Hey guys. Coming to visit for a couple of days at end of October.
Staying in loop.
Great spots for blues/live music?
Sushi?
Dispensary?
And is Uber back and forth to united center easy or a whole production?
Thx!!
Know I’m but a mere transplant and visiter to this board but wanted to chime in with a few thoughts.
Blues / Live music - Kingston Mines is a great blues bar but in my experience can get a little rowdy in a college sort of way. Fine time in my book though. My personal favorite is Rosa’s Lounge out in Logan Square. Will be a bit of a ride and have to buy tickets in advance but amazing talent in there. If jazz is your thing, Andy’s Jazz Club is a good spot, Lazy Bird at the Hoxton Hotel also frequently has jazz acts but it is a trendier scene. The Bassment in River North is usually a fun time, they almost always have a “wedding band” type of performance but it again is clubbier / trendier. Finally there are tons of small venues around the city that will usually have an act - check out Schubas, Thalia Hall, The Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, etc if you are into the Indie scene.
Sushi - my personal favorite is Sushi San in River North. Good balance between great food and price…not cheap by any means but sushi can get $$$. Momotaro in the West Loop is excellent but pricy/trendy, the Izakaya in the basement has much of the same menu but is easier to get a table. Kumoko and Omakase Yume are both highly recommended for Omakase but haven’t been to either personally.
Dispensary - depending on where you’re coming from prices at Chicago dispensaries likely come with a sticker shock. Total tax rate I believe is pushing 30%. Flower is usually sold in 3.5 g and ranges from $60-80. I go to Dispensary 33 in the West Loop because it is closest to me. ZenLeaf is popular as well.
Uber is generally easy. Last time I did it there was a pretty orderly process in the parking lot / pickup zone to connect you with your driver. That said like any big event there will be surge / wait time to get a car after the game. Could always walk down Madison to the Billy Goat Tavern or Ranalli’s to grab another beer and wait out the Uber craziness. Fine area to walk in.