MichaelG's Profile

Cocktail is OK, as long as you don't have a line to get in. The space is small, but if you can get a seat by the window, you'll have a great time watching all the boys walk up and down Halsted.

The Art Institute is a definite stop in Chicago. The museum has a respectable collection, and the new Modern Wing is beautiful.

Chicago is full of amazing architecture, and the Architecture River Cruise is a great way to see it from the river. There are a few operators, but the one run by the Chicago Architecture Foundation is informative and professional. You ride on the top deck of an open-air boat while a CAF docent explains the history and significance of the buildings on the tour. The tour is 90 minutes long. It's an easy way to ease into your Chicago visit. Plus there's a full bar belowdecks!

The Dana is a small, boutique hotel with modern decor. The rooms are nicely furnished and the staff is friendly. The Dana is conveniently located downtown, only 2 blocks from the Red Line, and 2 blocks from Michigan Ave. There's also a roofdeck bar that gets hopping at night. The crowd is mostly straight, but gay-friendly. Overall, a relaxing spot to base your visit to Chicago.

North End is a nice change of pace from Sidetrack and Roscoe's. It's a great sports bar with friendly staff and decent drinks. And, of course, lots of big screen tv's to watch all the sports you would want. It's got a couple of bars and pool tables. Definitely worth checking out.

My Chicago friend calls Sidetrack "The Bar That Ate Halsted." It just gets bigger and bigger! They apparently keep buying adjacent properties and expanding their space. But it's still packed with way-cute boys who are all really friendly. Watch out for the slushy drinks: a couple of those on a sunny afternoon can put you under fast!

3R is all about location. It's in the heart of Guerneville, w/i easy walking distance to the Rainbow Cattle Co. & Club Yamagata. Also easy walk to local restaurants and the Safeway. The pool is the place to be in the afternoons. Bar has karaoke and some live performances. Down side is that the rooms can be noisy, especially if you're near the bar. Best to ask for a room near the back of the property. But you're not really there to sleep, are you?