One small word of caution, Lou Mitchell's while a great place with a diverse menu, is a cash only establishment. They do NOT take credit cards, so be sure that you are carrying the needed funds when you get there.
Stuff to do in Chicago
- Thread starter lionelhoguy
- Start date
Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:
- Status
lionelhoguy
Service Attendant
manchacrr we are int eh same car, I will have to track you down. AlanB, thanks for the heads up I normally do not have much cash left on our way home from trips. I might have to stuff a twenty or two in my sock for lunch!
Tom: We have been in Chicago several times and can tell you that the one area that has activity near the station is Greektown. Its about 3 or 4 blocks West of Union Station on South Halstead street. Great restaurants, a gourmet supermarket, CVS drugstore,Starbucks Coffee. Pizzarias, Sandwich Places,a pastry shop and fantastic Greek cuisine. The Parthenon and the Greek Island are two of our all time favorities. Then there is the Willis tower 2 blocks to the East. Those are the only spots that I know of that are walkable. The "Magnificent Mile" along Michigan Avenue has upscale shopping and restaurants rivaling the best that any city has to offer but you will need to take a short cab ride there as its about 1 1/2 miles from the station. Crosstown on the lake is the Navy Pier which bristles with activity but mainly in warmer summer weather. Again a short cab ride.
Hi! I'm a native Chicagoan and what you need to know is that using public transportation is fast, easy, and reliable.
I second Greektown as a worthwhile stop.
The 157 Streeterville bus will take you to another fun destination that we native Italian Chicagoans call Taylor Street aka Little Italy/University Village in less than 20 minutes.
You can have lunch at a nice EYEtalian
restaurant - The Rosebud would be a good choice, stop at Conte di Savoia and pick up some goodies to take home, than hop back on the 157 and head to Ferrara's Bakery for dessert.
Ferrara's also has the most wonderful Italian cookies, pastries, and... my favorite... cannoli.
They're also the original home of Lemonhead and Red Hots candy - the factory (Ferrara Pan Candy) is in a different location now but you can buy boxes of the candy at the bakery.
Take your time and have them fill up a box with the best cookies, imo, in the world and get a few (or more) cannoli for the train ride.
A worthless footnote: My favorite LSA (so far) Anthony - Tony - Clementi used to work at The Rosebud which, to me, explained the excellent service I received in the dining car on the TE during that trip.
The CTA uses Google Transit for trip planning - it's a wonderful resource if you want to know how to get around.
You can also use Google maps for walking route by clicking on the 'person' icon.
Not all cities participate in the Transit directions but, thankfully, The CTA does.
Google Transit directions to Taylor Street/Little Italy
Google Walking directions to Greektown
Have fun!!!
I second Greektown as a worthwhile stop.
The 157 Streeterville bus will take you to another fun destination that we native Italian Chicagoans call Taylor Street aka Little Italy/University Village in less than 20 minutes.
You can have lunch at a nice EYEtalian
Ferrara's also has the most wonderful Italian cookies, pastries, and... my favorite... cannoli.
They're also the original home of Lemonhead and Red Hots candy - the factory (Ferrara Pan Candy) is in a different location now but you can buy boxes of the candy at the bakery.
Take your time and have them fill up a box with the best cookies, imo, in the world and get a few (or more) cannoli for the train ride.
A worthless footnote: My favorite LSA (so far) Anthony - Tony - Clementi used to work at The Rosebud which, to me, explained the excellent service I received in the dining car on the TE during that trip.
The CTA uses Google Transit for trip planning - it's a wonderful resource if you want to know how to get around.
You can also use Google maps for walking route by clicking on the 'person' icon.
Not all cities participate in the Transit directions but, thankfully, The CTA does.
Google Transit directions to Taylor Street/Little Italy
Google Walking directions to Greektown
Have fun!!!
PaulM
Engineer
If you are not aware of it, manchacrr probably got his information from http://amtrakdelays.onlineschedulingsoftware.com/ which gives the arrival time of any train at any station for up to 4 weeks.
manchacrr
Lead Service Attendant
Actually, I have been keeping a running tab on the train status off of Amtrak's main website. I have been recording the data in a spreadsheet. I check the site every 4 to 5 days to update the spreadsheet. I have used the Amtrak Delays website in the past, but prefer to use the official Amtrak website.
lionelhoguy
Service Attendant
JoanieB, I appreciate the suggestions on the public transport, but I will save that lesson for another time. I am kind of a nervous traveler and will stay closer for this trip. Last time we were in Portland Oregon and had a bunch of time I loved the trams/trolley system.
PaulM, that was a really cool link, the CBS station seems to be the one we will worry about the most.
dlagrua, If I can not convince my wife to do the Sears Tower, Greektown sounds like a great backup plan.
