Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgrath618
Hey guys, I'll be visiting from Philly for the first time on Friday, and I'm probably gonna have a day or two with nothing planned. As an architecture nerd, what would you guys say are the coolest/best things to see?
(Food recommendations are also appreciated).
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Check out the new CAF (Chicago Architecure Foundation) center on East Illinois to orient yourself, and definitely take their architectural boat tour. They do a lot of walking tours as well if you’ve got appetite for more, but the boat tour is a must. If you want to do something self-guided, buy a book like the AIA guide to Chicago (no doubt available from CAF).
The West Loop has many of the most interesting restaurants these days. Anything from Brendan Sodikoff (Au Cheval, Navette’s, Maude’s, etc) or Paul Kahan (Blackbird, avec, the Publican, etc) is worth checking out. If you like your Mexican food, check out Pilsen (look at Eater or something like that for specifics). For the main traditional foods, try Al’s #1 for Italian beef, Pequod’s for Chicago style deep dish (if you care enough to go up there and wait), or Lou Malnati’s (various locations) if you don’t.