Chicago

[pknitty]

Some buddies and I will be heading up to Chicago next month to watch the Cards play the Cubs.

Now I know there is a smoking ban for the entire state of Illinois, but I was wondering if places that sell cigars are exempt from the ban? If so what are some good cigar friendly places to go to in and around Chicago? lounges/stores/bars etc.

PS. What are some must go to places for food, I have been to Chicago several times in the past and already have several favorites, but I am always interested in trying new things. They all don't necessarily have to be cigar friendly.


Thanks!

[ggiese]

Some buddies and I will be heading up to Chicago next month to watch the Cards play the Cubs.

Now I know there is a smoking ban for the entire state of Illinois, but I was wondering if places that sell cigars are exempt from the ban? If so what are some good cigar friendly places to go to in and around Chicago? lounges/stores/bars etc.

PS. What are some must go to places for food, I have been to Chicago several times in the past and already have several favorites, but I am always interested in trying new things. They all don't necessarily have to be cigar friendly.


Thanks!

It depends on where you're staying. I suppose you're not likely staying downtown (that will cost you an arm and leg) but staying somewhere on the north side...

One of the better cigar places near the north side (north of Wrigley Field) is Cigar King in Skokie. Big lounge, plenty of free parking, and they allow you to bring in your drink of choice.

And I don't think you'll have any difficulty finding a nice restaurant, but I'd suggest you look up Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due (both within blocks of each other on the near north side). In my view, the best Chicago style pizza in the city. Both restaurants are the original for the chain, and I think their pizza's and atmosphere are vastly different than you get in the chain restaurants. But - you be the judge...

You also won't go wrong with Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Gino's East, Edwardo's, If you're near the south side, look up Home Run Inn - their thin crust is one of the best.

Of course - you're not living unless you try "Chicago Style" hotdogs and a Chicago favorite Italian Beef Sandwich (with melted cheese and sweet peppers). Plenty of places around you can find those - too many to list - but if you find a Portillo's restaurant, you're in a good place. Portillo's

And - if you're adventurous - go to Greek Town and eat at the Greek Islands or Santorini's. Both have fantastic food, easy to get to (right off 290) and reasonably priced. Chicago Greektown

China Town is also a great place, with plenty of fantastic restaurants. Again - not that difficult to find, and right off the expressway just south of downtown (off I-94, just south of I-55). Chicago Chinatown

Have fun while you're in Chicago - there's plenty to see and do!

[denver24]

And I don't think you'll have any difficulty finding a nice restaurant, but I'd suggest you look up Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due (both within blocks of each other on the near north side). In my view, the best Chicago style pizza in the city. Both restaurants are the original for the chain, and I think their pizza's and atmosphere are vastly different than you get in the chain restaurants. But - you be the judge...

You also won't go wrong with Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Gino's East, Edwardo's, If you're near the south side, look up Home Run Inn - their thin crust is one of the best.

I was in Chi-Town two weeks ago and I had Due's and Lou Malnatis. They were both great! We didn't get to Gino's East, but that's my personal favorite after years of visiting Chicago.

Have fun, I love that city!

[Smoked!]

If you like good beer and German fare try the Berghoff. This one is old school and authentic.

http://www.theberghoff.com/default.aspx

[ggiese]

Oooh... Don't forget Ditka's! Their pork chops are the BOMB!!!

[ashauler]

Oooh... Don't forget Ditka's! Their pork chops are the BOMB!!!

Absolutely!! You can also pick up a "Kick Ass Cigar" while you're there. I don't think they are still made by Graycliff, though they may be. Decent smoke in any regard, though a bit overpriced......cool lookin' glass tube though.

[pknitty]

It depends on where you're staying. I suppose you're not likely staying downtown (that will cost you an arm and leg) but staying somewhere on the north side...

We usually stay all the way out in Willowbrook at 55 and Kingery, but we don't have a problem going to other parts of town. We like to experience all that Chicago has to offer.

