Lunch in Chicago; You're Invited

“hey wk, i am downtown today and can do lunch if you and/or others want to give it a try. sorry for short notice, my schedule changed last night.”

“So, If I were to end up in Chicago over thanksgiving weekend I could do lunch. And, I'd also like some advice on where I could crash for a night or two, as I'm too cheap to pay for a hotel. I wouldn't mind camping out, or crashing on somebody's basement floor, or sleeping in my car in a wal-mart parking lot, or sleeping on a park bench... just as long as it's free.”

“There is a traveler's hostel in the south Loop area. Don't know much about it but it's there. Will see what I can find out about it. I will be out of town for part of that weekend.”

“Simmer you are free to crash at Crazy Mikes and my place so long as you dont fear pets :) We arnt chicago, but in hammond IN which isnt far from chicago.”

“How far from chicago? Nothing wrong with pets, I love animals.

I'd probably be in town from the 23rd through the 26th (wed-sat). Dropping a friend off at the airport on Wednesday night. Planning on goin to the Disturbed show on Thursday (thanksgiving) night, then hanging out all day Friday somewhere, and heading back on Saturday.
last edited: 11/07/05 3:47:45 PM”

“Hammond is in Indiana its no more then 30-35 minutes away I think. I never go into the city cept by train so I might be off but its not far really. We have a couch you might have to share with a golden retriever since its "her spot". She'll either huddle with you or just stare at you all night.”

“I'll let you know if I'm going to take you up on this generous offer.”

“You are very close to Chicago from Hammond. In fact, Hammond and Chicago abut each other.

And the South Shore train makes getting downtown a breeze.”

“interesting, I'll keep that in mind. so, who wants to do lunch on like thursday or friday?”

“It's time to plan another lunch. Simer is going to be in town 11/22 - 11/26. I was thinking of perhaps lunch and/or happy hour on Wednesday the 23rd. Nothing firm yet though until I hear from him. What say you all?”

“I have to drop a friend off at the airport on wednesday at like 9am, so I'm free after that.”

“And yeah, I'm legal - i've been 21 for like 5 months.”

“Tell me where and when and I'll be there.”

“Ditto.”

“Our little boy is all grown up! ;-)”

“What should I buy him to drink?

Are we singing?”

“What are we singing for?

And somebody's gonna have to tell me where to go, 'cause I have no idea...”

“That's the day before Thanksgiving. Traffic will be abominable but if you schedule something after work I'll try to make it.”

“oh my!!!

Of course there should be singing. But the Alumni Club is closed. Where do you suggest?


And I am thinking happy hour it should be on Wednesday.”

“Why was I thinking simer was a lot older? 21??? just a baby.....”

“you must be confusing simer with snake eyes or possibly nowslimmer”

“nah, I've met both of them.”

“I don't know any other place that has karaoke. We could meet at Rock Bottom. Great Beer selections, mixed drinks, good food as well”

“Good beer and food sounds good to me”

“It is a great place to hang! Shouldn't be to busy either.”

“Ruby, what'ca think?

Wednesday at Rock Bottom

http://www.rockbottom.com/RockBottomWeb/RBR/Index.aspx?PageName=/RockBottomWeb/Controls/Location/DisplayLocationRBR.ascx&SectionName=Root.LocationFinder.LocationResults.LocationDetails.OurPlace&LocationID=10061”

“works for me.”

“Sweet!”

“alright - what time should I be there?”

“Yes time please and your link is blocked by my websense.

hopefully happy hour will last until I can get there from the burbs. I look forward to meeting a lot of you for the first time.”

“Cool! Good choice, WK!

I am so excited for us all to get together for happy hour. So much more fun than lunch. And finally get to meet dhutch and simer! Woo Hoo!!!

Time? Maybe 4 or 5? I am open. I suspect that much of business will be shutting down since it is a holiday. Or we do it at 5:30. Whatever works for everyone.

Brian, if we call ahead, can we get a group reservation on "TT"? Then the first one there can just ask for that and know where to go. Don't think anyone in our group minds having to have a drink while they wait for the rest of us.

Brian, the only thing I notice is that the singing starts at 10 p.m. on wednesday. Might be a little late. Then again, maybe not!”

“lol, Sounds like a plan, 4:00pm - doesn't mean everybody has to show up at that time, people can filter in as they can, I have all night.”

“Count me out. I have in-law stuff to do.”

“4:00 it is then. Whoever gets there first get a table or two for a bunch. Make sure to tell the waitress you're with TT so the rest of us know where to find ya.


Simer, do you have plans for the day on Wednesday? There are so many cool things to see and do in Chicago. Have you been here before?”

“Never been to Chicago before... I'll take any advice on what to do/see where to go.”

“We'll give you ideas. Will you spend the day on Wednesday in the city? You mentioned dropping someone off at the airport. If you are driving, come to the city and park your car, then walk the rest of the time. It's not too hard to figure out the El train or the buses either (cheap). There are so many cool sites to see just walking around.


Give me an idea of what you'd like to see on Wednesday, and we'll give you a list of suggestions. Then after beer on Wednesday night, we can talk more about other stuff.

There are typical touristy things to see, but still worthwhile, like the Sears Tower or John Hancock (both great on a clear day). There is Millenium Park to walk around (free). Check out the sculptures. You could walk around Navy Pier. There are cool areas to check out. Do you like Indian food? Then there is a particular street to go to (can't remember which one at the moment). Lincoln Park Zoo is cool and even better, free. There are lots of funky stores to check out. You could lose yourself window shopping. Just tell us what you are in the mood for.



I'm going to start a new thread as well for our get together to try to get the attention of some of the Chicago-area people who don't normally come for lunch. They might come in for happy hour though.”

“What part of Chi you in? I may be going to Warrenville in a couple of weeks. It's been at least a year since I've been in Chicago... more like 18 months. Used to have to go up there 4-5 times a year.”

“Alright, sounds like a plan.

Plan is, if I get there early enough on Tuesday, I'm gonna hit up the Sevendust/Mudvayne concert crash probably in a hotel not too far from the airport with my friend, Wednesday I'll drop him off at the airport and try to find something touristy to do on wednesday... Parks, stores, sears tower, food, etc like you mentioned, catch up with you guys for lunch and figure out what to do with the rest of the week.

As far as what I want to do... I have no idea, lol. Any hidden surprises that I should check out?”

“Speaking of rock bottom... out facility right across the street from the one in Warrenville. Last time we were there I was able to sweet talk the gal into getting us free beers :D”

“Oh, and SC mentioned that I could crash at her place, I don't exactly know where I'm sleeping each night... anywhere I can sleep for as cheaply as possible.”

“http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/41292,3.php

Go here.”

“Any one game for Lunch, THURSDAY, JAN 12 in the Loop?”

“If I'm in the city, yes!!! (That's my birthday).”

“OMG will there be cake? I almost want to take the day off and meet you guys down there for the occaision, but sadly cannot.

Have fun and HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUBY!”

“I can probably make it.”

“Mind if I join you? I have a class down there at 7, so I can make an afternoon of it.”

“It will be great to have you along Bessie!”

“Who's in?

What time?

What place?

I just unpacked my sign, I think.”

“Could we try something new?

There is a Potbelley's around the corner.”

“Potbelly's is fine with me. Please give address or intersection.

Okay time?”