Replying to Chicago Dog

Did you check the Crowne Plaza near there?  I seem to remember they had low rates.
If that's too high, then you can't go wrong with this:
Go to either Priceline or Hotwire, in that order.  Bid on the MP/Loop area. What you come up will either be walking distance from the station, or an inexpensive cab ride, or you can usually hop CTA.

if your at union station

near by on clark street is royal pawn shop

hardcore pawn chicago on tru-tv a fun place to visit between trains

I've certainly read about Hot Doug's and seen them featured on cable TV shows.  They're mostly known for their exotic meats, the foie gras topped dog, and their fries cooked in duck fat.

If you are interested in a Hostel Check out the Hostel International on Congress (Google is your Frirnd!)! One Block from the Lake,, Michigan Avenue etc. Free Breakfast, Private Rooms if Desired (like $65 a night!) Busses, the El etc. readily Availalble, in fact when the Weather is Nice it's Walkable from Union Station! Lots of us have stayed here, it's one of the Best in the US!!

Thanks. I actually did check that out but all of the private rooms are gone for early June. If I was a woman I could stay there in a dorm room.

 

I checked Priceline and one could bid on rooms that way that weren't too pricey. Problem with that is that the area is large and I am not sure if the downtown/Loop area that I would be bidding on is good if I get something on the far edge. If I get a place on the far edge of that area it might be better to just try the Parthenon which I know isn't all that far from Union Station.

If you are interested in a Hostel Check out the Hostel International on Congress (Google is your Frirnd!)! One Block from the Lake,, Michigan Avenue etc. Free Breakfast, Private Rooms if Desired (like $65 a night!) Busses, the El etc. readily Availalble, in fact when the Weather is Nice it's Walkable from Union Station! Lots of us have stayed here, it's one of the Best in the US!!

Almost 5 years ago when I went to Chicago w/ my older kids, we stayed at the Travelodge near Union Station/Millenium Park. It wasn't too bad--$130 or so a night I think. Low water pressure but other than that I didn't mind it at all. Nice area and could walk to musuems, etc. I looked today and it is sold out for the time I will be there, June 8-11. I see a few hostels that aren't too pricey but wonder about the neighborhoods. Anyone know what the neighborhood is like for the Parthenon Hostel at 310 S Halsed St? It would run less than $100 a night for my son and I if we booked it now. It doesn't have to be much at all for me. Heck, I stay in Motel 6 frequently if the neighborhood isn't too bad. This place is not far from Union Station but it is on the "other" side from the museums, etc we went to last time there. Guess a question is would it be as good of an idea to stay at something near Ohare if I could get it for the same price? It was nice to be able to just walk a short distance to Millenium Park, the museums, Union Station, etc. This hostel is not far from the train station but is not nearly so convenient to the other places we'd like to see. We didn't wander around at night and I wouldn't expect to do so this time so maybe just jump on the L and head north to save a few bucks if it doesn't take too much time.

Suggestions?

 

Thanks,

Dan 

I agree with OlympianHiawatha. I lived in and around Chicago for many decades and Gold Coast Dogs is the place to go for hot dogs and Italian beef. It is on par with any of the Chicago neighborhood fast food places that service dogs and beef. Better than Luke's IMHO.

Alright! Passing through in three weeks. We did Deep Dish last February on our way through then, and its time to mix things up! Don't have much interest in Chicago Dogs, but Hot Italian Beef Sandwiches are a different story! Where, oh where, is the best shop dishing these bad-boys up at within walking distance of CUS?

Gold Coast Dogs which is right upstairs from Amtrak in the Union Station Food Court dishes out a pretty decent Italian Beef Sandwich and by the time you toss in a bag of Fries, you're good to go. If I'm connecting there, I often pick one up and bring it into the Metropolitan Lounge - no need to buy a drink

Al's Italian Beef has been featured on a few shows, and it's close to Union Station.

http://www.alsbeef.com/

Hot Italian beef sandwiches? I don't think I ever associated Chicago with that.

You can blame the Food Network to making my mouth water with regard to Hot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about them!

And I also like the Chicago style dogs, although I think they could still use some more research in the not too distant future.

I know... Not FROM Chicago, but there is a fancy hot dog place not far from my house that has a pretty darn tasty 'Chicago-style' hot dog. But there really are no places serving Hot Beef Sandwiches close to the ones I'm hankering for.

Also, since we're going round-trip, we'll be traversing Chicago twice in the span of a week. Might have to do Hot Beef one way, and Hot Dog the other? Unless the Deep Dish fever is caught!