Planning a great stag party in the near future? Maybe you should plan for Chicago. It’s one of the greatest cities you’ll ever visit, with breath-taking architecture and some truly remarkable people. If you are looking for some great value accommodation in Chicago that is perfect for stag weekends check out HostelBookers. There are all kinds of things to see and do in Chicago, more than enough to satisfy even the craziest party. Delicious restaurants, impressive landmarks and awesome bars: Which ones should a Chicago stag trip pay a visit to?
Restaurants
As far as restaurants go, Chicago has some of the finest cuisine in the world. Few cities are so simultaneously sophisticated, eclectic and cultural. Chicago is home to many Michelin starred restaurants, the most famous Alinea in Lincoln Park, which requires tickets to be reserved months in advance. Another local favourite is the “Bayless Triad”: Topolo, Frontera and Xoco in the scenic River North neighbourhood, owned and operated by celebrity Chef Rick Bayless.
Topolo is a fine-dining experience, Xoco delivers unparalleled “Mexican street food”, and Frontera is a happy medium between the two. If you’re looking to try some of that fabled Chicago deep-dish pizza, both Giordano’s and Gino’s pizzerias are ready and willing just off Michigan Avenue. Both are Chicago “must-visits”, and are particularly suited for stag parties.
Sights
No Chicago stag party can be complete without visiting a few of the city’s cultural icons. Chicago has, arguably, the most beautiful buildings in the world, and the tallest skyscrapers in the United States. Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is world renowned—and with good reason. Its observatory delivers an unparalleled view of an American metropolis, one that just might accelerate the heart rate.
On the other side of the Chicago River, the John Hancock Observatory rivals Willis in height, and maybe surpasses it aesthetically. Its own observatory is centrally located above the city’s Magnificent Mile district, making for an even better view than Willis’.
Should the urban sprawl tire your senses, Millennium Park on South Michigan Avenue provides much needed “natural” relief. Impeccable landscaping, lush vegetation and several nationally recognized landmarks make it a wonderful hotspot for visitors. Cloud Gate is a particularly fun attraction: What kind of stag party is it without bizarrely distorted pictures at “The Bean”?
Nightlife
Chicago’s nightlife is just what you might expect from a major world city, and is ideally suited for hosting stag parties. Its bars and lounges alternate between discrete and insane, and many offer amazing views of the city and nearby Lake Michigan. The Signature Lounge at the 96th Floor is the perfect example. Located on—you guessed it—the 96th floor of the John Hancock building, the Signature Lounge is quite a classy place to host a party. It’s got a great drink selection, amazing desserts, and a spectacular view.
What more can you ask for? Well, there’s the outdoor fire pit at the Vertigo Sky Lounge’s balcony. Reserve a table, listen to the music, order some drinks, and have a great time enjoying the city lights. If altitude isn’t your thing, the Zebra Lounge on the trendy Gold Coast might be your hangout of choice. It’s the second oldest bar in Chicago, and features live piano music every night. It’s on the smaller side, but truthfully that’s part of the appeal. The crowd is a lot of fun; dancing and socializing are the name of the game here.
If your heart is set on Chicago, keep in mind that the city has two very different seasons. Your experience is going to be a lot different in the winter, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be great: a bit colder, maybe. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, however, especially if you’re planning to spend time at Millennium Park. Regardless of when you go, if you have a stag party in Chicago, you can bet your friends are going to have a hard time ever topping it.
