Chicago Forum: Gino's back on Superior now? And other restaurant discussion

Yes, there is a Gino's on Superior, just east of Michigan Ave, next door to the Affinia Hotel. I was very underwhelmed by it. Bad sauce, flavorless crust, and the pizza was a mess to eat...even for deep dish.

I had Pizanos, Giordano's, and Lou Malnatis, and all three were scores better. Just my opinion, though.

I would agree with dave. Big Bowl stinks.

http://www.luxbar.com/

http://rlrestaurant.polo.com/

http://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/DiningExperiences/Restaurants/Group4/Bistro+110.htm

I'm personally not a fan of Gino's East either but if you were a fan before, you will probably enjoy it. They still have the same decor, at both locations, and still have long waits on the weekends. For deep dish I like Lou Malnati's on Wells, for a different kind of pizza you can try Giordano's for stuffed

I like Big Bowl but it is a little pricey for Thai food. If you find that you don't want to go there, there's a nice upscale food court at Water Tower place called Foodlife, quick and good food plus there are several different kinds of cuisines to choose from.

Make sure you have reservations for Joe's Seafood, you can get free online reservations at www.opentable.com. Otherwise expect a wait, I've never been there when it hasn't been very crowded.

If you are talking about the Walnut Room in Macy's/Field's, it's still there. I didn't think the food was all that great when it was operated by Field's, I think it exists as a nostalgia thing personally. If you find yourself at Macy's, a better place to dine is at the gourmet food court which is on the same floor as the Walnut Room, Frontera Grill has an express version there and the food is good and quick (limited menu though).

Thanks all - we do have reservations at Joe's already and I'm passing your suggestions on! Will write a quick review when I'm back.

A few notes...

Gino's on Superior is not the world famous Gino's restaurant. I heard it had some health code violations. Gino's East is one of my favorites, but many dislike it. I think Pizzeria Uno/Due are the best, though they are also the smallest. Giordano's is also very good...I'm not a big fan of Lou Malnati's...I've never eaten at the downtown location...I tend to eat at the original in Lincolnwood.

Big Bowl is a chain...no reason to eat at chains while in Chicago...I'm not into asian food so I'm at a loss in offering a replacement. I haven't heard of Kamehachi...though I'm not really into seafood. the trendy place to go for sushi is Japonais. Joes is probably the best seafood in Chicago, but that's not saying much. It's an extension of the original in Miami, so again you're bordering on a chain.

Regarding the food court in Macy's...it's very good at a low price. Frontera Fresca is a gourmet Mexican outlet of the world famous Rick Bayless who owns two of the best restaurants in Chicago, Topolobompo and Frontera Grill. There is also a burger place, noodle spot, salads and cold sandwich shop. I ate at the burger place yesterday and it's definately better than average.

"Gino's on Superior is not the world famous Gino's restaurant. I heard it had some health code violations. Gino's East is one of my favorites, but many dislike it."

cpfoutz you are confusing Gino's East on Superior with Gino's on Rush. Gino's on Rush is the one that closed, Gino's East on Superior is affiliated with the Gino's East on Wells/Ontario. They closed the Superior location and then reopened it (although I think it's not in exactly the same spot).

Pizza is something that Chicagoans never agree on :-)

I recant my last post regarding Gino's...I misspoke. There is a Gino's that is not part of the Gino's East chain, but this one is not it.

The old Gino's East would be under Needless Markup (sorry I love that slang)somewhere. It was very close to Michigan. The new one is actually where Benihanna's was located. They are moving (Benihanna's) but I'm not sure where. They told me they were building at a new location and it would be at least a year.

This is a better spot for Pizza, imho:

Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder

http://www.chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/