| Last Minute Help - Chicago 12:39 - Sep 29 with 1743 views | Superhoops2808 |
Last year, Mrs Superhoops ran the Berlin marathon and I came here prior to travel to get some tips, some of which were very useful.
In a little under two weeks, she will be running the Chicago Marathon in her continuing attempt to complete the 7 World Majors.
I am hoping there are people here with knowledge about Chicago, places to see and how to get around using the public transport system etc. Also places to eat etc. We are staying in The Hyatt in Downtown Chicago (on East Wacker Drive) which fortunately is close to the start of the marathon
Any tips would be gratefully received
Thanks in Advance |  | | |  |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 13:00 - Sep 29 with 1684 views | arkyhoop |
This is my first post on this forum, but what better time than now! I’m American (raised in Arkansas, uni/couple years of work in Chicago before moving to London 10+ years ago), been a season ticket holder at loftus road since 21/22 - married in to the fandom and for better or worse am stuck with it now.
Chicago is a magnificent town. First and foremost, you MUST do the architecture boat tour. It sounds expensive for what it is, but I have yet to meet anyone who didn’t love it.
Food: the pizza gets all the attention, and for this you should do either Pequod’s or Lou Malnati’s. Uno pales in comparison to them, even if it’s more famous. Gino’s East is good too. For Italian beef, check out Luke’s on Jackson Blvd (easy walk from your hotel). You want an Italian beef sandwich, wet and hot - not joking. The “wet” is because they dip the sandwich in the beef jus, and the hot is for the hot giardineria topping. You’ll want mozzarella cheese too, and probably some cholesterol meds. Chicago is not gentle on the arteries
Drinks: there are great boozers all over town. If you have time, go up to Southport or Logan Square for a wander, they’re cool little neighbourhoods. Museums: planetarium, aquarium, and field museum are all right next to each other near Roosevelt Red line stop. If you have the inclination, the Museum of Science and Industry is further south but a very cool place - it has a German U-Boat you can wander around in! It’s also near UChicago’s campus, which for all its faults has an excellent (and last I checked, free) museum of ancient Middle Eastern stuff. It’s a pretty museum too.
Skip the Willis (nee Sears) tower. Do the Hancock tower instead. There’s a bar on the 95th floor. Have a drink up there and enjoy the view - might need to book in advance.
And whatever you do, do not drink malort |  | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 13:33 - Sep 29 with 1635 views | rbee |
The big city that feels like a small town. The Blues Brothers was filmed there, what more do you want?!
Agree with what the lad from Arkansaw says. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains will take you just about everywhere and there are buses as well. Navy Pier and the River Walk are fun areas.
I am not really into museums but the science museums are fantastic although time consuming. Lots of music venues.
Have a great time! [Post edited 29 Sep 13:36]
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 13:59 - Sep 29 with 1535 views | LongRanger |
I went about 10 years ago, it was a great city to visit, loads of good bars.
If you like steak this place is great... https://gibsonssteakhouse.com/gibsons-chicago/ - you'll most likely need to book in advance.
Deep pan pizza is more like quiche, so if you order a large deep pan, make sure you're hungry!
Don't be fooled by weather reports, its colder than you think, its called the windy city for good reason.
If you can get to a Bulls game I'd recommend it just for the experience.
Enjoy | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:06 - Sep 29 with 1461 views | PlanetHonneywood |
I did the five before Tokyo was added and of the five, Chicago, like Berlin, is as flat as a tortilla. Pot luck what weather you get. The year I ran it was bloody cold; following year boiling. So be prepared is my advice.
I was also in a hotel on the 'Magnificent Mile' which is close to the start/finish. Makes a huge difference.
Of the three I ran in the US, Chicago definitely my fave over the vastly overrated NYC race, and Boston. Also good place to support in terms of positioning to get to various points. Been to Chicago a few times, probably dollar-for-dollar, the best place. Lincoln Park was quite a cool place to have a night out.
Edit: I just checked. When you say 7 marathons, you dont mean the 'World Marathon Majors', which is actually six. Are you referring to the WM Challenge?
I actually tried to talk to Tokyo about a special entry. But was knocked back...probably for the best. [Post edited 29 Sep 15:14]
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:33 - Sep 29 with 1433 views | hantssi |
Anybody else used to go to the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory in Hannover Square in the 80’s?
