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As an American Express® Cardmember, we invite you to ask the editorial team an entertainment related question. Our entertainment editors will provide expert answers, with other Cardmembers providing additional input on the best in city entertainment!
Q: Two dining recommendation requests: We're going to see Spelling Bee this weekend at the Drury Lane, and would like a dining recommendation for pretheater; bistro-like or small plates would be great. Also, we're going up to the Theatre Building of Chicago for Assassins; what's good up there for pre-theater, in a similar vein? Thanks!
Sounds like quite a theatrical weekend! When trying to find a restaurant near an event, it's often a good idea to check with the venue to see if they have and recommendations.
The Drury Lane Theatre offers some restaurant suggestions on their website, but we've got a couple additional ideas. Tucci Benucch, in the 900 North shopping center across the street, is a favorite for Italian. Don't let the mall setting throw you — the food great, and they're accustomed to theatre-goers, so just let them know you're going to a show and they'll keep an eye on the clock for you. For small plates in a casual, eclectic setting, try 4 Taste Off Rush. This unusual restaurant morphs throughout the day, from neighborhoody breakfast place to quick lunch spot to contemporary small-plate dinner and swank bar. which means you could always come back after the show for a drink.
The Theatre Building has some suggestions too, and we've heard good things about Socca, a French-Italian bistro, and Cooper's – A Neighborhood Eatery. Of the two, Cooper's is the walkable option, but cabs are readily available in Lakeview, so don't let that stop you.
Tucci Benucch
900 N. Michigan Ave., 5th Floor, Chicago | 312-266-2500
4 Taste Off Rush
100 E. Walton St. | 312-280-2400
Socca
3301 N. Clark St., Chicago | 773-248-1155
Cooper's – A Neighborhood Eatery
1232 W Belmont Ave., Chicago | 773-929-3667
Q: I will be in Chicago the weekend of Dec. 9th and want to take my fiance out for her birthday. Can you recommend a romantic but hip & trendy restaurant that is the talk of the town right now? Also, please recommend a trendy lounge or wine bar for after dinner drinks.
Well, the hottest place in town right now has got to be Alinea — but good luck getting in on such short notice. For an amazing meal without the months-long waiting list, Blackbird or its sister small-plate spot next door, Avec, are the way to go. Both are run by chef Paul Kahan, whose culinary accolades include Food & Wine Best Chef 1999.
After dinner, head a bit further west on Randolph to The Tasting Room. Located above Randolph Wine Cellars, The Tasting Room offers 100 wines by the glass — and a gorgeous view of the city skyline.
Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St., Chicago
312-715-0708
Avec
615 W. Randolph St., Chicago
312-337-2002
The Tasting Room
1415 W. Randolph St., Chicago
312-942-1313
Q: Which is the better choice for sight-seeing, the Sears Tower or the Hancock Building?
The two tallest buildings in Chicago both offer spectacular views of the city and Lake Michigan, but the John Hancock Center comes out on top in our book for one simple reason: the view is free if you stop a little short.
The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock isn't the official observatory — that's a couple floors higher. But the advantage is you can have one of the finest meals in town and still see four states on a clear day. If your budget's a little tighter but your whistle needs whetting, take the elevator one floor further to the Signature Lounge, where the spectacular view is complimentary with your beverage order.
The Signature Room and Signature Lounge
John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
312-787-9596
Q: Where's the best place to catch a cab downtown?
Even with hundreds of cabs rushing through the Loop, it's sometimes impossible to flag one down. Here's a good trick: Find the nearest hotel (the Palmer House is the closest to State Street) and ask at the bellhop stand to have a taxi called. They'll have a ride for you in no time. (Don't forget to tip for the favor; a dollar is plenty.)
Q: I'm seeing a play at the Goodman Theater. Is there anywhere nearby where we can sit down for dinner beforehand?
It just so happens that one of the best options is also the closest: Petterino's, at 150 N. Dearborn, is right next door to the Goodman, and even has a private entrance into the theater so you don't have to step outside after your meal. You can even leave your leftovers with them — your car too, if you valet — and pick them up after the show.
The menu leans heavily toward classic supper club fare, with an emphasis on steaks and chops, but there are also lighter meals that won't leave you nodding off during the play, such as the "Kup" chopped salad and "rack" of garlic shrimp.
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