I will be staying in Chicago at the MArriot in the magnificient mile. Are there any wine shops within walking distance where I can pick up a bottle or two? Any places to eat that are fairly close or an easy cab ride? I’d be looking not just for something nice and high end, but also anything local that is unique/different/unusual.
TIA
The closest wine shops are probably:
Binny’s (large chain – Keith Akers works for one of the Binny’s) at 213 W. Grand Avenue. I don’t think it’s anything special, but they have a good selection, fair prices, etc.
The Artisan Cellar is in the Merchandise Mart. Smaller selection, but interesting. Haven’t been in years.
Both are a reasonable walk – 10 minutes or less?
There’s also a Trader Joe’s and a Whole Foods that are even closer than the other two if you are feeling desperate and lazy.
Across the street in the Intercontinental there’s a mediocre wine bar called “Eno”. I did a blind tasting there once and it kicked my ass.
Restaurants will have to come later, but there’s a lot to choose from, especially if you’re willing to take a short cab ride.
Purple Pig is down the block south on Michigan and kind of fun (but usually pretty crowded at peak hours). Less so if you aren’t into swine. There are a number of interesting restaurants on Kinzie and Hubbard (towards the river on your side of Michigan) a couple of block s to the west (I’ll pull up some names later)
How is the wine shop at Fox & Obel, 401 East Illinois Street Chicago, IL 6061
It used to be pretty good (maybe a bit $$) but lots of interesting choices.
Good pizza further west on Grand at:
1321 West Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 226-2625
WvG is the guy who should be posting recommendations, he’s out all the time!
I would walk to XOCO for breakfast or lunch. 449 North Clark. You could also easily walk to G&T Oyster 531 North Wells. NoMI in the Park Hyatt 800 N Michigan. All unique. There are many more…
Binny’s would be fine to pick up some good wine.
Of course Alinea is but a short cab ride away as is Grant’s bar Aviary
Thanks for the advice so far. I think I saw the Billy Goat on one fo the food shows recently. Anyway, it is good to know I can pick up some wine close by. Might think about an OL once the time gets a bit closer, too.
FYI Maude’s (David’s rec) has a policy where it’s BYOB but they expect you to share a glass with the server or barkeep. I’ve never tried it (was told the policy by the bartender) but will certainly consider it for a future visit.
Avec is particularly good for late night – no reservations and a lively atmosphere with communal dining.
As I mentioned in another thread, Maude’s also has $3 bourbon shots (if they aren’t busy, they’ll leave the bottle on the table on an honors system. Very dangerous for me
allegedly it’s sharing a glass with the people next to you. I’ve never done that, but I have always told the server to grab a glass . They may have switched to that as the policy