It was dead trendy, big TV screens showing US sports and all the American beers!
It was our go to place on a Friday! | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:38 - Sep 29 with 1422 views | TheChef |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:33 - Sep 29 by hantssi |
Anybody else used to go to the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory in Hannover Square in the 80’s?
It was dead trendy, big TV screens showing US sports and all the American beers!
It was our go to place on a Friday! |
I wish they'd bring that place back!
Would also love to visit Chicago. |  |
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:56 - Sep 29 with 1387 views | londonscottish |
Many years ago I spent a fantastic week in Chicago.
The week kicked off in a bar called Man vs Margerita (I was befriended by some locals and they took me there).
I think that's long gone now but it looks like the Crow Bar is still there - had a bit of a mad club night in there.
Also saw a lot of great music including Jimmy Smith - he was awsome. I also did a couple of blues bars. There was one with two stages in two different rooms. Great fun because you end up meeting loads of randoms every time you move room.
Awesome place, great music. |  |
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 16:04 - Sep 29 with 1379 views | qpr1976 |
Visited Chicago in 2019, loved it, great city.
Stayed at Knockerbocker hotel, only 4 nights though.
I would thoroughly recommend the Art Institute of Chicago, some very well known paintings by many Very well known artists. They do a Top 10 must sees if you only have an hour, but we spent longer.
Public transport/Metro easy.
Sports wise Soldier Field for NFL or Wrigley Field for a proper old school baseball stadium uptown.
The River Walk is lovely. I liked The Bean too, Very shiney.
We enjoyed drinks and the view at the Water Tower, great views over the Lake Michigan.
For the Blues Brothers vibe, wander around The Link (I think it’s called) and go to Buddy Guy’s Legends bar for live music.
Enjoy. | | | |
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 16:13 - Sep 29 with 1351 views | arkyhoop |
Seconded the Gibson’s rec. Note that the CTA can be a bit unreliable at times, but to/from o’hare is by far the most reliable option. The freeway can be a nightmare.
A few more recs: Kingston mines does amazing live blues. Ann Sather does a really good breakfast/brunch - get the cinnamon rolls as a side. Chicago also does thin crust pizza very well, try D’Agostino’s on the corner of Addisson and Southport. It’s near Guthrie’s which is a great neighbourhood pub type place
The cubs might still be in the playoffs in two weeks - definitely watch a game at a bar in wrigley if they are.
if you happen to be an American Football fan, the bears games are decent too though ridiculously expensive. Northwestern University in Evanston is connected by the CTA and are currently playing in a fun temporary stadium right on the lake | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 16:18 - Sep 29 with 1341 views | CroydonCaptJack |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:56 - Sep 29 by londonscottish |
Many years ago I spent a fantastic week in Chicago.
The week kicked off in a bar called Man vs Margerita (I was befriended by some locals and they took me there).
I think that's long gone now but it looks like the Crow Bar is still there - had a bit of a mad club night in there.
Also saw a lot of great music including Jimmy Smith - he was awsome. I also did a couple of blues bars. There was one with two stages in two different rooms. Great fun because you end up meeting loads of randoms every time you move room.
Awesome place, great music. |
Well what do you expect from the birthplace of House mate  |  |
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 16:55 - Sep 29 with 1254 views | Match82 |
Oh, oh, I know this one!
Second post here is spot on, not a ton to add
Kingston Mines rec is good, that's in Lincoln Park which is a lovely place to visit, there's a decent free zoo there too, you can head to the beach if that's your thing and easily get to Wrigleyville (about a 30 minute walk or short bus/"el" ride.
Not sure if the Alfred Caldwell lily pond is still there but thats a nice (also free) albeit small hidden gem right next to the zoo in Lincoln Park and there's a butterfly museum too
Evanston is nice but wouldn't recommend coming up to northwestern game on the Saturday, that lakefront stadium is cool but super small and I think it'll be fully sold out.
On public transport you have three options:.
The metra - trains from ogilvie or Union station (don't get mixed up) which are stupidly cheap and you can get a ride out to the suburbs, if that's your sort of thing.
The "el" - elevated trains, but basically a low end equivalent of the tube.
