In Chi town for the 4th - any locals with tips or suggestions?

[anonymouse1]

For pizza, Edwardo's (sp?)
The Art Instiute
The Baha'i Temple
Museum of Science and Industry

[Speedy]

I'm sure you already have hotel reservations but if not, the Comfort Inn and Suites has nice rooms at a reasonable price. 320 North Michigan Ave. Everything mentioned is within easy north/south bus rides. Plenty of shopping opportunities after the 4th.

[smacks]

Forget the deep dish pizza monstrosities and long lines. Check out Coalfire.

http://coalfirechicago.com/

[N-OS X-tasy!]

Check out a blues club.

[Mr Downtown]

Happy to answer specific questions. As for cheap vegetarian eats, keep in mind Chinatown (you can take the Water Taxi there) and Indian restaurants like Chicago Curry House and Nepal House, or the entire array of Indian and Pakistani along Devon Avenue between Western and Kedzie. Chicago Curry House and Khyber Pass in Illinois Center do lunch buffets.

For fireworks (launched just east of Navy Pier), perhaps you can see them from your hotel. If not, consider the shoreline just east of Buckingham Fountain, though that will be pretty crowded, too (Navy Pier will be closed by mid-afternoon because there's no more room for people). Or consider taking the L to the show in Evanston or Oak Park.

A ride on the L should be part of your trip. I often recommend a circle trip from the Mag Mile north on express bus 146 to its terminal at Berwyn Station. There, take the Red Line south to Fullerton, and switch to the Brown Line to return you to the Loop.