Chicagoans: Need Restaurant Advice Please.

[lindrusso]

Hi there Chicago! My husband and I would like to take the kids to Chicago this fall to do some kid-oriented sight-seeing. We've been there ourselves a few times, so we know most of the good kid things to do, but when we've been there we've done mostly adult-only dining (as in the nicer restaurants).

So, do any of you have any tried and true suggestions for restaurants that would be kid-friendly, but that also have great food? We are not interested in chains (except we might hit Cheesecake Factory :) ), but in something unique to Chicago or something ethnic (we don't have many ethnic restaurants around here, so that would be a real treat). We like pretty much anything - Greek, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese (but that would probably be our last choice), Mexican, etc.

Also, any suggestions on an inexpensive but nice hotel would be greatly appreciated. I am considering Hampton Inn.

Thanks much!

[LGBurns]

The first place that comes to mind is Gino's East--classic Chicago stuffed pizza and really fun for kids. There are a few but the most famous one is on Superior just east of Michigan (I think it's on Superior, right around there anyway).

Also, downtown is Big Bowl which is Asian food (lots of different kinds: Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.). It is part of the "Lettuce Entertain You" restaurants so in that sense it's a chain but since I think that's only a local chain it still is a Chicago restaurant. There's one on Ohio and Rush and one off State a few blocks north of Chicago (right next to a Corner Bakery -- I can't remember the name of the cross street). There may be one more but those are the two I've been to. I really like their Thai curries (although I'm sure they're very fattening since they are full of coconut milk) and their spicy sesame peanut noodles.

The only other place I know of that would be a fun place for kids to go to is in Evanston--don't know if you would be going up that way. It's called Lucky Platter and it's on Main Street. The decor is the height of kitch (the chandeliers are colanders with chandalier crystals hanging from them), and the food is sort of like down home cooking with a twist and it's pretty healthy. To give you an idea--my husband's favorite is an Open-faced polenta sandwich with black beans, cheese, guacamole and salsa and one of my favorites is spicy pumpkin soup. Also their cornbread is to die for. Anyway, you probably won't find yourself in that area but thought I'd plug it nonetheless--it's one of my favorite restaurants.

[BethML]

lindrusso,

I live in downtown Chicago and have some additional suggestions for you. They're all ethnic and all seem kid-appropriate to me:

-- Most restaurants in "Greektown", including Pegasus, Greek Islands and Santorini

--Another Greek restaurant that's not in Greektown (it's near the Michigan Ave. shopping) is Papagus-- charming decor, very good food and family-friendly

--A few blocks west of the Greektown area is Wishbone , a southern food restaurant that is very casual and affordable but also very popular with celebrities. We've seen David Schwimmer, Oprah's boyfriend, and others there. According to some other sources, Michael Jordan likes it as well. The cornbread is to die for, and it's fun to go there for breakfast/brunch as well-- get a heavenly biscuit if you go!

--For Japanese, our favorite place downtown is Naniwa, which is near Ed Debevic's (the rock-and-roll diner). It has a bright, casual atmosphere and excellent sushi.

--I know you didn't mention Italian, but Volare is wonderful. I've seen many people bring their children there. It's near Michigan Ave., a block east of Nordstrom's.

--For Mexican, as long as you get there super-early, you have a good chance of getting into Rick Bayless's Frontera Grill.

--Star of Siam is good for Thai. It's a block or so southwest from Nordstrom's, on State Street. Very casual atmosphere and a good value.

Let me know if you'd like other suggestions or opinions.
Beth

[mightyh]

Lindrusso -

I'm not from Chicago, but my sister lives there and I just wanted to put in a plug for Pricelining your hotel. Almost every time we go visit, we priceline a hotel for about $50 (you can start lower than that) and we've stayed at the NICEST of the NICE right on/off Michigan ave. I'd highly recommend at least checking it out... I don't know what you get if you start lower than that, but $50 a night for a four star hotel right in the middle of the city pretty much can't be beat in my book.

My sister likes to take us to a mongolian grill-esque place called Flat Top Grill. I think they have several locations in the city and I bet your kids would have a ball picking their stir fry ingredients and sauce mixtures... It's reasonably priced for all you can eat and I've always been impressed with the variety of fresh, locally grown produce they offer, as well as the exotic varieties of rice with which you can fill your bowl. I can't give you specific locations, but there is one in Evanston... I'd bet they have a web page. They do--here it is, if you're interested http://www.flattopgrill.com/stirfry.html

Have fun! I love Chicago!

[lindrusso]

Thanks for the suggestions! Yum!

mightyh -

I have always wanted to try Priceline, but I am too chicken!!! I'm always afraid of what we'll get stuck with. However, I think we just might give this one a try! Can't beat staying on Michigan Ave. for $50 a night!!!