hoopsgalore

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/13/26 at 12:51 pm to keakdasneak

quote:
'd add Kie-Gol-Lanee to the list of post Montrose options. Fantastic Oaxacan restaurant.

Good call on Kie-Gol-Lanee. Sort of forget OG because I go to their Logan location.

quote:
You might also check out Lemon and Dorian's for jazz

I was thinking about Dorian's, but TikTok has made it quite an annoying place to be :lol: Couple that with a $10 cover, I'd probably just pay the extra $5-10 and go to one of the famous clubs as a weekend visitor.

Totally agree with Lemon, though - A lot of space and good cocktails. Also, walking distance to Friends of Friends, Bar Bambi, etc.

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/12/26 at 4:41 pm to Fun Bunch

quote:
Revel wouldn't even be in a top 200 places I send someone on a first visit to new orleans

I was more thinking a quick cocktail w/ the Chris McMillian connection but if that's not worth a stop, seems we have an OK enough list of other cocktail bars to check out.

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/12/26 at 4:36 pm to Lester Earl

quote:
Lil Dizzy for instance is solid but usually comes up when black-owned businesses are requested.

Katie’s is passable but is a good choice if you have picky eaters are people unsure of what they want; they have a very large menu.

My wife isn't picky, but she just has a hard time making decisions :lol: Anything you'd substitute?

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/12/26 at 3:00 pm to Lester Earl

quote:
these from reddit? I think you can pass on most of these. This board has had better recs

Eh, more Google Maps searching and supplementing my thoughts with a Google search, which, yes, includes Reddit links.

I didn't expect to have all the answers as a first-time visitor, which is why I asked the board for their considerations of keeping vs. removing restaurants from my list - I obviously trust your recommendations against my research, but I felt it was good to, at least, provide some context as to what I might be looking for instead of a generic ask.

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/12/26 at 2:55 pm to Lester Earl

quote:
Define long weekend. How many days?

Three days - Mentioned in OP. More specifically, however, we'll be there Thursday - Sunday. Should be able to get a decent amount of food and drinking in.

Appreciate everyone's recommendations. Far more than I ever thought would come my way! Not ignoring anyone, but don't want the flood the thread with a bunch of 'thank yous'. Been putting a lot into my Notes app :cheers:

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 10:34 pm to rsb831

quote:
Chris McMillan is an encyclopedia of cocktail knowledge. You will learn something if he's behind the bar.

Appreciate this! Apologies, missed a similar post by someone else on the first page :cheers:

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 7:14 pm to fightin tigers

quote:
I would do chargrilled oysters and maybe an app at superior grill. Not sure I would do the whole meal.

For sure - Thanks :cheers: We definitely want to try what we can in the three days, so will be a lot of splitting stuff!

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 7:13 pm to NOLALGD

quote:
Bacchanal on an early Friday/Saturday night is what you want, all outdoor tables, and good cocktail bar upstairs.

Looks like another couple people recommended this for some live music outdoors but with the option to be inside with the weather. Definitely jotting this down.

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 7:11 pm to Shexter

Appreciate the multiple Brocato suggestions. Looks great. Anyone been to Revel Cafe & Bar nearby? Seems like a solid place for a cocktail.

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 7:05 pm to fightin tigers

quote:
Superior much better on drinks, location, ambience.

Superior does look good. Anything you can add with location? Just an easy walk to other bars, etc.? I see Tipitina's is walking distance - Worth a go?

Speaking of live music, should a first timer spend time hopping around music clubs on Frenchmen?

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 4:41 pm to bearhc

quote:
It sounds as if you do not want to dress up to go to a restaurant; that is how I feel about things as well.

Living in Chicago, there are times I do have to be intentional about dressing nice. I don't mind it, generally, but with three days, a relatively small carry-on, and a lot of exploring, my preference would be a polo or crisp, clean t-shirt at dinner. Don't really want to stretch my carry-on into a checked bag by adding a jacket, pants, and loafers / dress shoes :lol:

re: First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 1:55 pm to TheLegend

quote:
It depends on what you are looking for.

