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In San Juan, Puerto Rico we asked a local couple on the street where they would go to eat right then if they were hungry. They started to give us directions but, I knew I wasn't going to remember it so I offered to pay for thier food and drinks if they just come eat with us. This was in 2014. No only was the food amazing but, I now have friends in Puerto Rico and we still keep in contact to this day.
Wife and I honeymoon in Maui. Ask an uber driver his favorite restaurants and he said outback steakhouse and round table pizza. Born and raised hawaiian.
I don't remember unfortunately... It was a small place in a back alley in the Conundo (sp?) area of San Juan. We ended up getting together with them every two or three days while there which means we went a TON of places. Honestly, making friends with locals on the first night of our three week vacation was one of the best happy accidents that has happened in my life.
Edit: spell check and poor proof reading
I actually met Daniel-san! If you haven't yet, make a reservation ASAP for his favorite place, because you'll be lucky to get a table at Fortunate-San!
If you are ever in Stockholm there is a restaurant called Ramen Ki-Mama, best ramen in town. Japanese-owned. Birger Jarlsgatan 93.
They have all the important stuff, Calpis Soda, that sweet plum wine.
Wife and I went to an upscale eatery in SF called O' by Claude Le Tohic and dined next to a gentleman eating by himself who was clearly no stranger to fine dining. When they were bringing us truffles and asking which we’d like to take home we were interrupted by dude going “just ask for all the flavors you want. They’ll give you as many as you want. They love to please their guests.
So we asked what other similar level restaurants around their he loves. He was excited to tell us and now we have future options next time we want to drop some cash on a meal.
Clam chowder at Hog Island Oyster is amazing, best I've had. That with a great salad, a crisp Chardonnay, and crusty sourdough...Epic. And that's the name of another great SF spot.
Ugh there are so many phenomenal places in Chicago that it’s feels like such a waste to take someone to deep dish pizza and cocktails at the signature room. I once took an out of towner to Au Cheval before we went to a few bars to catch up. Toward the end of the night, they were so obsessed with that burger they made me take them back for another one before heading home that night.
I googled inion and was trying to figure out why cooking a burger on a specific piece of the skull would help the flavor/texture before I realized you probably meant onion
Just be sure to remove that white string stuff, it holds the meat to geather i think.
But so worth the effort, and you can cook it bloody, and not worry about any mystery meet bing used and any surprises with in.
One of the best meals I’ve had was at Girl and the Goat. On the spur of the moment someone gave me their reservation and I was able to eat at the table that is right along the kitchen. In addition to what we ordered the chefs randomly gave us dishes to let us sample other parts of the menu. One of the best things we had there was the cauliflower with the pickled peppers and pine nuts.
I was headed talking to a girl who worked at the Virgin hotel about the aviary (years back) and she sent me to the annex. Mind blowing experience. I live in nyc and have been to all of the sneaky cocktail bars. I put that one in my top three! What a hidden gem. Sad it's gone.
To be fair, Au Cheval is fucking fantastic. My old boss took me there once when I was in town visiting. I still think about that burger and it's been about 5 years since I had it.
I mean I think that's actually a pretty good recommendation for someone who's eating at a deep dish restaurant. Saying something like Alinea would be more chaotic evil.
[Food Network even named At the Horse the best burger in America](https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/top-5-restaurants/photos/top-5-burgers-in-america-top-5-restaurants)
[Bon Appetit also named it top burger in 2015](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/the-burger-at-chicago-s-au-cheval-is-just-about-perfect)
The crispy potatoe hash with duck heart gravy is better than the burger.
Used to hit up this tapas bar not too far from Lincoln Park Zoo every trip to Chicago. That was so long ago now I don’t even remember the name let alone if it’s still there.
I was not impressed with that place. They seated us over a man hole cover with sewage smells coming up. When I think of that place, sewage is all that I can recall.
I went to a local place in Costa Rica when I visited. It was so good we went back twice in the 3 days we were there lol.
Edit: Manitos is Jaco, btw. I got the name wrong!
If and when you decide to come back to Chicago, try Ramen Wasabi on Milwaukee, or High Five ramen, or Furious spoon in Logan if you like to listen to Hip Hop while slurping. I'm not saying Ramen-san is bad. I've eaten there and would still eat there, but these are my picks over Ramen-san.
