a colorful ambience. The two storey central corridor, elliptical staircases, three floors of exhibition spaces and the glass-walled atrium overlooking Lake Michigan make up for the dull exteriors.

Boasting 45,000 sq ft of gallery space, an auditorium and a sculpture garden, the museum does have much to display in terms of artistic expressions.

The museum does impress even the most discerning of art lovers with its extensive collection of visual art from 1945 to the present. Works by Chicago based artists are predominantly showcased and the various expressions contain a strong influence of surrealism, pop art and conceptual photography. At any given time only a small percentage of collection works are on view and can be found at any one of the exhibitions.

The museum offers a number of tours including free daily tours, special curator’s tours, private guided tours and self-guided tours. The curator’s tours are held on certain dates and it is advisable to check with the museum well in advance. The free tours conducted daily lasts for about 45 minutes and they begin in the second floor lobby. However, these free tours do adhere to specific timings. For example on Tuesdays it is held at 1, 2 and 6pm while from Wednesdays to Fridays it takes place only at 1pm. On Saturdays and Sundays it is conducted at 12, 1, 2 and 3pm. If you are traveling in a group you can always opt for a private guided tour.

It is also known for offering exciting opportunities for the complete family through carrying out special family programs and activities. For example every second Saturday, the museum host Family Days, where families are invited to learn about art through hands-on activities. For adults, regular art workshops are conducted, where individuals get an opportunity to focus on various aspects of artistic learning under the guidance of an accomplished artiste.

First Fridays are special where visitors can buy a ticket and get to enjoy live entertainment and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d’oeuvres. Besides, the exhibition, dance performances, plays and film festivals are also regularly hosted at the auditorium and tickets can be easily purchased online. With so much to do and see, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago truly embodies the essence of all art forms and showcases it in the most entertaining and engaging manner.

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Tickets Discount & Coupons:

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the go Chicago card:

• Adult $12.00, Child $7.00

Operation Hours:

• Tuesday, 10:00 am-8:00 pm;
• Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
• Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day and New year’s day.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-280-2660
www.mcachicago.org

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Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago IL

Situated within a lush green park north of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. This delightful little oasis found in the midst of the city’s soaring skyscrapers offers free admission to the park and is a delight for nature lovers. Boasting an impressive array of animal habitats of even the most rare species, stunning zoological gardens and exciting rides for the kids, the zoo is an ideal family attraction. The gardens at the park are truly beautiful covered in a carpet of verdant lawns and colorful blooms set against a backdrop of charming Georgian brick buildings and modern structures.

When was Lincoln Park zoo built? – The zoo was first started in 1868

Why was the Lincoln Park zoo in Chicago built? – The zoo was started with gift of two swans. It kept on growing for public entertainment.

Who was Lincoln Park zoo named after? – Zoo was named after Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln Park Zoo History: The zoo was founded in 1868. Two swans received as a gift in 1868 were first birds of the zoo. During 1874 new bear cub was introduced to the zoo. From then and now numbers of animals are growing at the zoo. For detailed history of Lincoln Park zoo, Click Here

A good place to start at is the Regenstein African Journey where the four habitats are home to some of the most magnificent creatures of the African jungles. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, hippopotamus, African wild dog and many more other wonderful animals will give you a chance to see them from close quarters.

Your next stop should be the state-of-the-art Regenstein Centre for Africa Apes. This place is absolutely unique and unlike anything that you may have seen. Occupying a living space of 29000 sq. ft. this $26 million centre is clustered with dozens of trees and almost 5,000 feet of artificial vines inhabited by chimpanzees and gorillas. The Kovler Gorilla Bamboo Forest, the Strangler Fig Forest and the Dry Riverbed Valley make up the three habitats.

Those who enjoy watching the activities of the furry creatures can make their way to the McCormick Bear Habitat, which is home to all kinds of bears including the Andean Bear, Malayan Sun Bear and Polar Bear.  The 266,000-gallon pool and underwater viewing windows allow you to even watch the polar bears from really close quarters.

Birds are always a delightful spectacle and at the Lincoln Park Zoo, there is a special McCormick Bird House, which is filled with the twitters of all kinds of exotic birds. An assortment of birds from the tropics, forests, savannahs and seashores present a pretty picture that reside within their respective habitats. Some of the popular species include Mandarin duck, piping plover, tawny frogmouth, scarlet ibis, snowy egret, Nicobar pigeon, red knot etc. The Regenstein Birds of Prey also contains some of the most exotic species including European white stork, snowy owl, cinereous vulture and bald eagle.

