Chicago Trip + HAMILTON
January 22, 2017 7:19 PM Subscribe
Help me plan a quick Chicago getaway!
I decided rather spontaneously to do a Chicago weekend getaway for my sister's birthday...the main focus being to go see HAMILTON (!!!). But we're also there to eat well (trying to score tickets to the Gallery at Alinea) and see the sights in the limited time we have, so please give us your recommendations!
1) When should I buy my Hamilton tickets? Our trip will be the last weekend of March, and while there are tickets available I wasn't sure if it was wise to wait and hold out for the price to drop (mostly on resale). I see some 400 dollar tickets available now--which I will pay if I must--but of cheaper is always nicer, of course. Looking on Ticketmaster and VividSeats. Is it worth waiting to see if the price goes down, or is it better to buy now to secure tickets/good seating (I hear Private Bank Theater has some terrible seat views)?
2) What's a good area to stay in? Currently considering the Loop or River North. We don't plan on driving, and we enjoy museums, history, the arts, good food, nice views. Not interested in bars or clubs.
3) Restaurant/activity recommendations? I already have a list of the most common tourist sights, but would love to know hidden gems.
I decided rather spontaneously to do a Chicago weekend getaway for my sister's birthday...the main focus being to go see HAMILTON (!!!). But we're also there to eat well (trying to score tickets to the Gallery at Alinea) and see the sights in the limited time we have, so please give us your recommendations!
1) When should I buy my Hamilton tickets? Our trip will be the last weekend of March, and while there are tickets available I wasn't sure if it was wise to wait and hold out for the price to drop (mostly on resale). I see some 400 dollar tickets available now--which I will pay if I must--but of cheaper is always nicer, of course. Looking on Ticketmaster and VividSeats. Is it worth waiting to see if the price goes down, or is it better to buy now to secure tickets/good seating (I hear Private Bank Theater has some terrible seat views)?
2) What's a good area to stay in? Currently considering the Loop or River North. We don't plan on driving, and we enjoy museums, history, the arts, good food, nice views. Not interested in bars or clubs.
3) Restaurant/activity recommendations? I already have a list of the most common tourist sights, but would love to know hidden gems.
I'd recommend the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theatre District. It's downtown, right near Monroe subway station, has rooms for under $150/night (try booking.com), and has a free b-fast (& occasionally free cookies!). Museums, theaters & shopping all within walking distance. I stay there every time I go to Chicago.
posted by Lettuce_Leaves at 7:46 PM on January 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Lettuce_Leaves at 7:46 PM on January 22, 2017 [3 favorites]
Try and get to Petterino's and/or Miller's Pub for a meal. Great food and fantastic ambiance.
posted by DrAstroZoom at 8:31 AM on January 23, 2017
posted by DrAstroZoom at 8:31 AM on January 23, 2017
If you like burgers you have to try Au Cheval's Single with Bacon and an Egg. Know that you will have to wait for it though. My wife and I usually split a burger and share the hash with duck heart gravy and then spend the rest of the day moaning in full belly pleasure.
posted by srboisvert at 3:00 PM on January 30, 2017
posted by srboisvert at 3:00 PM on January 30, 2017
A bit late to this, but a few thoughts.
On #1, note that the time you're considering will be toward the end of Wayne Brady's limited run as Burr, so it's hard to predict how that might affect demand. If I were you, I would grab tickets when I see them (you can still put in for the daily lottery, and if you win, sell your more expensive tickets).
For food, well, you need to narrow things down--we're spoiled for choice here. But if you're down in the Loop, I'd highly recommend stopping in at the (fairly new, so it may not be on tourist radar yet) Revival Food Hall, where you can sample a variety of acclaimed Chicago restaurants in one place (don't miss the gelato or Mindy Segal's pastries/cookies).
posted by carrienation at 10:09 AM on February 6, 2017
On #1, note that the time you're considering will be toward the end of Wayne Brady's limited run as Burr, so it's hard to predict how that might affect demand. If I were you, I would grab tickets when I see them (you can still put in for the daily lottery, and if you win, sell your more expensive tickets).
For food, well, you need to narrow things down--we're spoiled for choice here. But if you're down in the Loop, I'd highly recommend stopping in at the (fairly new, so it may not be on tourist radar yet) Revival Food Hall, where you can sample a variety of acclaimed Chicago restaurants in one place (don't miss the gelato or Mindy Segal's pastries/cookies).
posted by carrienation at 10:09 AM on February 6, 2017
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posted by brainmouse at 7:22 PM on January 22, 2017 [3 favorites]