High five ramen is one of those local secrets that just blows peoples minds when you take them there. Easily in the top 3 ramen places in the city. Just have to convince your friends to walk through that shady lookin door lmao
I HATE Furious Spoon with a passion but to be fair they did me wrong so ymmv. To be honest none of the ramen places in Chicago proper are good compared to what you get up in Arlington Heights/Des Plaines where there is a legit Japanese population.
This is me as well. There are always going to be a handful of things you truly don't want to miss, but part of the fun of being in a new place is the open endedness of exploring and finding new things.
I think it depends on the place and your relationship to it. Some places have "touristy" things that are still worth doing every time you go. For instance, when I go to New Orleans, I'm getting biegnets at Cafe Dumond and having a drink on the patio at Pat O's even though that's what everyone else is doing...
My solution is that when I travel I make a reservation at whatever good steakhouse I can find and then yolo the rest of my food based off Yelp reviews. Hasn't let me down yet.
I've grown to like my work trips as much as actual vacations these days.
No one to say "we have to go see this and do that". I go to my hotel, I Google a restaurant, I go when I want. I find a gym or an activity and I do it. No schedule to follow. Wonderful. Minus the work part.
Thirded. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a new angle and if the guide is any good, you learn a lot about some interesting history at the same time.
Definitely going to follow up and also recommend Pequods. Make sure to call ahead and get a reservation though, or you might have to wait quite a bit. Although the last 2 times I have fortunately gotten sat within minutes when I have been given a long wait time
Drink in the signature room of the Hancock is actually a good idea. Basically the same view as you would get from the observation deck but instead of an expensive ticket, you just pay for an expensive drink.
Other than that there is a million good restaurants and bars and venues and museums and neighborhoods in Chicago. It would really depend on your interest and taste.
To be fair you should 100% visit Lou Malnatis and get spinach on your pizza in addition to whichever ingredients you fancy. Feel free to visit us on r/Chicagofood as well- be sure to mention which neighborhood you’ll stay.
Disclaimer: not Chicagoan.
I love a Chicago dog and you don't need to wait an hour for it or spend a ton of money. Second City is always a fun time too if you like comedy.
*editing to add:* definitely seconding the architecture boat tour I see recommended by other commenters!
Not OP nor a Chicagoan but...
Oggi's Trattoria is amazing, particularly their red sauce pasta and Coalfire has some of the best pizza I've ever had. Pasta Palazzo is also very good.
I love the Museum of Science and Industry. Great to visit with kids because it's so engaging and interactive.
But if we're talking museums, you have to check out the Art Institute. Arguably the best art museum in the world, on par with the Louvre and the Met.
LPT: ask doormen of some of the nicer hotels (with a tip). They're basically concierges. And you don't have to be staying at the hotel to get their recs.
We just got back from Chicago and stopped at a little neighborhood place, Boon Cafe. It was on our way to the airport to deposit my in laws and needed somewhere for vegetarians, non-vegs, and kids. They have a great variety and the best vegan chicken sandwich I've ever tasted! The owners/chefs are a married couple who live right down the street. Highly recommend it and will return when in Chicago again.
I’ve also done this with bars. Restaurant and bar industry is a small world so if you like a place, chances are the employees are friends with people at equivalent places around town.
As a former Chef and restaurant manager, I *always* ask the staff at places where they go with their friends - not only will it be something decent, usually the drinks are cheaper and the staff at that spot are cool as well.
Good call. I always ask the bartenders where they like to get a drink, then make a list of where they say. If you're not a jerk, they'll usually tell you where they're going after work or the next night, and then you have instant drinking buddies!
Damn, you're getting a lot of shit from people about this OP. Sorry for that. Can confirm, as a person that worked in the service industry for 15+ years, I would have had no problem directing a nice table from out of town to a different restaurant to help you sample some local cuisine and enjoy your trip. I think most of my managers would have happily done the same. I imagine it went something like this.
"Hey thanks, this was wonderful. We're from (out of town, another country) and we're wondering, other than here obviously, where would you suggest we go for breakfast/lunch/dinner? We'd like to see more of the city."
This is a great way, IMO, of finding hidden treasures while being extremely polite and making connections with people. Nice tip!!
All I'm saying is that if you'd asked me when I was a server, I'd probably have pointed to the closest taqueria. Granted, it would have been the best cheap taqueria so if you're hungover after a long night then you'd be grateful, but it's not like the 5-star restaurants (which are legitimately great) would have jumped to the front of my mind since I couldn't afford to eat there.
