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carriep carriep
 
M$3 July 07, 2009 02:37 PM

Really nice (but not really, really nice) restaurant in Chicago?

I'm going to be in Chicago for my 5th wedding anniversary. My husband, bless him, has gotten us reservations at Charlie Trotter's.

As much as this would be an amazing experience, it's just a touch out of our price range, especially if we wanted to do a bottle of wine with the meal. (Probably around $300 for the two of us).

I know Chicago has a lot of lovely restaurants, some of which are surely world-class, but that are a little less expensive.

We're willing to drop a fair amount of money on the meal, to be sure, but I'm not quite willing to pay for the reputation of the place for which we currently have reservations.

Can anyone suggest a great place to eat in the area, perhaps an up-and-coming chef who does not quite command the prices of a superstar like Trotter?

Any style of food is fine, but no chains.

The mister and I live in pretty much a culinary wasteland, where we have literally two finer dining options that are under an hour away from us, so anything that's above and beyond this is always appreciated. But, it's also hard to justify that type of cost for a meal.

Or, if someone who has eaten at Charlie Trotter's wants to try to convince me to keep the reservation, I'll consider that, too. I do want to eat there, but am suffering a bit of sticker shock is all.
Interesting Question?  Yes (4)   No (0)   

Interesting: lesliec, bunnyphuphu, masontx, robbrown

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aphex aphex
 
 July 07, 2009 03:06 PM
Hey Carrie, here are a few places I can suggest

Steakhouse downtown just off of Michigan ave. Really great food, it is pricey but shouldn't be anything like trotters. We enjoyed everything we ate!
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com

If your interested in a Steakhouse you can try any of these 3 places all in the downtown area. Personally I found Brazzaz to be the best choice. We have frequently hit that up, but be prepared to eat, it will be about $50 a person for continuous food!
http://www.brazzaz.com/
http://www.texasdebrazil.com/
http://www.fogodechao.com/

If your looking for something a little more "fancy" you could hit up the Signature Room up-top the handcock building. I have not tried the food, but have had friends that have gone up. No complaints, and I am sure the view would be amazing.
http://www.signatureroom.com

Lastly if your looking for some mexican and something a little less crazy you could check out Frontera. It is Rick Bayless's restaurant, he was a chef competing on Iron Chef. I have heard good things about this place also. Not sure on the prices.
http://www.fronterakitchens.com/restaurants/restaurants.html

On a side not if you decide to go downtown somewhere and your looking for dessert you could always stop back by the Melting Pot. Especially Brazzaz as it is right across the street. I wont be tasting wine with you this time though ;)
http://www.meltingpot.com/

If all these suck you could always just go for Medieval Times, and call it a day ;)!
http://www.medievaltimes.com/

hope these help!
-ross


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soundboy soundboy
 
July 07, 2009 04:27 PM
Good answer. It looks like you are new to Mahalo. Not bad for your 1st post!

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bunnyphuph... bunnyphuph...
 
July 07, 2009 06:45 PM
Hey @aphex. Really liked that first answer too. Here's a M$1 tip to get you started. I'm sure you'll have great questions to pop out here too.
Welcome!

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carriep carriep
 
July 07, 2009 08:21 PM
Hmmm...I see a theme. A carnivorous, bovine theme ;)

Oh, also, welcome to Mahalo. Hope you hang around here a bit. It's a fun place.

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demetrimou... demetrimou...
 
July 08, 2009 06:29 AM
I was going to recommend Fogo as well but reading her description more carefully I realized it's a chain. If you like Fogo, check out Tango Sur. It's a Argentinian Steak house with a bit more atmosphere than Fogo.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tango-sur-chicago

I hope she doesn't wind up at Medieval Times.

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demetrimou... demetrimou...
 
July 08, 2009 06:20 AM
Try Geja's Cafe:

http://www.gejascafe.com/

Geja's serves fondue and is billed as the most romantic restaurant in Chicago. Tables are intimate, service is impeccable, and the entire evening should set you back $150, or half of your Trotter's experience. You'll get table-side music, wonderful food, and an experience to remember.
Source(s):
Lived in Chicago area for 30 years.


Tags: restaraunts, chicago, mid-priced, nice

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sheliann sheliann
 
July 10, 2009 07:55 AM
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse is a real Chicago restaurant for Cubs fans and other real Chicagoans. Ever since they built the stockyards Chicago has been the place for the best cuts of beef. Harry Caray is no exception. But if you want seafood they have great seafood, also. It's a little more boisterous than Charlie Trotter but its a great place to celebrate.

Their menu is on line at HarryCaray.com so you can check the prices and the selections. In Citysearch it has 61 posted reviews. Strongly recommended.
Nice bar, also.
Source(s):
http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/601577230/chicago_il/harry_caray_s_it...


Tags: caray, steakhouse, cubs, harry

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krysstel krysstel
 
July 10, 2009 10:27 PM
Hey Carrie here's a great directory: http://www.chicagorestaurants.com/ Happy 5th!

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