Chicago Travel Guide

"Visionary" chef Grant Achatz is "in full swing", offering an "adventure in amazement" at this Lincoln Park "gastronomic theater for all five senses", rated No. 1 for Food in Chicago (and maybe "the world") thanks to "delicate", "witty" New American dishes exhibiting "staggering" "innovation" (some "come with instructions" and "creative tableware"); a "flawless", "surprisingly unpretentious" staff (ranked No. 1 for Service), "thoughtful wine pairings" and "quiet, minimalist" surroundings are more reasons why "anyone who cares about food" "must visit" – just brace for "astronomically expensive" tabs.

Oenophiles can opt for the "wine flights", "cheese bar", snacks, dinner or merely drinks at this "flexible"-format, "airy" (vs. "sterile") New American–French River Norther, or check out its "casual", and to some "more inviting", Wicker Park "baby" sister, both of which pair the pours with "seasonal" bistro fare; some say it's "pricey" considering they "can be great or just good", and the original is "noisy" with service that "varies" with the "crowds."

Oenophiles can opt for the "wine flights", "cheese bar", snacks, dinner or merely drinks at this "flexible"-format, "airy" (vs. "sterile") New American–French River Norther, or check out its "casual", and to some "more inviting", Wicker Park "baby" sister, both of which pair the pours with "seasonal" bistro fare; some say it's "pricey" considering they "can be great or just good", and the original is "noisy" with service that "varies" with the "crowds."

Michael Altenberg's "authentic", "market-driven" French bistro fare made from "sustainably farmed" ingredients, plus an "awesome beer list" (especially "if you are a Belgian ale fan") draw devotees to this "reasonably priced" "darling" in Lincoln Square; the "informal" but "professional" service can be "good or average", and sardined surveyors wish they "would not stuff everyone in so tight" – though there is a "beautiful" outdoor garden with a private-dining cottage.

Paul Kahan and Mike Sheerin's "exceptional, seasonal" cuisine "sings", "releasing the inner spirit" of every ingredient at this West Loop New American that's "still in top form" after 11 years; other assets include a "superb wine list", "attentive, personable service" and "hip", "minimalist", "not-for-romantics" decor that "makes the food the star" – just know that it's "pricey" and one diner's "lively" is another's "deafening", as "beautiful people" and "enthusiastic foodies" chatter away at "tight tables."

"The Frenchiness is obvious" at Lettuce Entertain You's "unpretentious" "hardy perennial" in River North where the "well-priced", "reliable", "authentic fare" exhibits an Alsatian accent that also translates to the "wonderful wine list" (there's a "fantastic beer selection" too); "helpful" service haunts the "oversized", "boisterous" space that comes complete with a "zinc bar" and "dog-friendly patio."

As "hectic" as a "train station", this "raucous" River North Spaniard delivers with "delectable" tapas that are "terrific" for groups and "grazers" who don't mind the "crushing" "two-hour" waits (no reservations on weekends) that are made "quite bearable" by "top-notch" "pitchers of sangria"; eager "locals" and "Gen-Y kids" forgive the "spotty" service and "sparse" atmosphere, since an evening here is a "value"; N.B. the Decor score may not reflect a recent update, and the upstairs addition, Pintxos, serving Basque fare.

"City chic meets casual dining" at this "jeans-friendly" Gold Coast "escape for the shopping cognoscenti" that serves "wonderful" "Spiaggia-quality" Italian, including pizza; a "well-trained staff", "smashing views" and the ability to "get in and out quickly" are added incentives, though wallet-watchers warn even if the tabs add up to a "fraction of the cost" of its "big brother", they're still "expensive" – especially considering the "crowded" seating.