Buses - primarily act on a grid system which is handy in terms of navigation
Gibsons is a decent steakhouse but Chicago is filled with them, downtown especially, you'll be spoilt for choice. If you want a burger au cheval is my go to. Pequods for deep dish pizza.
Edit: unbelievably, I forgot to recommend "the bean", which is in my avatar. Official name "cloud gate" [Post edited 29 Sep 17:44]
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 16:58 - Sep 29 with 1239 views | Match82 |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 13:00 - Sep 29 by arkyhoop |
This is my first post on this forum, but what better time than now! I’m American (raised in Arkansas, uni/couple years of work in Chicago before moving to London 10+ years ago), been a season ticket holder at loftus road since 21/22 - married in to the fandom and for better or worse am stuck with it now.
Chicago is a magnificent town. First and foremost, you MUST do the architecture boat tour. It sounds expensive for what it is, but I have yet to meet anyone who didn’t love it.
Food: the pizza gets all the attention, and for this you should do either Pequod’s or Lou Malnati’s. Uno pales in comparison to them, even if it’s more famous. Gino’s East is good too. For Italian beef, check out Luke’s on Jackson Blvd (easy walk from your hotel). You want an Italian beef sandwich, wet and hot - not joking. The “wet” is because they dip the sandwich in the beef jus, and the hot is for the hot giardineria topping. You’ll want mozzarella cheese too, and probably some cholesterol meds. Chicago is not gentle on the arteries
Drinks: there are great boozers all over town. If you have time, go up to Southport or Logan Square for a wander, they’re cool little neighbourhoods. Museums: planetarium, aquarium, and field museum are all right next to each other near Roosevelt Red line stop. If you have the inclination, the Museum of Science and Industry is further south but a very cool place - it has a German U-Boat you can wander around in! It’s also near UChicago’s campus, which for all its faults has an excellent (and last I checked, free) museum of ancient Middle Eastern stuff. It’s a pretty museum too.
Skip the Willis (nee Sears) tower. Do the Hancock tower instead. There’s a bar on the 95th floor. Have a drink up there and enjoy the view - might need to book in advance.
And whatever you do, do not drink malort |
Everyone should try Malort once. Nobody should try it twice. The single least describable and least pleasant thing I've ever tasted. We went to watch a QPR Villa game with the Villa Chicago crew about a decade ago, those psychopaths did a shot of it every time they scored. | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 17:25 - Sep 29 with 1191 views | rbee |
Buttermilk and root beer are two experiences I would never repeat so malort has no chance. | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 17:56 - Sep 29 with 1130 views | Superhoops2808 |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 15:06 - Sep 29 by PlanetHonneywood |
I did the five before Tokyo was added and of the five, Chicago, like Berlin, is as flat as a tortilla. Pot luck what weather you get. The year I ran it was bloody cold; following year boiling. So be prepared is my advice.
I was also in a hotel on the 'Magnificent Mile' which is close to the start/finish. Makes a huge difference.
Of the three I ran in the US, Chicago definitely my fave over the vastly overrated NYC race, and Boston. Also good place to support in terms of positioning to get to various points. Been to Chicago a few times, probably dollar-for-dollar, the best place. Lincoln Park was quite a cool place to have a night out.
Edit: I just checked. When you say 7 marathons, you dont mean the 'World Marathon Majors', which is actually six. Are you referring to the WM Challenge?
I actually tried to talk to Tokyo about a special entry. But was knocked back...probably for the best. [Post edited 29 Sep 15:14]
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No - It is the 'World Marathon Majors'
Similar to what happened to you by the sounds of it, they have moved the goal posts and Sydney, Australia was added this year - Although the medal will only be awarded for the original 6. However, Abbott are going to add a further 2 marathons (Shanghai and Cape Town) and also offer a 9 marathon Medal.
Mrs Superhoops has a friend who works for Abbott so gaining entry is easy (the hard part is me doing OT to pay for it) | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 18:29 - Sep 29 with 1082 views | PlanetHonneywood |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 17:56 - Sep 29 by Superhoops2808 |
No - It is the 'World Marathon Majors'
Similar to what happened to you by the sounds of it, they have moved the goal posts and Sydney, Australia was added this year - Although the medal will only be awarded for the original 6. However, Abbott are going to add a further 2 marathons (Shanghai and Cape Town) and also offer a 9 marathon Medal.
