Night Out on the Town

Navy Pier

We have focused on this establishment earlier in the series, but it centered on the flagship establishment. The downtown Harry Caray's in Chicago is a favorite of mine. Walking in the different sports memorabilia greet you, either on the walls or in the display cases. And all of the signed pictures are definitely of people who have dined at this restaurant, either as guests of Harry Caray, or out of respect  for the iconic Chicago broadcaster.

But very similar pictures also hang in two other popular Harry Caray's locations. Whether or not these celebrities have dined there isn't the point, the name on the sign will draw people in, but the food is definitely what will keep them coming back.

There are two other locations to enjoy Harry Caray's specialties, but the crowds will make it as difficult to find a table as is the one downtown. One is located on Navy Pier.

O'Hare Location

At the Navy Pier location, the summer months is the best time to dine. A nice outdoor patio, overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyline is a perfect place to enjoy the warm sunny days. On Fall Sunday afternoons, the restaurant is the docking point to take Bear fans to Soldier Field by boat. Considering the traffic and lack of parking around the stadium, this is a good idea to enjoy pre and post game tailgating. And since Navy Pier is an ideal for tourists, families are a big part of the business. They treat the kids well by providing a dish of ice cream with all of the kid's meals, and Goose Island Root Beer by the bottle is the popular drink of choice. The staff at Harry Caray's is proud of the local Chicago brew that they will wrap up the bottle for the kids to take home.

Harry Caray's is also located near O'Hare airport. This can be for the families in the suburbs, but this locations caters to the business travelers who have business in the area. As opposed to the downtown spots, there is nothing that would attract families to this HC located off the lobby of a Holiday Inn Express. The same photos line the wall, and it has a beautiful outdoor patio. And on the night we were there, it was a perfect night to sit outside and enjoy an outstanding meal.

The only downside? Well...as good as the food is, it doesn't come cheap. However it is worth every cent. A dinner here will not disappoint and you will be satisfied walking away.

Cubs - Cardinals...The Weekend.

The Cubs and Cardinals playing at Wrigley Field was the purpose behind a road trip to the Windy City. Tickets to a make up game as well as tickets for a regularly scheduled game found Matthew and Dana taking in two games in the best baseball rivalry in the game.

Dana has the car loaded and is ready for the 3 1/2 hour drive.

Prior to Saturday's game, the two stopped by one of Wrigleyville's best attractions, Harry Caray's Tavern, a previous Night Out on the Town.

Dana and Matt joined two friends for Saturday's game. Next to Dana is David "Big D" Blaker, the Video Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin. Sporting the Iowa, Outback Bowl t-shirt is Greg Dils, former co-worker of Dana's. This was Big D's first trip to Wrigley Field.

Matt and Dana laugh off a couple of obnoxious Cardinal fans. Many from St. Louis found their way to Wrigley Field, but as an announcer on WGN pointed out, Moonshine Sales end after the 7th inning and the fans dressed in red only had to brush four of their teeth.

After Saturday's victory we headed to Merkle's Bar, the tavern on Clark known for it's Iowa flavor.

But before heading back downtown, Matt and Dana stop for a similar picture Matthew had with Colin earlier this year.

A beautiful night in Chicago. Hotel Sax were the accomodations for the weekend which was located adjacent to the Chicago River. A night with low humidity and temps hovering in the mid 60s allowed for a great walk up and down the city streets.

Dana and Matthew headed back to Wrigley to use tickets from a game earlier in the season that was called on account of rain. These seats were located behind home plate with a great view of the historic ballpark. Another Cub - Cardinal game and another Cub victory.

Night Out on the Town

Recognizing the Cubs' National League Central Division Title and the first time to earn that mark in back to back years since 1908, we will review a popular restaurant in Chicago, Harry Caray's.

Harry Caray's Downtown opened in 1987 and has outlasted other restaurants sporting names of larger than life Chicago athletes such as Ditka's and Michael Jordan's. This location located on 33 West Kinzie, has both a formal dining area and bar where food is also served. Downtown and an O'Hare / Rosemount location are the two Italian Steak Houses in the chain. Steaks can prepared Vesuvio or Peppercorn Style. Harry's favorite was the Chicken Vesuvio, as heard often during the Cubs broadcast.

A new location recently opened in Wrigleyville at the old Hi-Tops location. This is your typical sports bar menu with burgers the specialty. The day I was there was following an weekday afternoon game against the Orioles. The Cubs lost, but times were good with good music, fine drinks and people enjoying themselves. Dutchie Caray, Harry's wife, even made an appearance.