Topic Wiki

Links to Trip Reports:
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/31066
http://www.dansdeals.com/archives/32272
https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/trip-notes/trip-notes-back-skies-flying-chicago-american-united-covid-19-pandemic/
CGR

Kosher Restaurants:

MEAT:
Milt's (BOOOOO).
Get chili, cornbread, and beans. Drink a beergarita. 
3411 North Broadway Chicago, IL 60657. 773-661-6384
Delivery available through Postmates
Open S-T: 11:30-10 F: 11:30-2 S: Call for hours

Shallot's.   Amazing sushi and great steaks though quite pricey.
7016 Carpenter Rd Skokie, IL 60077. 847-677-DINE
Delivery available. Shallots has their own app.
Open S-T: 11:30-9:00 Closed Friday Sat: 1.25 hours after Shkia-11:00

Ken's Diner.  The classic burger diner joint. Better than Milts.
3353 Dempster Skokie, IL 60076. 847-679-4030
Delivery Available
Open S-T: 11:00-8:30

Great Chicago. Used to be owned by Ken's, but sold to a different owner. Many of the same items.
3149 W. Devon Chicago, IL 60659. 773-465-9030
Delivery Available. Great Chicago has its own app.
Open S-T: 11-9 F: 10-3

Taboun Grill. Good Israeli food. Schwarma, Shnitzel, moroccan Cigars.
8808 N. Gross Point Rd Skokie, IL. 847-965-1818
Open S-T: 11-10 F: 11-2 Closed Saturday.

Mizrahi Grill. Similar to Taboun. Located in the northern suburbs. 
215 Skokie Valley Rd Highland Park, IL . 847-831-1400
You can order online via their website.

Tein Li Chow. Chinese food. Located in the Jewel supermarket which also has a kosher bakery and deli.
Takeout only.
2485 W. Howard Evanston, IL. 847-328-4642


The Sandwich Club. Burgers, deli sandwiches...etc.
4507 W. Oakton Skokie, IL 60076. 847-677-6020
Open S-T: 11-8 F: 11-2 Closed Saturday

Bebe's Kosher Deli
. Downtown Chicago- They have bagels/cream cheese on one side and deli sandwiches on the other.
Located in the French Market by the train station. Free parking with $20 French Market Purchase
131 North Clinton Chicago, IL 60661. 312-207-0572
Open M-T: 10-6 F: 10-1(winter) 2(summer) Closed Sat & Sun

Evita Steakhouse. Argentinian Steakhouse -
6112 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60659 (773) 463-8482
Sundays to Thursdays from 5 pm to 12 am. Saturdays on winter time sometime after Shabbat to 12 am. Summer time Saturdays closed!!

Metroklub. Downtown Chicago-Only open during lunch M-Th.
In the Crown Plaza hotel. 733 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661. (312) 602-2104
CLOSED

Hy Life Bistro. Connected to Slice of Life (see below). On the expensive side, though not quite Shallots levels.
4120 W. Dempster Skokie, IL 60076. 847-674-2021
CLOSED

Tacos Gingi. Mexican Place. Pretty much takeout only.
5128 Dempster Street, Skokie IL 60077. 847-983-0648
Open S-T: 11-8  F: 11-1 Closed Saturday

Hamachi Sushi. Sushi Bar and Chinese menu (Meat and chicken) They have their own app. 2801 West Howard Chicago, IL 60645. (773) 293-6904



DAIRY:

Emma's Bagel Cafe. Many breakfast options, but they have lunch dinner options as well like mac n' cheese. 9306 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077. 847-673-3030

Chalavi. 2931 W. Touhy Chicago, IL 60645. 773-338-9640

EJ's Pizzeria.   9149 N. Gross Point Skokie, IL 60076. 224-534-7215 On ubereats, and have their own app as well.

Bond Coffee. Starbucks type atmosphere and food. Has a drive through. Available via grubhub.
7555 N. California Ave Chicago, IL 60645


Slice of Life.(request Cholov Yisroel)4120 W. Dempster Skokie, IL 60076. 847-674-2021  CLOSED

Tel Aviv Pizza (Cholov Yisroel - Pizza is Yoshon), 6349 N. California Chicago, IL 60659. 773-764-3776

The Lincoln Cafe. Breakfast/lunch food as well as pre-packaged wraps and salads. Don't miss the bbq chicken pizza!!! Takeout only. Lincoln Cafe has their own app. Located in The BP gas station 6599 N Lincoln Ave. Lincolnwood IL 60712

Sarah's Brick oven. New place 12/18. Pastas and sandwiches. Located next to Hungarian Kosher Supermarket 4020 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076


Nuovo. Italian. Open lunch/dinner. High end dairy restaurant. 3750 W Devon Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712. (847) 213-1026


ALL DAIRY RESTAURANTS LISTED ABOVE ARE C"Y AT THIS TIME (9/2021) BUT DOUBLE CHECKING IS RECOMMENDED AS THINGS CHANGE

Activities:
Navy Pier
Millennium Park/The Bean
Segway Tour
Six Flags Great America
Botanic Gardens
Willis Tower Skydeck
Lincoln Park Zoo (Free, but their lot is pay to park, look for street parking)
Museum of Science and Industry