Thank you all again, I am going to load up my I pod and scanner and start packing!
PaulM, that was a really cool link, the CBS station seems to be the one we will worry about the most.
dlagrua, If I can not convince my wife to do the Sears Tower, Greektown sounds like a great backup plan.
Thank you all again, I am going to load up my I pod and scanner and start packing!
G
guest
Guest
To explain why I am so partial to Lou Mitchell's:
last year we went there for lunch b4 boarding the SWC to the CS to the CZ back to Chicago and then back home to Newark on the LSL. Well, we got ready to pay for the meal and discovered only cash. We explained that we were taking the train on a round=the=west itinerary and would be back in Chicago in about 2 weeks, and we would definitely be back and pay (as well as eating again)! We showed them our tickets and they took our name down, and cell phone, and trusted us to come back!
We did, and boy, did we leave a great tip on our return!!
lionelhoguy
Service Attendant
We made it into Chicago with lots of time top do all of the stuff you all suggested. We decided against any food as we ate so much in New Orleans that it seemed a lot more crowded in the roomette on the way back. We did do the Sears/Willis Tower.
I thought my wife would be the scardy cat, but she was the first one on the edge. She dragged me out. That was kind of spooky.
I would like to thank manchacrr for the great company and all of the great information that made this trip much more interesting. I hope he has a great trip! Dan, our SCA was great!
I thought my wife would be the scardy cat, but she was the first one on the edge. She dragged me out. That was kind of spooky.
I would like to thank manchacrr for the great company and all of the great information that made this trip much more interesting. I hope he has a great trip! Dan, our SCA was great!
Last edited by a moderator:
Great pic, lionelhoguy!
Glad you had a great trip and some fun in my home town
Glad you had a great trip and some fun in my home town
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Good info. Thanks all. Doing CL/SWC from WAS-LAX on 1/8. Used to take my sailors from NY/NJ when I was Command Master Chief of the (2) NAVY Recruiting Districts to the top of the WTC for re-enlistments and they would laugh at me because I
wouldn't go to the edge of the walkway for a group photo of the ceremony with the Statue of Liberty in the background. I am definitely DEADLY afraid of heights. I am going to take wife to Mitchells as I am a diner fan and RT 66 fan. I want to show her
Chicago. Does Grey Line have a pick-up point or tour from near the station. I have (5) hours to kill to also include lunch.
Thanks
NAVYBLUE
wouldn't go to the edge of the walkway for a group photo of the ceremony with the Statue of Liberty in the background. I am definitely DEADLY afraid of heights. I am going to take wife to Mitchells as I am a diner fan and RT 66 fan. I want to show her
Chicago. Does Grey Line have a pick-up point or tour from near the station. I have (5) hours to kill to also include lunch.
Thanks
NAVYBLUE
You should definately visit the Navy Pier while in Chicago!!
RailFanLNK
Conductor
The Sears Tower has airport style security so try and leave as much stuff at CUS Metropolitan Lounge (if you're in sleepers) as possible. Giordano's is good but you do need more time than a regular lunch for that style of pizza. I'm a guy who has now went to the Art Institute (twice) in Chicago and was not impressed either time. Just not an art guy. I would do both of these or skip Giordano's if you are short on time and hike over to Lou Mitchells. Have fun!
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Thanks for the reply. How far from station and how do I get there. I spent (1) year at Great Lakes Training Center(NAVY), but unfortunately spent 51 week-ends in Milwaukee and 1 week-end in Chicago. Oh, I did love those Wisconsin girls and they knew how to drink and the USO was great. Don't tell my wife though. (LOL) While in boot camp in September we marched onto Soldiers Field before a Chicago Bears and I think Green Bay Packer game. After kickoff, back on the bus and back to boot camp. That's about it for my exposure to Chi town. What is at Navy Pier.
NAVYBLUE
Last edited by a moderator:
You could eat at Giordano's if you call ahead. The deep dish takes 45 minutes to cook. 
The Art Institute isn't worth it if you can't spend a whole day there. It's HUGE. We spent a few hours there and barely saw two wings.
Navy Pier has a lot of shops and restaurants, along with the Ferris Wheel and swings (I don't recommend either in January, though). It also has an excellent Shakespeare theatre. You won't have time for a show, but you could browse the gift shop if either of you are a fan. The restaurants include Harry Caray's Tavern, Billy Goat Tavern (famous from the SNL skit with John Belushi -- "Cheeseborger, cheeseborger! No fries! Cheeps! No Pepsi! Coke!"), Haagen-Dazs, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and a food court that features the famous Garrett's Popcorn (be sure to pick some up for the train).
They offer discounts to members of the military: http://www.navypier.com/din_shop/uso.html
http://www.navypier.com/ for a list of stuff.
