Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
138
Tips
Rocking & Rolling at the Golden Arches
The reality of traveling with kids means the occasional fast-food meal can be a
real lifesaver. In McDonald's hometown (corporate headquarters is located in
west suburban Oak Brook), I would be remiss in not mentioning the second-busi-
est franchise in the world. If you're going to go the fast-food route, head for the
McDonald's at the corner of Grand Avenue and Clark Street, which was unveiled
for the company's 50th anniversary in 2005. The gleaming, glass-enclosed build-
ing looks like something out of
The Jetsons,
and it's filled with stylish amenities
that would look right at home in a luxur y airport lounge. You can chow down
while relaxing in a reproduction of Mies van der Rohe's famous Barcelona chair,
check out the exhibit of collectible Happy Meal toys from inside a 1960s-style
egg chair, or order a cappuccino and gelato at the upstairs cafe.
The original location, in the neighborhood of R oscoe Village, is smaller but just as
kitschy and filled with families (2005 W. Roscoe St.;
&
773/248-7372
).
600 W. Chicago A ve.
&
312/644-1500.
Reservations not ac cepted. Main courses $9-$15; k ids' menu
under $5. AE, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 8am-7pm; Fri 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun 9am-3pm. Bus 66.
Mr. Beef
Finds
AMERICAN Mr. Beef doesn't have much atmosphere or seating
room, but it 's a much-lo ved Chicago institution. S queeze in alongside the lunchtime
regulars and enjoy the atmosphere (or lack thereof). Families with small children will be
happier getting their sandwiches to go, as lack of space means M. Beef is not a highchair-
friendly place. Its claim to fame is the classic I talian beef sandwich, the Chicago v ersion
of a Philly cheese steak. The Mr. Beef variety is made of sliced beef dipped in
jus,
piled
high on a che wy bun, and topped with sw eet or hot peppers. H eavy, filling, and
very
Chicago, Mr. Beef really hops during lunchtime, when dusty constr uction workers and
suit-wearing businessmen cr owd in for their meaty fix. While y ou're cho wing do wn,
check out the celebrity photos and newspaper clippings covering the walls and you'll see
why this place is considered a local monument.
666 N. Orleans St. (at Erie St.).
&
312/337-8500.
Reservations not accepted. Sandwiches $6-$8.50. No
credit cards. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 10:30am-3:30pm. Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
5
Pizzeria Uno
Value
PIZZA In 1943 Pizzeria Uno invented Chicago-style pizza,
and many deep-dish aficionados still r efuse to accept any imitations. U no is no w a
nationwide chain, but this location is the original. You may eat in the restaurant itself on
the basement lev el or, weather permitting, on the outdoor patio right off the side walk.
Salads, sandwiches, and a house minestr one are also available, but, hey, the only r eason
to come here is for the pizza. As with G ino's East (see above), pizzas take about 45 min-
utes to make, so if the kids ar e starving, order an appetizer or a salad.
Uno was so successful that the owners opened
Pizzeria Due
in 1955 in a lovely gray-
brick Victorian town house nearby at 619 N. Wabash Ave., at Ontario Street (
&
312/
943-2400
). The menu is identical at both restaurants, although the space at Pizzeria Due
is much larger, with more outdoor seating.
29 E. Ohio St. (at Wabash Ave.).
&
312/321-1000.
www.unos.com. Highchairs. Reservations not accepted
Fri-Sat. Pizza $7-$22. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 11am-1am; Sat 11:30am-2am; Sun 11:30am-11:30pm.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
