Chicago Hot Spots

Thanks to our fabulous coaching friends from the Chicago area, we have compiled a listing of some “local hot spots”. We’ve broken the list down into specific categories like restaurants, entertainment, shopping and transportation. When we were given specific websites, we included them as well.

To do a little exploration on your own, there is also a terrific website called MetroMix.com where you can find out where anything around town is located. You can select specific locations or search for specific interests such as coffee spots or blues music. Maps as well as ratings and reviews are also provided at MetroMix.com.

Anything marked with an * means that it was recommended by more than one of our local authorities.

We hope you enjoy your stay in Chicago!

Restaurants

The Billy Goat Tavern*is where “Saturday Night Live” got their “Cheezeborger…Cheezeborger” schtick:

Near TribuneTowers and Wrigley Building
430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level
Phone: 312-222-1525
http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html

Buca ‘d Beppo
521 N Rush Street
Chicago, IL60611
(847) 808-9898

From the Italian language tapes in the restrooms to the three-liter bottles of Chianti on every table, the vibe here is exaggerated Italian-American kitsch. Boisterous, sprawling dining rooms are modeled after supper clubs of the '40s and '50s--servers holler, kitchen doors swing, and Sinatra rules the stereo. High-carb, red-sauced southern Italian cooking dominates the menu.

Mannino’s (Italian)
741 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 666-1277

The restaurant, owned by the Mannino family, inhabits a space that was once a church. There are high ceilings with skylights and even a large stained-glass window. The atmosphere is swank, with a large bar, complete with mirrored wall. Late Friday and Saturday nights, Club Mannino takes over with live local bands, ranging from jazz to blues and contemporary. Full bar and late-night appetizers are available, and there's no cover charge.

Johnny’s Italian Beef
7500 West North Avenue
Elmwood Park, IL60707
(708) 452-6000

A typical Chicago-style carryout where the beef is to die for. Locals come from miles around for a Johnny’s Beef and an Italian Ice.

Pizzeria Due*-
619 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Tel: (312) 943-2400

Chicago Deep Dish Style pizza is a MUST.

Gibson's * -
5464 North River Road
RosemontIL60018
(847) 928-9900

Look’in for a great steak? This is the place to go! But don’t forget to bring a little extra in the wallet.

Stefani's 437 Rush –
437 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL60611
(312) 222-0101

Great Italian hot spot!

Greektown –
www.chicagogreektown.com

Looking to get in touch with your inner Greek? This is a fun place to do it.

Gino's Pizza*
(312) 337-7726
930 N Rush St
Chicago, IL60611

PF Chang’s
530 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Tel: (312) 828-9977

The Cheesecake Factory
(312) 337-1101
(312) 337-1149
875 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL60611

Shaw's Crab House*
21 E Hubbard St
Chicago, IL
(312) 527-2722

The Grand Luxe Café -http://www.grandluxcafe.com/index.htm

Pizzeria D.O.C. - http://www.pizza-doc.com/index.html

Osteria Via Stato - http://centerstage.net/restaurants/Osteriaviastato.html

MillenniumPark* http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago_millennium_park.htm

Wildfire* www.wildfirerestaurant.com

Fogo De Chao –
www.fogodechao.com
661 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL
(312) 932-9330

Moody's Pub –
5910 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL
Tel: (773) 275-2696

Brasserie Jo*
Classic Alsatian and regional French dishes served in a relaxed brasserie.
www.brasseriejo.com

Ten Pin Bar Bowl & Grille *
330 N State St
Chicago, IL
(312) 644-0300

Rosebud*
Italian style Seafood with ColdCoast flair.
720 N Rush St
Chicago, IL
(312) 266-6444

Riva Navy Pier *
(312) 644-7482
(312) 644-4377
700 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL60611

Cafe la CAVE Continental Steakhouse
2777 Manheim Road
Des Plaines, IL60018
847.827.7818
www.cafelacaverestaurant.com

Woodfield * -
http://www.gowoodfieldmall.com/
A great resource for restaurants.

Chicago Firehouse
1401 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
312-786-1401
This classy hidden gem in the South Loop is a renovated firehouse, complete with vintage fire poles and engine-red dining room. Locals who find it keep coming back for the American comfort food and nouveau cuisine favorites like pork chops and lobster bisque.

