#1) Wish me luck on the cold weather I'm about to experience
#2) Heading to Chicago Feb 14 for the JT concert on Feb 16

Now from what I hear...the area is in a bad part of town. I'll be with my husband. Recommendations for getting to United and eating before? I know it'll be a zoo.

The weather so far this winter has been down right terrible, but the forecast for that weekend isn't bad right now.

Don't know where you are staying but go eat somewhere off Randolph street in the West Loop. Girl and the Goat is probably the most popular and you probably can't get a reservation this late.

Take a cab to eat and to the UC.

Oh man that doesn't help...we are coming in from Evanston since we are staying with my husband's best friend.

Can we take the train in to eat then hop in a cab?

And yes, we've been following the awful weather. However, it does look rather pleasant next weekend so my fingers are crossed!

Yes, you can either take Metra or Purple Line in from Evanston. Metra drops you off at Ogilvie, which is really close to Randolph. It's about a 5-8 minute walk to the restaurants from Ogilvie. Eat at Au Cheval, Little Goat, Grange Burger Hall, Publican, Avec, Blackbird, etc. You really can't go wrong. Take a cab from there to the United Center...about $8ish including tip.