BMW Luxury Touring Community - Chicago's Navy Pier . . . suggestions?

View Full Version : Chicago's Navy Pier . . . suggestions?

messenger13

Oct 5th, 2007, 9:49 pm

The wife and I, along with 2 friends are going to Chicago at the end of this month. Just a road trip to my favorite Italian restaurant on a Saturday night. Then Sunday morning, we're going to head downtown so I'm looking for suggestions for breakfast, and then lunch somewhere near the Navy Pier. I appreciate any hot tips. :)

petevandyke

Oct 5th, 2007, 10:35 pm

Carson's Ribs, but order the "America's Cut Pork Chops" and get the au gratin potatoes. I know you're familiar with southern style "Q" but that's as good as it gets up north, the pork chops are all meat, you get two of 'em, and they are about a pound each. Carson's is spitting distance from the "rock and roll McDonalds" and the Hard Rock Cafe.

If that doesn't fit your fancy, you could do a late breakfast at "Lou Mitchell's" restaurant on Jackson Blvd., but expect a long wait, get the fresh-squeezed orange juice, you'll get hot donut holes as you walk in, and they have the best omelettes in the midwest.

Or if you're willing to ride a couple miles, go further west to "Greek Town" and visit "The Parthenon" restaurant (make sure they are open for lunch) and do NOT forget to order saganaki as an appetizer--greek cheese that is lightly breaded, sauteed, then flambeed at the table. It's a Chicago landmark, great food, and not at all expensive.

Or, if you want to endulge in Chicago-style pizza, many will say "Get the deep dish at Pizzaria Uno" but I stopped eating there a few years ago when their original location was shut down for a while by the health department because of rodent shit...

Lou Malnati's will be close, and is always ranked in the top five, as is Giordano's, which has multiple locations. Either way, order the deep dish...anticipate 45 minutes cook time, and it'll be worth it.

MattKas

Oct 6th, 2007, 12:39 am

messenger13

Oct 6th, 2007, 9:06 am

Thanks Pete! Sounds like you know your stuff, but what's knew? :)

hallzee

Oct 6th, 2007, 1:42 pm

If you like "Touristy" places, with marginal (at best) quality food, you could try Bubba Gump's... Right there on the pier.

jayz9705

Oct 6th, 2007, 3:33 pm

Just be sure to stay away from anyplace selling pizza or hot dogs!

Neither is any good from Chicago. The ONLY place for either one is NYC!

How's that for a Joe look-alike post!!!

petevandyke

Oct 6th, 2007, 5:02 pm

Just be sure to stay away from anyplace selling pizza or hot dogs!

Neither is any good from Chicago. The ONLY place for either one is NYC!

How's that for a Joe look-alike post!!!

them's fightin' words...

yeah, New Yahhhk hot dogs, if you don't mind sittin' next to some japanese guy who eats 912 of them, two at a time, in 14 minutes...

Joe, it comes from living there 36 years, and leaving when I weighed almost 300 pounds...

sonnata

Oct 6th, 2007, 6:45 pm

Or if you're willing to ride a couple miles, go further west to "Greek Town" and visit "The Parthenon" restaurant (make sure they are open for lunch) and do NOT forget to order saganaki as an appetizer--greek cheese that is lightly breaded, sauteed, then flambeed at the table. It's a Chicago landmark, great food, and not at all expensive.

Pete, you obviously know cuisine.
1+ on "The Parthenon". My all time favorite Greek place. Well worth the trip to Greektown. Very reasonably priced & tons of selection. The saganaki is not to be missed.

314 S Halsted
Chicago, Il
(312) 726-2407

I also agree with your regarding the dogs. A Nathan's frank can't come close to competing with a skin-on Vienna beef Chicago dog.

hschisler

Oct 6th, 2007, 7:44 pm

If you're looking for Chicago-style pizza, Gino's East and Uno's (the original one) are downtown -- right off of Michigan Ave., IIRC. One slice of Uno's and you're full!

petevandyke

Oct 6th, 2007, 8:20 pm

If you're looking for Chicago-style pizza, Gino's East and Uno's (the original one) are downtown -- right off of Michigan Ave., IIRC. One slice of Uno's and you're full!

Howard, I love ya' but unless you love surprise toppings, you might want to read my post above...

:rotf: :histerica

cfell

Oct 6th, 2007, 8:23 pm

Don't ask the waitress, "what do YOU suggest?"

pkpr1998

Oct 6th, 2007, 8:46 pm

You gotta try Giordano's Pizza on Wabash (not too far from the Pier), IT'S THE BEST PIZZA I have ever had.

Ifn you're into a good steak, try Chicago Firehouse on Michigan Avenue, again, not too far from the Pier.

A good place to stay is at the Hilton Towers on Michigan. Close to the Pier and close to some fine establishments!

Have a good time.

Oh yeah, they serve Guiness in the bar!