Driving/Weekend trip down to Chicago. Tips? Tricks?

[gt_killa]

Sorry for jacking the thread, but I'll be heading to Northbrook, IL soon to visit a friend who just moved there recently...I believe it's about 30 mins away from Chicago. Any one have any suggestions on what there to do in Northbrook? Is it that bad to be driving in Chicago? Should I still rent a car?

[Arvin]

There might be a Metra train near there? Not sure but parking in the city is fucking disgusting and I highly advise against it.

[Jaybar]

Northbrook is pretty boring, it's a post-war suburb mostly. You can take Rt.41/I-90 south into Chicago if you want. That is the most direct route. There is a Metra station as well in Northbrook that goes to Union Station in Chicago.

You're better off going east and visiting the North Shore communities if you just want to hang out (danger, rich snobs about). Evanston up through Lake Forest (my old hometown) have very congenial downtown districts (far better than Northbrook's in my opinion). The Landmark Inn is really nice though - that's the only place I really enjoyed in Northbrook, and it's located right next to the Metra station.

[gt_killa]

ah i see..How long does it take to go from the Metra to Union Station? Thank you for all the inputs so far!

[Jaybar]

I think it's about a 40min ride from Northbrook - might be faster than that. Check www.metrarail.com for times and ticket prices. Your line is the MD-N (the orange one).

Also forgot to mention - check out Ravinia if you want a nice chill time outdoors with music that isn't in Chicago. It's really close actually to where you'll be. Not sure if any of those festivals are up your alley. Last year they had the Lord of the Rings Symphonic Orchestra and I completely missed it (don't ever miss that. Ever.)

[gt_killa]

I'll definitely check that out. Outdoor festivals always sounds fun lol. Got another question, is there any place in chicago or close by that offer a nice view of the city from up high thats accessible at any time? Planning to go see at night, kind of like the twins peak and top of the world in San Francisco? And I'm looking for places, things to do that anyone local would go, not really interested in like tourists-ey areas. Any recommendation is appreciated! Thanks!

[Callisto]

It's more if a kids thing since most of their games are ticket-redemption, but there's a Nickel City arcade in Northbrook, they have a Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Street Fighter III: Third Strike cabinet if you're into that and it's next to a pretty decent deli.

[Norrissnake]

Best Italian beef in Chi town... GO!

[Callisto]

I personally like Portillo's, but Al's is very good as well

[Tekki]

Als is good. Ill be honest, the last Portillos I had was in Northwest Indiana.

Also, I have a super secret awesome cheap parking spot that puts you pretty close downtown.

On Balbo/State there is a bar with a public parking spot that has $6 parking after 3, til midnight. Its right on the red line so you can take that anywhere.

[Tyche]

I think my wife and I are going to drive up to the Windy City the weekend of June 21st. We haven't had a weekend away from kids for over a half decade. Going to hit up some of the tips from this thread.

[Jaybar]

Oh. My. God. I'm so glad I checked out those Ravinia shows -

Lord of the Rings performed by the CSO on Aug. 15 & 16

Fuck. Yes.

[Dryr]

I've only been twice.

Aggressive bums, drug hub of the midwest. Museums are the only reason to visit outside of business.

[Denchi]

Fun weekend. Tired as hell.....

Will post updates/lame photos when I'm less dead.

[Denchi]

Alright. So trip complete. It didn't turn out quite like I wanted it to...but it was still pretty fun. The lady friend and I were hoping to kind of run around on our own and see what Chicago was all about, using your guys' tips. But the guy we stayed with, who's a friend, tagged along to everything and was our tour guide, which slowed us down a little and changed some of our itinerary. It was also cold as fuck this last weekend, which was a huge huge bummer. But we still managed to have a good time.

Without getting too specific, I enjoyed my trip, but I certainly did not fall in love with Chicago. This was the largest city I've ever been to (grew up in MN, spent 6 years out West in AZ and drove around tons down there) and I really grew to appreciate having wide open spaces and nature, etc etc. Chicago doesn't have that, it's a huge freaking city, people everywhere, can't drive. So while it's certainly good for some things, and I can see the appeal, I don't think it's for me. Although I might go back just for Kuma's....

I certainly wasn't focused on taking a ton of pictures during this trip. So keep that in mind, these pictures aren't terribly great/interesting, but just thought I'd share them anyways. Some stolen from the other person's FB.

Spoiler: show

First stop was Madison to have lunch with some old friends and then go check out the National Championships for college ultimate frisbee. Caught a Colorado vs Georgia game that was pretty good. No photos from this other than the friend pointing to a sign.....weather was nice, though!



Friday evening we were beat from driving, so we just went to a bar near the place we were staying. Schubas? Beers were had.

Then Saturday we got up and went to breakfast at another place nearby, Southport Grocery, which was pretty good. Then we walked over and just took a look at Wrigley Field. It was cold and we needed to carry all of our shit with us since we were headed to go play frisbee.



Then we went downtown to wander. There was a parade



and some large owls that scared me



But beyond that downtown was kinda boring. I'm just not as interested in buildings. So then we trekked over by the lake more north and played some pickup ultimate, which isn't pictured....but it was fun.

Then we went back downtown to at least hit up Millenium Park. Which was kinda fun.




Then, once our apetite came back, we finally hit up Kuma's. Our tourguide didn't think we needed to trek to the original Kuma's, especially because the wait would be longer, and the new one was on our way back.




I was challenged by the small Asian to an eating contest. What I hadn't realized when I ordered it was that I order the biggest fucking thing on the menu.



But god dammit I tried......and failed.... I ate the 10oz burger hidden inside. But it was too much. Either way, I really loved this place. Would definitely go back.



Went home, got cleaned up, hit up the Signature Room. The view was nice, the drinks weren't that great, overpriced, etc. Should have just done 1 drink for the view rather than making an evening of it.



Sunday morning we hit up Portillos for breakfast/lunch. Which was a fun place and pretty good. Nothing amazing, though.



Then we did the Field Museum and saw 2 exhibits which was pretty cool. Outside the museum was also this asshole.




And we also kept seeing these things around the city. No idea what they are.....enlighten us?



Then we went to the Art Institute and saw some modern art....a Jambox!



And this bad boy. Unfortunately, Picasso had left.



Sunday eve we wanted pizza, and despite suggestions here, they took us to Pequod's. The pizza was good, but not amazing.



Then we were too tired from walking around...so we sat inside and drank beer and watched a movie.

And that's it! Again, thanks for the suggestions, was a pretty good time. I'll have to go back again and do some more things on that list before really judging Chicago. Also when it's warmer....

[tyven]

fuck i love chicago

[Rhinox]

fuck i love chicago

^

[Arvin]

Yo I can see the noodle from my sidewalk. Southport Grocery and Cafe is the best brunch so good call on that. Looks like you had a good time

[Denchi]

Yo I can see the noodle from my sidewalk. Southport Grocery and Cafe is the best brunch so good call on that. Looks like you had a good time

Ha, yeah that area is pretty cool. Apparently all the bars around there stay open rather late?

Southport was delicious, really enjoyed it. The wait was like 2 hours, but no one was sitting outside so it was so cold. So we braved the freezing temperatures and got in right away. Really tasty. We also needed to get over to play frisbee by like 2 so we were in a rush.

[Tyche]

If a man wanted to do some shopping, where would I go in Chicago?