One of the most exciting weeks of the year for the eCommerce industry is upon as the Internet Retailer Conference and Expo 2010 (IRCE) hits Chicago this week. If you can only digest one piece of advice, then it has to be to ‘wear comfortable shoes’. But if you are looking to get outside the McCormick Center and experience one of America’s greatest cities then read on.
Having spent my fair share of time in the city people often ask me about the sites and sounds, well my man Frank say’s it best… It’s my kind of town, Chicago is.
So here are some of my favorite places to eat, drink and maximize you Chitown experience:
Best Steak – Gibsons:
1028 North Rush Street
Sitting right at the pinnacle of Rush St, Gibson’s is a classic Chicago steakhouse. The bar always has a great bustle and hustle while the steaks come out of the kitchen perfectly cooked. Feeling large and in charge? Then start with the ‘Spicy Lobster Cocktail’ and then go for the ‘Big Porterhouse’
Best Sushi – Japonais:
600 W. Chicago Avenue
Japonais is one of my favorite sushi joints in the country and on par with Nobu in terms of quality and creativity. From the music and modern décor to the service, it is an experience not to be missed for the sushi fan. Try the Toro sampler. Feeling frisky? Then go Omakase.
Best Dive Bars – She-Nannigans & The Lodge:
16 W. Division Street & 21 W. Division Street
They say that opposites attract right? Well She-Nannigans is the truest sense of a college dive bar complete with beer pong tables, an indoor basketball shooting range and a top 40 dj. Just stay away from the stages behind the bar.
The Lodge is directly across the street and the oldest spot on Division. True to its name, it looks like an old lodge. So after a quick game of beer pong walk across the street to one if the best jukeboxes in the city and play a little Temptations.
Best Pizza – Lou Malnati’s:
805 S. State
The debate on who has the best Chicago pizza has been going on for decades. You have folks in the Gino’s camp, the Giordanos camp and finally Lou Malnati’s camp. Go for deep dish, but don’t forget the 30ish minute baking time. The original location in Lincolnwood has been a shrine to Chicago sports since it opened in 1971, but the Loop location on South State will serve you just fine. Not feeling pizza? Then go for the to-die-for chopped beef sandwich with peppers and a little bit of au jus.
Best Drink with a View – Whiskey Sky (@ W Hotel Lakeshore):
644 N Lake Shore Dr
Looking to escape somewhere and enjoy a cocktail with a view? Well the Whiskey Sky lounge on top of the W Lakshore is it. In typical Rande Gerber fashion this sleek 1,000 square foot spot is like a intimate hideaway with some of the most amazing nighttime views of Chicago.
Best Blues Bar – Buddy Guys: Legends:
700 S. Wabash
The best thing about Buddy Guys? They just opened the doors to this new location on Wabash. The worst? After being forced to relocate to this new location it erases the smell of 20+ years of sweaty blues and stale beer. Some of the best blues musicians in the world pass through and join in for a set or two.
Chicago is home to some of the best parks, museums and attractions. Chicagoans’ are also some of the nicest, most helpful people in the country. So do yourself a favor and ask around to have your own little Chicago IRCE adventure off the beaten path.
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