OT: Visiting Chicago and Milwaukee

[77ncaachamps]

Alright folks, this west coast boy is going "home" to the third coast and it's been a while (7 years!).

I am requesting two things:

- Chicago: Where to stay (downtown and in Chicagoland), where to eat, where to visit, and what to do. I want to stay downtown for at least one night.

-Milwaukee: Where to stay, where to eat, where to visit, and what to do. MU, of course, is on the list automatically.

I'm not rich nor poor, but looking for a great experience so please keep that in mind. Aiming for an early August visit for about 5-6 days.

Now...shoot away! 

[spartan3186]

As far as food goes...

Milwaukee: Soblemans is almost a must for lunch one day, it continues to be my favorite place in Milwaukee. Also Saz's is a good option for lunch or dinner. Calderone Club has very good Italian if you are looking to go that route. Those three are all reasonably priced ranging from 6.75 (sobleman burger) to 20 dollar entrees (Calderone Club).

If you are looking for something a bit more upscale the following restraunts are also very good
Coast
5 O'Clock Steak House
Cush
Yannis

Those all have excellent food and good service but are much more upscale than the previous 3 mentioned

[mu_hilltopper]

When in August?  Go to Irish Fest, Aug 16-19.  Best festival on the Lake, bar none!  http://www.irishfest.com/

[QPSS70]

Haven't stayed in either because I live here, but a couple lower profile places to stay in Milwaukee that you might consider are the Ambassador Hotel and County Clare. 

The Ambassador was completely remodeled in the last couple years.  It's close to MU and downtown, but the rates are probably lower than the big downtown hotels. 

County Clare has about 10 rooms.  You have your own pub/restaurant right below and it's not far from Water Street bars.  It might be filled however during Irish Fest. 

Hilltopper mentioned Irish Fest but also consider that State Fair runs through August 12th which draws a lot of people from out-state to area hotels, so book soon.

Too many good places to eat in Milwaukee to recommend one in particular, but for old times sake, Miss Katie's, Real Chili and Angelo's are still going strong.

[77ncaachamps]

Thanks for the comments so far.

Keep them coming!

[classof70]

Only one place to stay in Milwaukee:  Pfister Hotel.

[mu_hilltopper]

Indeed, I'll bet that every downtown hotel is nearly booked in August because each weekend is a festival .. weddings .. state fair .. etc.

You should book a room at Mashuda for old times' sake.  Cheap.

[shaquilvaine]

A great upscale place to stay in Milwaukee is Hotel metro on Milwaukee Ave.  On the same street are several fantastic restaurants (Zarlettis for good Italian, Cubanitas, Sakatumi for a trendy restaurant with great sushi and Carnivore for one of the best steaks in town).  On the same street you also have some upscale clubs/bars including Kennedi's and Eve.  Not for everyone, but if you can afford it and are looking for great food at a price and great nightlife, I'd recommend Hotel Metro and Milwaukee Ave.

[77ncaachamps]

Indeed, I'll bet that every downtown hotel is nearly booked in August because each weekend is a festival .. weddings .. state fair .. etc.

You should book a room at Mashuda for old times' sake.  Cheap.

Seriously.

How much...for an alum?

[mu_hilltopper]

http://www.marquette.edu/alumni/reunions/planahead07.shtml

Stay in the dorms at Straz Tower
Each room has a private bathroom, twin beds, linen service, air conditioning and an alarm clock. Cost is $43 per night/single and $58 per night/double, plus tax.  Make your reservation by calling Residence Life Conference Services at (414) 288-7208.

[BigSky]

Milly-Wau-Kay

Lodging:  Two best for quality are Pfister, Hotel Metro.  3rd place would be Hilton(used to be Marc Plaza, or Hyatt) Wyndham is now a Intercontinental and remodeled.  (but I haven't stayed in the new version, not a fan of old Wyndham version)

Eats:  Can only really recommend Real Chili by MU Rah Rah.  As for elsewhere, Mexican, I enjoy Botana's.(5th and National)  Steak?  Lots of places to choose from.(Coerpers, Chop House, etc..would be a couple I like over some of the others) Seafood, limited options, Moceans is overpriced by a lot and service not so great but decent seafood.  Bar food, Hooligans,(North Ave) very good bar food. 