Lou Malnati's is awesome, has anyone been to Connie's Pizza on Archer we usually end up going there, the pizza is great and so is the bread.

[cigarsarge]

Last time I was there I went to Pizzeria Uno...It kicks ass.

[BigMacFU]

Downtown you can also try out Jack Schwartz's for cigars, though they close relatively early in the day.

Portillos is definitely the place for Italian Beef and Chicago Dogs. I'm a big fan of Rosati's for the best Chicago style pizza, but it really depends on the individual locations, and since I'm from the North burbs, I would not be able to verify any locations down by willowbrook.

Binny's Beverage Depot in the south loop is great for beer tasting. I think they have a humi too (most binny's do), but no smoking.

If you're in Lincoln Park, check out Chicago Bagel Factory at Armitage and Sheffield. Great bagel sandwich creations.

[mrtr33]

<rant>

Why is it so hard to find good "Chicago-style" pizza anywhere outside of Chicago? Deep dish pizza is my favorite. I realize it takes longer to make, but I'm willing to wait. Why must I be tortured with pizza toppings on a cracker!

</rant>

I've been to Chicago a couple of times. Once was a shopping trip, at Christmas time, going in every single store on Michigan avenue.

Another time I was on a greyhound bus trip, going through. I had enough time between buses to take the L to Comisky, where I was one of about 25 people to watch the Sox lose. It was 1/2 price family nite, and I think I got box seats behind home plate. Good times. In my experience, the L is one of the better transit systems supporting a metropolitan city.

[EGQ]

As a Chicagoan for 34 of the last 37 years, I will give you my take on this great city -- even though you are a Cards fan...

Hot dogs -- hand's down -- Hot Doug's -- this is truly a gourmet dog eatery. Chicago outlawed foie gras a while back (since overturned), but Doug was the first one busted for serving foie gras on one of his dogs -- lots of variety. Go on Friday or Saturday and you can get the duck fat fries.

Pizza -- Uno, Due, Giordano's and Gino's are all great -- but Lou Malnati's is the best of the chains. Connie's is alright, but not in the league with the others -- if you want try something different, try Burt's Place in Morton Grove -- you will never have Connie's again. Anthony Bourdain featured Burt's on his No Reservation show -- but you should call ahead if you plan on going. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0iys-vgD6M

Steak -- take your pic -- Gibson's, Morton's, Smith & Wollensky, the Palm, but my favorite is still Ruth's Chris. From Cabo, Toronto, Indy, etc. -- you get the same quality steak -- I usually go with a filet smothered in butter.

Italian Beef -- Al's, Mr. Beef, Patio, Freddy's, Johnnies -- they are all good choices.

Sea Food -- Shaw's and Joe's downtown are quality establishments and have the best selection.

Will update with additional info later.

[pknitty]

Thanks for that nice compilation there EGQ! Is it spelt Freddie's or Freddy's on Goolge I found a place called Freddie's on 31st ST in Bridgeport.

[EGQ]

It's definitely on 31st -- you have the right spelling. When is the series?

For cigars -- there are some great shops in the city, and there's a nice place out by Willowbrook -- I'll try to put together a short list. My local B&M will be on the list -- nice place to grab a smoke and play some xbox or playstation.

Thanks for that nice compilation there EGQ! Is it spelt Freddie's or Freddy's on Goolge I found a place called Freddie's on 31st ST in Bridgeport.

[pknitty]

The game we are going to is on July the 11th (Saturday), we are going to try to get into Chicago sometime on Friday and leave on Sunday. This will be my first game at Wrigley, so I'm really looking forward to it.

[EGQ]

Cigar Shops -- City: Iwan Ries has the most knowledgeable staff – most have been there for years and are great resources. Updown consistently has the best selection. Hubbard & State Cigars is my regular haunt due to its proximity to my office. For all -- don’t coming looking for deals, our tobacco tax is ridiculous, and most offerings are around MSRP (and often higher).

