Things to Do in Chicago | 11/20/2012 | Concierge Picks | Chicago Travel
Located in River North at the corner of Orleans and Huron, just west of the art gallery district and just south of another Chicago classic, Club Lago, The Green Door Tavern opened in 1921 and made it through prohibition which was already in full effect at that time. But that didn't stop the owners from selling alcohol. They constructed a speakeasy inside and painted the door green, a symbol that alcohol was secretly being served within. Today, the upper floor of the building is still a bar and restaurant. A selection of 10 beers on tap includes Guinness and Fat Tire, and the menu features burgers and pasta dishes. But walk downstairs and you'll find a virtual museum of odds and ends of the 20th Century. It's definitely a must-see for any Chicago history buff.
Green Door Tavern
678 North Orleans Street Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 664-5496
Head to west Kinzie Street and dine at the elegant Mercadito Chicago for 11 varieties of tacos and enchiladas. Mercadito also serves a selection of assorted guacamole with strawberries and pineapple among the ingredients. My favorite drink is definitely the Little Market, with dried (gwaheo) guajillo chile around the rim. Did you know that Mercadito offers a late night menu every day of the week after midnight? Take advantage of the late-night Takeeza Time offering all-you-can eat tacos for $23 after 10 p.m. Until closing time Sunday through Thursday and after 11 p.m., and until closing on Friday and Saturday nights, too!
Mercadito
108 West Kinzie Street Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-9555
Plan ahead to see a classic fairy tale come to life at the Lyric Opera from Dec 7th through Dec 19th. Based on the dark Brothers Grimm tale, two children name Hansel and Gretel go to a dark forest to find enough food to eat for dinner. Follow the children as they discover a dangerously enticing new place and learn the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and family, not to mention meeting a mysterious woman with a gingerbread house, who takes them in; however, it not long before they learn she's actually a witch, and has made some unorthodox dinner plans involving her young guests. It's a good balance of scary and humor, including a food-flinging scene, Hansel and Gretel appeals to kids, too. So bring them! Don't wait to get your tickets, there's a limited amount!
Lyric Opera Chicago
20 North Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 332-2244
For more information on these events, check out conciergepreferred.com or pick up the magazine at any concierge desk in the city. Check out conciergepreferred.com every Wednesday for the week's concierge picks.