Looking for a little afternoon tea? (old time Tea Services):

Drake Hotel
140 E. Walton Pl., 312-787-2200

The Salon at Hotel Inter-Continental
505 N. Michigan Ave.,
312-944-4100

The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888

Argo Tea
(773) 388-1880
958 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL60614

Entertainment

Medieval Times - combines dinner with a live show featuring knights on horses. This is close to Woodfield*, about 20 minutes west of the O'Hare area. Across from Woodfield is the “Streets of Woodfield”, an outdoor shopping center with nice shops, including a movie theatre and game center. 1-800-544-2001

Frank Lloyd Wright’s home / office - are open to the public. A walking tour of the neighborhood, for those who are interested in his architectural style, is a pure delight. Hemingway’s home is there too. (Fee)

951 Chicago Avenue
Oak Park, IL60302
Phone: (708) 848-1976

Lake Michigan & Buckingham Fountain -
Buckingham Fountain, surrounded by large expanses of gardens is located right in the heart of Chicago. You’ll want to enjoy the light display any evening at dusk. Walking and biking paths span the entire length of Chicago’s waterfront. There’s nothing like the thrill of looking out over the vast lake on one side and the spectacular panorama of Chicago’s high rises on the other. http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/B/Buckingham.html

Lincoln Park Zoo*, Botanical Garden & ButterflyMuseum -
These three locations offer a full day’s entertainment and education focused on nature’s wonders. They’re located just off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago.
312/836-7000.

The Navy Pier* - is kind of touristy, might be fun to wander around. Walk the lake front starting at Navy Pier and go north for miles. There is also an IMAX there. You can also rent bikes at Navy Pier or go for a boat ride on Lake Michigan. http://www.navypier.com/

The White Sox - are in town on the 9th -- 11th, then The Cubs come home the 12th - 14th.

Garfield conservatory –
http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/

SearsTower Skydeck* -
http://www.the-skydeck.com/homeDefault.htm
Phone: (312) 875-9696

John Hancock Observatory*-
http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions/john-hancock-center.html, Get a great view of the city and have a drink at the 95th Baron top of the HancockBuilding.

875 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL60611
Phone: (888) 875-VIEW

BlueMan Group -
http://www.blueman.com

Organic Food Show –
(www.organicexpo.com)

Museums

The Art Institute*http://www.artic.edu/

FieldMuseum* http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Museum of Science and Industry* http://www.msichicago.org/

Shedd Aquarium* http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Adler Planetarium* http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/

The Chicago Historical Society* http://www.chicagohs.org/

JAZZ CLUBS

The 1800 Club
1800 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201-3777
(847) 733-7900

There's live jazz and an upscale menu at The 1800 Club on the edge of downtown Evanston. Indoors the look is European with dark burgundy walls and a parquet floor. Tables are lamp-lit in the evening. Harp, Bass and Dab are on tap.

Andy’s Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St.
ChicagoIL
(312) 642-6805

A premiere venue, featuring mainstream, bebop and swing-jazz combos. Now there's a full live music menu seven days a week - including weekday, noontime performance

The Backroom
1007 N. Rush St.
Chciago, IL
(312) 751-2433

It’s one of the city's oldest jazz clubs on one of the Gold Coast's trendiest stretches of real estate. The split-level interior offers two equally good views of the same stage. The upper level holds two rows of cocktail tables and a full-service bar, while the lower level gives a more traditional view of the stage.

Chicago Legends*
2109 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 326-0300

Now located in the space that Mr. Ricky's Restaurant once occupied, Chicago Legends offers a full bar cocktail lounge. This 475-capacity mirror-covered club offers two rooms: the Green room, which has a large bar, and the Red Room, which has a bar and plenty of tables and seating. Take advantage of the lounge's two dance floors-

every night offers different music, from stepping to rap. Chicago Legends also hosts the occasional live blues or jazz performance by some of the genre's top musicians. Expect to dress classy: gym shoes or sports team attire is not allowed.

Chuck and Bruce Puffer
3356 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL
(773) 927-6073

Brothers Chuck and Bruce Puffer have put their name on an inviting bar that caters to neighborhood residents, the artistic community and area professionals. With two dozen bar seats and 30 table seats, Puffer's easily handles the capacity crowds it attracts. Step up to the bar and try an Old Rasputin Russian Stout or an Anchor Steam. A selection of fine wine is also available. Pinball and darts can help pass the time, as well as a Chicago bar rarity -foosball.

Club Alphonse
1351 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 697-0975

Club Alphonse is an upscale lounge that caters to the urban-contemporary thirty-something crowd. From open-mike

Wednesdays and smooth jazz Mondays to steppers-only Thursdays and bid whist Tu

Chicago's Cotton Club
1710 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL
(312) 341-9787

Chicago's Cotton Club recreates the Harlem original in this popular spot for live music and dancing. The Near South Side club is split into two sections: The Cab Calloway room features contemporary jazz and blues combos; deejays spin hip-hop and urban contemporary in the rear GrayRoom. Black-and-white photos of Louis Armstrong and other blues and jazz greats fill the walls. It's a great place for people-watching.

Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 276-3600

Everything a rock club should be: smoky, crowded, loud, dirty, intimate and irresistible. There’s live music nearly every night of the week, ranging from experimental jazz to garage rock.