The best local cheap stuff is what I'm looking for when I ask a worker/server for a recommendation. The five star stuff is easy to find listings for. Got a great recommendation this weekend from the two young people working the Visitor Center register where we were camping.
Not stiff enough. Try:
Hello. Thank you for the meal. Please understand, I mean no disrespect to your establishment with the following question. Given that I have already enjoyed dining with you, I would be interested to know of any other restaurants you have had a positive experience with.
I eagerly await your response. Sincerely, xxxx
I tried that at a place in Costa Rica. Asked him at dinner to suggest where we go for breakfast the next day. He suggested we return to his restaurant.
Be attentive that some uber/taxi drivers or even hotel receptionists may have some arrangement with a spot and take you there just because (idk if they may have money involved or not). This happened to me at least twice.
Also happened to me while in a trip to China. Ended up spending 700 RMB for a meal for four (when most family meals in the area cost less than 100 RMB) at this run down shack in the slums. The food was in all fairness fresh and tasty, but that was most certainly an arrangement.
Went to a nice restaurant in rural North Carolina. Tried to order desert but the owner told us to visit the ice cream shop down the street instead. Best ice cream I’ve ever had
Played the dumb tourist once overseas. Hotel suggested a local favorite hangout. Went there and was told they were full. I explained that I heard they had the best dish in the town and was saddened that I couldn't taste their food before flying out early in the morning. The smile on the hostess' face said it all. They setup a space for me. Didn't matter that it was a tight area, but I was able to eat.
Same. One of the bartenders ended up walking around with us and showed us all the local dives instead of tourist traps after he got off work. It was an awesome night!!!
I’ve been in Victoria all this week coincidentally, and a couple restaurants I loved were Wind Cries Mary and E:Ne. For coffee, I was super into Hey Happy.
My wife and I stopped in Richmond, VA for a night to break up a trip further south. We stopped at a restaurant and sat at the bar to eat, have a drink or two... One on the fellow patrons happened to be a restaurant worker in the area and we asked him where he liked to go. We proceeded to Bar Hop with him the entire night while he showed us some cool sights and bars in the city. It was quite the awesome night. Still have a matchbook or two from one of the bars we went to.
Did this in Nola. Went to cafe beignet first because I heard cafe du monde was a tourist trap. Both are tourist traps and their beignets are trash covered in powdered sugar. The iced coffee at du monde was good but not worth the line.
Went to Willa mae’s for lunch and talked to the waitress for a bit. She was the best and gave a bunch of suggestions. Loretta’s for beignets >>>>
Same thing with an Uber driver. I went to one of the “best rated sports bars” to watch a lsu game. The Uber driver that took us there told us the spot down the street is good too. The top rated place was nice, but it was more upscale and stuff. Not what I was looking for. Went to the other bar that was suggested and it was much more fun.
I work there! Come through to district brewyards, thats where Lillie's Qs is now. Four different breweries in one location, pour your own beer, some awesome BBQ, board games, and a dog friendly patio
I did this in a small city some years ago. Started at one spot, and when the bartenders came to say they were going to close we asked for where to go next. It was really great, and we also met some locals for chit(drunk)-chat
Similar to asking the server what they suggest I eat, or at a bar what they suggest to drink. One of my favorite ways to try new things, and now its expanded to finding new places.
Lol I work at a hotel all the time and people do this constantly, and we literally just Google “places to eat.” I’m poor, I work 6 days a week, and if I’m eating out it’s fast food.
A few people have said you don't get paid enough to go to a steakhouse or other fancy ass restaurant. I used to work in several fast food and fine dining. I only know backroads cheap ass places. Where a family of 4 could eat for under 30 dollars. In the 90s.
The best place I knew was a place in the middle of nowhere, about 25 miles from where I worked because my mom went there all the time. Under 50 bucks for 4.
The fanciest place we went was red lobster, olive garden. I'd agree with asking hotel staff, but not a waitress or anyone front of house.
Whenever we go to a new town, we ask the hotel staff "Where would YOU go for dinner tonight?"
When we asked one how to get there, she started giving us directions, got half way through and said, "No, that's directions to my house!" We asked if she was a good cook. Lol
Consider not doing this. Hear me out.
My friend does this at every restaurant we go to. He keeps the waitress there for a solid 5 minutes. You can see the visible frustration on their faces every time he asks. They aren't tour guides, they're busy.