Since you haven't been back in 7 years, go to areas that have changed, 3rd Ward, 5th Ward.  ...Water Street is very young, and campus will be very quiet in summer, but take a lap.  Milwaukee Ave by Hotel Metro has several other options,(sushi, cubanitas) and more in Brewer's Hill and the East side for cocktails and eats.

Try some outdoor cocktails or dining(Milwaukee doesn't get great weather many months). 

Milwaukee imo has progressed more in the last 5 years than many of the previous years prior. 

La Merenda is a friend's restaurant 1st and National, new place, International eats of all kinds, great place, small plate shared food dining.  Highly recommended.

Spend a little time by the water.(River and or Lake)

Chicago:  Stay downtown, not in Chicagoland.  Lots of options, based on cost, value, style.  Again, weather, take a $20 architectural boat cruise for 1 hr 15 min.  Highly recommended.  Can pick it up at Michigan Ave, or Navy Pier etc...but otherwise skip Navy Pier.  I would stick to outdoor pursuits, ...Cubs game, neighborhoods exploration, festivals.  At night, try 2nd City or a comedy show or a band at a club.  I'd save the fine museums or Aquarium for another trip with worse weather, unless that is what you want to do.  Food choices are a long list. 

W Hotel, Kimpton Hotels, House of Blues hotel, Omni(every room is a suite) Sheraton, many others....to choose from that I think are solid.  Also, sometimes the business catered hotels sometimes offer weekend deals.  You can stay at nice downtown Chicago Hotel for $100 on priceline and other options...to keep in mind. 

[ecompt]

My wife and I, believe it or not, stayed at the old Ambassador Hotel back in February. They totally redid the place, and it's very nice.

[thelost]

cubs and brewers games are a must

[Eye]

Anybody know the name of the seafood place just north of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago? At the intersection of something like North Columbus and East North Water? Went there three or four years ago when I was with some buddies on a Cubs trip, and had a great time there, just can't remember the name of the place. If anybody has the name, that'd be my recommendation if you're with friends in downtown Chicago.

[77ncaachamps]

Please keep them coming! I'm writing down your suggestions and doing some searches and will be talking to my gf soon! Thanks for those who provided input!

[muwarrior87]

Mashuda probably won't work. They're remodelling it right now or doing something but I know it's a hard hat zone and will be for a while yet.

[mu03eng]

Couple of suggestions for meals in Milwaukee.  If you are there on a Friday I highly recommend going on a brewery tour at Lakefront Brewery then stay for the fish fry.  You are going to have to get there early because the tour is extremely popular as is the fish fry but totally worth it.  Tours start at 3 in the afternoon.  The fish fry is good because not only is the fish good, but they have multiple fish options as well as other non-fish options for those who don't want fish fry.  I will also second Houligans on North Ave for very good bar food, plus they have great outside seating for good people watching.  I'm a big fan of Paddy's Pub for beers, fun outside seating, its a block north of North Ave on Murray.

As for Chicago, the Holiday Inn City Centre, is a pretty good hotel in a convenient location downtown.  Its two blocks east of Michigan Ave and restaurants like the original Pizzeria Uno and ESPN Zone.  Its reasonably prized for a downtown Chicago hotel.  If you are looking for a good lunch place in Chicago, I would highly recommend Portillo's.  They are a chain in Chicago but its still really good burgers.  Its right near the intersection of Clark and Ontario.  If you want Italian, Italian Village is a great place.  I think its on Jackson, somewhere around LaSalle.  Also good late night drink place, if you are willing to buy way overpriced drinks is the 96th floor of the Hancock Building, but at least there isn't a cover.  The best view of the city is in the ladies room in the bar area, don't ask how I know .  Go on a clear night to make it worth the money.

If I think of anymore I will pass it on.

[Pakuni]

As far as downtown Chicago hotels go, I've always had good experiences at the Swissotel. It's reasonably priced, has great views (especially if you've got a lakefront room) and within easy walking distance of most places you may want to visit, i.e. Millennium Park, Grant Park, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, etc.