Kovler Penguin and Seabird House also amuses and delights with its diverse range of aquatic birds that are housed within the zoo’s 18,000gallon temperature controlled pool. Here you get a chance to come face to face with king penguin, rockhopper penguin, common murre, razorbill and tufted puffin.

A visit to the zoo is incomplete without meeting the king of the jungle and you can do exactly that at the Kovler Lion House. Situated in the heart of the zoo, you can hear the roars of the Afghan leopard, Amur leopard, African lion, puma, snow leopard and jaguar.

Some of the other interesting exhibits include the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond and Antelope and Zebra Area. Besides the various habitats, the zoo also offers two exciting rides for your little ones. Your child can hop onto the LPZoo Children’s Train Ride or enjoy a merry-go-round ride on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel. With so much to see and do, it isn’t surprising that the zoo is a favorite with both the locals and the tourists too.

Lincoln Park Zoo Timeline / Operation Hours:

• April–May – 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Memorial Day–Labor Day : Weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• September–October – 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• November–March – 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org

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A good place to start would be the ‘Miniland’, which is literally a miniature of Chicago, made from nearly 1.5 million LEGO bricks. It is right at the entrance and offers a fascinating glimpse into some of Chicago’s signature icons including the Sears Tower, Water Tower, Buckingham Fountain, Hancock building and even the ‘SeaPup’ speed boat.

After this captivating site, if your kids get all inspired to build something of their own, then the next stop should ideally be at ‘Build and Test’ or ‘Model Builders Workshop’, As the name suggests, at ‘Build and Test’ your child gets to use his or her creativity and imagination to create their own unique model from thousands of LEGO bricks. They can then take them to the Test Center to test if their model is truly good enough in comparison to others.

The ‘Model Builders Workshop’ also offers your kids and you a chance to challenge your creative skills by trying to build your own abstract sculpture. Several classes are held each day to offer step-by-step instructions on creating all kinds of unique models of buildings, animals, sports items etc.

If you are curious to know how these fascinating LEGO Bricks are made then a ‘Factory Tour’ is a must where Professor Brick a Brack will take you through each and every step of the manufacturing process. In fact you will even get to take home your own LEGO Factory brick.

If you have exercised enough of your creative skills and seek some thrill and adventure then how about experiencing some of the most exciting rides. ‘Technicycle’ is one such ride that lets you to enjoy a fast and thrilling experience where you spin in cycles and the challenge is to cycle as fast as you can to see how high you can go.

The ‘Dragon Ride’ is equally fun where you get to climb aboard the giant green dragon and enjoy a swirling ride through the medieval castle. However, all through the ride you need to watch out for the big red dragon, which can pop out and catch you, unaware. Another action packed adventure awaits you at the ‘Jungle Adventure’, which takes you on a quest to unearth the secret of the Jungle through the quiz card challenge. On the way you are accompanied by a delightful assortment of LEGO characters and creatures.

Finally round up your adventurous activities at the Physical Play or also known as the Soft Play zone. Big, bright and colorful, here you can spend hours mounting over the jungle gym and trying to scale up the heights of the climbing wall. After all that playing you can enjoy a nice little break at the LEGO café, where you can relish a host of delightful snacks and drinks.

Legoland Discovery Center Tickets Discount & Coupons:

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the Go Chicago card:

• Adult $19.00, Child $15.00

Operation Hours:

• Daily, 10:00 am-7:00 pm. Last ticket sold at 5:00 pm.
• Closed It is open 365 days a year

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Chicago

601 N. Martingale Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 866-929-8111
www.LEGOLANDdiscoverycenter.com

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Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago

Kohn Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago guarantees to offer an entertaining method of inculcating the love of learning in toddlers and young children. Occupying 8.8 acre of land, this Children’s Museum is situated in the center of The Glen in Glenview. The museum boasts an impressive range of 16 hands-on and interactive exhibits that are designed to entertain and engage your little ones to learn something new and exciting.

Adventures in Art: Give your child the opportunity to learn about math, science and social studies through a range of creative and interactive programs. For example, the ‘Invent An Animal’ exhibit allows children to make a collage of a creature that can fly, crawl or hop. The ‘Wind Sculptures’ encourages your child to learn about wind movement through the use of different types of materials. You can even work together to create a large scale mobile at the ‘Alexander Calder Mobiles’ or learn to create sculptures from recycled materials. Your child can even choose to dig into the mud and discover all kinds of garden tools or decorate a pot made out of paper and take it home. Though the programs change twice a month, all of them utilize creative tools and art media to encourage learning.

