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Windy City checklist
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Places to visit and eat in Chicago during the American Society of Nephrology's 2016 Kidney Week. -by Rebecca Zumoff
Whether you believe Chicago got the nickname Windy City because of its weather or its long-winded politicians, it’s true that Lake Michigan adds some turbulence to the air. But don’t let that keep you from enjoying how beautiful the city is in fall. Put on a jacket and enjoy some of the beautiful parks, gardens, and lakefront.
Tip: Every fall, more than 7 million birds pass through the city. The parks along the shores of Lake Michigan, including Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Museum Campus and Northerly Island, are some of the best places to spot them.
Courtesy of Choose Chicago
Museum Campus and Northerly Island
Along the lakefront, just North of McCormick place
The Museum Campus is a scenic, landscaped series of paths along the lakefront that connects four of Chicago’s most famous attractions: The Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and Soldier Field. The campus is a five-minute walk from McCormick Place, and a great place to stretch your legs and your eyes. Northerly Island, a peninsula adjacent to the campus, features a 40-acre park with a walking trail, lagoon, and landscaped wildlife habitats.
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Lurie Gardens in Millennium Park[/caption]
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St
Home of the famous Cloud Gate (affectionately called The Bean), Millennium Park is a mix of stunning architecture and natural beauty, nestled among some of the city’s tallest buildings.
Must dos: Catch your reflection in the Cloud Gate, sit on the lawn at Pritzker Pavilion, and stroll through the prairie-like Lurie Gardens.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Founded in 1879, The Art Institute is one of the country’s oldest and largest art museums. The museum’s permanent collection of more than 300,000 pieces includes Pablo Picasso’s The Old Guitarist, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, and Grant Wood's American Gothic.
Hours: Open daily 10:30–5:00 and Thursday’s until 8:00
Eat & Drink
Chicago is famous for deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and hot dogs. But the Second City has a thriving culinary scene that features just about every kind of food you can imagine. Here are just a few good spots to eat and drink in and around the Loop.
Courtesy of Adam Alexander Photography and Choose Chicago
Lou Malnati’s: Picking a favorite Chicago-style deep dish pizza has torn families apart. But Lou’s butter crust in one of the tastiest examples of the style. 805 S State St.
The Game Room of the Chicago Athletic Association: Part of the meticulously renovated Chicago Athletic Association, the Game Room helps bring the hotel back to its 19th century glory. It includes a full bar with classic cocktails and local beer, a menu with a playful twist on pub food, and Bocce, billiards, shuffleboard, chess, and checkers tables. 12 S. Michigan Avenue.
Cindy’s: Located on the roof of the historic Chicago Athletic Association, this restaurant features panoramic views of the lakefront, Millennium Park, and The Art Institute. Food is served in large portions made for sharing. 12 S. Michigan Avenue
Tesori: This upscale Italian restaurant includes handmade pasta, inventive salads, and flatbread pizzas. Reservations recommended. 130 S. Michigan Ave.
The Gage: This highly rated bar has elevated pub food served with an extensive beer and wine list. Reservations recommended. 24 South Michigan Avenue.
The Signature Lounge: The lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building is one of the best ways to see the city. Come here for a drink and dessert after dinner. 875 N. Michigan Ave.
Buddy Guy's Legends: The blues didn't originate in Chicago, but it did migrate here. Many famous musicians lived and recorded in Chicago, and Buddy Guy is among the most legendary. His club is a great place to hear local and touring musicians, and you might even catch him sitting at the bar. 700 S. Wabash.
If you are willing to take a quick train ride, or an Uber, these restaurants and bars outside of the Loop are worth checking out.
The Green Mill
Green Mill: This jazz bar was once the hangout of Chicago’s most notorious gangster Al Capone. Live music plays every night, including jazz, blues, and swing bands. Expect to stand if you arrive after 8:00pm. 4802 N. Broadway
Half Acre Beer Company: Founded in 2008, Half Acre has quickly become one of Chicago’s beer destinations. The taproom also serves casual, delicious food. 4257 N Lincoln Ave
Rosa's Lounge: This divey bar has a little more grit in its blues than Legends, making it a favorite among This place gets crowded. 3420 W Armitage Ave.
Lula Café: This funky café in Logan Square has a constantly evolving, creative, locally-sourced dinner menu. Reservations recommended. 2357 N. Kedzie Blvd.
Topolobampo: This upscale restaurant features Mexican fine dining from Chef Rick Bayless. Reservations recommended. 445 N. Clark St.
The City of Broad Shoulders has historically been known as a meat and potatoes town, and with hundreds of steakhouses, it deserves that reputation. Here are just a few.
Chicago Cut: Among the most popular, and the one in which you are most likely to spot a 300 N La Salle Dr.
Gene & Georgetti's: The oldest in the city. Frank Sinatra ate here. 500 N. Franklin St.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: Appearing in several T.V. shows and movies, this is the quintessential Chicago
Maple and Ash: A modern , hip take on the traditional
Swift and Sons: A new restaurant that features classic meals like beef Wellington and oysters Rockefeller. 1000 W Fulton