[NavinRJohnson]

Not at all sure, but I think you may be talking about Shaw's Crab House in Chicago. Very good. As far as Hotels go, Omni is great, Intercontinental, the Wyndham just of Michigan is fine, all about the same in price with ideal locations. Avoid the Hilton and Towers on Michigan in particular. The Hyatt on Wacker is not one of my favorites either. Soemone else said go to Portillo's. Heed that advice.

Stay at the Pfister when in Milwaukee. Eat at Zarletti. Elsa's is still good.

[Mods, Delete me please. 8/26/2020]

Best seafood in chicago hands down is Catch 35 on wacker near state.   Joe's stone crab close behind.  If you are doing chicago though, you can;t go wrong witht the deep dish pizza.  Lou Malnatti's is my favorite, unless you make it up to lincoln park -- then Pequods on clybourn is the best.  Architecture tour boat/cubs game/second city are all great ideas.  and make sure to get a drink at the signature lounge at the 95th floor of the hancock if you haven't done that yet. 

[spartan3186]

I agree with portillos for lunch.... but do not get a burger if you are there. They are famous for their italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs. I reccomend the Beef N' Cheddar Croissant with hot peppers.... it is to die for

[ozmetal71]

Portillo's is great, and really will give you an idea of what Chicago-style food is all about.

For places in the Loop, avoid the tourist trap around Ohio and Michigan.  If you eat at a place like ESPN zone or one of the other prole-chains like PF Changs you are wasting your time in Chicago.

Tip, look for a Vienna Beef sign outside of a restaurant.  Or, and Old Style sign outside of a bar.  Those are hallmarks of true Chicago establishments.

For bars, you can't go wrong in the Lincoln Park area.  Take the red line El to Fullerton and walk around and you will be surrounded by great bars and restaurants.

Also, there are a lot of great restaurants and bars in Lakeview, which can be reached by the Fullerton, Belmont, and Paulina stops on the El.  You can also take a cab to Belmont and Lincoln and walk around and you are no more than one block from a restaurant or bar.

[mu03eng]

If you want steak in Chicago, Lowry's is a great place.  They have great prime rib and the ambiance is awesome.  Can't remember what streets its on, but its near Michigan and Ohio I think.

[dougsmith401]

If you can delay your trip a little, Irish Fest in Milwaukee, from August 16 to 19, is one great party.  You can get the details at www.irishfest.com or www.aohmilwaukee.com.  If not, I suggest that you check out County Clare as a spot to stay and the many Irish pubs that Milwaukee has to offer.  Go to www.aohmilwaukee.com/blog.html and scroll down to the Irish Pub Guide.  If you have other interests, the best Web site of its kind for Milwaukee is www.onmilwaukee.com.

[Avenue Commons]

Chicago:  Stay downtown, not in Chicagoland.  Lots of options, based on cost, value, style.  Again, weather, take a $20 architectural boat cruise for 1 hr 15 min.  Highly recommended.  Can pick it up at Michigan Ave, or Navy Pier etc...but otherwise skip Navy Pier.  I would stick to outdoor pursuits, ...Cubs game, neighborhoods exploration, festivals.  At night, try 2nd City or a comedy show or a band at a club.  I'd save the fine museums or Aquarium for another trip with worse weather, unless that is what you want to do.  Food choices are a long list. 

W Hotel, Kimpton Hotels, House of Blues hotel, Omni(every room is a suite) Sheraton, many others....to choose from that I think are solid.  Also, sometimes the business catered hotels sometimes offer weekend deals.  You can stay at nice downtown Chicago Hotel for $100 on priceline and other options...to keep in mind. 

For hotels in Chicago definately try Priceline or Hotwire. You won't be doing anything but sleeping there so you don't need a high end place and most of the hotels are a lot alike. The architecture cruise is very cool. Just look out for the Dave Matthew's Band's bus. Cubs or Sox game would be fun if it's a day game. At night there's a million places. If you're in your 20's or 30's try Lincoln Park (preppy) or Wicker Park/Bucktown (more alternative). If you are into clubs there are a lot of places in River North or in the West Loop's warehouse district around Fulton. If you're older stick to River North and the bars in there. It's pretty hard not to have fun in Chicago.