Even though we are known for our steakhouses, Chicago has a great variety of burgers in and out of the downtown area. Here are a few of my favorites:
Jake Melnick’s (41 East Superior Street) has a burger with everything but the kitchen sink on it. The Jake’s Smokin’ Q Burger is topped with bacon, pulled-pork, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. Be prepared to eat up as it will fill you up especially with a side of loaded fries.
Marc Burger (Seven on State, Macy’s) serves an upscale burger cooked to perfection and smothered in egg and a tangy homemade steak sauce. Even at $15, it is well worth the money. Make sure and try the spicy ketchup with the side of fries.
Berghoff Restaurant (17 W. Adams) known for its German food offers a great burger topped with applewood bacon, an onion ring, cheddar cheese and smothered in bourbon BBQ sauce.
Elate (Felix Hotel, 11 W. Huron St.) makes hand made fries to go along with its tasty Meyer’s Prime Burger. Creamed leeks and applewood bacon give this burger an amazing flavor.
Away from downtown:
Hamburger Mary’s (5400 N. Clark, Andersonville) has huge burgers and campy servers which make for a fun eating experience. Besides having one of the best patty melts, the Daddy Mac is covered in cheese and topped with their homemade Mac and Cheese. The fried Twinkies for dessert are pretty good as well.
Moody’s Pub (5910 North Broadway) is small pub in the Edgewater area and has one of the best burgers in town,no matter what topping you put on it. I like blue cheese, bacon and grilled onion. Next to the fireplace makes for a tasty winter escape.
There are dozens of other great burgers around town and with any luck, I will have tried them all at some point.
Enjoy!
Jeff
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Architectural Boat Tours
This past week, I had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite touristy offerings in Chicago, the Architectural Boat Tour. Many companies offer this informative and relaxing tour, including the Chicago Line Cruises sponsored by the Chicago History Museum. It has become one of my favorite cruise lines because each of the docents is incredibly well-versed in the local architecture and history plus each one gives his or her own spin and experience on the tour. I also appreciate the free light snacks of cookies, lemonade and coffee offered on the boat.
I went in the morning before the sun was too hot and enjoyed snapping pictures of the beautiful buildings lining the Chicago River. From early 1900 to the present these buildings all tell the story of the building of the Second City. A few of my favorites include the Aqua building for its façade and the fact that it is the largest building in Chicago whose architect is a woman and the office building at 333 W. Wacker that follows the curve and color of the river. This building beautifully reflects the architecture across the river and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. The ominous Sears Tower and Trump International Hotel also make for great pictures along the route.
A couple of pointers when taking any of the Architectural River Tours would include making an early reservation especially on the weekends because of their popularity, getting to the boat at least 30 minutes ahead in order to claim a good seat and get your ticket, and remembering sunscreen, a camera and appropriate outdoor wear.
Most of the tour companies provided hourly tours so check with the concierge desk about times and prices. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite things to do in Chicago as much as I do.
Enjoy!
Jeff
I went in the morning before the sun was too hot and enjoyed snapping pictures of the beautiful buildings lining the Chicago River. From early 1900 to the present these buildings all tell the story of the building of the Second City. A few of my favorites include the Aqua building for its façade and the fact that it is the largest building in Chicago whose architect is a woman and the office building at 333 W. Wacker that follows the curve and color of the river. This building beautifully reflects the architecture across the river and makes for an excellent photo opportunity. The ominous Sears Tower and Trump International Hotel also make for great pictures along the route.
A couple of pointers when taking any of the Architectural River Tours would include making an early reservation especially on the weekends because of their popularity, getting to the boat at least 30 minutes ahead in order to claim a good seat and get your ticket, and remembering sunscreen, a camera and appropriate outdoor wear.
Most of the tour companies provided hourly tours so check with the concierge desk about times and prices. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite things to do in Chicago as much as I do.
Enjoy!
Jeff
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Lines worth waiting in.....
Occasionally while walking through Chicago you will encounter a line of people waiting for an event or to get into a store. I am not one who likes to wait for things unless they are worth waiting for, and there are a few lines that are definitely worth spending a little time in around Chicago.
Garrett’s Popcorn (Several locations throughout Chicago, nearest to the hotel is 625 N. Michigan Ave. ). Surprisingly, the line to Garrett’s was longer than the line to the Apple store during the recent introduction of the new iPhone. The Chicago blend (a strangely addicting mixture of cheese popcorn and caramel corn) would make anyone wait and I have.
Sprinkles Cupcakes (50 E. Walton). Dangerously near to the hotel, this amazing cupcake store recently opened to long lines and satisfied customers. The rotation and variety of flavors promotes frequent visits by locals and visitors alike. One of my favorite flavors is the Peanut Butter Chip. There is no way to explain the moistness or taste of this sweet dessert. So queue up and enjoy one for yourself. (See also previous Blogs about Flirty Cupcakes and Paciugo Gelato)
Hot Tix (two locations in Chicago, closest to the hotel is at the Visitor’s Information Center on Pearson and Michigan). If you have come to Chicago to see one of the many wonderful local or touring productions, you may want to check hot tix to see if they have any half price tickets. From drama to comedy clubs, a lot of the local theaters will have available tickets day of show and occasionally for upcoming shows.
Other lines worth waiting in would include any of the Jazz and Blues clubs but especially Buddy Guy’s Legends on the corner of Balbo and Wabash as well as the Green Mill in Uptown. Any show at the Aragon Theater would be worth waiting in line for just to see the amazing renovation of the historic theater. Shows range from punk bands to musica Latina.
Other popular lines within Chicago would be Hot Doug’s gourmet hot dogs, about 5 miles from the hotel and any of the Rick Bayless restaurants located on N. Clark, about a mile and a half from the hotel.
Enjoy!
Jeff
Garrett’s Popcorn (Several locations throughout Chicago, nearest to the hotel is 625 N. Michigan Ave. ). Surprisingly, the line to Garrett’s was longer than the line to the Apple store during the recent introduction of the new iPhone. The Chicago blend (a strangely addicting mixture of cheese popcorn and caramel corn) would make anyone wait and I have.
Sprinkles Cupcakes (50 E. Walton). Dangerously near to the hotel, this amazing cupcake store recently opened to long lines and satisfied customers. The rotation and variety of flavors promotes frequent visits by locals and visitors alike. One of my favorite flavors is the Peanut Butter Chip. There is no way to explain the moistness or taste of this sweet dessert. So queue up and enjoy one for yourself. (See also previous Blogs about Flirty Cupcakes and Paciugo Gelato)
Hot Tix (two locations in Chicago, closest to the hotel is at the Visitor’s Information Center on Pearson and Michigan). If you have come to Chicago to see one of the many wonderful local or touring productions, you may want to check hot tix to see if they have any half price tickets. From drama to comedy clubs, a lot of the local theaters will have available tickets day of show and occasionally for upcoming shows.
Other lines worth waiting in would include any of the Jazz and Blues clubs but especially Buddy Guy’s Legends on the corner of Balbo and Wabash as well as the Green Mill in Uptown. Any show at the Aragon Theater would be worth waiting in line for just to see the amazing renovation of the historic theater. Shows range from punk bands to musica Latina.
Other popular lines within Chicago would be Hot Doug’s gourmet hot dogs, about 5 miles from the hotel and any of the Rick Bayless restaurants located on N. Clark, about a mile and a half from the hotel.
Enjoy!
Jeff
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