Hotels:
Fairmont Millennium Park
Park Hyatt Chicago>Category 6
Hyatt Regency Chicago>Category 4
Hyatt Regency O'Hare>Category 2
W Lakeshore>Category 5
W Chicago City Center>Category 5
Westin Chicago>Category 5
Aloft Chicago City Center>Category 4
Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers>Category 4
Aloft Chicago O'Hare>Category 2

Shabbos Tips:

Public Transport options:

Guidebooks:

Other Tips
Parking at ORD: The cheapest place to park is in the O'hare lot G. It's $10/day. Be aware that you need to take a bus to the tram (in lot E) which takes you to the terminals. This can take 20-25 minutes
« Last edited by as2 on September 06, 2021, 09:41:00 AM »

Author Topic: Chicago Master Thread  (Read 556269 times)

Offline jmz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 397
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2480 on: January 23, 2020, 02:03:57 PM »
lol they will monthly donate a thousand bucks
Do you know what it was before? I don't think far from that number though.

Offline as2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 5671
  • Total likes: 917
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2481 on: January 23, 2020, 02:05:10 PM »
Do you know what it was before? I don't think far from that number though.
Yes, and it was far from that number.
Memories last forever, make them while you can.

Offline jmz

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 397
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2482 on: January 23, 2020, 02:11:26 PM »
Yes, and it was far from that number.
Really?  Around how much did the charities get?

Offline as2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 5671
  • Total likes: 917
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2483 on: January 23, 2020, 02:28:06 PM »
Really?  Around how much did the charities get?
I can't say it was always like this, but I believe at one point it was $10k.
Memories last forever, make them while you can.

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4183
  • Total likes: 447
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2484 on: January 23, 2020, 08:45:03 PM »
I can't say it was always like this, but I believe at one point it was $10k.

Tbh, that’s still very low and implies that a huge amt was being siphoned off. A business of that type has better be generating more than 120k a year in profit. 

Online CountValentine

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 15788
  • Total likes: 7316
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips -1
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Location: Poland - Exiled
  • Programs: DAOTYA, DDF Level 3, 5K Lounge
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2485 on: January 23, 2020, 08:54:23 PM »
Tbh, that’s still very low and implies that a huge amt was being siphoned off. A business of that type has better be generating more than 120k a year in profit.
Pretty hard to know that with out seeing the books, no?
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4183
  • Total likes: 447
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2486 on: January 23, 2020, 09:14:57 PM »
Pretty hard to know that with out seeing the books, no?

Yah.

It really goes though to what they are considering profit and what not. Obviously it’s partially capitalized with debt, which the new owners obviously assumed. Ok, we can call that not profit, even though it is part of the return to capital.

They’re saying the new owners paid a dollar though.  Did old owner just gift them all the equity capital that he had put in? That seems unlikely. So maybe he’s entitled to payouts from gross income also, maybe in the form of preferred equity. 

So then maybe by the time you’re done, there isn’t much left that you’re calling profit, because the profit has already gone out to the ppl who supplied capital. 

Offline as2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 5671
  • Total likes: 917
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2487 on: January 26, 2020, 09:54:26 AM »
Tbh, that’s still very low and implies that a huge amt was being siphoned off. A business of that type has better be generating more than 120k a year in profit.
First of all, I worked in the kosher restaurant industry, and talked to many others who did (specifically here in ORD) and you be surprised at how little some place make. Second, from what I was told (again, not confirmed) the minimum $10k. They guaranteed $10k regardless, but if the made more, more was given. It's also possible that they have no debt. The place was opened from a large inheritance, and the owner is a fairly wealthy guy. I believe that Jeff no longer has any ownership from a legal standpoint, but is still there to help if needed. Any capital he put into the place was gifted with it AFAIK.
Memories last forever, make them while you can.

Offline henche

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 4183
  • Total likes: 447
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2488 on: January 26, 2020, 08:22:34 PM »
First of all, I worked in the kosher restaurant industry, and talked to many others who did (specifically here in ORD) and you be surprised at how little some place make. Second, from what I was told (again, not confirmed) the minimum $10k. They guaranteed $10k regardless, but if the made more, more was given. It's also possible that they have no debt. The place was opened from a large inheritance, and the owner is a fairly wealthy guy. I believe that Jeff no longer has any ownership from a legal standpoint, but is still there to help if needed. Any capital he put into the place was gifted with it AFAIK.

Fascinating.  But then so he gifted the capital to the employees?

Offline Tpg

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 22
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2489 on: January 26, 2020, 09:17:06 PM »
Can any locals help me out here
I’m
Heading to Mc-cormick place for a show

Leaving Sunday afternoon arriving in then evening
Where would you advise to stay for the night?
Any good easy dinner places for Sunday night?