The #124 Navy Pier Express bus will pick you up from Union Station. You could also take a cab, since it's not very far... I'd say a $10 fare at most.
The Art Institute isn't worth it if you can't spend a whole day there. It's HUGE. We spent a few hours there and barely saw two wings.
Navy Pier has a lot of shops and restaurants, along with the Ferris Wheel and swings (I don't recommend either in January, though). It also has an excellent Shakespeare theatre. You won't have time for a show, but you could browse the gift shop if either of you are a fan. The restaurants include Harry Caray's Tavern, Billy Goat Tavern (famous from the SNL skit with John Belushi -- "Cheeseborger, cheeseborger! No fries! Cheeps! No Pepsi! Coke!"), Haagen-Dazs, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and a food court that features the famous Garrett's Popcorn (be sure to pick some up for the train).
They offer discounts to members of the military: http://www.navypier.com/din_shop/uso.html
http://www.navypier.com/ for a list of stuff.
The #124 Navy Pier Express bus will pick you up from Union Station. You could also take a cab, since it's not very far... I'd say a $10 fare at most.
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Thanks for the reply. If I can't get a Grey Line tour thing going I might do the Navy Pier. I'm pretty sure I want to do Lou Mitchells. After you've had Northeast Pennsylvania's "Old Forge" area pizza, Chicago's pizza is probably going to taste like Pizza Huts. Just kiddin Chi town pizza lovers. It's a joke. Take that pizza slicer out of your hand. My wife like me likes pizza and I might do the pizza thing.You could eat at Giordano's if you call ahead. The deep dish takes 45 minutes to cook.
The Art Institute isn't worth it if you can't spend a whole day there. It's HUGE. We spent a few hours there and barely saw two wings.
Navy Pier has a lot of shops and restaurants, along with the Ferris Wheel and swings (I don't recommend either in January, though). It also has an excellent Shakespeare theatre. You won't have time for a show, but you could browse the gift shop if either of you are a fan. The restaurants include Harry Caray's Tavern, Billy Goat Tavern (famous from the SNL skit with John Belushi -- "Cheeseborger, cheeseborger! No fries! Cheeps! No Pepsi! Coke!"), Haagen-Dazs, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and a food court that features the famous Garrett's Popcorn (be sure to pick some up for the train).
They offer discounts to members of the military: http://www.navypier....n_shop/uso.html
http://www.navypier.com/ for a list of stuff.
The #124 Navy Pier Express bus will pick you up from Union Station. You could also take a cab, since it's not very far... I'd say a $10 fare at most.
Sorcha, on another post I asked if you were a Yooper or a Troll and you never got back because you may not have gone back to the post. Yooper or Troll ?
NAVYBLUE
Last edited by a moderator:
I'm a Troll, but I was a Yooper during college. I went to NMU.
I grew up an hour south of the bridge, so it wasn't a huge adjustment. I miss pasties.
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Boy that was fast. We stayed at an RV park just north of the Mackinac bridge for about a week and that's where I learned about Yoopers. Didn't eat a pastie but did have Lake Michigan perch. Tried the whitefish, but not a fan. Stayed at St Ignace for about a week and then about a week at Ishpeming. Took a ride up to Copper Harbor. Likes the whole area of UP. Went to Whitefish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Pleasantly surprised to see the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald as I am a Gordon Lightfoot fan and especially the song. Went south as far as Gaylord, Alpena and Traverse City
Dad worked (2) years for Chrysler in Hammtramick and then we moved back to PA.
NAVYBLUE
Dad worked (2) years for Chrysler in Hammtramick and then we moved back to PA.
NAVYBLUE
Last edited by a moderator:
Just keep in mind that Lou Mitchells is a cash only restaurant. They don't take any credit cards.
oldtimer
OBS Chief
I have been eating pizza since 1950 and anyone that knows me knows that I like my food. I can recommend Beggars Pizza as I have in post # 25 and someone else in #24 of this topic. It is close to CUS, even closer than Lou Mitchell's, serves beer and wine, and GREAT PIZZA. You can have them make a pie for you with your ingredients or just buy it by the slice. There is a link in my previous post.
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Cool thanks for the reply, especially since it is closer than Mitchells. Hopefully I can do a Grey Line tour and have pizza when we get back to the station area.
NAVYBLUE
That sounds like a wonderful trip. I grew up in Alpena, and then we moved to Gaylord when my dad got a new job (I was twelve).
I have a lot of relatives in and around Hamtramck. As you can imagine, my family is Polish.
trainman74
Conductor
NAVYBLUE
Lead Service Attendant
Last edited by a moderator:
- Status
Latest posts
-
-
-
-
Acela 21 (Avelia Liberty) development, testing and deployment (2Q 2024)- Latest: JuniusLivonius
-
-