All About Me: Here the children get to know more about themselves in terms of their likes and dislikes, abilities and capabilities through a number of interesting activities. Some of the most popular games and activities include paint your face, finding your weight in milk jugs, balancing on beams, acting out different roles or choosing to test your muscles by squeezing the strength muscle device.

City On The Move: Science, math and technology come together to create a truly wonderful exhibit. Children get to make all kinds of shapes with elastic bands; design city scenes with geometric shapes; watch time-lapse videos of various areas in Chicago; play with magnets and test gravity by rolling balls along a vertical platform.

Habitat Park: Teach your child to appreciate their immediate natural surroundings and its various facets. The museum has a 2-acre nature park and a landscaped area for children where they can search for birds, small animals, pine-cones and flowers. They can paint designs with water on slate walls or observe the life cycle of monarch butterflies. Children can even go underground through the giant tunnel or roll down the gentle berms.

Music Makers: If your children have an inclination for music, then this is the perfect exhibit to take them to. Allow your children to learn about melody and rhythm by helping them to make their own music box. Let them create their own special symphony by creating a musical mix of melody, harmony and rhythm. Your child also gets a chance to beat the drums and other percussion instruments too.

Other significant exhibitions include the Play Library where the little ones get to browse through a range of books. At the Pet Vet they are taught to respect all kinds of animals by taking the stuffed animals in and out of cages or getting them ready for a show. Children get to run a grocer’s store at Dominick’s where they can bake bread, weigh food on the scales and load groceries into the van. All these fascinating exhibits combine to make learning an enjoyable experience for the little ones. Therefore, when in Chigaco, a visit to Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago is a must see experience for families with little kids.

Discount or Coupon Detail

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the go Chicago card:

• Adult $7.50, Child $7.50

Operation Hours:

• Mondays, 9:30 am–12:00 pm (June–August and School Holidays: 9:30 am–5:00 pm);
• Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 am–5:00 pm;
• Sunday, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
• Closed on July 4

Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago
2100 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, IL 60026
Phone: 847-832-6600
www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

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Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is a revelation into this city’s past, present and future. If you really want to everything there is to Chicago, your first stop should be at this museum. Founded in 1856, the museum is the city’s oldest cultural institution. The museum educates, entertains, engages and enthralls with its huge collection of artifacts and documents and various exhibitions and events.

The Collection at the Museum
The Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 22 million artifacts and documents that trace the city’s rich historic and cultural legacy. The museum showcases authentic information about Chicago and U.S. history. Depending on your interests and preferences you can choose to browse the collections on architecture, archives and manuscripts, costumes, books and published materials, decorative and industrial art, oral history, film and video, prints and photographs and paintings and sculptures.

Self-Guided Exhibition Tours
One of the permanent exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum is ‘Chicago: Crossroads of America’, which occupies practically the second floor of the museum. The exhibit acquaints you with the city’s most significant triumphs and trials through a number of galleries that feature photos, artifacts, published materials, multimedia presentations and interactive features etc.

‘City On The Make’ allow you to explore the evolution of Chicago’s economy from the fur trading days to the growing importance of the Union Stock Yards. A must see is the Pioneer Locomotive Engine and the ‘L’ Car No.1, which is the last remaining rail cars.

‘City In Crisis’ gives you a chance to learn about the city’s six dramatic crisis starting from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to the Democratic National Convention of 1968. You can travel through the passage of time to experience the

‘Sweet Home Chicago’ is getting to know about the community life in the city with a special video presentation where residents share their story of what it’s like to live in Chicago.

‘My Kind of Town’ urge you to explore the city’s cultural scene through a series of world fairs, music and theatre exhibits. The Chicago Jazz and Blues Club bring the music history to life by featuring sounds, instruments and images.

Besides, the collections and the permanent exhibition, the museum also has special museum tour packages for the complete family. Make it a fun filled experience for your kids by taking them to the exhibition ‘Sensing Chicago’. Here they will get to learn about the city by exploring the sights, sounds and smells of the city. They can choose to ride on a high-wheel bicycle through a wood-paved street; get to hear the Great Chicago Fire; try and know more about the city’s history through the Smell Map or enjoy the opportunity to create an oversized postcard.

There’s even a museum store, where you can choose to buy posters, collection photographs, jewelry, decorative pieces or even apparel and accessories to either gift or take back home as a souvenir. Chicago History Museum truly offers something for everyone and it offers an opportunity to learn as much as possible about this magnificent metropolis.

