Rating - 9.994
Arrived early (around 2 pm) and was helped by Jade at the front desk, she was brilliant as it was busy and the phones were ringing off the hook, but she took time to ensure I was satisfied and fixed my reservation (I had pre-paid for one night, and used points for the second). She also got me a room early.
In room 427 which is a VERY NICE suite and located in one of the corners - so it is VERY quiet. Nice size room when you walk in with a hide-a-bed, old style tv, table with 2 chairs, and a sink (or "wet bar"). Spacious bathroom located through a door that can be closed and then the master bed room. This is a great room, flat screen tv, quiet and dark in the morning.
We had several adults and kids in the room for New Years eve, and we could not hear the room next to us, or anywhere else in the hotel.
Only minor beef was the lobby bar's drinks seemed to be noticeably higher, and I got whacked $30 for a roll away (and it was small and on its last legs).
We always love having breakfast in the lobby restaurant, but I will write a separate review on that.
They were GREAT in allowing us to have a 2:30 pm check out for our 4 pm flight.
BEST thing about this property is the PEOPLE....everyone is helpful and goes out of their way to make sure you are happy...everyone from the maids, to front desk, and especially the guys who work the door.
Can't ever beat the location and the service is first rate!!
Dec 30, 2009
Dec 29, 2009
Tilted Kilt, Chicago IL - December 29
Rating - 7.3
Headed over at 1 pm for a late lunch, great crowd in the place...and I was quite surprised at the number of women eating lunch here by themselves (usually only there as part of a mixed group).
Great service from Katy, always quick with a drink refill, and decent food. Took longer than I am used to, and it was not quite as good, or as warm. Actually a bit disappointed with the quality of the food......
Arnold Palmer 2.50
Ice Tea 2.50
Coke 2.50
Irish Dip 8.99
Grilled Chicken club w/side caesar 10.98
Grilled Chicken club 8.99
Total - $40.56
Headed over at 1 pm for a late lunch, great crowd in the place...and I was quite surprised at the number of women eating lunch here by themselves (usually only there as part of a mixed group).
Great service from Katy, always quick with a drink refill, and decent food. Took longer than I am used to, and it was not quite as good, or as warm. Actually a bit disappointed with the quality of the food......
Arnold Palmer 2.50
Ice Tea 2.50
Coke 2.50
Irish Dip 8.99
Grilled Chicken club w/side caesar 10.98
Grilled Chicken club 8.99
Total - $40.56
Boston Blackie's Riverside, Chicago IL - December 28
Rating - 9.89
Stopped in at 4:30 to grab a bite to eat and a few beers with my parents and sister....Scott and Allison ended up joining us at a decent round table. They had a pretty good crowd for a holiday Monday evening, and as time went on lots of Bear fans (they beat the Vikings on Monday night) stopped in for food and beers.
Our waitress was Faviola and she was GREAT. Friendly, fast and efficient. The atmosphere in the place is always fun and relaxed, and it is a little bit better in the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
We had great apps, and excellent entrees. Skins were a bit marginal (greasy and small) but the wings smelled GREAT. Beers were cold and always refreshed, and I had an AWESOME burger for dinner. My mom had the fish and chips and I didn't think it was that good, but my dad enjoyed the hot dog. Fries were great. Scott headed up to the complimentary beef/pork table (just tip the carver) at the front of the place and really liked the mini sandwiches.
Fun spot to grab a bite and catch the train home! Strangest bill I have ever seen with the odd food pricing....
Bass pint (2 @ 6.45) 13.00
Miller Lite (3 @ 3.75) 15.00
312 Pint (2 @ 6.00) 12.00
Spuds 5.99
Onion Rings 4.99
Coors Light (6 @ 3.75) 22.50
Jumbo Hot Dog 8.48
Cheddar Burger (2 @ 7.49) 14.98
Homestyle Fries (2 @ 2.39) 4.78
Fish-N-Chips 9.99
Buffallo Wings 6.99
Large Dressing .99
Large Dressing .99
Total - $138.90 + 22.42 (18% mandatory gratuity) = $161.32
Stopped in at 4:30 to grab a bite to eat and a few beers with my parents and sister....Scott and Allison ended up joining us at a decent round table. They had a pretty good crowd for a holiday Monday evening, and as time went on lots of Bear fans (they beat the Vikings on Monday night) stopped in for food and beers.
Our waitress was Faviola and she was GREAT. Friendly, fast and efficient. The atmosphere in the place is always fun and relaxed, and it is a little bit better in the summer when you can sit outside on the patio.
We had great apps, and excellent entrees. Skins were a bit marginal (greasy and small) but the wings smelled GREAT. Beers were cold and always refreshed, and I had an AWESOME burger for dinner. My mom had the fish and chips and I didn't think it was that good, but my dad enjoyed the hot dog. Fries were great. Scott headed up to the complimentary beef/pork table (just tip the carver) at the front of the place and really liked the mini sandwiches.
