When It's Time to Play Tourist...
- Published: March 01, 2001, By PFFC Edit Staff
This may not be your first visit to Chicago (with so many industry events based here, very likely it is not), but we know there are places you haven't seen and things you haven't done. Keeping in mind that you won't have much time, we asked our staff (both Chicagoans and non-Chicagoans) to recommend a few of their favorite spots in or near the center of the city.
Angelica Barrios, Advertising Coordinator: “For ‘real’ Italian food, try Tufano's, also known as Vernon Park Tap. It's at 1073 W. Vernon Park Pl., ph: 312/733-3393. You'll find a friendly waitstaff, a casual atmosphere, and a neighborhood feel. Prices are reasonable, and you don't need reservations.”
Dave Bentley, Contributing Editor: “For traditional German fare and more, eat at The Berghoff Restaurant at 17 W. Adams St; ph: 312/427-6549. Any restaurant that has been operating in three different centuries (it was founded in 1898) must be doing something right! Their German beer, sauerbraten, potato pancakes, red cabbage, creamed spinach, and home-baked desserts are certainly right for me.
“And definitely visit the flagship store of a venerable Chicago institution: Marshall Field's, 111 N. State St.; ph: 312/781-1000.”
John Bold, Group Publisher: “Dave & Buster's is a great place to unwind. You'll find all kinds of video games as well as pool and bowling, several bars, and even a decent selection of ‘bar food.’ It's at 1030 N. Clark; ph: 312/943-5151.”
Ed Boyle, Contributing Editor: “Seeing the Cubs at Wrigley Field (312/404-2827) or the White Sox at Comiskey Park 312/674-1000) is a great way to spend a day or evening.”
Mike Derda, Assoc. Publisher/National Sales/Midwest Sales Manager: “Chicago is known for its blues, and the finest blues club, in my opinion, is Buddy Guy's Legends, at 754 S. Wabash; ph: 312/427-0330. They have music seven nights a week, with international performers featured on weekends. (See Dave Fay's recommendation for another point of view on the blues.)
Debbie Donberg, Managing Editor: “If you like classical music, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is world-class. It plays at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan; ph: 312/294-3000; cso.org. Tickets will be scarce, but subscribers that can't attend often turn in their tickets, so you may get lucky.”
David Fay, Northeast Sales Manager: “Chicago is the urban Mecca of the blues, and the House of Blues has a great mix of good food and solid music. It's in the heart of Chicago's landmark Marina City Complex across from the Loews House of Blues Hotel, 329 N. Dearborn St.; ph: 312-527-2583.Try the slow smoked baby back ribs with Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce or the Creole Jambalaya. One note: Don't plan on having any deep business conversations once the music starts to wail!”
Claudia Hine, Senior Editor: “Even if your schedule is really tight, take just a few minutes to visit the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; ph: 312/744-6630. The center, which offers daily programs and exhibits on the visual and performing arts, is home to the city's Visitor Information Center, too. Don't miss the spectacular stained glass domes. Guided architectural tours are presented at 1:15 p.m. Admission is free.”
Teresa Koltzenburg, Senior Editor: “Being an avid cyclist, one of my favorite Chicago haunts is the Lakefront Bike Path. You don't have to trek very far from McCormick Place to get to it: It runs right behind the complex. Though the path is several miles long, some of its best parts are near McCormick. Just exit from the East building, walk toward the lake, and voila! Rental bikes are available certain times of the year, but even if you can't find one in April, it's a great area for walking.
“Once on the path, a short jaunt north takes you by Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium (312/922-7827), and directly into the “Museum Campus.” Both the Shedd Aquarium (312/939-2438) and The Field Museum (312/922-9410) are located here, and each offers plenty to see inside. But the Museum campus has myriad vistas as well. From here, there's a panorama of Chicago's skyline. Or, you can admire Shedd's outdoor botanical plant displays, encounter an ancient Olmec head, or just check out the lake view. It can be a bit windy here, so bring a jacket. But even windy, wet weather won't dampen the area's pervasive beauty.”
Pam Martin, Promotions Manager: “During CMM the Chicago Historical Society is doing an exhibit on ‘Neighborhood Voices.’ There also will be an exhibition of photos from the architectural photography firm of Hedrich Blessing. Location: 1601 N. Clark St; ph: 312/642-4600.
“If you have the ‘time,’ the Museum of Science and Industry will be offering an exhibit about time, featuring timepieces from the National Time Museum. Location: 57th and Lake Shore Dr.; ph: 312/684-1414. The Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave.; ph: 312/443-3600) will have an exhibit featuring Bonnard, Vuillard, Denis, and Roussel.”
Rich Podhajny, Contributing Editor: “What I have learned to appreciate about Chicago is its diversity, and that includes the food. For instance, many good Polish and German restaurants can be found on Milwaukee Ave. China Town is also a great place to eat, and it's right off the subway system.”
Yolanda Simonsis, Assoc. Publisher/Editor: “I love Chicago's lakefront, and that includes the Lincoln Park Zoo. It is 2200 north, a short cab or bus ride from downtown. There is a conservatory nearby where you can see a gorgeous array of flowers. If you're in that area, go west a few blocks and explore the neighborhood around DePaul University (my alma mater). It has a lot of great little shops and restaurants, as well as some lovely old homes.”
