S/O: Must eats and must dos in Chicago and north of city?

[Anonymous]

We will be in the North suburbs of Chicago around Thanksgiving, hopefully a few days before and after so we can go to things when they are open!

What are some must sees or must eats? Chicago recs are great, but we will also be staying in the Northern suburbs (Glenview/Winettka, and maybe one relative staying near Deerfeld), so stuff around there is appreciated too.

[Anonymous]

I'm hoping the answer isn't going to be "nothing, it will be too cold and snowed under by then."

[Anonymous]

If you're going to do the deep dish pizza thing, Pequod's. (Yes, I know it's not technically "deep dish" but it's still the best thick crust pizza in town)

Purple Pig is fantastic, Oriole if you're looking for a splurge. (Make reservations ASAP if so)

Three Dots and a Dash for (tiki) cocktails.

Take Metra to the Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry, both are well worth the trip. The Architecture Boat Tour seems like a tourist trap but it is so, so, good. Bring blankets and handwarmers in November though!

[Anonymous]

I live in Chicago! I’m not on the north side though…

Kaufmans deli! In Skokie so on the north side. Not fancy obviously but amazing deli.

The lakefront can actually be really fun when it is cold out to walk on the beach, let kids play on the sand etc. there are some good beaches on the north side, or try something different like this: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park
And then go to the planetarium or field museum afterwards

Dim sum or dumplings in the main Chinatown on chicagos south side or pho in the Chinatown on the north side (it also a large oVietnamese community)

Chicago us some great bakeries - lost Larson is really good scandi-inspired, spinning j bakery and soda fountain…

Garfield park conservatory is huge and a wonderful place to hang out if it is cold and dark

Also, pilsen is really fun to explore! National museum of Mexican American art, great Mexican bakeries and restaurants

[Anonymous]

Get tickets for Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination/. It will probably be chilly, but people love it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in Chicago! I’m not on the north side though…

Kaufmans deli! In Skokie so on the north side. Not fancy obviously but amazing deli.

The lakefront can actually be really fun when it is cold out to walk on the beach, let kids play on the sand etc. there are some good beaches on the north side, or try something different like this: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park
And then go to the planetarium or field museum afterwards

Dim sum or dumplings in the main Chinatown on chicagos south side or pho in the Chinatown on the north side (it also a large oVietnamese community)

Chicago us some great bakeries - lost Larson is really good scandi-inspired, spinning j bakery and soda fountain…

Garfield park conservatory is huge and a wonderful place to hang out if it is cold and dark

Also, pilsen is really fun to explore! National museum of Mexican American art, great Mexican bakeries and restaurants

Thanks for these! I looked at the conservatory, but I'm not sure of the neighborhood, especially after dark and with kids/older folk. Is that area safe? And I guess are there specific areas in/near Chicago we should stick to or particularly avoid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're going to do the deep dish pizza thing, Pequod's. (Yes, I know it's not technically "deep dish" but it's still the best thick crust pizza in town)

Purple Pig is fantastic, Oriole if you're looking for a splurge. (Make reservations ASAP if so)

Three Dots and a Dash for (tiki) cocktails.

Take Metra to the Field Museum or Museum of Science and Industry, both are well worth the trip. The Architecture Boat Tour seems like a tourist trap but it is so, so, good. Bring blankets and handwarmers in November though!

I understand there's a Morton Grove Pequod's and one in Chicago proper. Are they equally good? I imagine Morton Grove would be easier for parking and reservations.

I haven't heard of any of these other things except the boat tour, so thanks for the list!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get tickets for Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/exhibitions/illumination/. It will probably be chilly, but people love it.

If you're north might be better to get tickets to Lightscape at the Botanic Garden.