Christmas in Chicago - Dec 23-26

We came.  We saw.  We conquered.  We ate a lot of cheese fries.  Again.  Yes, I know, too many cheese fries.  Our intention this time was not as such, but downtown Chicago on Christmas Eve and Christmas is practically a ghost town.  Who would have thought?  Warning: this is a long post.

Our first night we stayed in Crystal Lake, IL.  Why?  It's a long story - don't ask.  We found Nick's Pizza and Pub on Yelp.  It had good reviews and was close.  The waitress was exceptional, the food was good, but it was a little overpriced.  Click that link.  If you like dead animals, then this place is for you.  Wanting to go out for a few drinks we stopped in at Duke's Alehouse.  Some drunk mess of a guy started a conversation with us and everyone else at the bar, we had a few drinks and then went back to the room.

The next morning, we had breakfast at Benedict's La Strata.  You can read my full review on Yelp.

Crab Cake Benedict with home fries

Crab Omelet with avocado and home fries

We were early for our hotel reservation at the Hard Rock Hotel downtown, but we called and they agreed to let us check in early.  The lobby was very modern and very "rock star."  Faux alligator walls, guitars behind the check in desk, slimline pool table in the lobby, low sitting chairs, etc.

We upgraded our room.  What a smart idea.  It was pretty fantastic.

We settled into the room but we were getting hungry and went out in the snow to find a place to hang before dinner.  Most things were closed, but we found Snicker's, a tiny little bar with decent drinks and decent food.  The greek fries were interesting in a good way.  Perfectly cooked fries, topped with feta, tzatziki and lemon juice.  I know!  Crazy, right?  Surprisingly good.  Macy's was open with a large crowd clustered around their windows looking at the displays and the skating rink was packed.  The bean was neat covered in snow.

The coldest bean in Chicago

After exploring, we were ready for dinner.  We found Rockit Bar and Grill.  There was an event going on, which we though sounded a little complicated and shady so we went across the street to Mother Hubbard's.  We drank and ate cheese fries and then drank some more and between the waitress (who we thought seemed so nice!) 'forgetting' she charged us for free wings and the couple beside us causing drama, it had turned into a long night.  So we lied and said we would meet up tomorrow, stopped for some beer at 7-Eleven and went to the room.

Christmas Day found us hungover and in need of something to eat.  We had indian delivered to the room.  Tasty, fun and WAY cheaper than room service.  After tending to our wounds we bundled up and hit the streets again.  It was quiet downtown but Blue Frog 22 was open for karaoke.  Jesse's song of choice, Monster Mash was a graveyard smash - har har har.  The tragic girl at the bar was disappointed when she realized she was going home alone and we met a former NFL player.  Though, I can't remember his name, he was very nice.  As Blue Frog closed we searched for somewhere to end the night - though our better judgement told us we should go home, we stopped back at Snicker's.  No trip would be complete without someone starting a completely inappropriate conversation with us while we're drunk at a bar, so why should this time be any different.  After a good verbal violation, traipsing back to the room was in order.  What a long night.

Sunday, we make the 6 hour drive back home, but not before a little brunch at Bandera's.  Mac and Cheese for an appetizer was perfect.  (They used sage!) A burger and ribs for the entrees.  Jesse LOVED the ribs and while my burger was good, it was a little sweet for my taste.  Between the ketchup, brioche roll and bread & butter pickles, it was a lot.  If we go again, I think ordering without the pickles would fix the issue.

It was a nice way to spend Christmas.  After the past year being about weddings and family and drama and learning a lot about the people we know - both good and bad, it was nice to have our first Christmas alone together and kind of decompress.  Who knows, maybe we'll make this a tradition.  Just don't tell my Mom.

P.S.  Thank you to the Hard Rock for being so awesome about returning my back I accidentally left with the concierge!  Quick, painless and not one thing out of place inside.  You guys rock.  Literally.  ;)