Welcome to the Lockn' Forum - The home of the original Lockn' Music Festival family!
I would rank best steak in ChiTown as Chicago Cut Steakhouse (this is my favorite), The Saloon (this used to be my favorite - Bone in filet or KC Strip), David Burkes is great, and Michael Jordan's new place aptly called Michael Jordans is yummers. There are about 25 GREAT steakhouses in town and Harry's is one of them. Pequods Pizza or Chicago Pizza and Over Grinders are great Za places off the beaten path and worth the taxi/walk. Please note: This forum is in no way officially associated with Lockn' Festival or its promoters.
TOO $
Cowboy Neal
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If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
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Post by TOO $ on Mar 9, 2015 21:43:56 GMT -5
I will be traveling to Chicago Sunday on a business trip. I know, the shows are not until July, guess my timing is off a bit. Anyway I have never really had the chance to hang out in the Windy City. Looks like I have most of the day Sunday to do whatever and I am looking for suggestions. What should I see? Where should I eat? Staying at the Marriott near O'Hare. Any suggestions are welcome.
Did I mention I'm Greek?
Post by dool on Mar 9, 2015 21:50:31 GMT -5
www.kingstonmines.com/
Best live music in Chicago, continuous music.
www.harrycarays.com/
Great Authentic Italian and it is Harry Caray
Andie Bee
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Post by Andie Bee on Mar 10, 2015 1:31:39 GMT -5
Wow, I totally forgot about Kingston Mines. I had a birthday party there years ago. Thanks for bringing that up... Have a fun trip TOO!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2015 5:38:43 GMT -5
I have to recommend the Field Museum (dinosaurs!) and the Art Institute. Also, when it comes to cuisine, don't forget Garrett's popcorn. Get the half caramel, half cheese. It's surprisingly good. For dogs, Wieners Circle. Don't eat the
tomato amd cheese casserole pizza. It's not worth it. Never had Italian beef, so no recommendations there.
There's a little bar in Boy's Town called Town Hall Pub that's run by a Deadhead. There's Dead memorabilia all over the walls. That's where Sue wants to do the Chicago meetup.
smosey wales
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Post by smosey wales on Mar 10, 2015 12:55:36 GMT -5
the airport is a long long way from downtown.
We enjoyed the boat tour with the emphasis on architecture (guide was an architect student)
Noodle Bowl for killer Asian food in a market style-- a little of this, a lot of that.
See who's playing at Buddy Guy's--it's a blues bar without too much hype.
Locals recommended Eerie Street for great big steaks--not cheap--but that was several years ago so I don't know what its like now.
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suebhunny
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Post by suebhunny on Mar 10, 2015 13:24:03 GMT -5
Since you're going to be there on a Sunday, you should hit both the Kingston Mines and Blues on Halsted. One cover charge gets you into both places on Sunday nights, and they're right across the street from each other. The Mines is better known, but I like Blues on Halsted better...maybe just because I've spent more time there, but maybe because it's brighter. I'm planning to visit both on Sunday July 5 while Worf is enjoying his third Dead show.
If you find your way to downtown in daylight, go to Grant Park and stand under the Bean. Pictures of it just don't do justice to how cool it actually is.
Don't listen to Worf about the pizza. His first stuffed pizza experience was the worst Chicago pie I've had. Try Giordano's. I plan to inflict it on Worf in July and see if I can change his mind.
From the airport to the Loop takes about 40 minutes on the blue line el train. Best way to travel!
Smosey is absolutely right about the architecture boat tour. I highly recommend that as well.
If you have questions about anything...ask me. I lived there for years.
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TOO $
Cowboy Neal
Posts: 12,503
If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
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Post by TOO $ on Mar 10, 2015 13:46:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the great advice everybody this is extremely helpful. i have been trying to decide if I should rent a car or not and I am leaning towards not getting a car. I think that it would be more hassle finding my way around and parking than it is worth.
First on my list is going to be the Art Institute. Since I will be downtown in the daylight I will check out Grant park as well. Not sure I will be able to hit up any music since I need to be clear headed first thing Monday morning but we will see.
Thanks again!
Did I mention I'm Greek?
suebhunny
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Post by suebhunny on Mar 10, 2015 14:41:08 GMT -5
I'd definitely recommend skipping the car. It should be easy access to your hotel from the airport. Then just hop on the blue line and take it to Jackson. That will put you really close to both Grant Park and the Art Institute. You'll be grateful to avoid the cost of parking. :-)
5/24-27 Dark Star Jubilee Legend Valley Thornville OH
6/13-16 Beardfest Hammonton, NJ
7/7 Outlaw Music Fest Hershey PA
7/18-21 4848 Festival Snowshoe WV
8/2-3 Billy Strings Bryce Jordan Center Penn State
8/29-9/2 - Karnival of the Arts (East) Kempton PA
9/19-22 Infamous Weekend Pops Farm VA
Post by wizard1 on Mar 10, 2015 15:37:21 GMT -5
Harry Caray's steakhouse served me with one of the three best steaks I've ever had in my life if you are into that kind of thing.
If you wouldn't mind testing out the and reporting back before July I would appreciate it.
