Chicago... What's Up?

[theorangeman]

Haven't been to Chicago in years, especially at this time of the year, which for a Floridian... burrrrr. At any rate, I will be there for a conference next week and even with the cold weather in my sight, I'm looking forward to the trip. In any event, since I will have some time in the evenings to enjoy the city (and possibly one afternoon), for those of you that know Chicago, what suggestions do you have? I will be staying at the Raffaello Hotel, near the magnificent mile, although I'm more than willing to take a cab. Specifically...

- Good cigar lounge to enjoy a smoke and a cocktail
- Sports Bar(s) - since my Orangemen will be playing Monday and Tuesday night in the Preseason NIT tourney, I definitely want to find a good place to park myself for the evening.
- Perhaps a good, laid back jazz or blues club
- Anywhere else you would suggest?

 

[ChiTown_Huck]

For cigars: Jack Schwartz until 5 pm. Iwan Ries after 5 until 10.
The sports bars I know are up on the northside, so I am not sure I can make any recommendations. I would guess you could put the game on at Iwan Ries.
Jazz: Green Mill if you are willing to head up north, although I haven't been there in years. Buddy Guy's for Blues. Kingston Mines also if you are willing to head up north. Other options are Green Dolphin Street or Andy's for Jazz. I know those places by reputation rather than having been there.

 

[MoeCizlak]

Since Bub City closed, I don't go to Chicago.

 

[theorangeman]

Thanks for the suggestions

For cigars: Jack Schwartz until 5 pm. Iwan Ries after 5 until 10.
The sports bars I know are up on the northside, so I am not sure I can make any recommendations. I would guess you could put the game on at Iwan Ries.
Jazz: Green Mill if you are willing to head up north, although I haven't been there in years. Buddy Guy's for Blues. Kingston Mines also if you are willing to head up north. Other options are Green Dolphin Street or Andy's for Jazz. I know those places by reputation rather than having been there.

Thanks for the suggestions! So far, I haven't had an opportunity to get out much but that will end soon. I'm taking off early this afternoon to explore a bit. I'm thinking about possibly grabbing a cigar at Iwan Ries. After checking it out online, it seems very impressive coupled with great tradition and history. Might make for a nice afternoon stop. Now the question, what bottle of choice should I bring?

 

[JackSchwartz]

Just noticed this thread. Stop by Jack Schwartz Importer if you get a chance. We're in the lobby of the Chicago Board of Trade building on the corner of Jackson and LaSalle. You can BYOB or I can run out and grab some beers. If you need any directions our phone number is: 312-782-7898. Have a great time in Chicago, the weather's been great lately.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[theorangeman]

Sounds good, Eric, perhaps later this week.

This evening I had intentions of only grabbing some dinner and a couple of cocktails but my feet had other thoughts. Since I was already on Wabash, by feet kept me going and I ended up at Iwan Ries. Talk about being under dressed. I showed up in my adidas get-up to only find that there was some kind of event going on with everyone in coat and tie. Oh well... I proceeded, what the hell, I made it that far I thought. Surprising to me, the gentlemen who I spoke with told me no big deal and let me in and told me to enjoy and didn't charge me the $15 one day pass either. So... enjoy is what I did. I took my Stella's in, found a plush seat, and was entertained on how out of place I was. However, the Padron TA Toro that I bought made me feel at home along with no one giving me any grief. Man, that was one hell of a smoke.

Just got back to my hotel. Now for tomorrow... live music in the pm after my conference is well done. Two nights to go -

 

[theorangeman]

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