JESS & CHARLEY
Things To Do
The Art Institute
TripAdvisor named it the #1 museum in the world. Located just two blocks from The Chicago Club, the Art Institute houses some of the most famous pieces of artwork in the world including American Gothic, A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte, Monet's Haystacks and Water Lilies, and Charley's personal favorite, Nighthawks.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
If want to try as many quintessential Chicago foods as possible in one spot then Portillo's is the place to go. Items to try are a Chicago-Style Vienna Beef hot dog, an Italian beef sandwich (get it dipped), the French fries with cheese sauce, and the chocolate cake shake. If you're looking for something "healthier", get the chopped salad.
Wrigley Field
Home to the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Jess and Charley are big Cubs fans, so it is no coincidence the Cubs are in town the weekend of the wedding. If you have time, grab a bleacher seat and enjoy the Friday or Sunday day game at Wrigley. Afterwards, stop by the batting catches at Sluggers to see if you've still got it.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza and there is fierce debate over which restaurant serves the best. While Charley loves all of Chicago's most famous restaurants (Giordano's, Gino's, Connie's), the restaurant most frequently ordered in the Moore household is Malnati's. This location is located right behind the Hilton hotel and will be well worth the trip.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is just a few blocks from the Hilton and home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as The Bean). After you snap a picture at The Bean, check out Crown Fountain, two 50-foot glass block towers at ends of a reflecting pool where giant projections of Chicago residents spit water. Then, walk across the BP Footbridge to explore Maggie Daley Park.
Harold's Chicken
The fried chicken king of Chicago's south side has been serving up the best fried chicken in the city for 70 years. This particular location is located directly behind The Hilton hotel making it cheap and geographically-desirable spot to grab some delicious chicken. Get the 1/2 chicken dinner (1/2 chicken, fries, two pieces of white bread, and cole slaw) with mild sauce.
Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain was a favorite of Charley's growing up. Located across the street from the Hilton, it is one of the largest fountains in the world, containing 1.5 million gallons of water. Swing by at the top of the hour to see the center jet shoot 150 feet in the air during a 20-minute water show. After dusk, the show is choreographed with lights and music.
Garrett Popcorn
Garrett has been handcrafting gourmet popcorn in old-fashioned copper kettles for over 70 years. The most famous of their secret family recipes is the combination of CarmelCrisip and CheeseCorn. To try some, follow your nose and the distinctive Garrett smell over to Jackson Avenue, just a few blocks from The Hilton Hotel to find the nearest store.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is just a short cab ride from the Hilton and home to the city's famous Centennial Wheel. It is modeled after the very first Ferris wheel which was unveiled at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Navy Pier also houses a Shakespeare Theater, Children's Museum, indoor gardens, and the largest rooftop deck in the country for food and drinks.
Potbelly
If you're looking for a quick and healthy bite near the hotel, check out Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Originally founded in Chicago, but now nationwide, their sandwiches can't be beat. Jess recommends the turkey club and Charley suggests the grilled chicken and cheddar. If you're looking to treat yourself, the sugar cookies and milkshakes aren't to be missed.
Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower was once the tallest building in the world and is still the third-tallest building in the United States. It's observation deck is the country's tallest and, on a clear day, you can see four different states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin). One of the newer features of the observation deck is a glass cube that extends out from the building allowing you to see straight down 103 floors. Tickets cost $25.
Chicago Riverwalk
The waterfront attraction boasts cocktail bars, views of some of Chicago's most beautiful buildings and access to one of the best boat tours in the country. With breathtaking sights and plenty of locations along the way where you can sit down and enjoy them, there's no better spot to go for a walk and soak up the city. We recommend grabbing a drink at City Winery or, if you have time, taking the 90-minute Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise.
Cindy's
Chicago Athletic Association is a recently renovated hotel across the street from Millennium Park. For a quick fast casual bite, there's a Shake Shack in the Lobby. For cocktails, head to the rooftop bar, Cindy's, for a great view of the park. If the line for Cindy's is too long, The Game Room on the second floor is a fun place for a drink and a game of bocce.
Au Cheval
Au Cheval was voted the #1 burger in the country. If you have time to kill (seriously, waits can be 3-4 hours), head over to the West Loop to enjoy this famous burger. Two prime beef patties (a "single" is two patties and a "double" is three patties), Kraft cheese, Dijonnaise, and housemade pickles. Add a fried egg and thick-cut peppered bacon for the full experience.