Discount or Coupon Detail

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the go Chicago card:

• Adult $14.00, Child $0.00

Operation Hours:

• Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 am-4:30 pm;
• Thursday, 9:30 am-8:00 pm;
• Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-4:30 pm;
• Sunday, 12:00 pm-5:00 pm.
• Closed on thanksgiving, christmas day and New Year’s Day.

Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 312-642-4600
www.chicagohistory.org

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Chicago Childrens Museum Review & Discount Detail

Situated on the famous Navy Pier, Chicago Childrens Museum is a popular attraction with both kids and adults. If you are traveling to Chicago on a holiday with your family then a visit to this fascinating site makes it worthwhile. While your kids get to enjoy and learn a lot of new and interesting things, you get to revisit your childhood. The Chicago Children’s museum features a number of permanent exhibits, programs and workshops.

One of the most notable exhibits is the Dinosaur Expedition that displays a relic of the expedition to Sahara in 1997. It gives kids an opportunity to experience an expedition like environment and indulge in activities such as camping, scientific research and excavation where they can dig for the bones of the Saharian dinosaur Suchomimum.

The Inventing Lab, as the name suggests, allows your kids to use their imagination and skill to invent amazing little things. They can spend hours learning about inventions and enjoying challenging games. The Alarm Clock game challenges you to wake up the sleeping bear while in the Headhouse Tower you can design your own flying machine and see it fly.

The Kids Town at Chicago Children’s Museum is literally a little town with a replica of a great neighborhood. This miniature town is built specially for kids aged five and younger. A host of fun and interactive activities makes it interesting and promotes learning among the little ones.

From an ideal neighborhood where your child can ride a little car or shop at the grocer’s store, allow your child to experience something more unique at the Allstate Foundation Presents Play It Safe. Most kids are fascinated by a firefighter and here they get a chance to step into the boots of one and experience what it entails. The exhibit at Chicago Children’s Museum features a realistic firehouse and comes complete with fire truck, command center and a fire pole. The kids get to learn about safety lessons while they play and have fun.

The Kraft Artabounds Studio is where you get to enjoy a fascinating array of works of art by families and children. The gallery showcases a range of stunning art pieces. The Big Backyard is where you will find a fusion of art and technology. It is an urban garden that features technology enhanced enormous insects, giant toadstools, flowers and a host of other amazing creations.

The exhibits don’t end here because there is even the Koyler Family Climbing Schooner where kids can experience voyage to the bottom of the ocean and explore the tropical fish. Then they can get onto the rafters and soar through the tubes to the very top. At Chicago Children’s Museum, there is even an exhibit known as the My Museum where the little ones can take a self-portrait or even choose to pass through a mirrored Kaleidoscope tunnel and see reflections of one’s own and others.

All these amazing exhibits combine to make Chicago Children’s Museum one of the most popular attractions of this sophisticated metropolis. Without a doubt, it offers an exciting and a fascinating experience to both adults and kids.

Discount or Coupon Detail

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the Go Chicago card:

• Adult $10.00, Child $10.00

Operation Hours:

• Sunday-Wednesday, Friday-Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm;  Thursday, 10:00 am-8:00 pm.
• Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Chicago Childrens Museum
Navy Pier
700 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-527-1000
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

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• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Adler Planetarium

Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours

Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit group dedicated to increasing awareness and providing information on Chicago’s architectural treasures. Chicago’s unprecedented success as a city of architectural gems towers over all the other major architectural sights found elsewhere in the country. In 1871, Chicago’s downtown experienced the Great Chicago Fire, which prepared the stage for creating and showcasing to the world unique and innovative architectural structures.

Established in 1966, the Foundation excels in offering a spectrum of information and guidance through tours, exhibitions, programs and education workshops. It is an ideal gateway to get you well acquainted with the city’s most prominent edifices and structures.

Tours: Depending on what piques your interest, you have the option to choose a river cruise, a walking tour or a bus tour. The other alternative is to opt for all the three options and make your trip that much more enjoyable.

• Boat Tour: The 90 minutes architectural river cruise gives you the chance to marvel at Chicago’s 50 most prominent sites. You can choose to tour the city aboard any one of the three vessels known as Chicago’s First Lady, Chicago’s Little Lady and Chicago’s Fair Lady.

• Bus Tour: The Foundation offers three bus tours – Highlights By Bus, Frank Lloyd Wright by Bus and Framsworth House PLUS by Bus. The first tour takes you on a journey that traces the city’s founding architectural sites to the present modern day gleaming structures. It almost covers 30 miles encompassing sites in the Loop, Hyde Park, the Gold Coast, Lakefront and several residential complexes. The second bus tour allows you to explore the neighborhood where Frank Lloyd Wright stayed and developed the unique prairie form of architecture. The itinerary includes the tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and a guided walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District.
• The third bus tour promises an extraordinary experience as it explores the works of the famous Modernist architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. You will get to view a collection of some of his greatest architectural works and his iconic masterpiece called the Farnsworth House.

