The Best Places to Eat Near McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago
When you’re in Chicago for an event at the McCormick Place Convention Center, you’re probably excited for your upcoming conference or show, but you’re also probably thinking about what in the world am I going to eat?? Luckily, the neighboring South Loop area is bursting with everything from upscale fare to casual spots for boozy lunches. We’re covering some of the best places to eat near McCormick Place Convention Center. Keep reading!
photo credit: urbanmatter.com
Chicago Oyster House
1933 S Indiana Ave Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-8833
Nothing’s better than sinking your teeth into hearty steaks, fresh oysters, and enticing seafood after a busy day of taking in all the convention center has to offer. Located right next to McCormick Place, Chicago Oyster House ranks among the best oyster houses in the country. Their signature menu item is a classic plate of fried oysters. There’s also a full sushi menu, classic steakhouse menu, and an exceptional drink menu.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 786-1401
Housed in the former Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is a Windy City landmark offering indoor, outdoor, and solarium dining. The happy hour menu here is sure to be appreciated by anyone looking to loosen their collar after a long day at the convention center. The “prime butcher shop” and seafood menu selections satisfy cravings for surf, turf, salad, bisque, and beyond.
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Steve’s Bite Grill & Sandwiches
80 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 674-1200
If it’s a matter of getting in and out as quickly as possible when grabbing a bite, Steve’s Bite Grill & Sandwiches is a great choice for takeout near McCormick Place Convention Center. While you can definitely get sandwiches here, this is no ordinary sandwich joint. The menu boasts catfish and gyro plates, juicy burgers, vegetarian bowls, Philly cheese steak, and many more mouth watering items.
photo credit: whatnowchicago.com
Mustard Seed Kitchen
49 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-0062
Offering upscale takeout near McCormick Place Convention Center, Mustard Seed Kitchen shines with its eclectic soup and salad menus. Grilled dishes, fried dishes, classic American side dishes, and a short-and-sweet dessert menu with cakes and cookies round it all out to give you the easiest way to get something tasty on the go in the South Loop.
photo credit: moodytongue.com
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
Housed in an old warehouse, Moody Tongue’s mix of fireside seating and abundant natural lighting makes the ambiance inside feel like far more than just your ordinary brewery. In fact, the muted look of the restaurant was an intentional choice that makes the flavors the focal points. This Michelin-rated restaurant offers an exceptional experience where pure, rich flavors dominate the plate on everything from the foie gras to the signature oversized 12-layer chocolate cake.
photo credit: krolls-chicago.com
Kroll’s South Loop
1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 235-1400
Kroll’s is a classy sports bar with great burgers, an exceptional pizza menu, and a “neighborhood watering hole” vibe. The casual fare really makes you feel like you can sit back and relax without any pressure. While the place does get packed when there’s a sporting event on television, you can mostly expect for there to be plenty of room to stretch out at the bar. The best part is that you can always expect the staff to keep the cold drinks coming.
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Reggie’s Music Joint
2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-0120
A great place to chill after you’ve put a pin in a long day of happenings at McCormick Place Convention Center, Reggie’s Music Joint stays serving up good vibes. This is a top choice if you’re looking for a zesty drink menu with fun live music. The venue brings in a nice selection of original bands and cover bands all week long. If you’re coming with a group, you can order party packages featuring appetizers, drinks, and more.
photo credit: momentumcoffeeonline.com
Momentum Coffee & Coworking
2119 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 248-2502
What if you just want to grab coffee and a muffin near McCormick Place Convention Center while getting some fresh air? Momentum Coffee & Coworking is a neighborhood treasure that’s famed for its smooth coffee, robust macchiato, yummy turmeric ginger chai latte, invigorating jasmine tea, and tasty breakfast sandwiches. This is a great place to know about if you can’t settle for “just any coffee” while at the convention center.
photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Spoke & Bird Cafe
205 E 18th St Chicago, IL 60616
(929) 263-2473
Considered a little drop of sunshine in the South Loop, Spoke & Bird Cafe has great patio seating with a healthy, robust menu to match! You’ll find a mix of light fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The beverage menu includes specialties like a cardamom rose latte, a lavender latte, and matcha and mint lemonade. There’s also a boozy drink menu to lift your spirits. Did someone say mimosa kit?
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