Cigar Shops – Burbs: Burning Leaf in Plainfield has a good selection, and there are usually a few guys around bullshitting – a lot of xbox/ps3 gaming as well. They also have a nice selection of accessories. A few exits before Kingery off of 55. There’s also Stogies on Kingery in Willowbrook – a more likely choice for you – never been, but meaning to swing by at some point.

There used to be a great Mexican place on Kingery just off of 55 – Senor Tequila’s – they closed that branch and are looking for a new location in the area, but the Joliet one is still open – great food, great margaritas and great staff.

If you’re looking for something in particular, let me know, and I will try to respond.

Also, there is a great bar on Halsted called The Manhole -- you should check it out after the game. Had to get one Card's fan related dig in...

[ggiese]

Cigar Shops -- City: Iwan Ries has the most knowledgeable staff – most have been there for years and are great resources. Updown consistently has the best selection. Hubbard & State Cigars is my regular haunt due to its proximity to my office. For all -- don’t coming looking for deals, our tobacco tax is ridiculous, and most offerings are around MSRP (and often higher).

Cigar Shops – Burbs: Burning Leaf in Plainfield has a good selection, and there are usually a few guys around bullshitting – a lot of xbox/ps3 gaming as well. They also have a nice selection of accessories. A few exits before Kingery off of 55. There’s also Stogies on Kingery in Willowbrook – a more likely choice for you – never been, but meaning to swing by at some point.

There used to be a great Mexican place on Kingery just off of 55 – Senor Tequila’s – they closed that branch and are looking for a new location in the area, but the Joliet one is still open – great food, great margaritas and great staff.

If you’re looking for something in particular, let me know, and I will try to respond.

Also, there is a great bar on Halsted called The Manhole -- you should check it out after the game. Had to get one Card's fan related dig in...

...how could you do that to the poor guy. He may be a Cards fan, but does he deserve to be treated to "The Manhole"???

If you're coming from St. Louis, you might be able to take in Belicoso's in Orland Park (it's somewhat on the way from the south side to the North side (You may feel more comfortable being the Sox territory, than in Cubs territory).

[BigMacFU]

The Manhole is absolutely the proper place for a Cards fan George, no doubt about it.

...how could you do that to the poor guy. He may be a Cards fan, but does he deserve to be treated to "The Manhole"???

If you're coming from St. Louis, you might be able to take in Belicoso's in Orland Park (it's somewhat on the way from the south side to the North side (You may feel more comfortable being the Sox territory, than in Cubs territory).

[pknitty]

Manhole= Cubs hangout in October.

Almost there! leave on Friday. Any recommendations for places to get breakfast, and places that are open 24/7? Anymore Mexican suggestions?

[EGQ]

Breakfast in the City -- Lou Mitchell's or Ann Sathers are my favorites. Lou's has great omeletes, Ann's has great cinnamon rolls and swedish pancakes. Both you'll have to wait 10-15 for a table (most likely).

In the burbs, there is a place called Crispy Waffle in Romeoville -- about a 10 min drive back south on 55 from Kingery (south on Weber for a few miles) -- huge selection, and they make a carrot cake waffle that is great.

Mexican in the city -- Tecaitlan is good -- it's 1700 or 1800 W. Chicago Ave. For decent food and drinks, Lalo's works -- always can get in.

For a late night meal, I would suggest Taco Burrito Palace -- there are a few -- the one I usually hit is on Halsted just north of Fullerton. They are open til 3am at least on the weekends, and the chorizo quesadillas are friggin phenomenal.

I assumed you'd like a place called the Manhole -- you guys are always raving about poo-holes -- seemed like a logical conclusion.

[pknitty]

Thanks guys for the help I really appreciate it! I will be heading up later today.

If any of you guys ever come to St. Louis don't hesitate starting a thread or sending me a PM I will try to help.