• Walking Tours: The trust also conducts three different types of walking tours. ‘Historic Downtown (South): Rise of the Skyscraper’ tour takes you back in time as you get to explore some of the earliest and world famous skyscrapers. The popular landmarks include Burnham and Root’s Rookery, Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building, Marquette Building and Chicago Board of Trade Building. This Historic Downtown (north) is yet another tour that treats you to some of the most magnificent architectural landmarks of State Street and Michigan Avenue. If you are more interested in learning about contemporary architecture, then the Modern Skyscrapers tour is the ideal option. Trace the evolution of Modernism as you browse at the contemporary models including Trump Tower, One South Dearbon and the Art Institute’s Modern Wing.

Exhibitions and Programs: Besides tours, the trust is also known for holding exhibitions and programs regularly. One of the most popular exhibitions is the Chicago Model City, which is free and open to the public seven days a week. The exhibition focuses on discovering Chicago’s role as a model for city building. The highlight is the 320sq ft model of the downtown that allows you to view Chicago from a new perspective. Though this is one of the regular fixtures, there are a variety of other exhibitions that are regularly showcased as well. The program calendar features Wednesday Lunchtime Lectures, special programs, Behind-the-Scenes Tour and even education classes.

Discount or Coupon Detail

FREE Access With Go Chicago Card

Cost without the Go Chicago card:

• Adult $15.00, Child $15.00

Operation Hours:

• Daily, 9:00 am-6:30 pm;
• Tours every day. Frequency varies by season.
• Closed – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day.

Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-922-3432 ext. 240
www.architecture.org

Related Posts on Chicago Things to Do:

• Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• Brookfield Zoo
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Chicago
• Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Arlington Park Racetrack
• Willis Tower Skydeck – Sears Tower
• Navy Pier Chicago

Big city Chicago has tons of places to eat including local and famous chains such as Chili’s, Stir Crazy, Big Bowl, Chipotle and Old Chicago Restaurant. Coupons are the best way to save on dining, that’s what they said. I am sure you are also looking for Chicago restaurant coupons. There are many ways to cut down on food cost while eating at fine restaurants in Chicago, but following tips will help you save even more on your lunch or dinner cost in Chicago. Hundreds of restaurants in Chicagoland area are participating in Restaurant.com gift certificate program. By considering following tips and tricks you can save big amount every month. DO NOT get confused with word “Gift Certificate”, Restaurant.com gift certificates can be used for your own meal purchase as well. It is not just for gift giving purpose. It’s kind of a discounted coupon for Chicago restaurant.

1. Try to use Chicago restaurant.com gift certificate for your payment whenever it’s possible. Restaurant.com always offers $25 gift certificate for $10 but time to time their special offer makes it even cheaper. For example: special discounted restaurant.com gift certificates will be sold only for $2, $3, $4 and/or $5. To get the cheapest rate always make sure to check following banner ad before making any new Restaurant.com gift certificate. Following special offer banner updates automatically as soon as new offer is available. So, keep checking back regularly for Chicago restaurant coupons here. – Make sure to BOOKMARK this page.
   
   
2. Buy Chicago Restaurant.com gift certificates sometimes during the first or second week of Month. Usually these restaurant coupon certificates are very limited in numbers and runs out quickly before the end of the Month. So make sure to secure few for your favorite dinning places.
3. Big metro Chi City is densely populated and I believe your circle of friends is dense as well Try to go for lunch or dinner with friend(s) or family. Restaurant.com certificate is applicable on minimum of $35 total bill. That means after $25 certificate payment, you will have to pay only $10 plus tax. Apart from money, I don’t think so that you can eat $25 worth of food alone.
4. Join the Dinner of the Month Club at Restaurant.com and get one of three available discount options. You can enroll for 3, 6 or 12 months discount through Dinner of the Month Club. Following banner gives detail about the available discount options. As of today, at the time of writing this article, following are 3 available discount options.
   - 3 months with a FREE $10 gift certificate
   - 6 months with a FREE $25 gift certificate
   - 12 months with a FREE $50 gift certificate.
   
   

My Request to All You Restaurant.com Certificate Buyers:
By now, you know tips to save big while dining in your favorite Chicago restaurants. But at the same time, make sure that you give tip on the original price to waiter or waitress. You know, they have been working hard to serve you. So DO NOT calculate your tip on discounted price, I would rather recommend you to consider tipping on pre-discounted price. That’s my 5 cent as part of my request.

