I definitely spend too much time in H&F, but I can't tell if "all natural" is trolling or serious. Just pointing out that it's meaningless. (ETA: slow ponied by cit)

To keep things relevant for this thread though:
I've probably overdone this and this type of list is overdone in general, but
Pequod's = Burt's* > Lou's = Art of Pizza >>> Giordano's > Gino's East > Connie's = Edwardo's

Look, it's still edible at the lower end of those rankings, but why would you get it when those others are available?

*I don't get the people who say Burt's >>> Pequod's, just acknowledging they're out there.

Fair enough...I guess what I meant is that the sauce (which IMO is maybe the most important) is thicker and more tomato-y than the others. Which I enjoy when sauce is on top (which I prefer).

I agree Pequod's is probably the best PIZZA in the city, but it's not deep dish, and takes a huge hit if you can't get it there in a timely fashion, which is all too often because of the crowds.

Obviously we all know pizza is like sex...

But I've had MULTIPLE bad giordano's experiences...i.e. the pizza was gross in multiple ways. And then the other week I had a really bad Malnati's experience, so it's entirely possible there's a bit of revisionist history there...

those people are just stupid and don't realize it's the same family running both

Had never even heard of Burt's and have never tried AoP

I prefer Lou's to Pequod's but can understand the other way. My experience in college was that most people not from Chicago preferred Giordano's to Lou's (and didn't know about the others for the most part). This gave me another subject aside from The Wire to proselytize about.

Royce was worth the trip.

I've been staying away from cow recently, rarely eating a burger over the past few months, and was gonna have one. Amazingly, you can sub buffalo on any burger. I had The Austin, my fiancee had The Godfather, and one of our friends had a veggie.

The Austin has deep fried onions that change the game with the lean buffalo. I was happy the cole slaw on it was low on the mayo and more of a light topping. Excellent.

The Godfather is super-cheesy in a great way and the giardianera made it heaven. Not much bacon, in a good way. Just enough for the fat to ooze with the cheese.

The veggie is a cool mishmash of mushrooms and quinoa.

All burgers are huge and come on a buttered bun or pretzel roll. AFAIK, no one had the pretzel roll and I don't remember what other had.

no

It's not the same now, but Burt opened up pequods and the recipie at pequods is the same as its always been. So, try again

Had Pequods deep dish delivery last weekend and thought it was outstanding. Last few times I've ordered Lou Malnati's deep dish delivery it has had a lake in the middle of the pizza and looked disgusting.

Anybody interested in 2 Alinea tickets this Thursday, January 24 9:30pm? Face value $585.

It still baffles my mind why anyone would want to pay $585 for a meal, I don't care how good it is

It's an experience! I've felt much worse about random mediocre $60-80 meals that just escalate cause of appetizers/alcohol than a super memorable meal like Alinea or Eleven Madison Park.

Paying a lot for sporting events or alcohol service both seem way worse to me.

Not quite Chicago, but on the subject of restaurants, just made a res for next month for Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London (http://www.dinnerbyheston.com/). They recreate dishes from as far back as the 1300s, which should make them sufficiently plain for my tastes

I had a good dog at SRO's (standing room only). I believe it's on Dearborn.

We get SRO delivered to work once per week.

Cajun chicken sandwich is outstanding imo. Great flavors, and usually it's properly cooked (grilled) unlike most places which cook their chicken to a rock-hard well done.

Underground Wonder Bar, Empty Bottle, or (Suggest a better alternative)?

Went to Revolucion last night (East Lakeview Mexican Steakhouse) and it was very good and reasonably priced. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a decent meal.

BTW, does anyone know what they're digging right near Millenium Park along Lakeshore?

maybe if i was on a date with jennifer lawrence

otherwise agree

ok, so nobody wants to pay face value. How about $400? That's a steal! pm me offer

Wouldn't do $400 for two to dinner, mainly because so many great restaurants can give you amazing dinners for two under $150 with drinks and tip, but totally agree with this. Three or four nights out to eat for two at great restaurants for one Bears ticket before paying for parking and food/drink at the game is epic dumb, IMO.

Different people value things differently. Shocking. Some ingredients cost more than others. Shocking. The discussion, however, is incredibly boring and repetitive. For more of the same see, oh, I don't know, every time this has come up before, or the watch thread, or any thread about cars. zzz. Seriously.

$400 for $600 worth of alinea is a pretty sick steal and someone should take it. Remember that this is post tax and tip (but not beverages), which are something like 27% combined. If you've been wanting to go, saving $100/head is pretty great.

Anyone look at Restaurant Week menus yet??? Tryin Carnivale for first time during it and some Italian place in Lincoln Park. Anyone see any ridiculous values anywhere?

Went to Little Goat today for brunch. Pretty incredible. The tempura mashed potatoes were unreal.

Haven't looked at menus, but here's the list of restaurants: http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?pid=270&m=3

Blackbird, Spiaggia, and Japonais may be great values.

Other places I really, really like -- Park Tavern, BellyQ, Ceres, Curry House, Francesca's, and others -- I'd not too sure at $33, but I'd assume those relatively inexpensive places are putting together huge tasting menus. Looking forward to getting more details on each place.

I was thinkijg about taking my 16 year old son to Chicago this weekend. My first question is how do I take him to the top of the Sears Tower? I mean do I just walk in, buy a ticket, or what? Also I'd appreciate suggestions on where to take him.

You can just go in and buy a ticket, or you can buy a ticket in advance and avoid queuing. I really doubt you'll have a long wait at this time of the year, so yes, just turn up, buy a ticket, and go. Neither the Blackhawks or Bulls are at home which is a shame, I'd take him out for some pizza, and catch an improv show. Second City tends to do mainly pre written satire, IO does long form improv. Both of them are fine for 16 year olds.