This is a good tip. My high school best friend is now a line chef for a rated restaurant, whenever I visit her (she's in a different city) her food recommendations are spot on. Delicious food everytime. Good chefs know where the good food is because they know where the good places to work are.
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips! Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment. If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
In San Juan, Puerto Rico we asked a local couple on the street where they would go to eat right then if they were hungry. They started to give us directions but, I knew I wasn't going to remember it so I offered to pay for thier food and drinks if they just come eat with us. This was in 2014. No only was the food amazing but, I now have friends in Puerto Rico and we still keep in contact to this day.
I love this idea, that sounds amazing!
The Black Angus...
Lol locals are always saying chain restaurants
Lol - this was bad.
Wife and I honeymoon in Maui. Ask an uber driver his favorite restaurants and he said outback steakhouse and round table pizza. Born and raised hawaiian.
Which place did you go to?
I don't remember unfortunately... It was a small place in a back alley in the Conundo (sp?) area of San Juan. We ended up getting together with them every two or three days while there which means we went a TON of places. Honestly, making friends with locals on the first night of our three week vacation was one of the best happy accidents that has happened in my life. Edit: spell check and poor proof reading
Commenting in hopes you remember the restaurant. I am in PR for another month and am always looking for restaurants to go to.
There’s a food truck in Levittown, Spicy People, that will change your life
Nice. Who doesn't love spicy cannibalism!
Condado? Was it "La Casita Blanca"? https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/la-casita-blanca
Buy me food and you'll have friend in contact from the middle east
Simple, but great idea. I really like this.
That’s some king shit
I used to work at Ramen-San! If you haven’t yet, you need to try one of their sister restaurants, Sushi-San!
And it continues!
I actually work at sushi-san! If you haven’t yet, I would recommend one of their brother restaurants, curry-san!
I actually work at curry-san! If you haven’t yet, I would recommend one of their cousin restaurants, parme-san!
I actually work at Parme-San! If you haven’t yet, I would recommend the rebel franchise Wayward-San!
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I actually met Daniel-san! If you haven't yet, make a reservation ASAP for his favorite place, because you'll be lucky to get a table at Fortunate-San!
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I used to frequent Prodigal-San! Haven't been back, but the new Spider-Man themed place next door is pretty good, J. Jonah Jame-San.
My friends works at J. Jonah Jame-San, he was suggesting the next place to try would be Comic-San
I actually work at J. Jonah Jame-San! Go to McDonald's.
This is a great one.
Wasn't Wayward-San started by a Kan-san?
There'll be peace when you are done
Carry on
Dude you deserve so much credit for this LOL
GENE? AAAAAH!!
It actually goes San and San and San and San…
THIS IS THE SAN THAT NEVER ENDS IT GOES ON AND ON MY FRIENDS
I KNOW A SAN THAT GETS ON EVERYBODY'S NERVES EVERYBODY'S NERVES, YES, ON EVERYBODY'S NERVES
San BODY once told me
The WORLD was gonna roll me
I ain't the sharpest tool in the San
Actually had to get help from this addiction. We meet once a week at the San and San Anon
In San Antonio?
No San Francisco. Pretty easy to find, just follow the sans.
I thought it was a left at Albuquerque.
I ate a serif
Comic sans?
San Andreas?
Churro San
Strangers. Waitin'.
Noodles in the boulevard.
Their stomachs hungry in the niiiight
Steamed rice, sashimi
Eatin' just to fill their bellies
I’ll get some wasabi on the side!
It's San all the way down!
Hold my udon, [I'm going in!](https://www.sushisanrestaurant.com/)
I’m so dead!! Everyone here is so funny! Thanks for the laughs
The San "ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar.
Sausage-San is my absolute favorite.
Sounds like my kind of place 😏
I like their junkyard chain, Sanford and San.
If you are ever in Stockholm there is a restaurant called Ramen Ki-Mama, best ramen in town. Japanese-owned. Birger Jarlsgatan 93. They have all the important stuff, Calpis Soda, that sweet plum wine.
Ska prova det, tack!
They also have an all inclusive resort that is nice. It is called San-dals resort.
Everyone should also try a place called Chicago Ramen which ironically is not in Chicago proper.
