Where to take colleagues and clients without losing the evening to a cab ride. Every place here is about 15 minutes' walk or less, sorted closest first.
2515 S Wabash Ave, South Loop · about 15 min walk from McCormick Place
A one-Michelin-star tasting menu paired with house-brewed beers, served in a 28-seat room above a working brewery. The Dining Room can be booked privately for a client dinner.
2134 S Indiana Ave, South Loop · about 5 min walk from McCormick Place (estimate)
A large Italian dining room across the street from McCormick Place, with generous pasta and a long wine list. Lunch is served every day, which makes it a dependable midday fallback.
Marriott Marquis Chicago, 2121 S Prairie Ave · about 5 min walk from McCormick Place (estimate)
An American brasserie in the Marriott Marquis, linked to McCormick Place, with Midwest and South Side touches on the menu. Easy for a sit-down lunch without leaving the convention campus.
2201 S Michigan Ave, Motor Row / South Loop · about 8 min walk from McCormick Place (estimate)
A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick with a bright, roomy dining room near the convention hotels. Wood-oven Mediterranean plates and pastas suit a relaxed client lunch.
133 E Cermak Rd (Hiltons at McCormick Place), South Loop · about 5 min walk from McCormick Place (estimate)
A big 22nd-floor bar next to McCormick Place, with lake and skyline views. An enclosed room keeps it open year-round, so it works for a drink after a show day in December.
Il Culaccino: about 5 minutes' walk. Takes private parties in the main room and enclosed sunroom; no capacity published. VU Rooftop: about 5 minutes' walk. Largest room 85 standing; private events up to 100; buyout 550. Woven & Bound: about 5 minutes' walk. Brasserie tables in the hotel's two-storey Great Room; no group capacity published. Apolonia: about 8 minutes' walk. Main dining room; a private dining room and an event space for up to 100 seated. Moody Tongue: about 15 minutes' walk. The Dining Room 28 seated (50 standing); The Bar 60 seated (100 standing); Brewery Floor 120 seated (160 standing).
Il Culaccino, about 5 minutes' walk. Woven & Bound, about 5 minutes' walk. Apolonia, about 8 minutes' walk.
During big conferences, book private rooms as soon as your dates are set. In a normal week, 3 to 4 weeks ahead is enough for groups of 10 or more.