Mrs Superhoops has a friend who works for Abbott so gaining entry is easy (the hard part is me doing OT to pay for it) |
To be honest, marathons have become a massive money earner, that they're taking the p1ss a bit here!
As I mentioned I'd approached Tokyo to see if we could do a bit of accommodating as London does, but got a big sayounara, so that's me finally done.
Marathon days, best ever days. The day that us lesser mortals get to be in the same race as Olympic and World champions before 500k cheering you on...and of course,in an Rs shirt! | |
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| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 18:36 - Sep 29 with 1068 views | TwoHalves |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 17:25 - Sep 29 by rbee |
Buttermilk and root beer are two experiences I would never repeat so malort has no chance. |
It would be the double dose of Plenvu pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation laxative for me. | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 19:12 - Sep 29 with 1010 views | MelakaRanger |
Hope you enjoy Chicago.
All the best! |  | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 21:39 - Sep 30 with 512 views | Superhoops2808 |
Thanks all for some amazing tips especially ArkyHoop (Welcome by the way)
Have booked the boat tour, booked the Hancock tower with a drink as well in the cloud bar, and gonna do the Big Bus Tour to get the feel for the city.
Mrs L loves all the Chicago TV programmes on Sky Witness so have booked a surprise trip to Chicago Fire TV set as well
Lou Malnati's pizza had been recommended already so will make a point of that too
And I do like a Brunch so Ann Sather will be a place for me to try
But thank you all because there are various other eating and viewing places we will try | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 21:41 - Sep 30 with 504 views | Superhoops2808 |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 19:12 - Sep 29 by MelakaRanger |
Hope you enjoy Chicago.
All the best! |
You've just reminded me I have an email from you to reply to... Sorry  | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 03:21 - Oct 1 with 360 views | karlski |
I’ve been in Chicago at least once a month for work for thr last 2 years. Grown to be quite fond of it.
Many good suggestions here and you have a great plan. In particular I second the boat tour, Gibsons, Italian beef sandwich, Hancock tower, Cubs playoff game in a bar near Wrigley, and art institute recommendations.
Im in the food world professionally so a couple to add:
- Shaw’s Crab House not far from your hotel, a 40 year old seafood institution. Sit in oyster bar area which has an old school vibe and serves impeccably prepared seafood.
- Green Street Meats in West Loop area which is a lively part of town - if you want good old American smoked meats and bbq at a reasonable price this is a great spot to do it. Publican Meats in the same area is a quality butcher shop that does excellent sandwiches, also a good option.
The Blue Line train from airport into town is worth it because it’s a fraction of taxi cost and takes the same amount of time most times of day - the freeway into the city can get horribly choked up. Keep your wits about you when taking the trains (like any city) but they’re generally fine.
Have a wonderful time! | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 18:53 - Oct 1 with 150 views | Superhoops2808 |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 03:21 - Oct 1 by karlski |
I’ve been in Chicago at least once a month for work for thr last 2 years. Grown to be quite fond of it.
Many good suggestions here and you have a great plan. In particular I second the boat tour, Gibsons, Italian beef sandwich, Hancock tower, Cubs playoff game in a bar near Wrigley, and art institute recommendations.
Im in the food world professionally so a couple to add:
- Shaw’s Crab House not far from your hotel, a 40 year old seafood institution. Sit in oyster bar area which has an old school vibe and serves impeccably prepared seafood.
- Green Street Meats in West Loop area which is a lively part of town - if you want good old American smoked meats and bbq at a reasonable price this is a great spot to do it. Publican Meats in the same area is a quality butcher shop that does excellent sandwiches, also a good option.
The Blue Line train from airport into town is worth it because it’s a fraction of taxi cost and takes the same amount of time most times of day - the freeway into the city can get horribly choked up. Keep your wits about you when taking the trains (like any city) but they’re generally fine.
Have a wonderful time! |
Mate those food places look awesome...
Anymore you can think of? I am a real foodie and love my meat and seafood | | | |
| Last Minute Help - Chicago on 19:22 - Oct 1 with 120 views | dolcelatte |
I ran Chicago 3 years ago. The roads weren't great, lots of potholes, so tell her to be careful. Have to be honest and sy my least favourite course of the majors I've run so far. That said, the crowds through China Town are great.
Goose Island is worth a visit. |  |
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