TR: Myopic Books, RedHot Ranch, Art Institute

Question

Drove from Cleveland for a 2 night day trip. Focused on the art museum but needed to spend time with family as well.

We booked a refundable parking package with the Embassy Suites Magnificent Mile and are glad we stuck to the plan. The hotel is busy, located right near shopping and Navy Pier, with a bustling psuedo resort vibe due to the massive atrium. GREAT staff at every turn. 20 minute lines for your made to order omlette during the holidays, but we love having this stuff on site. The hotel is well worn, but the bed and shower was immaculate. Not a cheap option, but the people staying here all knew the deal.

Thanks to this tripadvisor forum, we enjoyed the Holiday Drone Show over Navy Pier as a couple. We found it a romantic way to end our travel day.

Saturday morning we drove a short time to the spectacular Art Institute Of Chicago, which is surely one of the top fine art museums in North America. Busy on a holiday Saturday, the expansive collection was easily navigated with jaw dropping works around every corner. This gem might not be staffed like similar museums, and they have a simple way of presenting their collection, but the collection itself is almost without peer.

The Embassy Suites evening reception was paltry on Saturday, but we'd enjoyed the Friday night snacks. Designed for business, and beloved by parents, the amenity worked for our foursome as a means to get us powered up for a long night of cards in the suite.

After dark, we made the drive up to Wicker Park and Bucktown. If we had one "must see" aside from the art museum it was a cool place like Myopic Books in Wicker Park. All four of us found something to take home amidst the vast collection of used and rare books.

Again thanks to this very forum, we finished up our day at a gritty local spot under the train in Bucktown: Redhot Ranch. I know you can get an overall judgement of a place by the quality of their french fries. If they hand cut fries and change the oil, word's gonna get out, and thanks to you folks here we got the word. Redhot Ranch was a spectacular smash burger. We ate at the counter but we might have been just as happy to sit in the car and listen to the train rumble by in the rain.

I know city driving is not for everyone, but for us, having the chance to connect as we watched the city slowly float by as we made or way from one neighborhood to the other was well worth the hassle. Did as suggested here and downloaded spot hero app for the win.

Thanks Tripadvisor Chicago for making our brief stay so much fun!

Answer

It sounds like you had an amazing trip to Chicago, and thanks for sharing your detailed experience! It’s great to hear how well everything went, from the art museum to the food and the unique spots you visited. Here are some helpful details based on your trip that others might find useful:

Embassy Suites Magnificent Mile: This hotel is a solid choice for travelers who want a central location near shopping, Navy Pier, and attractions like the Art Institute. The complimentary breakfast and evening reception are convenient, though it sounds like they can get busy during holidays. It's a bustling spot, and while the hotel may be a bit dated, you appreciated the clean rooms and helpful staff. The 20-minute lines for omelettes seem like a small price to pay for the on-site amenities!
Art Institute of Chicago: As you mentioned, this is a top-tier museum with an incredible collection, from Impressionist works to modern art. While it can be crowded on holiday weekends, the expansive space allows for an easy flow through the galleries. The simple presentation works for the collection, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. It's a must-see for art lovers visiting Chicago.
Myopic Books (Wicker Park): You definitely found a gem here! This independent bookstore offers a treasure trove of used and rare books, making it a perfect stop for book lovers. Wicker Park is also a great neighborhood to explore, with plenty of eclectic shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Redhot Ranch (Bucktown): For a quick, satisfying meal, you couldn’t have picked a better spot. The hand-cut fries and smash burgers at Redhot Ranch seem to hit the spot, and it’s great that you were able to enjoy the gritty, authentic atmosphere of this iconic spot. Sometimes the simplest, most unassuming places are the best, and it sounds like Redhot Ranch was a highlight of your trip.
City Driving and Parking: You mentioned using the SpotHero app for parking, which is a great tip for anyone navigating Chicago’s busy streets. While city driving can be stressful, it sounds like you made the most of the experience by enjoying the neighborhoods as you traveled between them. Chicago’s neighborhoods are so vibrant, and each one offers something unique.

In conclusion, your short stay in Chicago sounds like it was full of memorable experiences. Between the fantastic museum visit, local food spots, and unique bookstores, you really got a taste of what Chicago has to offer. Thanks again for sharing these insights, and it’s great to hear that your trip was so enjoyable!