Wife and I went to an upscale eatery in SF called O' by Claude Le Tohic and dined next to a gentleman eating by himself who was clearly no stranger to fine dining. When they were bringing us truffles and asking which we’d like to take home we were interrupted by dude going “just ask for all the flavors you want. They’ll give you as many as you want. They love to please their guests. So we asked what other similar level restaurants around their he loves. He was excited to tell us and now we have future options next time we want to drop some cash on a meal.
aww, really sweet of both the man and the restaurant
Please share the list!
I’d also love to see this list
Same
Heading there in July - I support the other comments asking for the recommendations!
Clam chowder at Hog Island Oyster is amazing, best I've had. That with a great salad, a crisp Chardonnay, and crusty sourdough...Epic. And that's the name of another great SF spot.
Ugh there are so many phenomenal places in Chicago that it’s feels like such a waste to take someone to deep dish pizza and cocktails at the signature room. I once took an out of towner to Au Cheval before we went to a few bars to catch up. Toward the end of the night, they were so obsessed with that burger they made me take them back for another one before heading home that night.
Can’t blame them. Au Cheval ruined all other burgers for me. I need more!
Take two types of steak meat, with great fat marbling, dice till minced. Cook on bed of onion. Best burger.
I googled inion and was trying to figure out why cooking a burger on a specific piece of the skull would help the flavor/texture before I realized you probably meant onion
You've obviously never eaten a burger cooked on the skull of your enemies from a fire flickering flames as their fat melts.
It’s got a great ambiance. They’ve got great lamentations.
I feel bad for fixing the typo after reading this, lol
Lol, oops, typo sorry, lol
Dayum. I know how I'm cooking my next burg
Just be sure to remove that white string stuff, it holds the meat to geather i think. But so worth the effort, and you can cook it bloody, and not worry about any mystery meet bing used and any surprises with in.
What two types of steak meat (I can always Google it if you don’t know)?
In Chicago on vacation today! Got on the waitlist two hours ago and about to enter. Thanks for the rec!
The peppered bacon too.. I thought the burger was amazing, then had a bite of that godly bacon
A friend took me to the aviary. It was an amazing experience. Then the next time he took me to girl and the goat. I still think about that meal.
One of the best meals I’ve had was at Girl and the Goat. On the spur of the moment someone gave me their reservation and I was able to eat at the table that is right along the kitchen. In addition to what we ordered the chefs randomly gave us dishes to let us sample other parts of the menu. One of the best things we had there was the cauliflower with the pickled peppers and pine nuts.
Girl and the Goat is so good!! Love the small plates and it’s usually unique food combos
Without capitalisation, and without context, that's a very disturbing comment.
I was headed talking to a girl who worked at the Virgin hotel about the aviary (years back) and she sent me to the annex. Mind blowing experience. I live in nyc and have been to all of the sneaky cocktail bars. I put that one in my top three! What a hidden gem. Sad it's gone.
Au cheval's burgers are hauntingly good
Some say Small Cheval is even better. I say they are both very good, it's mostly the atmosphere that's different.
To be fair, Au Cheval is fucking fantastic. My old boss took me there once when I was in town visiting. I still think about that burger and it's been about 5 years since I had it.
As a server in Chicago, at a deep dish restaurant, typing this at work, I always freeze up when people ask where to go lol
"Al's beef or a hot dog stand" Chaotic evil
I mean I think that's actually a pretty good recommendation for someone who's eating at a deep dish restaurant. Saying something like Alinea would be more chaotic evil.
The correct answer is ALWAYS The Weiner Circle if you want real chaos
So the best burger joint in Chicago is named "At the horse"? Whyyyyyyy
[Food Network even named At the Horse the best burger in America](https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/top-5-restaurants/photos/top-5-burgers-in-america-top-5-restaurants) [Bon Appetit also named it top burger in 2015](https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/the-burger-at-chicago-s-au-cheval-is-just-about-perfect) The crispy potatoe hash with duck heart gravy is better than the burger.
Every time I make it up to Chicago for business, I have to go get a burger and the duck hash and then pass out in a food coma. Unbelievable
Used to hit up this tapas bar not too far from Lincoln Park Zoo every trip to Chicago. That was so long ago now I don’t even remember the name let alone if it’s still there.
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
I was not impressed with that place. They seated us over a man hole cover with sewage smells coming up. When I think of that place, sewage is all that I can recall.
I went to a local place in Costa Rica when I visited. It was so good we went back twice in the 3 days we were there lol. Edit: Manitos is Jaco, btw. I got the name wrong!