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2490 on: January 27, 2020, 11:28:39 AM »
Can any locals help me out here
I’m
Heading to Mc-cormick place for a show

Leaving Sunday afternoon arriving in then evening
Where would you advise to stay for the night?
Any good easy dinner places for Sunday night?
Hyatt Regency
You can probably get from the show website or something like that a show discount

Offline moko

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 4567
  • Total likes: 1484
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: BOS
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2491 on: January 29, 2020, 09:38:44 PM »
I was about to buy a used car from a Dealership in Toms River. When I asked if I can bring it to a mechanic to have it checked out. they gave me big attitude and refused. (I’m pretty sure this is standard practice) Anyone know if it’s possible to have a mechanic come to the dealership and check it out?
Chicago people probably won't help much

Offline Luvisrael

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Apr 2016
  • Posts: 2872
  • Total likes: 366
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: לבי במזרח
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2492 on: January 29, 2020, 10:10:59 PM »
Chicago people probably won't help much
whoops lol it’s been a long day

Offline Sam Finkelstein

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Feb 2015
  • Posts: 2936
  • Total likes: 298
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York, NY
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2493 on: February 02, 2020, 12:32:31 AM »
Looking to borrow/rent a zoom lens compatible with Sony A6000 for Purim. Please PM with any leads. TIA!
Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil. –J. Paul Getty

Offline TovaNathan

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2020
  • Posts: 2
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2494 on: February 02, 2020, 03:36:33 PM »
Hi, first time forum poster, so please bear with me as i'm sure i'm doing it all wrong.
Anyone have any idea which upper tier Chicago Marriott approved hotel has a gorgeous indoor pool??
Pictures on websites aren't that illustrative.
Thanks in advance.


Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2495 on: February 03, 2020, 11:02:28 AM »
Hi, first time forum poster, so please bear with me as i'm sure i'm doing it all wrong.
Anyone have any idea which upper tier Chicago Marriott approved hotel has a gorgeous indoor pool??
Pictures on websites aren't that illustrative.
Thanks in advance.

Great job!!

Offline TovaNathan

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2020
  • Posts: 2
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2496 on: February 03, 2020, 12:40:40 PM »
LOL - considering it took me several hours to locate your response...but it totally could have been worse.
Thanks, Divora M ;-)
Feeling super accomplished.
Now what?
Not a single response. Is it because I'm only a copper something or other? Do I smell bad?
Which poster do I need to be the Aunt of to get a reply around here?
Kidding. Going to go use the close-my-eyes-and-point method. I'll make it work.
KBye

p.s. i had to google which bank offers Ultimate Reward Points. I should be banned from here.

Offline Divora M

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2018
  • Posts: 637
  • Total likes: 124
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2497 on: February 03, 2020, 12:49:56 PM »
LOL - considering it took me several hours to locate your response...but it totally could have been worse.
Thanks, Divora M ;-)
Feeling super accomplished.
Now what?
Not a single response. Is it because I'm only a copper something or other? Do I smell bad?
Which poster do I need to be the Aunt of to get a reply around here?
Kidding. Going to go use the close-my-eyes-and-point method. I'll make it work.
KBye

p.s. i had to google which bank offers Ultimate Reward Points. I should be banned from here.

@TovaNathan patience, my dear. People will respond soon...hopefully
Or.... how about we paint the town tonight and check out each hotel?  :D

Offline as2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2013
  • Posts: 5671
  • Total likes: 917
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2498 on: February 03, 2020, 12:54:17 PM »
Hi, first time forum poster, so please bear with me as i'm sure i'm doing it all wrong.
Anyone have any idea which upper tier Chicago Marriott approved hotel has a gorgeous indoor pool??
Pictures on websites aren't that illustrative.
Thanks in advance.
Welcome.
Not a ton of experience with Chicago hotels, but I'll tell you this. Most upper tier hotels will be down town, and most down town hotels will not have a pool (due to the $/sq foot I'd guess) Best bet is probably to look on their site and try your best to get an idea from there. Doubt many here will have any real experience.
Memories last forever, make them while you can.

Offline Dawie

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jan 2015
  • Posts: 1611
  • Total likes: 491
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: KBLM
Re: Chicago Master Thread
« Reply #2499 on: February 03, 2020, 01:21:25 PM »
LOL - considering it took me several hours to locate your response...but it totally could have been worse.
Thanks, Divora M ;-)
Feeling super accomplished.
Now what?
Not a single response. Is it because I'm only a copper something or other? Do I smell bad?
Which poster do I need to be the Aunt of to get a reply around here?
Kidding. Going to go use the close-my-eyes-and-point method. I'll make it work.
KBye

p.s. i had to google which bank offers Ultimate Reward Points. I should be banned from here.
Not upper tier experience but the Four Points  Sheraton by the airport has a nice pool, smallish shallow section
the pool area is large
One issue is you can see the pool from the hallway (it only partially frosted)

and welcome to the Forums, we'd be well served if you bring your DDFB humor and wit to the discussions.