where do stars go in Chicago (Lincoln, Carmi: rent, hotel, luxury)

[workinggirl]

Am planning a trip to Chicago with my teenage daughter and she would love to be able to see a sports or movie star -- any place to try?

[Lookout Kid]

For some reason they always seem to go to Gibson's, even though there is much better food available. And at night it seems like a lot of stars hang out in Billy Dec clubs like Underground or Rockit. I don't know why.

[gardener34]

Could be anywhere. Once I saw tony randall in the art institute. And once saw Bill Murray walking down Michigan ave by the water tower. I also saw Pearl Bailey in Lincoln park zoo.

[via chicago]

by and large Chicago isnt a celebrity obsessed town..definitely not like LA or NY (which is why a lot of stars like to visit here, they are able to keep a low profile). Sure, there are ritzy night clubs and fancy restaurants that will draw sports stars and musicians and whatnot. But its unlikely you will find any seeking them out. If anything it would be a random encounter.

[BRU67]

I'm a long time Chicagoian and very proud to announce that I've never seen a "star" in the City other than local sports stars, who I have seen on rare occasion at unpredictable establishments. I had dinner at a table next to former Cubs' catcher Michael Barrett once -- and other than an occassional fan coming up to the guy to tell him how wonderful he was, it was a pretty regular experience. I just left the man alone. Big deal. Plus, I'm a Sox fan anyway.

You don't state what type of star you want to oogle but most true celebs will probably avoid the tourist throngs on River North and the Gold Coast and head for quieter and hipper venues, at which places you would probably stick out like a sore thumb. If they were to go to a more mainstream restaurant, bar or club, I'd imagine they'd get special seating away from the general public, limiting your bask in glory to a few seconds.

So in short, head to LA instead or rent a DVD! Chicago will probably disappoint when it comes to star gazing.

[inspect1]

Hugo's Frog Bar was very popular but I don't know about now. Not the type of place for young celebs.

[jessiegirl_98]

I've seen Vince Vaughn a few times (he was at Gibsons or Carmines), but really, that was 3 times over 6 years..... Any star sighting are really coincidential and you can't really stalk them out.

[chet everett]

Roger Ebert used to walk to lunch across the river from the SunTimes pretty much every day. Lots of semi-celebs at Bears games, especially in good weather.

Bill Murray stays at a well known private hotel/club in the Loop a lot

Gibsons/Carmines are probably top bets, but read Stella Foster & Sneed in the SunTimes for other tips.

[j33]

I saw Sting at the Museum of Contemporary Art once, but like other posters said, we don't get that many of them hanging around, which is just fine with me.

[GoCUBS1]

I agree that we aren't that celebrity obsessed around here. But I think I saw the most celebs the summer I worked in a downtown luxury hotel. I worked in the lobby and saw quite a few celebs coming and going. So, if it's really important that you have a celebrity sighting, maybe your best bet is to stay at a higher end hotel (like the Four Seasons) and hang out in the lobby. Obviously, no guarantees though. Also, you may want to ask the hotel employees for info (if they'll tell you) as they're usually in the know about these things (don't forget to tip them).