Where should I take my parents to eat in Chicago?
September 14, 2013 5:50 PM Subscribe
My parents are coming to visit in Chicago and I'm trying to think of restaurants to take them. Doesn't have to be fancy, but they're in their mid-50s and 60s so nothing divey. They're not into ethnic food (although Thai is ok) and nothing super spicy.
Alas, this isn't what I normally eat when I go out, so I have no idea where to take them. Despite the above description, they do like interesting food! They're just more into European or "new American"-type cuisine. Fusion is fine. Sushi is good, as long as the place also has some cooked fish options for my Dad.
When: Wed 9/18-Tues 9/24
Location: They'll be staying near North and Clark, and there'll be at least 1 night where we'll want something nearby. Otherwise, I have a car and don't mind using it. And of course there's public transportation.
Price: Entrees around $20-30 are fine. We might go somewhere nicer 1 night, if you have any exceptional suggestions.
Ambiance: Since we'll be eating out multiple nights in a row, it'd be nice if some of the restaurants were a little more casual. Still good food, but not necessarily an "event."
I'll probably take them to Balena. I know about Trenchermen/Longman and Eagle/Publican/Girl and the Goat but they all seem hard to get reservations at this close.
Alas, this isn't what I normally eat when I go out, so I have no idea where to take them. Despite the above description, they do like interesting food! They're just more into European or "new American"-type cuisine. Fusion is fine. Sushi is good, as long as the place also has some cooked fish options for my Dad.
When: Wed 9/18-Tues 9/24
Location: They'll be staying near North and Clark, and there'll be at least 1 night where we'll want something nearby. Otherwise, I have a car and don't mind using it. And of course there's public transportation.
Price: Entrees around $20-30 are fine. We might go somewhere nicer 1 night, if you have any exceptional suggestions.
Ambiance: Since we'll be eating out multiple nights in a row, it'd be nice if some of the restaurants were a little more casual. Still good food, but not necessarily an "event."
I'll probably take them to Balena. I know about Trenchermen/Longman and Eagle/Publican/Girl and the Goat but they all seem hard to get reservations at this close.
Province. Went there with my 60 year old doesn't do ethnic food dad when he was in town and he loved it. He's actually brought it up several times since then, saying how much he enjoyed it and what a perfect restaurant choice it was.
posted by phunniemee at 5:54 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by phunniemee at 5:54 PM on September 14, 2013
A family friend directed us to The Berghoff during my first visit to Chicago. We liked it very much.
posted by maggieb at 6:00 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by maggieb at 6:00 PM on September 14, 2013
Check out Southern - I think you have to have a certain size party, but it's very casual and delicious - huge plates of fried chicken, sides and what not just show up at your table, and solid cocktails to boot.
posted by canine epigram at 6:06 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by canine epigram at 6:06 PM on September 14, 2013
Best answer: My wife and I really like The Purple Pig, and we try to go there whenever we are back in town. It's not all that cheap, but the have fantastic food. The milk braised pork shoulder is amazing.
posted by Ghidorah at 6:25 PM on September 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Ghidorah at 6:25 PM on September 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'll throw Dinotto out there as a near North and Clark suggestion. There are some other fairly nice Italian places around there as well. There's a Japanese place on Wells a few blocks south of North Ave, but I've never been (and can't even tell you if it's sushi or not).
There used to be a French(?) restaurant opposite-ish to the Treasure Island on Elm, but unless someone comes up with the name (I thought it was Cafe Albert or something), Google Maps suggests it's gone and replaced by a southern place.
I personally don't like it (as a vegetarian), but my dad, who is more like your parents than me probably, likes Bistro Zinc on Rush. There's a French Vietnamese place on Rush, too, the name of which escapes me, which works as an okay compromise between me and my dad (there's both tofu and a very French-seeming hunk of meat on the menu).
posted by hoyland at 6:28 PM on September 14, 2013
There used to be a French(?) restaurant opposite-ish to the Treasure Island on Elm, but unless someone comes up with the name (I thought it was Cafe Albert or something), Google Maps suggests it's gone and replaced by a southern place.
I personally don't like it (as a vegetarian), but my dad, who is more like your parents than me probably, likes Bistro Zinc on Rush. There's a French Vietnamese place on Rush, too, the name of which escapes me, which works as an okay compromise between me and my dad (there's both tofu and a very French-seeming hunk of meat on the menu).
posted by hoyland at 6:28 PM on September 14, 2013
For fancy, they're very near the Pump Room, which is worth a trip, albeit pricey. Perennial is also nearby and about the same price.
For not fancy, Dinotto on North has a nice patio and it's a fine neighborhood Italian place. Bistro Margot is also near North and Clark and is a good neighborhood French place--there are better neighborhood French places, but that's the one near North and Clark. I guess Bistro Zinc (State and Elm) is pretty close, but I haven't been to Bistro Zinc in about ten years, so I can't speak to its current quality.
There are a couple good bakeries on Wells near North: Twisted Baker, Delightful Pastries and Elaine's (the coffee shop in the Hotel Lincoln), just in case they're looking for coffee the next day!
posted by crush-onastick at 7:05 PM on September 14, 2013
For not fancy, Dinotto on North has a nice patio and it's a fine neighborhood Italian place. Bistro Margot is also near North and Clark and is a good neighborhood French place--there are better neighborhood French places, but that's the one near North and Clark. I guess Bistro Zinc (State and Elm) is pretty close, but I haven't been to Bistro Zinc in about ten years, so I can't speak to its current quality.