TOO $
Cowboy Neal
Posts: 12,503
If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
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Post by TOO $ on Mar 10, 2015 16:02:22 GMT -5
The Harry Caray's Steakhouse in Rosemont is about one mile from my hotel, I will check it out and report back, thanks!Harry Caray's steakhouse served me with one of the three best steaks I've ever had in my life if you are into that kind of thing.
If you wouldn't mind testing out the and reporting back before July I would appreciate it.
Did I mention I'm Greek?
Post by mrbreeze on Mar 10, 2015 20:58:29 GMT -5
There is a great app called "Best Parking". If anyone does need to park in the city I'd suggest downloading it. you can search by dates/time in & out and a general location of where you want to park. A map pops up on your screen and it shows you all the rates for all the parking lots in the area. You can zoom in and out or scroll around to change location by a few blocks. Its pretty cool and you can find one parking garage that charged $40 and another a block walk away that may only charge $15. The app is free too. I use it a ton. Even if I stay at a downtown hotel I never valet and always park in the vicinity of the hotel where I park and pay and just walk back to the hotel. It saves significant money.I'd definitely recommend skipping the car. It should be easy access to your hotel from the airport. Then just hop on the blue line and take it to Jackson. That will put you really close to both Grant Park and the Art Institute. You'll be grateful to avoid the cost of parking. :-)
Post by mrbreeze on Mar 10, 2015 21:06:37 GMT -5
Harry Caray's steakhouse served me with one of the three best steaks I've ever had in my life if you are into that kind of thing.
If you wouldn't mind testing out the and reporting back before July I would appreciate it.
Post by mrbreeze on Mar 10, 2015 21:09:17 GMT -5
Second Kingston Mines. Cool old blues club. Rosa's Lounge and Reggies are cool places too.www.kingstonmines.com/
Best live music in Chicago, continuous music.
www.harrycarays.com/
Great Authentic Italian and it is Harry Caray
buddy74
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If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Carlos Santana
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Post by buddy74 on Mar 10, 2015 21:16:15 GMT -5
Everything Sue said. Enjoy!
Post by djh73 on Mar 11, 2015 0:28:12 GMT -5
I'll Be Driving From Maine ! Got To One Last Time !!!Everything Sue said. Enjoy!
TOO $
Cowboy Neal
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If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
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Post by TOO $ on Mar 11, 2015 6:17:46 GMT -5
Thanks for taking the time to respond everyone, this will greatly aid my planning.
Did I mention I'm Greek?
TOO $
Cowboy Neal
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If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
Number of LOCKNs attended: 7
Post by TOO $ on Mar 15, 2015 17:34:12 GMT -5
I swear I saw a head with his finger in the air next to Soldier Field today
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mccjeff
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Post by mccjeff on Mar 16, 2015 10:50:34 GMT -5
Sorry I missed this thread. I have many good ideas about Chicago.
This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
What happens if I take both?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2015 11:10:18 GMT -5
...and at least one bad one. ;)Sorry I missed this thread. I have many good ideas about Chicago.
mccjeff
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Post by mccjeff on Mar 16, 2015 12:11:59 GMT -5
You generally have to sign a waiver.
This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
What happens if I take both?
TOO $
Cowboy Neal
Posts: 12,503
If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Dead and Company featuring Johnny Slayer
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Post by TOO $ on Mar 16, 2015 13:44:03 GMT -5
***Update***
I arrived in Chicago about noon on Sunday. Hopped on the Blue Line and headed downtown. Started at the Art Institute...WOW...WOW...WOW great pieces and well worth my time. Tons of Monets, Picasso, some Dali, American Gothic and too many others to list. Loved it. then went to see the Bean, thanks for the recommendation Sue. It was very cool to see and I took some very cool pictures. Next I was going to go to Giordano's but there was like an hour wait then, no thanks. Then I spent an hour walking around trying to find the trains station to go home, good way to see the city. Anyway most of the rest of my week will be spent in class but I hope to hit a good restaurant or two before I go home.
Did I mention I'm Greek?
suebhunny
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Post by suebhunny on Mar 16, 2015 14:36:50 GMT -5
Glad you're enjoying!
5/24-27 Dark Star Jubilee Legend Valley Thornville OH
6/13-16 Beardfest Hammonton, NJ
7/7 Outlaw Music Fest Hershey PA
7/18-21 4848 Festival Snowshoe WV
8/2-3 Billy Strings Bryce Jordan Center Penn State
8/29-9/2 - Karnival of the Arts (East) Kempton PA
9/19-22 Infamous Weekend Pops Farm VA
buddy74
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If I could add one artist to the 2023 lineup: Carlos Santana
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Post by buddy74 on Mar 16, 2015 14:54:08 GMT -5
Do not be surprised at long wait times at restaurants, especially at popular places. If you can get in within a half hour you'll be doing good. I'm speaking mainly about prime time dinner & lunch times.***Update***
I arrived in Chicago about noon on Sunday. Hopped on the Blue Line and headed downtown. Started at the Art Institute...WOW...WOW...WOW great pieces and well worth my time. Tons of Monets, Picasso, some Dali, American Gothic and too many others to list. Loved it. then went to see the Bean, thanks for the recommendation Sue. It was very cool to see and I took some very cool pictures. Next I was going to go to Giordano's but there was like an hour wait then, no thanks. Then I spent an hour walking around trying to find the trains station to go home, good way to see the city. Anyway most of the rest of my week will be spent in class but I hope to hit a good restaurant or two before I go home.