One of the "city's first tapas bars" is "still going strong" in Lincoln Park thanks to the "impressive variety" of "tasty" Spanish small plates (a "value" or "overpriced" depending on who's grazing), "festive atmosphere", "flavored sangrias" and "lovely" "summertime patio"; nags note the noshes are not the "real" thing, the "decor needs a pick-me-up" and "service can be sporadic", perhaps since it's "always packed" – expect a "twentysomething" crowd, a big "din" and "long waits on weekends."

Lincoln Park's jackets-required "nirvana on Armitage" showcases the "boundless imagination" of its namesake "master chef" and his "daring" prix fixe seasonal American menus, which are "perfectly paired" with an 1,800-bottle wine list and served by a "highly trained", "gracious" staff in "quiet" environs; though querulous types quibble it's "no longer the novelty it once was" and balk at the "pretentious" air and "essence-of-expense-account" prices, supporters swear that this "world-class" "landmark" is "still the gold standard"; P.S. "the kitchen table is a must" for a "special night out."

Escape earthbound reality by "exploring the universe" at this "top-notch" museum and planetarium where "amazing exhibits" and "captivating" "sky shows" offer a "fascinating" "introduction to astronomy" (try the StarRider theater for a virtual trip into space); you can take a self-guided tour, refuel at the cafe and snap some great photos, since the lakefront location offers picture-perfect views "of the Chicago skyline."

For the equivalent of a "bachelor's degree in art history in one building", check out this "A-list" museum near the Loop that houses a trove of "instantly recognizable" "treasures beyond measure" (i.e. Seurat's La Grande Jatte, Hopper's Nighthawks, Wood's American Gothic); there's "something for every buff" here, but its holdings are so vast you "can't see everything in one visit", particularly its "second-to-none" Impressionist collection.

There's "almost too much to see" in this "classic" lakeside "palace of a museum" that's "one of the best stops in Chicago" and home of "spectacular" Sue, "the world's most famous T. rex", plus other "accessible, readable" and "extraordinary displays", including the "wonderful gem room"; "look at the Web site beforehand" to zero in on your interests, and "spend the day" if you can.

Gaze at "four states by day, a billion lights by night" from the 94th floor of this 1970 skyscraper offering "fabulous views, even in the ladies' room"; the elevator ride up is "amazing", and there's an "outdoor walkway" like no other ("don't worry, it's encased with wire") and high-tech touches like multilingual talking telescopes; though only "the third-tallest building" in town, it's "nothing to scoff at", particularly when you can cap off your visit with "a drink in the Signature Lounge" two floors above.

Animal aficionados affirm this is "one of the best city zoos you'll find", a "manageably sized", "well laid-out", "clean" park that "amazes with what it offers in such a small space" – they even found room for a farm; free of charge, it's "terrific" as a destination or even for just a quick "walk in, walk out as you're strolling up the lake trail"; N.B. the revamped children's zoo opens in spring 2005.

Inspiring even traditionalists to "keep an open mind", this "outstanding small museum" in a "great" Gold Coast location is "committed to excellence", displaying an "eclectic" collection with many "recognizable pieces" of "compelling contemporary art" in addition to "engaging" traveling exhibitions; N.B. closed on Mondays.

"The coolest museum in a world-class museum city" "never ceases to amaze, amuse and educate", so make time to visit this Hyde Park institution where you can "dive in a U-boat, go down into a coal mine, fly in an airplane" and "touch and explore" "whazzits and wazzoos that would spin anyone's head"; "getting there" can be "a stretch", but it's "highly worth it" because "unlike your high school chemistry teacher", this "venerable" veteran "makes science accessible and fun."

Play ultimate hooky at this "entertaining" "amusement park on the water" with "lots of rides", IMAX movies, "awesome fireworks" and "big-time hustle and bustle" – if you're bored at this "honky-tonk" haven, "check if you have a pulse"; sure, it puts some locals on "tacky" "tourist alert", but once in a while you have to play the part, so "take a camera" and click away at the skyline from the "thrilling Ferris wheel" or a "water taxi ride"; just find a real restaurant elsewhere 'cause "the food is nothing to salute."

