Hey all,
My parents and sister are coming in town to visit this weekend before I head back home with them for the holidays. Any recommendations on restaurants, tours, things to do in general? We have been here quite a few times as a family before I moved out here full-time, but this is the first time I have the money to actually do something special for them. Whatever it is we do, it will sort of be my Christmas present to them so I'm willing to go all out. Some ideas:
- Windy City Wine Tasting (Parents love wine)
- Odyssey River Cruise
- Nice steakhouse (Morton's, Gibsons)
They love to party and have a great time so anything involving food and alcohol related is great. Like I said, it would be awesome to do something unique and special to give back to them.
If you are into Steakhouses I would try to get a reservation at Bavette's. Definitely my favorite Steakhouse in the city.
Can't give this comment enough Silver Bananas.
If you can't get into Bavette's Gibson's Italia has some killer views
If that doesn’t work, definitely try Dorsia.
+1. Don't go to Morton's.
I went there once. Ended up sitting upstairs. Wasn't feeling the vibes.
100000%. Bavette's, Swift & Son, and Chicago Cut. In that order.
Thoughts on Prime & Proper? It's in Detroit, but I've heard good things.
Take them to the Robey rooftop in wicker...and make sure they buy your drinks. Best view in town.
Christkindlmart!
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Get a drink at the Signature Lounge at the Hancock if they haven't done that already
Check out Maple & Ash - one of my favorite steak houses in Chicago. Fantastic cocktails while you wait to be seated in a somewhat posh ambiance. The cuts of meat and knowledge of the servers and sommelier are unrivaled. They have a great wine selection.
Deff a great spot to take your parents if you are willing to splurge. Be sure to make a reservation tho!
second the christkindlmarket, get some gluehwine and your parents can get some presents for peeps. Also would recommend cite (restaurant on top of the lakepoint tower), view is amazing, food and service are good as well.
I'm not a fan of the christkindlmarket. I know a lot of people are, but it always feels to me like 1,000 tourists in an area made for 300. Obviously I'm in the minority, but I wanted to give that input so you can judge if it's right for your family.
You mentioned the river cruise. I've done one in the summer with my family and really liked it, not sure if it's as good in the winter.
Nope I am with you on this. I enjoyed it five years ago - but the night I went this year you’d think there was no other place for twenty somethings to get a drink in the loop or something. The actual food/drink/swag was great but too little space
Perfect for crop dusting
Morton's, while nice, is a chain and something you can do in any city. I like Chop House best for Chicago steaks.
Boka is the best restaurant I've been to in Chicago. Maybe a little more pricey than a steakhouse but well worth the experience.
Steakhouses: Bavette's, Chicago Cut, Gibson's ,Maple & Ash. Sunda has good sushi and asian fusion.
Activities wise: if the weather is nice, the art and architecture tour is great and my parents liked it alot. Also did the crime/mob tour recently which was pretty interesting and a good way to kill around 2 hours (bus tour and your getting on and off so weather isn't a huge deal). People love the zoolights at Lincoln Park zoo
Sushi. Kai Zan then Yuzu.
Get an early lunch at Au Cheval.
Get the Guinness milkshake when you're there.
Dinner at the Walnut Room, walk down Michigan Avenue and see the lights & shop, and visit Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free, minus the parking). Have fun!
When the in-laws would come out for 2 days the wife would take them to one of her favorite spas (Langham), and would have me join them for lunch somewhere. Then she'd spend the rest of the day on an architectural boat tour, a visit to Lincoln Park Conservatory (her personal fave), or a stroll through the architecture in Hyde Park, or any combo. My choice as well. Come evening, I'd take them out to either Acadia, Girl & The Goat, or Prime & Provisions. For steak, will echo comments above, Maple & Ash and Bavette's are solid choice.
just give them your attention and spend time with them
Chicago Magic Lounge and the traveling SNL exhibit are two new spots in town that I highly recommend for parents.
Drinks: Cindy's, London House, Gilt Bar, The Aviary. If price isn't a consideration, these are the four to check out. Dinner: Roister (Favorite Overall), Monteverde (Best Italian, close #2), Bavette's (Favorite Steakhouse), Spacca Napoli (Pizza), Momotaro (Japanese/Asian Fusion).
Are people serious right now suggesting boat tours and the zoo in late December in Chicago?
A boat tour sounds absolutely miserable in the winter. I am guessing the people suggesting the zoo are referring to Zoo lights, which is only available in the winter.
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