CHICAGO Nation's Restaurant News staffers, many of whom have been attending the NRA Show for years, offer up their suggestions for the best places in Chicago to have a discreet meeting, grab an after-show drink or just catch a break in the action to get some fresh air and a cup of coffee.
Robin Lee Allen, executive editor: Bistro 110 and Shaw's Crab House, because the food and service never disappoint. And, of course, the Drake Palm Court is perfect for chatting over tea or wine.
Dina Berta, human resources editor: Sunda -- a place to see and be seen
Paul Frumkin, deputy managing editor: It's not quiet, but it is CHICAGO in capital letters. Buddy Guy's Legend -- a great blues club with tons of atmosphere and pretty good food. If you're looking to rock between negotiations, it's the place to go in Chi.
Neil Hochman, online sales manager: Smith & Wollensky is always a good choice for a steakhouse. It is located right on the water, has a great atmosphere and many times offers wine tastings. The service is very good!
Chris Keating, national sales director: The greatest bar in America is Kingston Mines on North Halsted. Live shows don't start till 10, and it's not the, um, cleanest blues joint in town. But if you want to get down-home blues with bottled beer on ice and avoid the tourists, it's the place to go.
Ellen Koteff, editor: The bar at The Drake hotel because it has a piano player. Also Smith & Wollensky because the bar is wonderful.
John Krueger, Midwest (South) sales and marketing manager: Gene and Georgetti's Steak House, an old school favorite of local politicos and power brokers. Also, in the see and be seen category, Tavern on Rush and RL (Ralph Lauren) are hot spots -- an occasional celeb spotting at both places.
Tom Larranaga, publisher: One sixtyblue, for inspired American fare, a lively bar and a warm vibe.
Alan J. Liddle, managing editor of conferences and special projects: Frontera Grill -- For the authentic but approachable regional Mexican foods, straightforward and comfortable decor and, of course, the tequilas and cervezas. The Chez Panisse of Chicago's Mexican food scene and a must-see for students of interpreting the cuisines and cultures of other lands.
Sarah Lockyer, executive financial editor: Rivers, in the lobby level of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Building, is good for morning meetings and afternoon drinks. Poag Mahone's, in the Loop, is your standard old-school Chicago pub, with great burgers. I won't tell you what the name means in Gaelic, though.
Sue Macnow, inside sales manager: I like the upstairs lounge at Peninsula Hotel -- it's a quiet, sophisticated place to relax and have a conversation, and it's a central location. Joe's Stone Crab has a lively scene and good eats. My new fave, Sepia, has a great front lounge area, wine and cheese and is off the beaten path. And the W for the view!
Tom McElhinny, Southeast sales and marketing manager: If you want to go to a place where you can have a quiet conversation, the bar at the Four Season's Hotel on Michigan Avenue is an elegant place to meet either before dinner or after. They have a pianist on the weekends.
Pamela Parseghian, executive food editor: It's great to take walks along the lake and Chicago's fantastic bridges for some fresh air and a break from eating and drinking. For new restaurants try The Publican from the Avec and Blackbird folks. If you have more time to eat and a bigger expense account, go to Alinea or North Pond, where there's another opportunity to walk in a park.
Ron Ruggless, Southwest bureau chief: Blackbird Restaurant -- Executive Chef Paul Kahan and chef Mike Sheerin are "quiet revolutionaries" in the modern fine-dining restaurant, which opened in December 1997. The restaurant's name, which comes from the French slang for the merlot grape, is as smart as the sleek atmosphere and the modern menu, which ranges from a Jerusalem artichoke bisque with Jonah crab, English peas, sorrel and lime to organic pork belly with parsnip-olive black-eyed peas, black trumpet mushrooms and sweet potato jus. It's au courant after 10 years and spare, with the emphasis on the dependable food.
Susan Vincer, online publishing director: Avec is noisy, crowded and a scene. The Bristol has a great large lounge upstairs. The Violet Hour is one of the best cocktail lounges in Chicago. The Park Hyatt Chicago's NoMI Garden is a great outdoor space where you can detox from the show. Spiaggia has a great bar with a view of the lake. Corner Bakery is great for coffee and a quick bite.