We’re going to be having a small family reunion in the Chicago area Christmas week. We’ll have a group that ranges in age from about 9 to 90 (I think there are going to be about 15 of us). My brother is familiar with the area, but I don’t think he’s ever been there with this crazy mix of a crowd. I imagine we’ll split up part of the time, but would enjoy doing at least a few things as a group. My mom is the nearly-90 year old and is very mobile (although she doesn’t move as quickly as she used to).
We’ll be staying somewhere in the suburbs and will have a couple of cars. We arrive the 24th and will leave the 30th for Michigan.
Any restaurant recommendations for big groups? What shouldn’t we miss?
We’ll be near Naperville. Can’t remember which town, but my brother was already planning for visits to a couple of places in Naperville.
As for food types, we like almost anything. I think we’re going to try to keep things as economical as possible most of the time, but my cousins’ anniversary is the 27th, so we’re planning to go to a nice restaurant then.
We’ll also be spending some time in Chicago itself visiting museums and Michigan Ave (the usual touristy thing as much as weather permits).
Just looked at Christkindlmarkt hours and we’ll miss it because it closes at 4 on the 24th. Boo.
If you want a nice, casual Italian restaurant, both Leona’s and Buca de Beppo are great for large groups. They have city and suburban locations.
Go to Macy’s (aka Marshall Field’s) on State Street - you can split up and wander on your own, and meet up at the food court in the basement later, or outside under the clock, weather permitting. Then you can check out Daley Plaza, The Bean, and plenty of other free sights nearby. Michigan Avenue will be all dolled up with Christmas decorations.
At Christmas time, I love just wandering around that area. It is always beautiful and atmospheric.
Leona’s has been in decline for some time now and is going through a rough patch. I’d avoid it for the time being. Bucca is a solid choice.
Naperville also has a Cheeseburger in Paradise which I’ve heard surprisingly good things about. There’s also some good Chinese to be found at Katy’s Dumpling House and Lao Sze Chuan
As far as the city goes I highly recommend either the Art Institute or the Field museum. Both are worth the time if you have it. The Bean is something you really have to see in person. Pictures just don’t do it justice. Just walking down Michigan avenue is a real treat around Christmas. If you feel the need to go to the top of a tall building, skip the Sears (Willis) tower and head to the John Hancock - it’s a much better view - then stop in at the bar on the 95th floor for a cocktail and the best panoramic view of our beautiful city. If you want to take pictures of the skyline go to the Adler Planetarium at night and this is what you’ll see.
The food courts at Macy’s and Water Tower Place both have options well beyond your average mall food. Harry Carry’s is an old school Italian steak house - get the Vesuvio potatoes as a side regardless of what you order, they’re outstanding.
We have a ton of great places to eat in the city. Shaw’s is renown for it’s seafood. if you’re looking for anything particular just ask.
Thanks for the information! Both Katy’s and Lao Sze Chuan sound like something we’d enjoy. I’d forgotten about the food courts at Macy’s and Water Tower. I’m sure we’ll cover Michigan Avenue pretty thoroughly, as long as the weather isn’t too bad.
I’ve been to Chicago several times, but never around Christmas.
How about a pizza recommendation? My brother likes Giordano’s, but I’ve had mixed experiences. I had dinner with friends at the Lou Malnati’s in Naperville on a business trip a few years back and that was pretty good. Anything better out there?
Out in the burbs, Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s are your best pizza options. They both have their champions. Malnati’s has buttery crust; Giordano’s has deeper cheese.
Downtown, though, I’m still partial to Pizzeria Due. (I deliberately avoid saying Pizzeria Uno because of how visitors immediately, but incorrectly, think it’s the same as the Uno’s Chicago Grill national chain.)
Uno, Due, or the original Gino’s on Rush. Giordano’s is an acceptable suburban outpost.
Other than that stick to Chicago tavern style thin crust at places like Marie’s, Home Run Inn, or Vito & Nick’s.
The new Connie’s Pizza location 1030 N. State Street takes reservations, most of the other pizza joints do not. Must see the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo and it is free.
For those who are going to be in Chicago on the 21st – yes, this coming Saturday – go to TubaChristmas at the Palmer House!
If you play tuba or euphonium – even if just once a year – you can participate as a member of the ensemble yourself.
CHICAGO - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 - TIME: 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Grand Ballroom
REGISTRATION: 10:00 am, Upper Exhibition Hall, between the 3rd & 4th floors
REHEARSAL: 11:00 am, same
NOTE: Please use gig bag and leave instrument case in car/bus. Bring folding music stand/lyre, chairs will be provided. Dress in bright festive colors and if desired decorate your instrument. Participant registration fee for 2013 is $10.00.
ATTENTION ALL PARTICIPANTS AND AUDIENCE: rooms must be vacated and cleared of personal belongings after the performance. NO EXCEPTIONS! Please be considerate and follow the guidance of the Palmer House security personnel.
PLEASE NOTE: Audience is requested to donate a non-perishable food item. But other than that, it’s free. And a very cool thing to go see, and an even cooler thing to go do.
TubaChristmas sounds like it would have been lots of fun. Wish it had been a couple of days later. Any other music events still going on after Christmas?
Zoo lights sounds like fun, too.
Leaving first thing tomorrow morning. I’m excited!
Missed her by a few hours! Darnit! I’m posting it anyway just because someone else might be interested.
I was going to say if they are in the western suburbs, Cantigny is going to be open after Christmas and have the McCormick mansion decked out - that might be cool to see. And it supports some great (IMO) charities.
