Chicago

[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...