Swissotel Chicago Downtown hotel is the example of modern, three-sided Chicago Hotel. Hotel is optimized for river view, lake view and city view. Swissotel Chicago offers 661 rooms with different views. Room rates may vary based on the view selection. Rooms are also decorated using modern styles which add up the relaxation and soothing feeling to guests’ experience. Hotel has been a favorite place for business travelers who are looking for comfy and relaxing stay after long day business meetings.

Hotel offers Health Club access located on 42nd floor for minimal fee. Health Club features full gym including treadmills, bicycles, fitness stair masters, free-weight rooms including locker rooms. Guests can take shower and use hair dryers, a lounging area and body products in Locker room. Hotel offers complimentary fruit, towels, juice and newspaper to guests. If you are looking for relaxing spa or pool then you can take advantage of FREE indoor pool, sauna and spa tub at the hotel. It is free to all guests. Extra surcharges will be applied for massage service.

Popular Amenities

• Business Center
• Fitness Center
• Internet Access Available *
• Restaurant On-site
• Babysitting
• Jacuzzi
• Parking
• Room Service
• Indoor Pool
• Pets Allowed

Health club fee: $15 per day
Valet parking is available for $52 per 24-hour period, with in/out privileges. You can get 50% discount on Hybrid vehicles.

Guests can walk up to Michigan Avenue through an underground mall.  This underground Mall is connected Swissotel Chicago to Michigan Avenue by providing easy access to shopping places along the Mag Miles. If you are traveling during Winter then you can take advantage of this weather-free underground walk.

For summer travelers, 20-mile long Lake Michigan’s shoreline is wide open just 3 blocks away from the hotel. If you are planning to do outdoor and water activities such as running, walking, bicycling, skating, sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking or fishing then you can bring your own gears or can rent from the beachfront locations. Closest beach called Oak Street Beach is located just 1 mile north of the Swissotel Chicago. Guests can also take advantage of public tennis courts and golf course located 5 miles northeast of the hotel.

Hotel is located close to main Chicago Attractions such as Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Chicago Children’s Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum of Natural History, John Hancock Tower, Shedd Aquarium and many more.

If you are planning to visit Chicago then you have two airport options which include Chicago, IL (MDW – Midway) and Chicago O’Hare International airport (ORD – O’Hare International). O’Hare airport is 25 miles from the hotel but it is the preferred airport for Swissotel, Chicago.

The Fairmont Chicago Hotel Review
The Fairmont Chicago Downtown Hotel at Millennium Park is located 3 blocks away from the famous ocean like Lake Michigan Shore. The hotel is conveniently located only half-block away from Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile. Not only that hotel is close enough to walk to the renowned Chicago attractions such as Chicago Art Institute, Field Museum of Natural History, Navy Pier. On hotel site, you will be amazed with the lobby showcases portraying modern art and antiques. Offsetting armchairs, tables and couches are adding up the beauty.

The Fairmont Chicago Hotel offers 687 guestrooms which include city views as well as Lake Michigan Views. Hotel rooms with lake view will cost more compare to city view rooms. If you are really looking for amazing lake view then please mention at the time of booking. If you are lucky then you would get the marvelous lake view room at Fairmont Chicago.

Popular Amenities

• Business Center
• Internet Access Available
• Restaurant On-site
• Pets Allowed – Pet fee charged at hotel/condo. Only small pets are allowed
• Parking
• Room Service

Most importantly, The Fairmont Chicago Hotel at Millennium Park is located close to Lake Michigan. As a result, you can take advantage of lakefront beaches and path. It’s fun to bike, walk or jog by Michigan Lakefront. You can rent bikes if you are looking to bike. At the time of check in, please ask about bike rental to front desk. They might have collaboration with local rental shops. During summer Oak Street Beach, located just one mile away, is very famous for sunbathing, swimming and other water activities. You can rent equipment for Canoeing, Kayaking and rowing from Lincoln Park Boathouse, which is located 3 miles north of the hotel.

Golf lovers can take advantage of 9 holes golf course called Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course located 5 miles of the hotel along Lake Michigan. Well, if you like to get pampered then you do not have to go far, you can take advantage of on site spa rooms to relax yourself. Spa offers features eight treatment rooms offering massage and body wraps, steam room and scented chilled towels.

