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Delarage

(2,563 posts)
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 07:15 PM 11 hrs ago

Just got back from Chicago

5 day work trip. I tried to cram in as much as I could since I have never been to Chicago before. Tried a Chicago dog at Chicago House (veggie), deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's near the Wrigley Building, went to Lou Mitchell's for breakfast one day (a diner that is over 100 years old) because I like diners... Especially New Jersey diners... but this was not particularly great. Had much better food at a place that was closer to my hotel.... called Wildberry. That was the best breakfast I have had in a long time! Went to a Bulls game, witnessing their 11th loss in a row I think. Finally, did an architectural river tour which was very very interesting. I walked through Millennium Park to Daly Park and along the lake.

My verdict: I like Chicago! Seems pretty clean, the lake water looked almost emeraldy, and tons of good food. Didn't care for Lou Mitchell's and I'm not a big enough hot dog fan to ever have another Chicago dog... But it was nice to try. My favorite experiences were the deep dish pizza, Wildberry, and the river tour. The airport was good and the Blue train was super convenient to get into the city. I would visit again!

13 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Just got back from Chicago (Original Post) Delarage 11 hrs ago OP
Reach out to native Chicagoan DUers your next swing through. LuvLoogie 11 hrs ago #1
Will do Delarage 11 hrs ago #3
My son and grandson live in Chicago. lynintenn 11 hrs ago #2
Thanks Delarage 11 hrs ago #5
❤️ I love Chicago! ❤️ MIButterfly 11 hrs ago #4
Same Delarage 11 hrs ago #6
Just remember blue-wave 10 hrs ago #7
Love to live there duckworth969 10 hrs ago #8
The tour guide Delarage 10 hrs ago #9
the tour guide was pulling your leg. mopinko 7 hrs ago #13
You probably don't want my Chicago food suggestions. I'm vegan. But, that river tour is great. I go on mucifer 10 hrs ago #10
I'm vegetarian Delarage 10 hrs ago #11
BBQ wings at the Chicago Diner next time is my suggestion. mucifer 10 hrs ago #12

Delarage

(2,563 posts)
3. Will do
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 07:31 PM
11 hrs ago

I looked at Reddit and Google for some quick ideas. The pizza debate was incredible....tavern v. deep dish and where to get it. Malnatis was really good but didn't get a chance to try any other.

lynintenn

(811 posts)
2. My son and grandson live in Chicago.
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 07:28 PM
11 hrs ago

I love a Chicago hotdog. Next time try Fulton Market, There are some James Beard award restaurants there.

MIButterfly

(2,449 posts)
4. ❤️ I love Chicago! ❤️
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 07:33 PM
11 hrs ago

I've been there many times and there's always something fun to do. Of course, being a Cubs fan, Wrigley Field is my favorite place to go.

The public transportation is great. The red line takes me wherever I want to go.

i don't have a bad word to say about Chicago. Well, I'm not crazy about the Dan Ryan, but what are you going to do?

Delarage

(2,563 posts)
6. Same
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 07:39 PM
11 hrs ago

I have friends who are Cubs fans and they drive out from Delaware to see games every now and then. They know someone in Ohio that they stop there on the way for an overnight break. I had thought about driving and bringing my dog but I was getting over a bad cold and didn't think I had it in me. Parking seems to be very expensive also so I'm kind of glad I didn't. Public transportation was great....my problem with short trips is that once I get my bearings and figure out how to navigate the place....I have to leave

Delarage

(2,563 posts)
9. The tour guide
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 08:19 PM
10 hrs ago

Was pointing out that a lot of people are moving into the city now... And they're adding a 78th Ward because of so much construction (that quickly fills up). Living along the river would be beautiful.... I can't imagine how much they would cost

mopinko

(73,540 posts)
13. the tour guide was pulling your leg.
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 11:22 PM
7 hrs ago

chgo has 50 wards. havent heard anything about adding 1, tho that doesnt mean someone isnt talking about it.

the tour is great, tho. and the lake- it’s different every day. i have a painter friend who’s also a competitive open water swimmer. the lake is all she paints.

always loved cruising lsd. b4 i moved here, i used to drive in from the burbs, cruise up and down a few times.

glad u had fun.

mucifer

(25,633 posts)
10. You probably don't want my Chicago food suggestions. I'm vegan. But, that river tour is great. I go on
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 08:30 PM
10 hrs ago

it about every 10 years.

My favorite place in Chicago is the Forest Preserves. But, I am sure that sort of place is in most cities.

Glad you enjoyed our city Come again!!

Delarage

(2,563 posts)
11. I'm vegetarian
Fri Feb 27, 2026, 08:34 PM
10 hrs ago

So I probably would like your suggestions! I did enjoy walking by the lake and getting into a little bit of nature again after being downtown most of the trip. But everything was great I have no complaints... And I hope to return someday!

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