My apologies - I should have clarified we don't have any dietary restrictions, but likely stick with food that we can't readily find in Chicago at any sort of consistency (e.g., Creole and Cajun).

quote:
Pigeon & the Whale for oysters and happy hour

Saw this mentioned on the board this week. Will add, for sure.

First timer in New Orleans

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/11/26 at 1:29 pm

First timer! We are heading to New Orleans for a long weekend in mid-September. Realize the tropical storm and heat risk, but I could use some help building out some options for food and drink. Budget isn’t a consideration but with only three days, I don’t really care to pack more than I need to meet restaurants with a stated dress code.

If you've seen my Chicago posts on the Travel board, it's such a neighborhood-driven city and I recognize New Orleans is much of the same, as well. Though I look forward to bar hopping around the French Quarter, I want to be sure we spend time exploring.

Some immediate spots I’d like to check off for food if it’s worth it. I’m amenable, of course, so let me know if something may not be worth considering / add anything else!

- Domilise’s Po-Boy Bar
- Li’l Dizzy’s Café
- Jacques-Imo’s
- Katie’s
- Evviva
- Acamaya
- Atchafalaya
- Peche
- Parkway
- Addis
- Cochon

Wife and I also love to check out cocktail bars. On my current list, I have Jewel of the South, Cure, Peychaud’s, and Bar Tonique. Any I should remove or add?

Couple more asks:

- I'm admittedly lost when it comes to live music. Would love something with a bit of an indoor-outdoor option. Assuming that exists, but any help is appreciated.

- Big craft beer fan. Preference is hazy IPA if I'm only sticking around for a couple beers, but totally fine with other styles. I'm familiar with Courtyard and Parleaux - Are those worth hitting? For craft beer bars, seems like The Avenue Pub and Bayou Beer Garden are the places to be?

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/10/26 at 2:01 pm to BluegrassBelle

quote:
1. We're staying at the Chicago Athletic Association (nerding out a bit over the architecture/design). Outside of what's on the premise (we'll probably catch dinner at The Ives) what are your eatery suggestions for the general area? Figured if we have any weather issues, we could keep it close to the hotel.

To be candid, as you may have noticed from my OP, the Loop is very much geared toward the weekday work crowd. Compared to other Chicago neighborhoods, the dining scene is fairly average. That said, there are still some excellent options nearby. Right next to CAA, I'd recommend Acanto and The Gage. Miller's Pub is another great choice and a Chicago institution, and Bistro Monadnock is also worth checking out.

If you're visiting during the week, be sure to stop by Sterling Hall. It's a food hall with quite a few good vendors. Just keep in mind that it's closed on weekends.

quote:
2. Any food suggestions for around the Montrose Bird Sanctuary area?

Apologies, I can't remember exactly when you'll be in town, but Carino was the first place that came to mind for something pricier. They've earned a Michelin star and currently offer one of the best new tasting menus in the city. If you're looking for something a bit more casual and fun, they also do a late-night taco omakase that's a little more affordable.

Regarding your earlier questions about ethnic food, Uptown/Buena Park are the immediate neighborhoods near Montrose Beach / Bird Sanctuary and this is where you'll find Demera, Sun Wah, etc. Montrose is a big space, though, so it'll be a longer walk or quick rideshare to most restaurants.

If you want to grab a quick drink after the bird sanctuary, check out The Dock at Montrose Beach. Great beach bar.
*Saw you'll be here in October, so rules this out*

And if you're interested in cocktails, Larry's at The Lawrence House is definitely worth a visit. I mentioned it in my OP.

quote:
3. I'd like to surprise the fiance with a stop at a Jazz bar. Suggestions?

The Green Mill and Kingston Mines are very famous jazz clubs on the north side. Coincidentally, the former is right there with you in Uptown.

re: Hotels in Chicago for a Cubs game.

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/10/26 at 8:24 am to PCBourbon

The greatest concentration of hotels, across all price ranges, are in The Loop and River North. Use Google Maps and filter by price, rating, etc. From there, you can take the Red Line to/from Addison.

Most neighborhoods do not have an abundance of hotel options. If price truly doesn't matter for those two days + your preference is to be next to Wrigley, check out Hotel Zachary. It won't be cheap for a weekend series but game aside, Lake View is a great neighborhood and you can walk over to Southport Corridor, which is very family-friendly.