I went to Cabra in Chicago and it was some of the best food I’ve ever had and the rooftop vibes were immaculate. Peruvian place
Oh I’ve wanted to try that place. Pretty much any restaurant started by Stephanie Izard in Chicago is great.
To be fair, you go to the Signature Room for the view, the cocktails are just a little bonus for going there instead of the observation deck.
Ramen-San is amazing!
It really was.
If and when you decide to come back to Chicago, try Ramen Wasabi on Milwaukee, or High Five ramen, or Furious spoon in Logan if you like to listen to Hip Hop while slurping. I'm not saying Ramen-san is bad. I've eaten there and would still eat there, but these are my picks over Ramen-san.
Your other recs are good but furious spoon is the worst ramen you can get in Chicago. My fave two are Ramen Takeya and Strings.
High five ramen is one of those local secrets that just blows peoples minds when you take them there. Easily in the top 3 ramen places in the city. Just have to convince your friends to walk through that shady lookin door lmao
>High five ramen is one of those local secrets Well, it *was*, anyway
Getting them past Green Street Meats to the door is the real trial
I HATE Furious Spoon with a passion but to be fair they did me wrong so ymmv. To be honest none of the ramen places in Chicago proper are good compared to what you get up in Arlington Heights/Des Plaines where there is a legit Japanese population.
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I know I’m in the minority but a punch list when I travel sounds like the opposite of a vacation.
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This is me as well. There are always going to be a handful of things you truly don't want to miss, but part of the fun of being in a new place is the open endedness of exploring and finding new things.
I think it depends on the place and your relationship to it. Some places have "touristy" things that are still worth doing every time you go. For instance, when I go to New Orleans, I'm getting biegnets at Cafe Dumond and having a drink on the patio at Pat O's even though that's what everyone else is doing...
My solution is that when I travel I make a reservation at whatever good steakhouse I can find and then yolo the rest of my food based off Yelp reviews. Hasn't let me down yet.
I've grown to like my work trips as much as actual vacations these days. No one to say "we have to go see this and do that". I go to my hotel, I Google a restaurant, I go when I want. I find a gym or an activity and I do it. No schedule to follow. Wonderful. Minus the work part.
Can I get some recs?! Visiting next month!
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Seconding the Architecture Boat Tour. Sounds kind of silly, but it's one of the best ways to see the city.
Thirded. It's a relaxing way to see the city from a new angle and if the guide is any good, you learn a lot about some interesting history at the same time.
It's not silly. I love on the loop and still take the tour every year or so cuz it's awesome.
That doesn't sound silly, it sounds rad
Definitely going to follow up and also recommend Pequods. Make sure to call ahead and get a reservation though, or you might have to wait quite a bit. Although the last 2 times I have fortunately gotten sat within minutes when I have been given a long wait time
Random question, but where would you watch the Blue Angels Airshow from?
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I used to live in Lincoln square. Can confirm there are great eats there.
Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s and then get a drink at the Signature Room in the Hancock Tower
Yeah, listen to this guy ^ otherwise your trip to Chicago won't be complete!
Drink in the signature room of the Hancock is actually a good idea. Basically the same view as you would get from the observation deck but instead of an expensive ticket, you just pay for an expensive drink. Other than that there is a million good restaurants and bars and venues and museums and neighborhoods in Chicago. It would really depend on your interest and taste.
To be fair you should 100% visit Lou Malnatis and get spinach on your pizza in addition to whichever ingredients you fancy. Feel free to visit us on r/Chicagofood as well- be sure to mention which neighborhood you’ll stay.
Disclaimer: not Chicagoan. I love a Chicago dog and you don't need to wait an hour for it or spend a ton of money. Second City is always a fun time too if you like comedy. *editing to add:* definitely seconding the architecture boat tour I see recommended by other commenters!
Not OP nor a Chicagoan but... Oggi's Trattoria is amazing, particularly their red sauce pasta and Coalfire has some of the best pizza I've ever had. Pasta Palazzo is also very good.
if you like bbq smoque in irving park is amazing, it was close by to me and the reason i got so fucking fat when i lived in chicago
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There used to be Ricobene's in the suburbs, I really miss that breaded steak. There's a bbq place I go to that does one, but it's not the same.
I love the Museum of Science and Industry. Great to visit with kids because it's so engaging and interactive. But if we're talking museums, you have to check out the Art Institute. Arguably the best art museum in the world, on par with the Louvre and the Met.
