What to Do in Chicago While Attending CMM
- Published: February 28, 2005, By PFFC staff
Staff and Reader Picks of the Best Chicago Hot Spots
This may not be your first visit to Chicago (with so many industry events based here, very likely it is not), but we know there are places you haven't seen and things you haven't done. Keeping in mind that you won't have much time, we asked our staff (both Chicagoans and non-Chicagoans) to recommend a few of their favorite spots in or near the center of the city.
"If you like seafood, you have to go to Hugo’s Frog Bar, 1024 N. Rush St. It’s simply the best!"
—Jay Perry, Simco-Industrial Static Control
"My favorite Chicago restaurant is the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Ctr., 875 N. Michigan Ave. They do have good food, but for people that have not been to the city before the view is exceptional while having dinner and a glass of wine."
—Tom Herold, Maxcess Intl.
"The coolest place to visit for adults, who are kids at heart has to be the Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. What other place has a plane, helicopter, Zephyr locomotive, and World War II era U-505 German sub on display... Great Chicago attraction!"
—Terrance Clark, TAKK Industries Static Controls
"Spring is the perfect time to visit Chicago’s Grant Park, located along Michigan Ave, with its lovely gardens, spectacular Buckingham Fountain, and view of Lake Michigan. After a brisk walk and a breath of fresh air, visit another nearby treasure, the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave., home to an incredible collection of European paintings. Then bring your appetite to Aria, 200 N. Columbus Dr. because you won’t want to stop eating."
—Claudia Kriess, Kreiss Communications
"New to Chicago is nationally known Morton’s Steakhouse, 65 E. Wacker Place."
—Deirdre D"Aniello, Regional Sales Mgr.
“For a cultural treat on the spur of the moment, go to hottix.org to find out what plays or events in the city are available at half price for that evening. Follow it up with dinner at Russian Tea Time at 77 E. Adams (near the Art Institute), and be sure to have the raspberry tea!”
—Yolanda Simonsis, Assoc. Publisher/Editor
"If you’re a meat lover, check out Fogo de Chao at 661 N. LaSalle. It’s Brazilian and quite an experience. For a fixed price, you get a fabulous, high-end salad bar and all the meat you can eat. Waiters keep bringing around skewers of meat, about 18 different cuts-all wonderful."
—Deborah Donberg, Managing Editor
"Don’t miss Millennium Park on Michigan Ave. between Randolph and Monroe Sts. Although the popular Cloud Gate sculpture (aka The Bean) will be covered during CMM, there’s still plenty to see including the popular Crown fountain, Pritzker music pavilion, and BP Bridge. Best of all, the Lurie Garden will be in bloom."
—Claudia Hine, Managing Editor
"For pizza, Connie’s Pizza on 2373 S. Archer Ave. is the best there is!"
—Cheryl Mangano, Advertising Coordinator
"For Blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends on 754 S. Wabash Ave. is the place. Enjoy down home cooking and behold a major archive of blues memorabilia. Voted "Best Blues Club" several times over by Blues publications. Buddy Guy has the personal reputation as the crowned king of Chicago’s Electric Blues scene."
—Mike Derda, Natl. Sales Mgr./Assoc. Publisher
"In the mood for Mexican? With terrific ambiance, unbelievable food, and huge margaritas, Lalo’s at 500 N. LaSalle St. is home to the city’s best Mexican flavor. The salsa and guacamole alone are worth the trip."
—Carrie Cleaveland, Assistant Editor
"It’s not on the Bayou, but for great Cajun cookin’, Heaven on Seven at 600 N. Michigan is tasty and inexpensive. And be sure to try the gumbo. It’s almost as good as mama makes."
—Nsenga Thompson, Assoc. Editor
"For great food and sports fun ESPN Zone at 43 E. Ohio St. is a must."
—David Fay, Eastern Sales Mgr.
To read more staff picks from PFFC’s past CMM coverage, see When It’s Time to Play Tourist…
