Chicago, Chicago, That Toddlin' Town!

Hey, so the missus and I are heading to Chicago the last week in July for a weeks stay. Our first real adult vacation since our honeymoon (no kids or inlaws!)
She's already told me I should expect at least one afternoon apart to do what we want (I don't want to think what she may have in mind!). I like to peruse antique shops and such, but any good stamp shops you folks can recommend? I see several on the map.

James----Should of made it the middle of August then you could of made the APS show in Michigan and caught the Rasdale Stamp Auction in Chicago/Westmont both in the middle of August . As for good stamp shops the only one I could speak about is Dr. Bob's store in Woodridge but call first and let them know what you like to see and make arrangements with one of his sons first.

I second Floortrader in recommending Dr. Bob (Friedman). I've bought a number of collections from him over the years and have never been disappointed. Oh, and he's a doctor since he's a Ph.D. psychologist.

Agreed, I have bought both of Zeppelins (still missing 1) from Dr Bob and couldn't be more pleased with product and service.

You also must stop at a Portillos restaurant and try the Italian beef sandwich, they really are to die for. Where in Chicago will you be staying?

Warwick Allerton on Michigan Ave. Lots to look forward to!

There is a Portillos not far from you on Ontario st. Be sure to venture upstairs to the Tip Top Tap, a favorite watering hole of Al Capone.

Hi,
Once you get your stamp shopping done, make sure you get an Italian Beef sandwich (wet, w/peppers). Man, I miss them........

And go to Lou Malnati's on Lincoln ave in Lincolnwood.

And many of us would claim that for the best Italian Beef sandwiches, it's Carm's on Polk, Street in Little Italy.

For traditional Italian in a bustling neighborhood-big city ambiance, get over to Volare, 4 1/2 blocks from you at the corner of St. Clair and Grand Ave. It will be completely packed on the weekend, so a reservation is essential. Will not disappoint.

Reservations are recommended anywhere you are planning to go on any night. The city will be very full.

If you are a cocktail person and your budget doesn't mind a $20 martini, try the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel just across from the Allerton.

Chicago of course is a steak town and you can't go wrong with any of the standbys like Ditka's. Recently I've favored Mastro's for its 50's gangster ambiance. For seafood, consider a short hike to GT Fish & Oyster on Grand - it attracts a younger, hipper crowd. Joe's on Rush is much closer and has older folks but is very costly.

Make a souvenir cover and mail it home to yourself. Remember that the World Columbian Exposition was in Chicago in 1893 and associated with the 1893 Columbian issue of the same year.

I agree with those who reported good buying experience with Dr. Bob Friedman and sons, they know their US stamps and have sold me some nice items including a grilled 24c Banknote. But the operation they have set up at the Woodridge mall is not a stamp shop in the usual sense of the word. It is a place they use to meet clients for buying and selling wholesale lots of material, and you really need an appointment first with a particular list of things you want to see. Not much for browsing though.

For a more traditional "old school" shop take the Kennedy west and get off at Harlem where it intersects with Higgins just south of the exit. About a block and a half east of that intersection you will find Stamp King, which these days is run by Charles Berg. Charles is a fixture in Chicago philately and the main show director for a much diminished by still viable annual show called "Compex." The shop he runs is so jammed with shelves of albums, binders, and what all that you could wander in it for hours without getting bored. Like a super huge bourse table. Google "Stamp King Chicago" for access info.

I just spoke with the Stamp King. Very busy. Make an appointment.

I read years ago that someone bought all of his stamp material in one shot only to find out that he was able to replace it with even more material.