FitzGerald's
6615 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Berwyn,IL 60402-1010
(708) 788-2118

Slightly off the beaten path for most Chicagoans but right on the mark for music lovers, FitzGerald's has been showcasing all kinds of roots music for more than 20 years in blue-collar Berwyn. On any given week the place plays host to zydeco, country, swing, folk and bluegrass acts, and during the club's popular annual American Music Festival, perhaps all in the same night.

Green Dolphin Street
2200 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL
(773) 395-0066

Named after the well-known jazz tune, Green Dolphin Street is a slick and pricey restaurant and jazz club catering the upscale 30-to-50-year-old crowd that's looking to combine a fine meal with a night of equally tasty live jazz. Of course, patrons can choose only to dine or only see the band, but when both are served up so well and so conveniently it's hard not to indulge. And the club bar -- which has a dramatic floor-to-ceiling liquor case – is well-stocked with libations and a humidor filled with Arturo Fuentes, H. Upmann and Partagas cigars.

Joe Segal
59 W. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 670-2473

Owner Joe Segal has brought live jazz to Chicago for over half a century and for the last several years it's been from the Jazz Showcase's current home on Grand Avenue. Just as his club has become a classic, so too are many of the musicians that make their way to his stage: Maynard Ferguson, Milt Jackson, Ray Brown and McCoy Tyner. Typically, there are two shows a night and three on Sunday, including a matinee. Not only are patrons asked to shell out $20 for a show, they're also asked (told) not to smoke. Needless to say, Jazz Showcase isn't hurting for business. Reservations are not accepted and credit cards cannot be used for admission.

House of Blues Chicago*
(312) 527-2583
(312) 923-2000
(312) 923-2020
329 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL60610

Jazz Showcase*-
59 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL60610
(312) 670-2473

MISC.

"Wicked"* is in town and is getting rave reviews!

http://www.ticketsnow.com/Theater_Tickets/Wicked_Tickets.html/v=585

http://www.wickedthemusical.com/

Lake Michigan Boat Cruises:*

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/sightseeing_cruises.htm Architectural Boat Tour is the best way to see the city by the river and get some history. It leaves from the dock at Michigan and Wacker.

John Hancock Observatory*-

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions/john-hancock-center.html, Get a great view of the city and have a drink at the 95th Bar on top of the HancockBuilding.

Navy Pier*

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chicago-navy-pier.htm

Shopping

Woodfield*-

http://www.gowoodfieldmall.com/

Water Tower Place*-

(312) 440-3165
(312) 440-3166
(312) 440-1259
835 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL60611

The Gold Coast*-

http://www.urbanstyle.com/neighborhoods/goldcoast/default.asp

A shopper’s delight. Elegant shopping – not for the faint at heart.

"The Magnificent Mile"** -

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

A shopper's Mecca -- you can do a lot of damage to your credit card there. Boutique designer and big: Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendels, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, the Apple Store, Nike Town, American Girl Doll Store, Ralph Lauren store & restaurant, Tiffany's--you name it, it's there.

LongGroveVictorianVillage –

http://www.longgroveonline.com/

Very quaint and great shopping

Organic Food Show –

(www.organicexpo.com)

Transitions Bookplace -

1000 West North Ave.

(www.transitionsbookplace.com).

Thursday, May 11, Allison DuBois, the New York Times best-selling author whose true-life

story inspired the hit television series MEDIUM. Rhonda Britten will be holding a workshop (call 312.951.READ, ticket required) on Tuesday, May 16th

Transportation

Chicago Transit Authority -

http://www.transitchicago.com/

Easiest transportation to downtownChicago is via the "L" train (Blue Line from/to O'Hare Airport). Their website is http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/rail/rail.html.

Whether it’s your first visit to Chicago or you’re a frequent traveler, these links are a good source for visitor information and services -- and a great way to answer your questions about the Chicago area.

City of Chicago: http://egov.cityofchicago.org

Chicago Office of Tourism: 312-744-2400
http://www.cityofchicago.org/Tourism/

Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau: 312-567-8500
www.chicago.il.org/visitors/visitors.html

Chicago Park District: 312-747-2200
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Chicago Public Library: www.chipublib.org

Hotel/Motel Association of Illinois: 312-346-3135
www.hmai.org

Illinois Restaurant Association: 312-787-4000
www.illinoisrestaurants.org

Mayor’s Office of Special Events: 312-744-3370
www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents

Big Thanks to our Local Coaches:

Chicago Coaches

We want to extend many thanks to our friends in Chicago for all of their wonderful suggestions on places to visit. Please check out their websites if they’ve included one

and see what they’re up to!

Kristi Arndt

www.kristiarndt.com

Robin Bluestone-Miller

www.coaching4u.net

Glory Borgeson

www.borgesonconsulting.com

Michelle B. Friedman

Niquenya Fulbright

http://www.niquenyafulbright.com

Sandy Mitsch, PCC, CPCC

www.rthcoaching.com