Had been hoping for a rez at a West Loop restaurant we’ve long wanted to try, but got shut out for both nights. Now casting wider net. Suggestions?
Depends what you’re looking for - casual, more upscale, a particular cuisine, etc.
57th Street has a few restaurants in close proximity - Medici’s (Italian & American fare), Noodles etc. (What it sounds like), and Salonica (Greek/Mediterranean) are all nice.
Daley’s Restaurant on 63rd Street is a good place for affordable breakfast/brunch fare, soul food, etc - and has been serving in the neighborhood since 1892. Valois (53rd Street) has a similar menu, and was one of President Obama’s favorite spots in his Hyde Park days. Note that Valois is cash-only.
On 55th Street, just east of Lake Park Avenue, you have a couple of Thai places and a decent Vietnamese grill. There’s also Kikuya - the more upscale of HP’s two sushi restaurants. I’ve been to Kikuya and Thai 55; both were good.
53rd Street has more varied options, especially in the more casual lane - including a Nando’s (chicken), Shinju Sushi (what the name would suggest), Roti (Mediterranean sandwiches/wraps/rice plates), and more. Native Foods Cafe is a nice vegan option. Or there’s always Giordano’s - it is Chicago, after all.
Close-ish options outside Hyde Park/Woodlawn:
Yassa is a Senegalese restaurant in Bronzeville (halfway between Hyde Park and the Loop). I’ve been to a few events they catered. The food is great.
Chinatown (southwest of the South Loop - easy to access via the Red Line) has no shortage of good options. I have been to, and would recommend, Triple Crown Restaurant.
And of course you’ll have your pick of places in the Loop.
South Loop! Kurah is wonderful: http://www.kurahchicago.com/ but there must be others in the area as well.
How far to Giordanos? My son jokingly says he picked UChicago for the stuffed pizza.
Why limit yourself to near campus, Chicago is a pretty easy city to catch an Uber ride or cab. I’m in Chicago on business right now and tonight we are doing drinks at London House and then Dinner at Nonnina. I’ve been to Giordano’s before and thought it was good but plan to wait a good while.
I use Uber more now but when I would take a cab I found it easier to walk to a hotel and get the bellhop to call for one. Ton’s of great places to eat in Chicago no matter what your taste. Yelp app is pretty good as well for checking reviews and use OpenTable app to make reservations if you can.
Giordano’s in HP on 53rd and Blackstone. Very close to campus.
Lots of great places in River North and the Loop too.
Thanks for your replies. Didn’t mean to limit to near campus - that was more of a side question. I know that Randolph St, River North etc have lots of great places for a nice dinner that the kids wouldn’t go to on their own. Thought I might catch some specific places that you’ve found it good to go with a family group.
Topolobampo / Frontera Grill a fave with my family. 445 N. Clark.
How fancy do you want to go? One of our favorites is Coco Pazzo in River North. If you want more low key there is Coco Pazzo cafe in Streeterville. We love Girl and the Goat in the W Loop (but they might be booked). Another fun place is Eataly. It’s more food hall style but there are sit down restaurants upstairs with different specialities.
Thanks! Yes, it was Girl and the Goat we had been trying for - we were too early for awhile and then all of a sudden missed any availability. We will want one really nice meal with the kid & grandparents.
Ethnic is also a possibility - Greek Town has some pretty tasty restaurants. Thai, Indian, Korean - it’s all good. Chicago is a wonderful foodie town.
Recommend: Mon Ami Gabi. Great French inspired American food, with a view of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s botanical green house thingy. Sit outside if its warm, have some French wine.