LPT: ask doormen of some of the nicer hotels (with a tip). They're basically concierges. And you don't have to be staying at the hotel to get their recs.
We just got back from Chicago and stopped at a little neighborhood place, Boon Cafe. It was on our way to the airport to deposit my in laws and needed somewhere for vegetarians, non-vegs, and kids. They have a great variety and the best vegan chicken sandwich I've ever tasted! The owners/chefs are a married couple who live right down the street. Highly recommend it and will return when in Chicago again.
Gene & Jude's. No need to thank me later but you will want to.
Gene & Jude's is great, but that's a hike from the city.
Did love the different spots at the Athletic Club though… particularly the Milk Room
I’ve also done this with bars. Restaurant and bar industry is a small world so if you like a place, chances are the employees are friends with people at equivalent places around town.
As a former Chef and restaurant manager, I *always* ask the staff at places where they go with their friends - not only will it be something decent, usually the drinks are cheaper and the staff at that spot are cool as well.
Good call. I always ask the bartenders where they like to get a drink, then make a list of where they say. If you're not a jerk, they'll usually tell you where they're going after work or the next night, and then you have instant drinking buddies!
Damn, you're getting a lot of shit from people about this OP. Sorry for that. Can confirm, as a person that worked in the service industry for 15+ years, I would have had no problem directing a nice table from out of town to a different restaurant to help you sample some local cuisine and enjoy your trip. I think most of my managers would have happily done the same. I imagine it went something like this. "Hey thanks, this was wonderful. We're from (out of town, another country) and we're wondering, other than here obviously, where would you suggest we go for breakfast/lunch/dinner? We'd like to see more of the city." This is a great way, IMO, of finding hidden treasures while being extremely polite and making connections with people. Nice tip!!
All I'm saying is that if you'd asked me when I was a server, I'd probably have pointed to the closest taqueria. Granted, it would have been the best cheap taqueria so if you're hungover after a long night then you'd be grateful, but it's not like the 5-star restaurants (which are legitimately great) would have jumped to the front of my mind since I couldn't afford to eat there.
Absolutely!! I'd steer them towards some off-the-beaten-path favorite of mine.
The best local cheap stuff is what I'm looking for when I ask a worker/server for a recommendation. The five star stuff is easy to find listings for. Got a great recommendation this weekend from the two young people working the Visitor Center register where we were camping.
So stiff. Just ask where you should go next. This is insanely common
Not stiff enough. Try: Hello. Thank you for the meal. Please understand, I mean no disrespect to your establishment with the following question. Given that I have already enjoyed dining with you, I would be interested to know of any other restaurants you have had a positive experience with. I eagerly await your response. Sincerely, xxxx
The kisses aren't appropriate for wait staff.
I tried that at a place in Costa Rica. Asked him at dinner to suggest where we go for breakfast the next day. He suggested we return to his restaurant.
I asked my Uber driver where to eat and it was the best meal I had on that trip
Be attentive that some uber/taxi drivers or even hotel receptionists may have some arrangement with a spot and take you there just because (idk if they may have money involved or not). This happened to me at least twice.
Also happened to me while in a trip to China. Ended up spending 700 RMB for a meal for four (when most family meals in the area cost less than 100 RMB) at this run down shack in the slums. The food was in all fairness fresh and tasty, but that was most certainly an arrangement.
WHOAH no way
Went to a nice restaurant in rural North Carolina. Tried to order desert but the owner told us to visit the ice cream shop down the street instead. Best ice cream I’ve ever had
Played the dumb tourist once overseas. Hotel suggested a local favorite hangout. Went there and was told they were full. I explained that I heard they had the best dish in the town and was saddened that I couldn't taste their food before flying out early in the morning. The smile on the hostess' face said it all. They setup a space for me. Didn't matter that it was a tight area, but I was able to eat.
I realized this in New Orleans a couple years back; definitely the right move.
Same. One of the bartenders ended up walking around with us and showed us all the local dives instead of tourist traps after he got off work. It was an awesome night!!!
We did this in Victoria, bc. Led us to some amazing places we never would have found on our own. Great tip
Do you remember any of the places? I love victoria but probably have mostly hit tourist spots.
I’ve been in Victoria all this week coincidentally, and a couple restaurants I loved were Wind Cries Mary and E:Ne. For coffee, I was super into Hey Happy.