Fun spot to grab a bite and catch the train home! Strangest bill I have ever seen with the odd food pricing....
Bass pint (2 @ 6.45) 13.00
Miller Lite (3 @ 3.75) 15.00
312 Pint (2 @ 6.00) 12.00
Spuds 5.99
Onion Rings 4.99
Coors Light (6 @ 3.75) 22.50
Jumbo Hot Dog 8.48
Cheddar Burger (2 @ 7.49) 14.98
Homestyle Fries (2 @ 2.39) 4.78
Fish-N-Chips 9.99
Buffallo Wings 6.99
Large Dressing .99
Large Dressing .99
Total - $138.90 + 22.42 (18% mandatory gratuity) = $161.32
Kelsey Road House, Lake Barrington IL - December 23
Rating 8.76
Awesome spot to have dinner at Christmas - the decorations are "best in Chicago" quality, and the place is very festive! I love the sharp cheddar cheese spread (and crackers) that is on the bar as you usually spend plenty of time waiting for a table (at least in the "old" days).
We arrived at 6 pm on a rainy/snowy night. I was really surprised to walk in and be seat right away, and that there open tables. I remember always waiting to eat here, but they also said they were closing at 8 pm that night.
John O was our waiter and he was very friendly and good. The only thing I did not like was they told us we could only order pizzas and 1 entree due to the size of our party - 8 adults and 3 kids. I have NEVER heard of a rule like that, and even if they had one, it didn't make sense for a night when there were only a few tables.
I didn't care in the least because I love the pizza, although I remember the ribs being excellent too (but I was not allowed to order them). So we had some excellent apps first - chicken fingers were excellent, skins too greasy, bratwurst soup awful. Also some cold beers and about a 30 minute wait for our deep dish pie.
Pizza was awesome, and there is so much that we had plenty to bring home. Also a great value for all we had.
This place is all about a great atmosphere, a few drinks, and solid food. They added a bar upstairs with games since I was last in the place. It is a classic, and I look forward to returning!
1 chicken fingers 8.95
fries 1.00
2 mozzarella stix 13.90
1 potato skins 8.95
2 soup cup 4.00
1 bkd onion 4.50
1 dinner salad small 3.95
1 BBQ pork sand 8.95
1 chicken finger (kid) 7.95
1 spaghetti pasta (kid) 7.95
14 Lite beers 42.00
1 312 beer 4.25
2 by the glass Tudernum Cab reserve 20.00
1 white Albano sav blanc glass 7.00
3 white mezzacorona pinot glass 18.00
1 lg deep dish pizza 22.95
Total - 209.55 + 41.91 (20% tip) automatically added = $266.13
Awesome spot to have dinner at Christmas - the decorations are "best in Chicago" quality, and the place is very festive! I love the sharp cheddar cheese spread (and crackers) that is on the bar as you usually spend plenty of time waiting for a table (at least in the "old" days).
We arrived at 6 pm on a rainy/snowy night. I was really surprised to walk in and be seat right away, and that there open tables. I remember always waiting to eat here, but they also said they were closing at 8 pm that night.
John O was our waiter and he was very friendly and good. The only thing I did not like was they told us we could only order pizzas and 1 entree due to the size of our party - 8 adults and 3 kids. I have NEVER heard of a rule like that, and even if they had one, it didn't make sense for a night when there were only a few tables.
I didn't care in the least because I love the pizza, although I remember the ribs being excellent too (but I was not allowed to order them). So we had some excellent apps first - chicken fingers were excellent, skins too greasy, bratwurst soup awful. Also some cold beers and about a 30 minute wait for our deep dish pie.
Pizza was awesome, and there is so much that we had plenty to bring home. Also a great value for all we had.
This place is all about a great atmosphere, a few drinks, and solid food. They added a bar upstairs with games since I was last in the place. It is a classic, and I look forward to returning!
1 chicken fingers 8.95
fries 1.00
2 mozzarella stix 13.90
1 potato skins 8.95
2 soup cup 4.00
1 bkd onion 4.50
1 dinner salad small 3.95
1 BBQ pork sand 8.95
1 chicken finger (kid) 7.95
1 spaghetti pasta (kid) 7.95
14 Lite beers 42.00
1 312 beer 4.25
2 by the glass Tudernum Cab reserve 20.00
1 white Albano sav blanc glass 7.00
3 white mezzacorona pinot glass 18.00
1 lg deep dish pizza 22.95
Total - 209.55 + 41.91 (20% tip) automatically added = $266.13
Chipotle, 316 N Michigan, Chicago IL - December 23
Rating - 10.00
Wandered in around 11:45 am as I was heading up North on Michigan for some Christmas shopping and stopped in for a quick bite to eat.
