Places to Eat and Go Out near the West on N Michigan Ave (Chicago: credit card)

[CGtoRaleigh]

I am staying at the Westin on N Michigan Ave with 7 girls for a bachelorette weekend and none of us have ever been to Chicago before. I have looked at Le Colonial and Bistro 110 because my hotel recommended these places. Are there any places to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner that anyone can recommend that are near the hotel? We are looking for great food at the cheapest price =)Also, where are some places to go out that are walking distance from the hotel? Someone suggested Howl at the Moon, but it is expensive to reserve a table. Is it necessary to reserve a table? Any other suggestions?Thanks for any help!

[Avengerfire]

Well for starters the Westin is across the street from the Hancock building. Also the Westin is also very close to the Water Tower Place building.

Water Tower Place (http://www.shopwatertower.com/html/index7.asp - broken link)

John Hancock Center Chicago

[UICJohn]

There are a ton of clubs and bars within walking distance from there. There is Rush Street and then Division Avenue also. Then there are some other places on Hubbard as well. Those are the main areas that have clusters of bars and clubs. It all really depends on what you're looking for - dance club, a more relaxed bar atmosphere, more high end bar, etc.

As far as places to eat, again you will find many. I personally really like the Food Life in the Water Tower Mall. When you enter, they give everybody a credit card and there are about 10 or 12 different small restaurant counters with all diffeerent kinds of food. You order from whichever you want and they put it on your card and you pay when you leave. That way everyone is happy! But that's just me.

There is also a Giordano's not far at all (on Rush, I believe about 4 blocks away) with the deep dish pizza. And actually, a place that I think has really good food that is reasonably priced it a bar called Dublin's. It's about a 5 minute walk from your hotel. It's just off of Rush Street by all of the more high end bars and restaurants but it's more of a low key type place and for a bar they have really good food!

[jessiegirl_98]

What do you want to do? Howl at the Moon is fun (if you've never been and like cheesy piano bars). You could go early (we're talking 7-8ish) and you don't have to pay to get a table. If you're looking for more clubs/bars there are a lot better suggestions.

What type of food do you want? I second the Food Life at the Water Tower for cheap eats. Get brunch (or really late night food) at Tempo Cafe (around 850 N. State). Going out for Tapas can also be easier on the pocketbook (Cafe Iberico is near you, but they don't take reservations. Cafe ba ba reba is farther but they take reservations). How cheap are we talking?

[Intergalactic]

I second Cafe Iberico.

[sepponearth]

I really like The Indian Garden that's around Ontario and Michigan. The owner is super nice and always helps me decide what to get.

[OrangeAndBlue]

That area is definitely tough for good and cheap food. Most of the restaurants around there are focused on tourists and will have mediocre food at high prices. Some have really good food but will be very expensive.
My favorites for "cheap" good food around there are: Silver Spoon for Thai, Emilio's Tapas, India Garden, West Egg for breakfast or brunch, Quartino's for Italian/tapas. Food Life in the Watertower is not bad, if you're looking for more of a food court type experience.
In terms of nightlife, you'll find plenty of options on either Hubbard Street or Division Street. For something a little more unique, I recommend Vertigo. It's a lounge on the roof of the Dana Hotel.