First and most important thing I would recommend you to start your trip with Chicago downtown if you are on 1 Day trip. As we all know the challenge of getting a parking in Chicago downtown, I would recommend you to use public transportation instead of having your personal car or car rental. I am sure you don’t want to spend tons of money just on parking. So people, get ready to use public transportation. Chicago has the best local transportation in entire Midwest region. Hmmm… I would say in United States. No matter where you are, start your journey by catching Green, Orange, Brown, Purple or Red Line. If you are taking Green, Orange, Brown, Blue or Purple line then you need to exit at Adams station. For all Red Line travelers need to exit at Jackson. Metra train is also a good option if you are starting from suburbs. Metra train travelers need to exit at the last station: Union Station or OTC station.

1. Willis Tower Skydeck
Start your day with the world famous Willis Skydeck tower, formerly known as Sears Tower. I would say that No trip to Chicago can be completed without experiencing the “7 wonders of Chicago”- the tallest building in entire western hemisphere. Sounds exciting isn’t it? You will be more excited and thrilled when you watch the 360 degree view from the top. Yup, you will be able to view four states from the top of the tower. In 2009, newly opened glass bottom thriller skydeck has its own impression on tourist.

Address: Willis Tower Skydeck – 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL – (312) 875-9696

2. The Art Institute
The Chicago Art Institute is located right across from the Chicago Architecture Foundation. If you are on one day tour then you must visit this museum to take advantage of world renowned galleries. Among all galleries do not miss to visit European and American contemporary art galleries.

Address: The Chicago Art Institute – 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL – (312) 443-3600

3. Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour
Chicago offers world famous architecture. And without a doubt, if you are interested in knowing the revolution of Chicago’s architecture then Chicago Architecture Foundation is your gateway to the knowledge. You can start your tour by going through the orientation center featuring the large scale model of downtown Chicago and explores the innovative ideas behind today’s one fine well shaped Chicago. You can select the tour of your choice – Walking or boat tour. If you are traveling with kids then I would recommend river boat tour to avoid walking hassle. Hop on the boat and go around the downtown and learn the architecture history.

Address: Chicago Architecture Foundation – 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL – (312) 922-3432

4. Millennium Park
Once you are done with Art Institute then go little north to Millennium Park. Millennium Park is the place where everybody loves to get together and have fun. Especially kids love it! Do you know why? Kids love the huge video-screen faces with fountain.  Kids can easily have fun time dancing in the fountain. Fountains will be closed during winter. But, my 5 cents, visit bean-shaped sculptures desinged by Anish Kapoor before you go for the fountain. You MUST see the bean.

Address: Millennium Park – 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL – (312) 742-1168

Break Time
Well, If you are visiting Chicago during summer then either you can choose to sit in the Millennium park and enjoy your snacks/food or go to any restaurant or fast food place to quench your thirst and hunger. But all winter vacationers do not have choice of eating outside in the park. You have to find some warm place to eat and you can only get it at restaurants.

5. Michigan Avenue Bridge
Time to capture memories… Yup, walk further north on Michigan Avenue and stop at the Chicago River Bridge. On a nice day you will see other vacationers taking pictures on the bridge.

Address: Michigan Avenue Bridge – N Michigan Ave, Chicago – (312) 744-9050

6. The Magnificent Mile
Michigan Avenue offers 14-block wide area for people watching. Magnificent Mile is stretched from the river to Oak Street. Magnificent Mile is famous for shopping. You can take advantage of malls, boutiques and other small clothing brands. Whether you want to spend money buying cloths or not but stroll on the street will make your day full of energy and fun. It’s fun to get into the energy of vibrant metropolitan city.

Address: 14 Block on Michigan Avenue between Michigan Avenue Bridge to Oak Street

7. Oak Street Beach
Head north of Magnificent Miles and you will hit the Oak Street Beach. Oak Street beach is one of the most popular spots of Chicago. To be honest, it’s the most popular people watching place. From spring to fall season time oak Street Beach is always crowded with skaters, bikers, sunbathers and tourists. You will see people enjoying sunbath on sandy beach as well as concrete area. You can spend time on the beach until it gets little dark or twilight time.

8. John Hancock Center – Signature Bar & Lounge
If you are not traveling with kids then you might want to consider John Hancock Signature Bar & Lounge located on 97th floor. You can have couple of drinks. Just beware drinks will cost more on 97th floor compare to ground floor. But it is worth spending as you will be amazed with night view of Chicago from 97th floor.

