CO nestie planning Aug trip

dolly1030

I'm planning a big trip for the DH's 30th next year. I'm taking him to Chicago to see the Cubs play in August. I have been there once years ago on a girls trip but didn't do much but shop! I would love any and all insider tips for the big city. We'll be spending one day around the ball park and going to two games, one friday and one saturday. I need hotel recs, restaurant tips anything you've got!

Thanks!!

lmb5109

I suggest no hotels around the park, I had a friend stay in the one by the park and it was creepy! Stay on Michigan Ave or the hotels by Clark/Diversy/Broadway. The red el will take you right to the park on Addison. There are tons of bars w/food on Clark by the park. For restaurants, we love Mia Francesca's on Clark for Italian, or El Jardin on Clark for Mexican, or Raw Bar & Grill for everything fish. 

hz80408

What weekend will you be here?  There may be some events going on then.

 Like PP said, I'd highly recommend staying downtown.  I recommend using priceline.com to book a hotel at the rates you like.  The red-line El train drops off at Addison stop for the Cubs and there are several hotels close to the downtown stops (especially Chicago-State and Grand-State).

 To get off the beaten path of downtown restaurants, we really like Mia Francesca's (like PP mentioned), we love Cesar's for Mexican (near Clark and Belmont).  Downtown we love love Bella Luna Cafe, for italian (Superior and Dearborn). 

I'd recommend to check out Navy Pier, Millenium Park Lincoln Park Zoo since you'll be here when it's nice out. Tavern on the Park is a $100+ meal for food and drinks, but has good food.  Sweetwater is a bar nearby with yummy food too.

ErinE683

In my opinion, skip Navy Pier... there's really not much there. The architecture boat tours are great, though, and some of them do start near Navy Pier. I agree about staying downtown... the trains can easily get you to any neighborhoods (including Wrigleyville). If you want a swanky night out, look into Roof at The Wit hotel (Clark & Lake). It can be crazy crowded, but is super nice! I'd recommend restaurants in the West Loop for a fun night out... try Carnivale, Girl and the Goat, The Publican, or Avec. All are really popular, so be sure to get reservations. If you're a beer loving Coloradan like myself (grew up in Denver), you should visit Goose Island... they have two brewpubs, and one is on Clark just a half block down from Wrigley Field. If you want a better meal than Tavern on the Park (in terms of quality for the cost), you can check out The Gage, right across Michigan. Enjoy your trip!