I have no problem with babies. I don’t even care if they fuss and cry; after three of my own I don’t even hear other people’s kids.
However, we need to work out where we will meet in the evening. I know nothing about Chicago bars and restaurants and if you people leave the selection to me we’ll end up at a Pizza Hut or worse. Let’s hear some ideas!
Which evening??? Please, sob, for the luvvapete, give me a day…
Saturday, August 6 work for you?
I’ll find out on Monday if I am off on 8/6.
I hope so- I wanna meet some of youse! 
And Whynot–you better bring that baby!
I plump for a pizza place or beach–what about Geno’s East? (I know where that is, at least!).
I am directionally challenged at times. Never tell me the X-hundred block of anything…
Sounds good. Real good, if one like what they are calling “Chicago-style pizza” these days. If your schedule permits can I ask you to make seservations for (counting poorly) however many we end up with? I know they have a license, even if they don’t know how to make pizza. (Note to out of towners: that is said to be our best pizza joint, but I’ll argue with anybody about how to best make one)
Um, ok. (Rigby feeling like she is being left with planning the office party when she doesn’t even work in an office and is the new recruit so doesn’t know the culture and is sure to make major faux pas that end up with her being banned for life from her main time waster and information outlet online…)
Seriously: if I am to make reservations (and I pray that they are not guaranteed via credit card; I will have to check)–I need a roll call of approximately how many will be there. Date is August 6. Time is ??? (see, I need some help here!) 7pm? Does that sound good?
Geno’s East is great pizza, but it is also a destination for tourists and is (or was) always packed on weekends. Dress is casual–but not beach casual. You will need shoes, shirts and pants (for all you pantsless over there in that other thread). Be creative.
When last I was there (why the sentence inversion is appealing to me this morning, I dont’ know)–it was booths and benches. There may be a party room, but that may have an extra charge.
Jeebus, I am obsessing. Next step is to get a feel for numbers.
So far I have:
Whynot
eleanorigby
dropzone
Portia
micajhn
arrmatey–you’ll be thar or you’ll walk the plank, ya landlubber!
Claurican
bat312
buttonjockey308
jinglmasiv
There are more-please dont’ be offended if I missed you-just put your name onthe list! Off to do a garden walk now (it lasts 6 hours-how can a garden walk last 6 hours? I fear for my sanity).
Then again, there are one or three of us ChiDopers who’ve never attended a ChiDope and might be interested in doing so this year if our schedules allow.
My random thoughts on the notion:
I’d prefer an afternoon time, because I would, after all, be coming in from Indiana, most likely on public transportation. So yeah, I’d also like something easily reached by train or bus.
The Giordano’s at Prudential Plaze, in addition to be centrally located, will also shove tables together for large groups (my office uses it for parties from time to time). The downside, of course, is that it’s easily accessible to tourists and may be crowded.
The beach party idea has a lot of merit, in that the seating arrangements are flexible.
I liked playing Wirlyball the one time I did it, so I’m game for that, too.
I am definitely not interested in loud, crowded bars, or evening get togethers.
I’m in for August 6th. My sister (age 20) will be joining us. We’ll be driving from Cedar Rapids, IA, so I was looking at Chicago’s public transportation website yesterday. Is the park & ride system reliable there? Or [clearing throat] would anyone be willing to put us up for the night of the 6th and let us just follow you around like overgrown puppies? Please email me (it’s in my profile) if you would be willing to do that.
Please add BrattiAtti, party of two, to the list. 
The park&ride works great. I parked at Cumberland off i-90 a couple weeks ago and took the train and a bus into Wrigley. Just hope it doesn’t get full, we were late getting there and had to wait about 20 minutes (on a wednesday about 1pm) until some spots opened up. Another option is parking in Rockford for free and taking the Van Galder bus, easier but probably more expensive and a slave to their schedule.
I’m an outside possibility for that date, but may be going to Myrtle Bech if my boss ever ok’s my time-off request and my mom has room down there. But it’s a possibility and I’d be coming form Madison.
I’ll be in California at a wedding on 8/6. Have fun without me. (Yeah, like that’s possible!)
broomstick --I like the Giordano’s idea.
Geno’s East and Giordano’s ahve the same type Chicago stuffed pizzas, for those who aren’t from around here.
I am all for centrally located. Am off to do some stuff, but will check with Geno’s re: cost and party rooms.
but I am liking the Giordan’s choice–heck, it’s closer to moi…
Total looky-loo here, reminding eleanorigby to count all the kids in her reservation numbers. I noticed you didn’t mention it in your list. With a babies and kids along they may give you the party room just to make it easier on everyone. 
gl, have fun.
Welcome to the Social Anxiety Disorder (notice the acronym is SAD?) club. I have elected myself president. Just have a drink before you leave…artificial bravery. We can hide in opposite corners…together
Well, I’ve got nothing planned for the 6th. Yet. 
Tentatively in for August 6th also. I’ll confirm with Bus Wife if (A) she will attend, and (B) I actually can, schedule-wise.
No worries, mate. We’re a relaxed crowd. If they need a credit card email me.
Campers, how many are truly planning on attending the beach thing? (dropzone conspicuously does not raise his hand) Should we skip that and just hit the pizza joint earlier, say, at 4 or 5PM? We’ll miss the crowds then.
I’ve been to a few of these and Social Anxiety Disorder is is the most common disorder there. We run out of corners to hide in right away so get there early.
I probably wouldn’t be able to do the beach thing, but a late afternoon Giordanos I could.
Whatd’ya mean we’d run out of corners to hide in? I’ll reserve one.
Great idea!
Wait… I don’t drink…
Ah well. I’ll see what I can do.