I'm running a Chicago Half this weekend, we'll be in town Thurs. - Monday. This is our first time to Chicago so we're very much looking forward to eating our way through the city with some sightseeing of course.
So far we have purchased the City Pass and made reservations at The Girl & Her Goat and RPM. We also plan on taking the architecture boat tour and visiting China Town for some dim sum.
Looking for some casual lunch spots and brunch spot for Sunday. Thanks!!
runaways, lol, I know! I should have added that I half assed my way through this training cycle. I know we'll be eating and walking everywhere before the race day so not expecting a PR.
I really like Quartino for a lunch/casual dinner spot. Lots of tasty wine, and the food is Italian served family style. They'll do half orders of just about anything for half the price, so DH and I usually get 5-6 half orders of things to share. The portions are not ginormous so you don't leave feeling overly disgusting, which is nice. They have a cute patio too if the weather is nice.
Post by chitownbelle on Sept 2, 2014 22:24:38 GMT -5
Some of my fave brunch spots, if you want to go out of your comfort zone of downtown and explore: Bucktown/Wicker Park: Bongo Room, Feast Lake view: Bakin' & eggs, Crosbys Kitchen Wrigleyville: Angelina's, Rockit Downtown: Rockit- (awesome Bloody Mary bar, live music)
You can't go wrong with brunch in this city. Just Yelp everything you choose beforehand, and be prepared for a wait.
Like pp mentioned, Frontera Grill is on my list (or try his sister r'rant Topolobompo), and I've heard great things about Bakin & Eggs. My GFs and I usually eat brunch @ Grand Lux Cafe on Michigan Ave. It's something we've been doing for years when we go to Chicago so it's "our brunch spot". It reminds me of a nicer Cheesecake Factory (could be related?)
Don't forget the deep dish pizza- Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, or Gino's East seem to be the top places. My fave is Giordano's with a Gino's East as a 2nd.
Garrett's popcorn. I love their popcorn! Get their Chicago Mix (sweet and salty)
You're off to a good start with RPM and Girl & the Goat. Before dinner at Girl/Goat, go to RM Champagne for some pre-cocktails and oysters or cheese. Fun way to start the night and it's walking distance to Girl/Goat.
My favorite pre-drink spot for RPM is Bavettes or Gilt. (we like to pre-drink then head home after a late dinner vs. the other way around).
Enjoy! I wish I were doing this half, it's a good one.
Post by chitownbelle on Sept 4, 2014 1:24:43 GMT -5
cransplash yup, grand lux and cheesecake are the same company.
@vtcupcake did you get a Goat res? If you can't get in, try Little Goat. I went to GATG during her friends and family night before she opened... and now she has one of the most sought out places in the city!
Post by chitownbelle on Sept 4, 2014 4:42:11 GMT -5
Yea, GATG books up months in advance, and marathon week is insane. I'm debating on calling in sick the night before the race so I can watch.... You run by my hospital, but not until mile 17 and I don't want to wait 3 hrs after work
cransplash yup, grand lux and cheesecake are the same company.
@vtcupcake did you get a Goat res? If you can't get in, try Little Goat. I went to GATG during her friends and family night before she opened... and now she has one of the most sought out places in the city!
Nope totally booked. I'm mildly irritated with my father because he hemmed and hawed about booking places "so far out and I need to run this by the gf first"... Uh there are like a hundred thousand extra people trying to eat that weekend. Urg.
Did end up booking RPM, Bin 36, Frontera for brunch, and DH and I will go to my favorite sushi place Naniwa with my college friends on marathon eve. Post- marathon will hopefully be celebrated at the Signature Room lounge
little secret: if it works with your schedule, you can show up at 430 at GATG and they will seat you ahead of the reservations. They usually nicely ask that you leave by the time they need they need the table, but it's never been a problem. Seriously the only way I've gotten in(I can't plan things 4 months in advance!)