Also, feel free to check out my Chicago thread and ask any specific questions there: LINK

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/9/26 at 12:08 am to BluegrassCardinal

quote:
Honestly, the train excites me the most lol. I’m a huge railfan and love good public transportation.

Very excited for you, man, especially being on the Brown Line. Elevated the entire run, so you'll get some very fun looks at neighborhoods from above.

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/9/26 at 12:04 am to BluegrassBelle

quote:
We will eat a Chicago dog (drug through the garden) from a cart as well as sit down spots. We’re pretty much game for any spot. And we eat a ton of ethnic food here in Louisville with Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Caribbean, Nigerian, Mexican, etc. so we’re also game for that if you have some good spots.

Carts and trucks are around but heavily regulated. That said, my two favorite Chicago dogs are at Bangers & Lace in Wicker, which is a great beer bar, and Austin's Street Wieniers. Latter is this dude Austin that sets up shop in Avondale on Saturdays.

Have a Jibarito while you're here - Jibaritos y Mas and Smash Jibarito are fantastic.

In Chinatown, Nine Bar (No. 76 on 50 Best in North America) is a worthwhile cocktail bar. For food, go with MCCB, QXY, Triple Crown, or Phoenix. These are the four most popular restaurants in the area, so choosing one will be good for a first time visitor.

Chicago has the second-largest Mexican American population in the country, which I've mentioned in the past. No shortage of great Mexican restaurants, but it's different than San Diego, which people love to compare. SoCal is almost entirely Baja style, whereas Chicago is more represented by central and southern Mexican states. In Pilsen, I'll steer you to some popular spots to make it easy: Don Pedro, QuesaBirria Jalisco, La Luna, El Milagro, and Rubi's.

There is a cluster of African restaurants in Uptown, but Demera reigns supreme - One of the best casual eats in the city. This is also near a smaller Chinese and Vietnamese driven part of Argyle. Sun Wah BBQ is where you want to go.

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 8/8/26 at 6:41 am to BluegrassBelle

quote:
- The Girl and the Goat for dinner

West Loop classic and pioneer. No longer the standard, per se, but we can always count on consistently good food and even better service.

I don't think the WL cocktail bar scene is great, at least compared to Logan Square and West Town, but head to Booze Box or Bisous for a drink. Honorable mention for The Hoxton's lobby bar - Lazy Bird is a cocktail bar downstairs but can get crowded.

quote:
- Drinks at LondonHouse's rooftop bar (also weather pending, obviously)

Incredible views down the river. If I can toss out another option, consider The Up Room inside The Robey. In my opinion, best skyline view of the city.

quote:
Probably will hit up Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (Lincoln Park) since it's a hot spot.

Not Lincoln Park, just as an FYI, but this is a great idea. Beautiful area.

If you have any other cuisine preferences, happy to provide more pointed recommendations. Fine dining is, of course, great but Chicago has the second largest Mexican-American population in the country, for example, so no shortage of hole-in-the-wall spots.

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 7/30/26 at 2:50 pm to ned nederlander

quote:
I’m thinking mccb or golden bull for lunch. Anything you’ve done or particularly like for lunch?

If your kids like spice, MCCB hits the spot. Incredible flavors.

Another option nearby is MingHin - Casual, fun atmosphere and your family may appreciate the dim sum options.

Its been discovered more in recent years but Go 4 Food is one of my favorite casual restaurants in the city.

re: Definitive Chicago Thread / Guide

Posted by hoopsgalore on 7/30/26 at 6:50 am to ned nederlander

quote:
Anything more to recommend for Chinatown? I see the restaurant recs. Otherwise I assume we’ll all just let kids peruse the shopping and buy some pajamas and Candy cigarettes.

Water Taxi drops you at Ping Tom Memorial Park, which is worth the walk through itself w/ skyline views.

For savory and sweets, I'd take the kids to Chiu Quon (popular bakery), Legend Tasty (rolled ice cream), and Ichiban Candy (candy and snacks).

Less for the kids but if you're in the market for any cook or dinnerware, check out Rong City.