If dad wants a tie, he'll buy himself one. Skip the dull gifts this year and spend some QT with pops instead. These Father's Day events, from bowling to biking and tapas to tandoori, will show dad how much you appreciated him teaching you how to drive and completing your 4th grade science project.
Combine BBQ and bowling at 10pin Bowling Lounge
All of dad's faves come together: bowling, baseball on the big screen and, what else, BBQ. The BBQ brunch, which is first-come, first-serve, includes Jack Daniels BBQ ribs, lamb chops, corn on the cob and breakfast items. Special drinks include the King Pin (Maker’s Mark with sweet vermouth and a dash of grenadine) and Daddy-O (Tangueray and lime juice). Starting at 11 a.m., pay $15 per person for up to three hours of unlimited bowling and shoe rental. Knock down a specially placed red pin and win a prize.
Impress discerning Dads at Aigre Doux
Does your dad appreciate organic products and peruse the dining sections of various publications? Those looking to appease foodie dads, without breaking the bank, should consider the Father's Day brunch at the casually chic, and highly reviewed, Aigre Doux on Kinzie. Options, such as the fine herb omelets and house made vanilla French toast (both $14), are sure to satisfying the most discriminating palates.
Take him to the races at Arlington Park Racetrack
Dad not the brunching kind? Then take him to Arlington Park. In addition to betting on the horse races, you can visit the make-your-dad-a-placemat station or take advantage of pony rides for the kids and music by the Kimi Hayes Band. And should you get suckered into the whole brunch thing, there's that, too. It costs around $60 per person.
Rally up the troops for Bike Chicago at Northerly Island
If early memories with your dad include various camping trips, fishing expeditions and weekend jogs, now's the time to pretend like the activities grew on you. Suck it up and take dad on Northerly Island's Father's Day Weekend Bike Rally and Nature Ride, which actually takes place at 11 a.m. the Saturday before dad's day. For cyclists in need of a "refresher," the Chicago Police Bike Squad will be there to cover the basics of safe biking.
Experience some southern comfort at Bistro 110
Take dad out for a classic meal at this French Quarter-inspired jazz brunch from 10:30 a.m-4 p.m. Options include grilled salmon with provencal tian and lobster beurre blanc and duo of duck confit ravioli ($27.95), among others.
Fun for the whole family at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Looking for the perfect spot to please all of your siblings, while still keeping the focus on dad? With sharable options like the Spanish tortilla with jamon, red peppers and manchego ($4.75), Ba-Ba-Reeba’s Tapas for Papas is the perfect option for large groups and extended families. And the cafe makes sure the guest of honor doesn’t go overlooked, with a complimentary gift for dads.
Look for all-inclusive entertainment at Carnivale
Giving gifts is always fun. Still, it’s nice to swing it so you get a little kick-back, too—kind of like that Father’s Day in ’89 when you “gave” your dad the new Janet Jackson album. This year, exercise subtlety by taking him to Carnivale for a gourmet, three-course meal of Latin-influenced cuisine…and we promise he’ll mean it when he thanks you.
Celebrate the good ol' days at Dine
Does your dad always reference "the old days," an anonymous time period filled with real activities like woodworking instead of watching reality TV? If so, take dad to Dine where he can celebrate in yesteryear. This 1940s-styled supper club will serve a three course Father's Day dinner from 4-10 p.m. Dad can start reminiscing while eating his shrimp bisque and ponder what's wrong with kids these days while he licks red velvet cake off his lips.
Take the non-sentimental types to Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
The cozy neighborhood spot will award the young at heart with "grown up souvenirs" of signature golf balls. But, before he hits the green, show him you love him with a round of brew: The bar will be celebrating all day from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Give your dad a gift with a view at Fulton's on the River
With special flights of wine and scotch, the restaurant's Father's Day Surf and Turf package includes pairings with filet mignon and lobster tail ($75). Festivities run from noon-9 p.m.
Travel with pops to Ireland at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
For dads longing for the Homeland, this brunch will make him thinks he’s back on the Emerald Isle. He can dine on contemporary versions of hearty Irish fare from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and wash it down with one of 15 beers on tap or an Irish whiskey. Don’t take too many shots, lest you leave one dad lighter.
Say Aloha to BBQ at sola
If you can't take dad to Oahu for Father's Day, take him to sola, where chef Carol Wallack will cook up Hawaiian-style fare on the grill. With dishes like barbecued baby back ribs and grilled shrimp on a stick, dad will feel right at home in his tropical-print shirt and flip flops. As a bonus, he gets to take home a personalized golf ball with sola's logo.
Celebrate family at Spiaggia
Fugghedabout sitting home on Father's Day. Head to the city's most prestigious Italian restaurant for dinner prepared by award-winning chef Tony Mantuano. As a souvenir, dads receive a bottle of grappa and a $25 gift certificate to its less formal, sister cafe.
Celebrate da father at Soldier Field
Your Chicago born-and-bred dad loves you, he really does. It’s just that he REALLY loves the Bears. So this Father’s Day, step up and acknowledge that "other" sibling in the family by taking pop to Soldier Field to try his luck at kicking a field goal. You and your family can also enjoy off-the-field quality time with a four-star brunch in the exclusive Cadillac Club. Admission is $50.
Pass off the grill duties to someone else at Vermilion
Give dad a break from grilling with an Indian-meets-Latin meat fest. Dad can select from a skirt steak with three different marinades (madras curry, mango cumin or tandoori), a trio of burgers (chicken marshals, plantain and fish curry) or a four kabob platter. Any of these options should please pops, but make him really proud by surprising him with a $5 jar of one of Vermilion's three signature spice rubs.
Are we forgetting something dad would love? Let us know.
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