Turk's Game day experience for Out-a-Towners Flying into O'Hare
Lodging: Don't stay anywhere close to Ryan Field, it's a waste unless you got money to burn for an old hotel.
Sorry, Evanston hotels suck and the price is a joke. Bottom line. Plus, Chicago is a world class city that has transportation that goes right to Ryan Field so there is no reason to be intimidated by being 10 miles away. Here's my suggestions. At any rate, me and the wife almost always travel using the public transportation since it beats the heavy traffic, is safe, and very convenient to all of our fav places. Only $2 each way also!
Rental Car: DO NOT RENT A CAR!!!! Ryan Field has limited parking and good luck trying to find parking along streets. If you have a car...leave it at your hotel.
Parking: If you are driving in from somewhere else then park at the Cumberland parking garage located at the Blue Line Cumberland Stop. This is very close to O'hare. It's $2 for all day parking and you are right there at the train stop.
Lodging: Any of the hotels at O'hare in Rosemont offer weekend rates and are within walking distance of the Rosemont CTA "L" train service. My pick would be the "Hyatt Rosemont", not to be confused with the Hyatt Regency. If you want to go really cheap then the Motel 6 Schiller park is one mile from the CTA and is nightly at $55 a night. Nice neighborhood and clean.
Transportation: CTA "L" Blue Line. It's the subway that serves Rosemont. Simply take that train [$2 from Rosemont to Ryan Field]. Follow the blue line stops that are very clear in each train car. You want to take the blue line and transfer to the Red line on the "Jackson" stop. Then take the Red line to its end at the "Howard Stop". At the Howard stop, you transfer to the "Purple Line" and stay on the Purple line to the "Central Stop". Ryan Field is 1/2 mile west of the stop and you will probably notice all the other football fans on your train before getting off. Just follow them.
Eats and Drinks: You have the world in front of you once you get back on the L Train and want to spend time eating, drinking, or having fun. Below are my favorites along the L
BLue Line: This is the subway that leads you back to your hotel. Stop at Damon and enjoy Bucktown. Many eateries here, young crowd.
Breweries:
"Green eye brewery" located right there at the Blue Line L stop at western. The list of micro brews is endless and the atmosphere is friendly and pleasant. Pretty crowded so may not be able to find a seat. Seating is available inside and outside. Very social place.
Rock Bottom Brewery: Red line stop at Grand. Can't miss it. Rooftop party and a good place to chill out with folks and have some drinks.
Smokey Joes: Located in Weber Grill restaurant across from Rock Bottom.
Chicago Style Pizza:
Uno's: red line stop at Chicago. Go east a block and one block south.
Giordano's: one block south rom the Hyatt Rosemont.
Gino's East: One block south and then one block east of the Hyatt Rosemont.
Italien foods
Rosebud's: Red line to Chicago stop then go one block east. I believe it is one block north also. The original Rosebud is on Taylor street in little Italy but this second location will be fine. The chicken Braciolle is awesome along with the chicken franciese [sp?]. If it's not on the menu, the chief will prepare it for you anyways.
Ribs:
Best ribs in Chicago is "Twin Anchors". AWESOME!!! Sinatra's place and it's the cute restaurant in the movie "Return to Me". You'll love this place. I think it's the green line but it's the sedgewick stop.
Ice Cream
Nothing can be better than getting cooled off with some ice cream after sitting out in the heat from a 11am game. Not to worry, the absolute best ice cream parlor is right on the CTA L Blue Line. Take the western stop. Margies Candies is the place and it is about 200 ft north of your blue line stop. INCREDIBLE! Get the atomic sundae. All of the chocolate is made right there also. This place is always ranked in the top 10 ice cream parlors of the entire nation. It's also a beattles museum as the beattles used to go there for the 'world's biggest sundae" that serves 8 people. It's an old place with booths and the juke boxes that are at each booth. Also, the price is super awesome. Most sundaes are around $4 but they give you plenty and they are still the best.
Steak Place
Weber's Grill: Take the Red line and get off at Grand stop. It's right there on the other side of the Rock Bottom Brewery. Prime Rib is awesome as is all their cuts. Artichoke dip is great and make sure you get their famous Goose Island "Backyard Brew".
Gibson's: Blue line to Rosemont stop. Walk one block south and it's there on the right. Very expensive but classy place and best service and steaks known to Chicago.
Sports Bars:
ESPN Zone: Take the Red line and stop on Grand. Go east one block.
Hooters: Take the Blue line and get off at the cumberland stop. Hooters is right there next to Outback Steakhouse.
Anyways, hopes this helps. email me to let me know if you tried any of these and if you have any other selections along the L Stops.
Enjoy the Game!
Best "Jerk Chicken and Jamaican Food" : "Good to Go". It's on Howard st just south of Evanston and close to the lake. It's a nice place, clean, and the best jerk chicken plate in the city, AND only about 10 buck.
Best appetizer: Sirloin medallions at Tommy Nevins in Evanston on the corer of Sheridan and Lake