The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

Chicago Insider
Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›Chicago Insider: Philip Stone on tacos at Big Star and perusing Reckless Records

Chicago Insider: Philip Stone on tacos at Big Star and perusing Reckless Records

By TheRealChicagoOnline
August 30, 2010
1711
0
Share:

Philip Stone
Concierge at the Embassy Suites downtown

How long you’ve lived here: On and off for three decades.

What you like best about Chicago: I love our varied seasons. Nice weather is much sweeter after surviving the brutal humidity of summer or the cruel, icy winds of winter.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Brunch at The Publican.

Favorite big-name restaurant: Lou Malnati’s. Did you see Mark Malnati eviscerate Bobby Flay on Throw Down on The Food Network? That was a proud moment for all Chicagoans.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: It’s hardly hidden, but I’m shocked One Sixty Blue’s $4 burger night isn’t the most popular event in the city.

Best sports bar to catch the game: Until the weather finally goes foul, I love the Packing House in the West Loop. The rooftop deck and outdoor beer garden are great spots.

A great night out with friends usually includes… a trip to Wicker Park/Logan Square, where the nightlife and restaurant scene has become very impressive.

Favorite store or best shopping area: Reckless Records on Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park. Visit it before it goes the way of the dinosaur.

The best way to spend a fall Saturday in Chicago: Take the train somewhere and eat everything you see. Get coffee at Intelligentsia, cupcakes at More, tacos at Big Star, beer at Goose Island, hot chocolate at Hot Chocolate, whiskey at Longman & Eagle, cream puffs at Beard Papa’s, burgers at Kuma’s, hot dogs at Hot Doug’s, Tums at Walgreens.

One thing every visitor must do here: The architectural river tours should not be missed by anyone.

While in Chicago, don’t bother… waiting for the free Navy Pier trolley. Life’s too short.

Secret Chicago spot: The dry-aging room at David Burke’s Primehouse. Did you know there’s a temple of high-quality meat under River North?

Underrated activity in the city: Touring the businesses along the Brown Line. You’ll find the Second City off Sedgwick, great shopping along Armitage or Southport, North Center’s bars and restaurants off Irving Park, Margie’s Ice Cream and Glenn’s Diner off Montrose, The Brauhaus off Western and some amazing Persian/Lebanese restaurants surrounding the Kedzie stop. The city is much bigger than most visitors realize.

TagsBig Star ChicagoChicago ShoppingChicago tourismDavid Burke's PrimehouseHot Doug'sLongman & EagleOne Sixty BluePacking HouseReckless RecordsSecond CityWicker Park
Previous Article

Chicago Insider: Rich Zell on the city’s ...

Next Article

Chicago Insider: Amy Hoffman on Kiki’s French ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Local Corner

    The Local Corner: Exploring the Milwaukee and Honore intersection in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood

    July 11, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: Roscoe Village’s Fixture feels like a sensory overload for design — and community

    June 8, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Good Eats

    Good Eats at Shula’s: An epic dining experience at the legendary coach’s steakhouse

    December 6, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: When playing host in Chicago, how much can you pack into one weekend?

    October 14, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    A very good year: Check out some of Chicago’s top new restaurants

    December 6, 2010
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Shop Around the Corner: BucketFeet brings artistically designed footwear to Bucktown

    November 15, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Bring your own bottle: Save some money at these Chicago dining establishments

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Chicago’s best burgers: Everyone loves a good burger. Here are some of the city’s top options

  • Around TownHidden Gems

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Chicago Botanic Garden, Cesar’s margaritas, Playground Theater and Potash Markets

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.