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For the upcoming WOR-CHI-SAS trip on 05/08/08 (return 05/17/08) I am looking for some dining options within walking distance of Union Station in CHI.
Suggestions welcome!
Erik
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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For Lunch, I would suggest either Miller's Pub (Adams and Wabash) or 17 West at The Berghoff (on Adams 'stone's throw' West of State - "can't miss it' as The Berghoff sign remains dispalyed.
While the latter hardly "holds a candle' when compared with its predecessor, they still offer several traditional Berghoff dishes, and the decor remains quite authentic.
A third suggestion is Walnut Room at Marshall Field's (whoops, Macy's) @ State and Adams. Reportedly, the quality has not been diminished by the ownership change.
But then, I must recognize these were the "Lunch spots' when I worked in The Loop pushing thirty years ago, and I must recognize that younger folk have different preferences.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Of course, there's always the food court on the second floor of Chicago Union Station..........
RRCHINA Member # 1514
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I would 2nd GBN's three picks, but I have not been to any of them for several years. They were excellent in my day (prior to Mr. Normans) and I also remember a spot on Canal Street that served several wild game dishes in addition to regular fare. Is it still there Mr. Norman?
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. China, Cafe Bohemia, Adams @ Clinton, is long...LONG...gone.
train lady Member # 3920
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In the food court Robinson's Ribs can't be beat. They have shrimp and sandwiches as well.
the_maitre Member # 2632
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Wow - several options it looks like! On the return trip (SAS-CHI-WOR) do y'all think there will be enough time to do some sight seeing in Chicago before boarding the LSL at 8:00PM?
And yes Mr. Norman...it will be sleeper for the entire trip (sans the WOR-ALB portion of the LSL)
Erik
sojourner Member # 3134
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If you go down Adams a few blocks--not in the direction of Michigan Av/Museum/Lake but in the other direction--you cross the highway & come to Greektown. There are a ton of restaurants there, open not just dinnertime but lunchtime & Sundays too. You can have moussaka or spanatakopita (sp? it's spinach pie with cheese) and some egg and lemon soup if it's chilly!! Greek Islands is the more festive (with waits at very busy times, like Friday night 7-ish); Rodity is less expensive and nice and quiet. I haven't been to the others yet. They are all fairly inexpensive and will serve you fairly rapidly (esp if you tell them you are between trains). I think the cross street is called Halstead. But you can't miss them!
The Walnut Room is OK but they never have the Frango mint ice cream any more. I had to have it out in the Franco Cage adjoining one time, and another time even THEY were out of it. I don't see much point in going there if they aren't going to have their signature "dish"!!!
railrev Member # 2640
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We took a water taxi to Navy Pier. Just a block or two from CUS, cheaper than the River Cruise and lots of places to eat at the Pier.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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To perfect Ms. Sojourner's post, "Greektown" is centered along Halstead Street, 800W; CUS is 500W. Therefore, @ 8 blocks to the mile, one would walk about .3 mile West on either Adams or Jackson.
I'm not any kind of an aficionado of the "om-pah" scene, but The Parthenon is likely the best known of the establishments over there. I find walking West on Jackson, I would be derailed at Lou Mitchell's , where the most "ab-fab' omelettes are served.
Pastor; the best way to describe Navy Pier is some kind of carnival midway, or at least that was the shared experience between Miss Vickie (HopefulRailUser), Mr. Art, and myself on a Saturday evening during this past June. While the food at Riva, the only restaurant on the Pier I would consider, was "pretty good', the place was simply overwhelmed by the exuberance of young adults having a good time in quite cramped quarters. I don't think it is any secret that none of us three on that 'expedition' are exactly 'young". So, if you like a 'party down' atmosphere with the 21-40 demographic, go. Otherwise skip it.
Finally, there is one restaurant in the Loop of which I know but am not necessarily recommending; it is a simply a "go there do that" several times during the concert season. That is Rhapsody located within the Symphony Center complex (Adams & Michigan). Pricey of course (hey, Thu through Sun they have a pretty captive clientele), but what a wine bar - including Viognier varietals that you won't find at your friendly Illinois retailer (Pinot Noirs too; lest "Miles' is in town)!
And a closing thought, if the Chicago Symphony is your "thing' as it is mine, concerts are Thu through Sun, start at 8PM, and I find consistently are over by 1005P. I can comfortably "hoof it' to CUS in 15 minutes and I'm 67 but not overweight - or at least not very. Therefore, if so inclined, you could 'take one in" and still be on the Lake Shore.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
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"Not exactly young"??? Hmpff.
the_maitre Member # 2632
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The Symphony is most certainly one of my things - being a professional Organist, Choral Director and Composer myself. I didn't think time would allow for such an excursion.
On a side note...how do y'all (I'm practicing my San Antonian) chill your libations en route? Chilling a bottle of the Nectar Imperial in the communal ice 'sink' seems a bit tacky - lol.
Erik
ehbowen Member # 4317
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I understand that one can purchase small, soft-sided coolers intended for hikers and such to hold a couple of bottles of water. If you can obtain such, you ought to be able to fill it with ice from the drink station.
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