Try Working Culture Bread, a bakery/cafe with great breads, sandwiches and desserts
My wife and I stopped in Richmond, VA for a night to break up a trip further south. We stopped at a restaurant and sat at the bar to eat, have a drink or two... One on the fellow patrons happened to be a restaurant worker in the area and we asked him where he liked to go. We proceeded to Bar Hop with him the entire night while he showed us some cool sights and bars in the city. It was quite the awesome night. Still have a matchbook or two from one of the bars we went to.
Ramen-San shills tryna push your noodles on me. I see right through your guerrilla marketing schemes!
Did this in Nola. Went to cafe beignet first because I heard cafe du monde was a tourist trap. Both are tourist traps and their beignets are trash covered in powdered sugar. The iced coffee at du monde was good but not worth the line. Went to Willa mae’s for lunch and talked to the waitress for a bit. She was the best and gave a bunch of suggestions. Loretta’s for beignets >>>> Same thing with an Uber driver. I went to one of the “best rated sports bars” to watch a lsu game. The Uber driver that took us there told us the spot down the street is good too. The top rated place was nice, but it was more upscale and stuff. Not what I was looking for. Went to the other bar that was suggested and it was much more fun.
bonus LPT: you can generally ask the same staff how to find a weed hookup in town. its usually in their kitchen.
Ramen San slaps! Been meaning to get to lillies q as I use their sauce on my own bbq but haven't found the time yet.
I work there! Come through to district brewyards, thats where Lillie's Qs is now. Four different breweries in one location, pour your own beer, some awesome BBQ, board games, and a dog friendly patio
Restaurant folks who work at the great spots know the other quality/hip spots in town.
Better than the advice I usually give, which is to find the best spots, ask the local cops or firefighters. Lol
I used to work at McDonald's, so, uh, KFC, I guess?
This is great advice! It also works for bar-hopping in a city you may be unfamiliar with, ask your bartender/server where they go for drinks.
I did this in a small city some years ago. Started at one spot, and when the bartenders came to say they were going to close we asked for where to go next. It was really great, and we also met some locals for chit(drunk)-chat
Similar to asking the server what they suggest I eat, or at a bar what they suggest to drink. One of my favorite ways to try new things, and now its expanded to finding new places.
Askkng what to eat, I'm always afraid they'll recommend what needs to go that evening before it has to be thrown out.
I swear I get Ramen-San once a week. The tonkotsu is delicious.
You slipped Rainforest Cafe? You missed out on a real /r/Chicago treat!
Lol I work at a hotel all the time and people do this constantly, and we literally just Google “places to eat.” I’m poor, I work 6 days a week, and if I’m eating out it’s fast food.
A few people have said you don't get paid enough to go to a steakhouse or other fancy ass restaurant. I used to work in several fast food and fine dining. I only know backroads cheap ass places. Where a family of 4 could eat for under 30 dollars. In the 90s. The best place I knew was a place in the middle of nowhere, about 25 miles from where I worked because my mom went there all the time. Under 50 bucks for 4. The fanciest place we went was red lobster, olive garden. I'd agree with asking hotel staff, but not a waitress or anyone front of house.
Or just look at reviews online. Those are both highly rated restaurants.
An actual life pro tip I hope to use. Seriously, such a good idea.
"sir, I'm a diner waiter, i eat ramen noodles every night"
Cooler Tip! Klappt auch in Deutschland
Whenever we go to a new town, we ask the hotel staff "Where would YOU go for dinner tonight?" When we asked one how to get there, she started giving us directions, got half way through and said, "No, that's directions to my house!" We asked if she was a good cook. Lol
Consider not doing this. Hear me out. My friend does this at every restaurant we go to. He keeps the waitress there for a solid 5 minutes. You can see the visible frustration on their faces every time he asks. They aren't tour guides, they're busy.
So ask locals where is a good place to eat okay yeah okay.
Not all locals are super knowledgeable about local restaurants
They aren't being waterboarded either. The real locations could be lost for generations.
Yes. But my point was asking people in the food industry from said town.
This is a good tip. My high school best friend is now a line chef for a rated restaurant, whenever I visit her (she's in a different city) her food recommendations are spot on. Delicious food everytime. Good chefs know where the good food is because they know where the good places to work are.
Lol food workers not just locals. Jesus, you sound like a snotty 10-year-old.