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I'm treating my parents to dinner before they go see a show at the United Center. Any recommendations? Re-parking isn't an issue, though I don't want to be too far from the stadium. And not super expensive would also be good since it's my treat Also they aren't picky eaters.

Here are a few past threads to help get you started:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=33057

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=156443

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=59540

Note: the easiest way to search past threads on the United Center is to go to google and type "site:lthforum.com United Center". This syntax restricts the Google search to this website.

Thanks. I actually looked through those, but the posts were either kind of old or looking for a more casual spot.

How about One Sixty Blue at 1400 W. Randolph? You can find some posts here on it. I think it would be pretty convenient to the UC. Here is a link to the site:

http://www.onesixtyblue.com/default.htm

They have a special deal for meals before United Center events too. There shoudl be more info on the web site. Never tired that particular option, but I've been there several times for regualr meals and its always been quite good.

I love one sixtyblue; in fact, it's my favorite casual fine dining restaurant in the entire city.

That being said, I hesitate to recommend it because of the stated requirement of "not super expensive". While I think one sixtyblue is fairly priced and worth every cent, it's certainly not "cheap eats"; entrees are in the thirties and for a complete dinner you'll spend around $100/pp including moderate alcohol and tax/tip.

I've recently been to Jay's Amore on Madison and think it's excellent for what it hopes to be: a welcoming neighborhood restaurant that serves great Italian standards.

The night I was at Jay's, albeit a night without any United Center events, the service was unhurried but very warm. The owner, Jay, sat at the front of the house and welomced everyone who came in. The atmosphere is white table cloths, nice portions, and and a fun environment. It was evident that there were a lot of regulars. There's also a piano in the corner that I was hoping someone would sit down to play, but no entertainment that night.

My friend and I had appetizers, two bottles of wine, and entrees and our bill with tip was about $80. Had we not polished off two bottles of wine, the bill would have been lower.

Jay's Amore
1330 W. Madison Street
Chicago
312-829-3333

I like Avec at 615 W. Randolph for pre-UC dining. They don't take reservations, but if you're going to a game or show, you have to eat so early in any event that you beat the crowd. And, the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates are one of the tastiest things I've ever, um, tasted. In general, it's worth remembering that the whole stretch of restaurants on Randolph west of the loop is only a couple of minutes from the UC by zipping over on Randolph to Ogden, which feeds into Washington and leads to the UC parking lots.

How about Greek Town? Free valet and good dinner prices. I like Parthenon.

http://www.theparthenon.com/

Thanks all! I'll let you know where I decide.

We like to go to Tufanos Vernon Park Tap before the United Center-
Old school Italian- medium casual- great value (won't break your bank account), great food.- All the wonderful Italian standbys are wonderful here- Calamari, Caprese salad, Lemon chicken, lasagna, and tiramisu to die for.
pictures of Frank on the wall etc. Definitely not coat and tie kinda place, but if you're wearing one, that OK too.
It's the kind of place MY parents would LOVE.
(One caveat- it's cash only, but they have an ATM)
1073 W Vernon Park Pl; Chicago, IL 60607; (312) 733-3393

If you're doing Greek Town we love Pegasus or Santorini (for Seafood)

_________________
"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."
~James Michener

What about Ina's on Randolph? Very reasonable and close by.

_________________
Toria

"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it" - As You Like It,
W. Shakespeare

Ok so we finally made a decision. May St. Cafe in Pilsen. It's a little farther, but hopefully worth it.

Thanks for all your ideas!

There's also May Street Marketon Grand, which is closer and serves quite good food.

_________________
Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

I definitely want to try May St. Market, though possibly when it's my parents treating me and not the other way around

But, I had to scrap the other May St. as well. Their seating times (5, 7, 9pm) didn't work.

I'm gonna try that new place Macello and keep my fingers crossed.