First time I have ever been in a Chipotle with no line, so I was thrilled to walk right up and order. Can't beat the quality or quantity of food you get here. Even though there is usually a long line to get through the people are always friendly!
Chicken Line Item (burrito) 4.26
Small Soda 1.57
Total - $6.50
Wandered in around 11:45 am as I was heading up North on Michigan for some Christmas shopping and stopped in for a quick bite to eat.
First time I have ever been in a Chipotle with no line, so I was thrilled to walk right up and order. Can't beat the quality or quantity of food you get here. Even though there is usually a long line to get through the people are always friendly!
Chicken Line Item (burrito) 4.26
Small Soda 1.57
Total - $6.50
City Gate Grille, Naperville IL - December 17
Rating - 10.00
Headed over for dinner on a Thursday night around 6:30 pm. They had a good crowd in the restaurant and several people in the bar area. We grabbed two seats at the bar, and Katie had dinner while I had a few beers and some apps. Neil, our FAVORITE bartender, was working and took great care of us.
I love sitting in the bar, two large screen tvs behind the bar, good cocktails and cold beer (what else does a man need?). Its comfortable, and the redecoration of the joint looks great!
The tomato soup is FABULOUS, and Katie loved the mussels, salad, and especially the cobbler for dessert.
Great evening, excellent food, and warm/friendly service.
1 Baby Spinach 8.00
1 Tomato Soup 5.00
1 Mussels 10.00
1 Honcrisp Cobbler 6.00
1 Kim Crawford (choc martini) 14.00
1 Open Liquor 12.00
1 UFO (beer) 4.75
Total - $64.68
Headed over for dinner on a Thursday night around 6:30 pm. They had a good crowd in the restaurant and several people in the bar area. We grabbed two seats at the bar, and Katie had dinner while I had a few beers and some apps. Neil, our FAVORITE bartender, was working and took great care of us.
I love sitting in the bar, two large screen tvs behind the bar, good cocktails and cold beer (what else does a man need?). Its comfortable, and the redecoration of the joint looks great!
The tomato soup is FABULOUS, and Katie loved the mussels, salad, and especially the cobbler for dessert.
Great evening, excellent food, and warm/friendly service.
1 Baby Spinach 8.00
1 Tomato Soup 5.00
1 Mussels 10.00
1 Honcrisp Cobbler 6.00
1 Kim Crawford (choc martini) 14.00
1 Open Liquor 12.00
1 UFO (beer) 4.75
Total - $64.68
Trattoria Totuccio, Naperville IL - December 12
Rating - 1.2
This is a new restaurant (in the spot of the "old" Capri), located at Calamos City Gate complex at I88 and Bilter Rd. The interior has not changed from Capri, and when we arrived just after 6 pm on a Saturday night the place was a GHOST TOWN. There was one couple in the dining room and no one in the bar...where we ordered a drink and waited for the rest of our neighbors.
Everyone else arrived within the half hour, and we had a good time having a few holiday cocktails. Bartender was friendly and a lot of fun.
We were seated at our table and there was still only the one other table in the dining room. Our waiter was excellent, great advice and always anticipating our next need (but he should have been with only one table). We were a large group with 6 couples in attendance.
I had their "seafood special" and HATED IT. It was HORRIBLE. YUCK!!!!!!!! It was overcooked salmon with some kind of heavy read sauce....it would have been better if it was the salmon alone...and I ended up scrapping off the sauce.
Katie had the zupa de pesce, and she did not like it all....too bland and not enough seafood.
However, we did end up back in the bar area and had a good time. The bartender was great!
The group consensus was food that ranged from ok to horrible, but it was at a very reasonable price.
I guess the background is that the family who own the place had another spot in St. Charles that was very popular.........but they wont survive until the spring with food like that!
Lots of food
Lots of beer and wine
Some desserts
Total - $105.35 (our share before the tip)
This is a new restaurant (in the spot of the "old" Capri), located at Calamos City Gate complex at I88 and Bilter Rd. The interior has not changed from Capri, and when we arrived just after 6 pm on a Saturday night the place was a GHOST TOWN. There was one couple in the dining room and no one in the bar...where we ordered a drink and waited for the rest of our neighbors.
Everyone else arrived within the half hour, and we had a good time having a few holiday cocktails. Bartender was friendly and a lot of fun.
We were seated at our table and there was still only the one other table in the dining room. Our waiter was excellent, great advice and always anticipating our next need (but he should have been with only one table). We were a large group with 6 couples in attendance.
I had their "seafood special" and HATED IT. It was HORRIBLE. YUCK!!!!!!!! It was overcooked salmon with some kind of heavy read sauce....it would have been better if it was the salmon alone...and I ended up scrapping off the sauce.
Katie had the zupa de pesce, and she did not like it all....too bland and not enough seafood.
