Chicago Travel Questions

[xerodok]

So in the first week of July I'm planning on driving to Chicago to hang out with my girlfriend for a few days. I've been to Chicago plenty of times but every time I've either took the train or flew, so I have a few questions for anyone that might know.

Where's a good place to park my car for a few days? Is there parking lots/garages that charge like $20 per day or can I park somewhere free?

How much are day passes for the train?

Any good new restaurants for dinner plans that anyone can suggest?

We planned on going to the art institute and do some shopping, but any suggestions are welcome.

[Komm Suesser Tod]

So in the first week of July I'm planning on driving to Chicago to hang out with my girlfriend for a few days. I've been to Chicago plenty of times but every time I've either took the train or flew, so I have a few questions for anyone that might know.

Where's a good place to park my car for a few days? Is there parking lots/garages that charge like $20 per day or can I park somewhere free?

How much are day passes for the train?

Any good new restaurants for dinner plans that anyone can suggest?

We planned on going to the art institute and do some shopping, but any suggestions are welcome.

The train is cheap as shit, and parking is going to be a bitch. Find a place as far out as you can to park and take a train into the city proper.

[*Shinzon*]

So in the first week of July I'm planning on driving to Chicago to hang out with my girlfriend for a few days. I've been to Chicago plenty of times but every time I've either took the train or flew, so I have a few questions for anyone that might know.

Where's a good place to park my car for a few days? Is there parking lots/garages that charge like $20 per day or can I park somewhere free?

How much are day passes for the train?

Any good new restaurants for dinner plans that anyone can suggest?

We planned on going to the art institute and do some shopping, but any suggestions are welcome.

Now I don't know anything about Chicago but most cities have municipal parking lots for people looking to park for free. However I would highly advise against that because those lots are notorious for cars and belongings being stolen. If you have to pay you might be better off that way.

[Rhinox]

So in the first week of July I'm planning on driving to Chicago to hang out with my girlfriend for a few days. I've been to Chicago plenty of times but every time I've either took the train or flew, so I have a few questions for anyone that might know.

Where's a good place to park my car for a few days? Is there parking lots/garages that charge like $20 per day or can I park somewhere free?

How much are day passes for the train?

Any good new restaurants for dinner plans that anyone can suggest?

We planned on going to the art institute and do some shopping, but any suggestions are welcome.

where in chicago?

[xerodok]

Just the downtown area generally, but I don't mind parking far away & taking the metro in. I'm meeting her at Union Station.

[Callisto]

Depending on which way you're coming from, there's a few stops along the CTA Blue Line(off the top of my head mainly Jefferson Park) out NW of the city that have spots where you can just park on the street for free and walk a block or two to the train, then just take that in downtown. Others like Cumberland have their own lot that is much cheaper than actual downtown parking. Actually parking downtown sucks ass, I wouldn't recommend it.

for reference: http://www.transitchicago.com/

[Jaybar]

The major downtown area has extremely limited parking (fee-wise). If you park in lots, expect to pay a hefty hourly/daily fee. Some of the outlining residential districts have curbside parking for free, and if your GF lives among there, you might find a good spot. I used to drive down Southport all the time to a friend's place and have to get parking along Barry.

Most metered spots are free after 9pm, I believe. But yea, even the metered zones are expensive in the Loop.

[kyod]

Beware, most streets are permit parking only in Chicago and many of the surrounding suburbs. In the past year or two, many streets that used to be free parking are now limited/permitted.

The CTA lots off the Blue Line might be your best bet, but I'm not sure if they allow extended parking (over 24hrs). Because I lived in Rogers Park, there is a newer parking garage off of Loyola/Sheridan that doesn't charge that much for 24hr+ parking. Much faster ride into downtown on the Red Line than the Blue Line (plus you don't have to deal with lolKennedy traffic getting to the Blue Line lots). I believe this lot is around $20/day if not less.

For restaurants, what's your price range? West Loop has amazing places, but a lot of them are higher price point.

How long are you in Chicago for? A 3-day CTA pas is $14 while a 7-day pass is $23

[xerodok]

Any price range. Anything different/romantic/unique is fine with me.

[tyven]

GOD CHICAGO PWNS EVERY TIME THERE IS A THREAD ABOUT IT I GET SO SAD IN MY SOUL THAT I DONT LIVE THERE. I WILL COME SEE YOU IN JULY MY DEAR CITY

[kyod]

Any price range. Anything different/romantic/unique is fine with me.

Since money doesn't matter, I recommend Moto in the West Loop. It's very expensive, but the experience is pretty amazing. They pretty much blow away any perceptions about food. They do a 10 course menu that honestly blew my mind. Went with a friend and it was worth every penny. It took a while though.

North Pond in Lincoln Park is also a great place to go, a lot more romantic than Moto. It's formal dress though.

Sola is also a great place off Lincoln/Damen/Irving Park. I go there for brunch a lot, but the dinner and lunch menu is amazing. Not too expensive either. Very intimate.

I have dozens of other suggestions as well.

[Mayareira]

ctrl + F BBQ

I'm disappoint.