Chicago Master Thread

[mmgfarb]

What is the best lounge in ORD?
I'll be flying AA first and I have the Amex plat card

Probably UA Polaris lounge but you won't be able to get in. 

[as2]

Probably UA Polaris lounge but you won't be able to get in.

+1 Also any international lounges are in Terminal 5 (not accessible past security)
Really your only option is the Admirals Club which isn't terrible at ORD

[mmgfarb]

+1 Any international lounges are in Terminal 5 (not accessible past security)
Really your only option is the Admirals Club which isn't terrible at ORD

That's not why I said he won't be able to get it, it's only open to people flying Polaris biz or first.

[as2]

That's not why I said he won't be able to get it, it's only open to people flying Polaris biz or first.

Oh I know, I was adding that. Fixed it.

[YMW]

I am planning a overnight in Chicago (arriving around noon leaving morning), where should I eat? whats the best hotel to use?  near the airport? or somewhere nicer?

[CS1]

I didn't go, sadly. Hopefully next time.

do you still have your $90 certificate from SBS? You can get a lot (or all) of the menu items with that. Enjoy!

[as2]

I am planning a overnight in Chicago (arriving around noon leaving morning), where should I eat? whats the best hotel to use?  near the airport? or somewhere nicer?

On JetBlue by any chance? Lol if you aren't leaving to early, stay downtown it's nicer out there. Gotta eat at Milt's and Shallots.

[YMW]

On JetBlue by any chance? Lol

I actually tried, but I couldn't snap anything good.

if you aren't leaving to early, stay downtown it's nicer out there. Gotta eat at Milt's and Shallots.

My flight is leaving at 8:30 AM, that's why I'm leaning towards staying near the airport rather.

[ushdadude]

I actually tried, but I couldn't snap anything good.
My flight is leaving at 8:30 AM, that's why I'm leaning towards staying near the airport rather.

For such an early flight I would stay near airport. There is a Hilton that is actually walkable

[as2]

For such an early flight I would stay near airport. There is a Hilton that is actually walkable

The airport wraps around the Hilton, great choice

[YMW]

For such an early flight I would stay near airport. There is a Hilton that is actually walkable

The airport wraps around the Hilton, great choice

Thanks for the info.
What's the cheapest way to book it?

[YMW]

If I can do only one, which one should I do? Milt's Or Shallots?

[as2]

Thanks for the info.
What's the cheapest way to book it?

Don't have experience with it sorry.

If I can do only one, which one should I do? Milt's Or Shallots?

Depends. You will definitely walk out spending more at Shallots. Also what's your taste like? Shallots has some terrific sushi and a few terrific dishes very upscale as well. Milts is more typical BBQ although they do have some exceptional dishes as well.

[YMW]

You will definitely walk out spending more at Shallots. Also what's your taste like? Shallots has some terrific sushi and a few terrific dishes very upscale as well. Milts is more typical BBQ although they do have some exceptional dishes as well.

Does it make sense to try them both in the same day? or it's too much food at once?

[Dave A]

If I can do only one, which one should I do? Milt's Or Shallots?

Depends where you're coming from.  If you're coming from NYC, Reserve Cut is similar to Shallots but (a) just as good/better, and (b) cheaper.  If you're coming from a place without upscale Kosher restaurants, you may want to check out Shallots.  Milt's is more of a fun/unique experience, and it's pretty cool to dine at a Kosher place that donates its profits to rotating charities.  Don't miss the full slab ribs (enough food for 2). 

[as2]

Depends where you're coming from.  If you're coming from NYC, Reserve Cut is similar to Shallots but (a) just as good/better, and (b) cheaper.  If you're coming from a place without upscale Kosher restaurants, you may want to check out Shallots.  Milt's is more of a fun/unique experience, and it's pretty cool to dine at a Kosher place that donates its profits to rotating charities.  Don't miss the full slab ribs (enough food for 2).

+1 You can do both, I've done it. I live here though so wasn't looking to experience it, just hang with friends.

[E R K]

You can do both but you may not fully enjoy your 2nd meal since you'll be stuffed from the 1st!

[jewdkoff]

We'll be in Chicago or a day and are flying into MDW. It seems like taking public transport ($6?) to my hotel in downtown then using uber to milts ($25rt), shallots($50rt), and a few places in the city ($30rt) would be cheaper than the $80 for a car rental + $75 for parking at my hotel + $10~ gas. Am I missing something like crazy traffic that makes Uber expensive or horrible public transport from the airport?

[henche]

If I can do only one, which one should I do? Milt's Or Shallots?

shallots. booo milts.

[Geshmak25]

We'll be in Chicago or a day and are flying into MDW. It seems like taking public transport ($6?) to my hotel in downtown then using uber to milts ($25rt), shallots($50rt), and a few places in the city ($30rt) would be cheaper than the $80 for a car rental + $75 for parking at my hotel + $10~ gas. Am I missing something like crazy traffic that makes Uber expensive or horrible public transport from the airport?

You can use the Luxe app to get free parking (assuming you are a first time user and get a good sign up offer) and wipe out that $75 fee in your calculation. If you're parking overnight just make sure that you request an attendant at least 1 hr before their posted closing times.

Alternatively you can probably find a relatively cheap overnight parking pass on parkwhiz. The first night I was there I didn't realize the 1 hour rule on luxe and ended up needing to park in a lot. It cost me $18 for a lot right near my hotel (park hyatt).