However, we did end up back in the bar area and had a good time. The bartender was great!
The group consensus was food that ranged from ok to horrible, but it was at a very reasonable price.
I guess the background is that the family who own the place had another spot in St. Charles that was very popular.........but they wont survive until the spring with food like that!
Lots of food
Lots of beer and wine
Some desserts
Total - $105.35 (our share before the tip)
Dec 17, 2009
Lou Malnati's River North Pizzeria, Chicago IL - December 2
Rating - 6.8
Response via yelp: Matthew,I am so sorry to hear that you had any issue with our service. We take customer complaints like this very seriously and like to use them as much as possible to solve any problems we may be having in the stores. For that reason, the Regional Manager of the River North location would like to talk to you about your experience. If you are comfortable, please message me with your email address or phone number, whichever you would prefer, and I will have her contact you personally.Again, I apologize for your experience and appreciate you bringing it to our attention!
The pizza was EXCELLENT, but everything else was pretty BRUTAL.
I ordered via the phone for a meeting we were having at the office. First of all, you have to be prepared to be on hold for 5 minutes, then the person who took my order was WAY off on her recommendation for how much pizza we needed to order....we did not have nearly enough.
Then there was the deliver issue...first time driver was at our office and didn't know where to park or how to get pizza's to us. When he finally made it he was great, but about 20 minutes after the delivery had been promised, and you know how a group of hungry people who have been in a meeting all day can be.......
Pizza was still hot, and it is awesome. Lower rating is due to all the other hassles....
Large Thin Cheese 12.20
2 Large Thin Cheese and sausage 28.30
Large Cheese and Roni 14.15
Large Thin Cheese, mushroom , green pepper, onion 17.45
Large Thin the Deluxe 17.65
Setups 0.00
Deliver 3.25
Total - 133.32 (includes $20 tip)
Response via yelp: Matthew,I am so sorry to hear that you had any issue with our service. We take customer complaints like this very seriously and like to use them as much as possible to solve any problems we may be having in the stores. For that reason, the Regional Manager of the River North location would like to talk to you about your experience. If you are comfortable, please message me with your email address or phone number, whichever you would prefer, and I will have her contact you personally.Again, I apologize for your experience and appreciate you bringing it to our attention!
The pizza was EXCELLENT, but everything else was pretty BRUTAL.
I ordered via the phone for a meeting we were having at the office. First of all, you have to be prepared to be on hold for 5 minutes, then the person who took my order was WAY off on her recommendation for how much pizza we needed to order....we did not have nearly enough.
Then there was the deliver issue...first time driver was at our office and didn't know where to park or how to get pizza's to us. When he finally made it he was great, but about 20 minutes after the delivery had been promised, and you know how a group of hungry people who have been in a meeting all day can be.......
Pizza was still hot, and it is awesome. Lower rating is due to all the other hassles....
Large Thin Cheese 12.20
2 Large Thin Cheese and sausage 28.30
Large Cheese and Roni 14.15
Large Thin Cheese, mushroom , green pepper, onion 17.45
Large Thin the Deluxe 17.65
Setups 0.00
Deliver 3.25
Total - 133.32 (includes $20 tip)
Dec 9, 2009
Tribeca Grill, New York NY - December 8
Rating - 9.84
We arrived about 11:10 am and were invited by the friendly bar tender to have a seat at the bar until they began to serve lunch at 11:30. We did and he kept our drinks full until they opened, when he took our order and delivered a great meal.
I had the cheeseburger, as did Rob, and we really enjoyed them. Cooked to perfection, excellent fries, and the great service from the bartender.
When we left just after noon there were several tables, and a few more people at the bar. I would like to come back for dinner.
(I lost the itemized receipt)
Total - $56.62 (including tip)
We arrived about 11:10 am and were invited by the friendly bar tender to have a seat at the bar until they began to serve lunch at 11:30. We did and he kept our drinks full until they opened, when he took our order and delivered a great meal.
I had the cheeseburger, as did Rob, and we really enjoyed them. Cooked to perfection, excellent fries, and the great service from the bartender.
When we left just after noon there were several tables, and a few more people at the bar. I would like to come back for dinner.
(I lost the itemized receipt)
Total - $56.62 (including tip)
Grand Hyatt, New York NY - December 8
Rating - 9.664
I love this property and the lobby is spectacular for Christmas.....a sight to see!!!
Stayed in room 3144 and loved it. Decent Internet connection and it is quiet.
Exceptional gym to work out in.
Always a pleasure here.
Prepaid room - 374.25
Total - $432.95
I love this property and the lobby is spectacular for Christmas.....a sight to see!!!
Stayed in room 3144 and loved it. Decent Internet connection and it is quiet.
Exceptional gym to work out in.
Always a pleasure here.
Prepaid room - 374.25
Total - $432.95
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