This replaces the previous ChiDope thread closed by UncleBeer on request a few hours ago. As Gundy’s anticipated replacement thread seems to have gone astray, here are the details:
The Grafton is indeed a go.
We have the back room from 8-11. After that, it will be open to the public but (of course) we’re included in that term. We’re not doing a package, so we’ll be running a tab or tabs. A full menu of food is available.
This is a recently renovated bar with owners who have been very accomodating to us. (Both of them are fairly recent arrivals from Ireland.) We’ve assured them that we intend to tip well in appreciation, so please budget accordingly. There’s a decent selection of beers on tap, a full bar, and Irish-influenced food that actually looks good. (Sorry, Mom.) Gundy and I are very happy that we’ll be able to have this at a place that, while renovated and (authentically) Irish in theme, does kind of have a traditional Chicago bar vibe.
For our out-of-towners, the bar is in a safe, gentrifying area of the city. Parking is not a major issue, unless you’re one of those suburbanites who freak if it takes more than 90 seconds to find a spot. On-street may take some looking (5 minutes and 3 blocks, tops), but there is a medium-sized city lot right across the street. In my experience, the lot can fill up on Saturday nights, but the fact that a fairly large restaurant next door recently closed should ease the demand. (If not, you can park in my driveway for a nominal fee. It’s half a mile away, but I’ll have your car guarded by the world’s only attack-Lab.)
For those who are interested in eating dinner at a nearby (walking distance) restaurant, I can recommend two. La Boca della Verite is two blocks north, and is a good traditional casual Italian place. Groups are accomodated, although reservations are a good idea (not essential). Fans of Roman Holiday will especially enjoy this place. She She is a trendier, more upscale place across the street. (You might want to wear black.) It’s more of a date place. Food is good, but reservations here are absolutely essential on Saturday. Even then, you might have to wait. (In light of some of her recent posts in this thread, I’ll let Gundy explain the reason for the name of this restaurant.)
There are also numerous quick and inexpensive storefront-type restaurants in the area. I’ll let Eva talk about the nearby Old Town School of Folk Music and Jar talk about German attractions in Lincoln Square. (Yes, I know that Old Town is not nearby. It’s confusing. The school moved.)
After discussing the transportation issue with Gundy, we’ve concluded that it really shouldn’t be a problem, even for the O’Hare people. I would expect that most people based at the hotel will already be in Chicago Saturday afternoon and evening before 8. (And if not, what are you thinking?). Virtually every Chicago attraction is (at least fairly) close to the Red or Brown lines. The Grafton is near Brown Line stops, and Red Line travelers can readily switch to the Brown Line at Belmont. To get back the hotel, grab a cab and pick up the Blue Line at Montrose or Irving. It’ll be about $10, which can be shared. If you’re driving, I’ve already addressed parking. People coming in from the suburbs on the Kennedy should get off at Irving/Keeler. Irving will take you to within 5 blocks of the bar. Advanced users of this exit will immediately turn left (north) on Keeler and travel 3 blocks to Montrose, which will take you to within a block of the bar.