Address: John Hancock Centre – 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL – (312) 751-3680

Chicago 1-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 2 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 3 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

Chicago 2-Day Itinerary is planned in combination with Chicago 1-Day itinerary. After experiencing Chicago downtown and key architectural attractions on first day, now it’s the time to move to the Chicago city oriented attractions. That includes city’s Museum Campus, Fountain, Chicago Zoo, Aquarium and many similar renowned Chicago attractions. Trust me, these attractions you can consider on your things to do in Chicago list. So, get ready to feel the city like the local Chicagoans.

1. Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History is renowned museum holding rare exhibitions in the world. The Museum is known as the home to world’s largest Tyrannosaurus  Rex (T. Rex) named Sue. You will explore and enjoy the exhibits including the famous man-eating Lions of Tsavo Africa, Inside Ancient Egypt and Evolving Planet. At ‘Inside Ancient Egypt’, visitors can learn and discover the Egyptian skill through 23 mummies and 5,000-year-old hieroglyphics reside.
Address: Field Museum of History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 Phone: 312-922-9410

2. Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium Chicago is the largest indoor aquarium in the world. Currently there are more than 8000 aquatic animals for your fun at the aquarium. It was known for being the largest indoor aquarium with saltwater fish collection. Good place to spend time with family or beloved one.

Address: John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: 312-939-2438

3. Adler Planetarium (Optional)
You can consider Adler Planetarium as optional things to do in Chicago if you are not big fan of space. Adler Planetarium features award winning skyline views including shows and exhibits related to space.

Address: Adler Planetarium, 300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605 Phone: 312-922-STAR

4. Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is located in Grand Park. It is famous stone fountain where you can enjoy the water jets raising in the sky on musical notes. The fountain show is scheduled to happen every hour. So try to be there on the hour. If you have time in the evening then come back to the fountain and watch the show with colorful lights. Buckingham fountain is closed during winter months – November to March. Night show is worth watching so if you have extra time then try to make it once it gets dark.

Address: Buckingham Fountain, 500 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL – (312) 742-7529

5. Lake Michigan Skyline Boat Tour or Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Lake Michigan Skyline tour or Chicago River Architecture cruise are great option. Shoreline Sightseeing offers cruises and water taxis starting from Navy Pier. Tour begins from the conveniently located dock station close to Navy Pier. Lake Michigan Skyline tour will take you around the Michigan Lake to see the amazing Chicago skyline. Guided Chicago River cruise are designed to explore Chicago’s architecture. You can consider both or at least one cruise.

Address: Shoreline Sightseeing, 585 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL Phone: (312) 464-6432‎

6. Navy Pier
Trip to Chicago is not complete without visiting Navy Pier. Navy Pier has been always crowded with Chicago local as well tourists from around the world. Navy Pier is opened since 1995 providing great entertainment to people through rides, restaurants, exhibitions, shopping, dining cruises and boats. You can get everything at one place.

Address: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 595-7437

Break Time
Consider to take some break at Navy Pier. You can take a break by finding sitting area in food court or nice restaurants located at Navy Pier.
From Navy Pier, take the free Navy Pier shuttle to the Grand El station (Red Line), and ride north to the Addison stop.

7. Wrigley Field
For baseball fans, Wrigley Field would be like the most considerable spot, home of Chicago Cubs. Wrigley Field is considered as the second oldest stadium. You will be able to get Cubs souvenirs from the shops around the stadium. Oh well, if you really want to watch a game during your trip then you might want to plan little bit earlier before you come to Chicago to book tickets. You can take a chance by just coming to the stadium one hour before the game starts and check if someone is selling tickets outside the door. Overall the place is worth visiting.

Address: Wrigley Field, 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613 Phone: (773) 404-2827

Chicago 2-Day Itinerary Map for Understanding:

P.S. – Due to space limitation, Wrigley Field is not displayed on the Itinerary Map.

Related Chicago Itineraries:

• Chicago 1 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 3 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 4 Day Itinerary

I believe by the time you are starting your third day in Chicago, you must have completed your Chicago one day itinerary and Chicago. Chicago 3-Day Itinerary is planned to follow after the Chicago 1-Day Itinerary and Chicago 2-Day Itinerary. During third day of your Chicago Vacation, now it’s time to go further north away from the Chicago downtown. You can start with CTA bus 151 or 156 from downtown or you can start from O’Hare Airport through Blue Line. Check Transit Chicago for more route detail.

Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago is one of the oldest zoos in United States of America. Currently zoo is taking care of 1200 animals related to around 230 species. Lincoln Park Zoo is the best place to have some family time with kids because zoo offers Children’s zoo, paddle boats and carousel. Best thing about the place is that there is no entrance fee or tickets. Yup, Lincoln Park Zoo has FREE admission.