There are a couple good bakeries on Wells near North: Twisted Baker, Delightful Pastries and Elaine's (the coffee shop in the Hotel Lincoln), just in case they're looking for coffee the next day!
posted by crush-onastick at 7:05 PM on September 14, 2013
I took my parents and visitors to The Brauhaus. It's fun and German and not scary and has polka.
posted by middlethird at 7:06 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by middlethird at 7:06 PM on September 14, 2013
Isn't RJ Grunts right be North & Clark? I've never been there, so I can't comment.
Two of our go-to places when we bring people around town are:
Xoco - on Clark. it's a Rick Bayless place that is Mexican, but it is not terribly spicy, although obviously ethnic.
Bakin' and Eggs - great breakfast place on Lincoln, not too far from North & Clark.
And then, inevitably, someone wants deep dish pizza. We usually do Giordanos on Rush.
But, here's an idea...take them to Whole Foods on North in Lincoln Park. Great place to eat and the outdoor seating is nice along the river if the weather is still nice.
posted by achmorrison at 7:29 PM on September 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Two of our go-to places when we bring people around town are:
Xoco - on Clark. it's a Rick Bayless place that is Mexican, but it is not terribly spicy, although obviously ethnic.
Bakin' and Eggs - great breakfast place on Lincoln, not too far from North & Clark.
And then, inevitably, someone wants deep dish pizza. We usually do Giordanos on Rush.
But, here's an idea...take them to Whole Foods on North in Lincoln Park. Great place to eat and the outdoor seating is nice along the river if the weather is still nice.
posted by achmorrison at 7:29 PM on September 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Perhaps Publican or if they want to venture into Japanese Ramen - Wasabi are some of our favorites. Though we will eat Chicago style pizza, we love Coalfire which is thin crust pizza.
posted by jadegenie at 7:50 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by jadegenie at 7:50 PM on September 14, 2013
If you get to the Green Mill early enough you'll get a table and hear some Jazz.
posted by sulaine at 7:54 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by sulaine at 7:54 PM on September 14, 2013
Mindy's Hot Chocolate in Wicker Park. Yes, it's in the middle of Hot Young Thingville, but it's amaaaazing. They do have a full menu, not just dessert.
The Grafton in Lincoln Square is pretty darn good -- nice casual atmosphere.
posted by Madamina at 8:07 PM on September 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
The Grafton in Lincoln Square is pretty darn good -- nice casual atmosphere.
posted by Madamina at 8:07 PM on September 14, 2013 [2 favorites]
Edzo's for burgers. Lula for brunch. Fish Bar for the dad-doesn't-like-sushi seafood outing (or Yusho or Fat Rice (be prepared for a wait) for a safe non-sushi Asian alternative). Hopleaf for muscles and good beer. Rootstock for wine and charcuterie without the hype. Manny's for deli. If you want a crazy (expensive) BYOB meal, try calling Schwa to check for any availability/cancellations for those dates.
posted by macrowave at 9:01 PM on September 14, 2013
posted by macrowave at 9:01 PM on September 14, 2013
Love the Grafton! Right down the street, Bistro Campagne is a great choice for an upscale dinner - make a reservation, though.
Do they like Turkish food? (It's European-ish!) I've gotten sort of obsessed with Cafe Orchid. It's a little divey, I guess, but in a charming way. Good Persian food (and a nicer atmosphere) at Noon O Kabab, on Kedzie.
Russian Teatime is fun, and right by the Art Institute. Food is really good, if a little expensive.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:45 PM on September 14, 2013
Do they like Turkish food? (It's European-ish!) I've gotten sort of obsessed with Cafe Orchid. It's a little divey, I guess, but in a charming way. Good Persian food (and a nicer atmosphere) at Noon O Kabab, on Kedzie.
Russian Teatime is fun, and right by the Art Institute. Food is really good, if a little expensive.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:45 PM on September 14, 2013
My parents (same age and description as yours) loved Publican and Chalkboard on Lincoln.
posted by theodolite at 2:02 AM on September 15, 2013
posted by theodolite at 2:02 AM on September 15, 2013
Near North and Clark you say? Hike on up to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, and order yourselves some pizza pot pie and Mediterranean bread. It's honestly one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, and parents would love it. (Note: go early or on a weeknight to avoid a crazy wait; cash only)
posted by gueneverey at 5:43 AM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by gueneverey at 5:43 AM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just a few quick comments. I would take them to the Grafton for beers maybe but never for food. Chalkboard, mentioned above, is closed. You should *definitely* check out: Bistro Campagne, Longman and Eagle, Publican, Big Jones, and if you must do German food don't go to the Berghoff or the Brauhaus ... trust me. Go to Lachet's Inn for sure. SO GOOD.
posted by joinks at 7:25 AM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by joinks at 7:25 AM on September 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Lula in Logan Square. If you can go on a Monday, they have Farm Night prix fixe. Or Mixteco in Ravenswood.
posted by knmr76 at 10:42 AM on September 15, 2013
posted by knmr76 at 10:42 AM on September 15, 2013
I haven't been to see live blues in a long time, but I went to a show at Buddy Guy's, and I went to a show at Kingston Mines, and both times got there a bit before the acts started. Plenty of seating! Call the venue and ask what time the music starts.
posted by Anwan at 4:05 PM on September 15, 2013
posted by Anwan at 4:05 PM on September 15, 2013
I would also suggest Feed, Pecking Order, and for SURE Hot Chocolate. And Hopleaf.
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:44 PM on September 16, 2013
posted by bibliogrrl at 12:44 PM on September 16, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions. We ended up going to the Purple Pig, Balena, and HB Home Bistro as well as a neighborhood place near me.
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 5:03 PM on September 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 5:03 PM on September 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
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posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 5:53 PM on September 14, 2013