Honestly been meaning to check out Naoki Chicago for ages, heard wild things about their sushi. Finally got my act together last Thursday. Thought it’d be simple, Chicago ain’t that big, right? Wrong. First attempt was a wash.
The Epic Fail Start
Jumped in my car thinking “oh yeah, Naoki Chicago, probably near River North or something”. Plugged Naoki Chicago into my phone maps. Nope. Got lead straight into the middle of this sleepy residential street in Lincoln Park. Panicked a little. Saw a guy walking his dog and yelled out the window “Yo! Know where Naoki restaurant is?”. Dude just shrugged. Total bust. Learned my lesson hard: You gotta search exactly for Naoki Chicago Restaurant. That extra word matters, believe me. Felt like an idiot driving home.
Getting Serious This Time
Second try, last night. Researched properly. Here’s the plan that worked:
- Reservation? YES! Seriously, called them on a whim Wednesday. Lady sounded half amused, half pitying. “All booked tonight sweetie, but tomorrow 5:30 PM?” Snagged it. Felt like winning the lottery.
- Picked public transit. Downtown parking sucks, taxis pricey. Plus, easier to enjoy fancy drinks without driving. Threw on layers – Chicago nights are stupid cold even now. Grabbed gloves. Forgot the hat. Regretted it later.
- Map App Locked & Loaded: Opened the maps app AGAIN. Typed Naoki Chicago Restaurant, 668 W Hubbard St, Chicago. This is key! Hubbard Street, not Hubbard Place or something. Saw it plain as day near Orleans. Felt vindicated.
The Actual Trek Downtown
Chose the Brown Line ’cause it’s closer to my place. Hopped on at Belmont, relaxed-ish for about 20 mins. Got off at Merchandise Mart. That’s your stop! Map says it’s a 10 min walk. Okay, cool. Exited the station… BAM. Wind hit me like a brick wall. Forgot the hat, remember? Rookie move. Started walking south towards Hubbard. Followed Orleans Street once I hit it. Map was glitchy trying to recalculate every 2 seconds, typical. Passed some big, fancy loft buildings. Kept going.
The Victory Moment (And Backup Plan)
Saw a sleek building on the left, 668 plain as day on a plaque. Big, clean windows, super modern. Black sign saying “NAOKI” in sharp letters. Couldn’t miss it. There’s a hotel sign too nearby, kinda obvious once you see it. Pulled out my phone for a quick pic of the facade. Fumbled with my gloves. Almost dropped the phone in a panic. Succeeded. Felt like a true explorer. Saw the valet guys outside for the hotel, realized driving was possible if you really hate trains and don’t mind paying the garage rate. But walking ain’t bad at all when you know exactly where you’re going. Warm inside smelled amazing.
Bottom line: Search EXACTLY, grab a rezzy way ahead, wrap up warm, get off at Merch Mart, walk south on Orleans, look for 668 with the big windows. No more wild goose chases. Easy once you’ve messed it up once. Good luck out there.