Lake Michigan inspires the nautical theme of this "excellent facility" with dual Dick Nugent "links-style" designs offering "great views of the Chicago skyline"; many call this "challenging" course the "harder of the two", where you'll find "safe harbor" only if you "keep it straight" – otherwise, "pick up an extra sleeve of balls" because the "tall grass and fescue will take all errant shots"; P.S. "bring your punch shots" too, for "when the Windy City wind blows."

"Rainbows of colorful fish" vie for attention with dolphins, beluga whales, sharks and other "enchanting" creatures at this "top-notch" indoor aquarium "on the shores of Lake Michigan" in Grant Park; it's "best on a summer night with live jazz and liquor" or during feeding time when the fins are in a frenzy, but a few crabs carp that given the rather high prices, "you really have to like" sea sorts; N.B. dive in on Monday or Tuesday, mid-September through February, for discount admissions.

"Reliable" for "watching a game" or for a "laid-back" meal with friends, these "ubiquitous" links in a local chain offer "bistrolike" decor, "decent food, decent drinks" and "no surprises"; but individualists lament they're "oh-so-vanilla" "McBars" and suggest "exploring more unique" alternatives.

"Reliable" for "watching a game" or for a "laid-back" meal with friends, these "ubiquitous" links in a local chain offer "bistrolike" decor, "decent food, decent drinks" and "no surprises"; but individualists lament they're "oh-so-vanilla" "McBars" and suggest "exploring more unique" alternatives.

"Reliable" for "watching a game" or for a "laid-back" meal with friends, these "ubiquitous" links in a local chain offer "bistrolike" decor, "decent food, decent drinks" and "no surprises"; but individualists lament they're "oh-so-vanilla" "McBars" and suggest "exploring more unique" alternatives.

"Reliable" for "watching a game" or for a "laid-back" meal with friends, these "ubiquitous" links in a local chain offer "bistrolike" decor, "decent food, decent drinks" and "no surprises"; but individualists lament they're "oh-so-vanilla" "McBars" and suggest "exploring more unique" alternatives.

"Reliable" for "watching a game" or for a "laid-back" meal with friends, these "ubiquitous" links in a local chain offer "bistrolike" decor, "decent food, decent drinks" and "no surprises"; but individualists lament they're "oh-so-vanilla" "McBars" and suggest "exploring more unique" alternatives.

"They make it and you drink" it at these Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville halls spun off a local brewery where the "seasonal" suds are "wonderful" ("try the flight"), and there's "good food to boot"; only "lackluster" service and "generic" decor leave some feeling flat; N.B. the Lincoln Park outpost has free parking.

"They make it and you drink" it at these Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville halls spun off a local brewery where the "seasonal" suds are "wonderful" ("try the flight"), and there's "good food to boot"; only "lackluster" service and "generic" decor leave some feeling flat; N.B. the Lincoln Park outpost has free parking.

Join the "ghosts of Chicago", like "Al Capone" and other erstwhile regulars at this "venerable" Uptown "must" for jazz-lovers where vocalist Kurt Elling has a residency and the "dingy" setting appears not to have "changed in 75 years"; aim to arrive early as "booths are scarce" and know when to clam up as "making noise during sets" elicits "dirty looks."

The "live music is terrific" at this multiroomed venue north of the river in the Marina City towers that consistently books "some of the best big-name" "national acts"; "great" acoustics and "fantastically" "bonkers" decor are pluses, but if some complain about a "lack of seating" and a "sterile franchise vibe", more feel it "maintains respect" for its locale and holler "don't miss the Sunday gospel brunch."

"Oh, the possibilities" are delicious at this "always-hopping" "playground" in the Rush Street "Viagra triangle" where "businessmen" exercise elastic "expense accounts" with their "beautiful", "er, nieces"; "classy" but "not too stuffy", it has a "great wine list" and a "piano player that makes up for the cost."