Chicago Meeting Professionals Guide - 2026
Guide to the McCormick Place area
2025-12-29 10:38:24
There’s plenty to do around McCormick Place after the workday is done — explore world-renowned attractions, dine at dynamic restaurants, and discover lively nightspots — all close by.
ATTRACTIONS
Three world-class cultural institutions share one beautiful lakefront location on the Museum Campus. At the Field Museum, explore natural history and global cultures, from SUE the T. rex to an ancient Egyptian tomb. The Shedd Aquarium invites you into an underwater world of leaping beluga whales and colorful reef fish. And the Adler Planetarium brings the cosmos to earth with state-of-the-art sky theatres and interactive exhibits.
Historic Soldier Field has been a beloved Chicago stadium since 1924. Watch your favorite players on their home turf during a Chicago Bears football game or a Chicago Fire soccer match. Soldier Field is also a premium concert venue, welcoming superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Just a few minutes’ walk from McCormick Place is the modern Wintrust Arena, home to the Chicago Sky women’s basketball team. The venue also hosts a variety of events, from pro wrestling to comedy tours and concerts.
Explore Chicago’s vibrant Chinatown. Shop for handcrafted treasures and dine in some of the neighborhood’s oldest restaurants along Wentworth Avenue.
Chinatown Square is an outdoor mall featuring public art like Chinese zodiac statues, along with an abundance of dining options, boba spots, and specialty stores reflecting the neighborhood’s vibrant culture. Learn the story of Chinese immigration to the city at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago. Picnic in Ping Tom Park, a waterfront green space that hosts the annual Chicago Dragon Boat Race. After dark, meander the Chicago River in a light-up electric kayak from Neon Paddle, with stunning skyline views as your backdrop.
Tour a music landmark at the historic Chess Records recording studio, where Etta James, Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry laid down some of their most famous tracks. It’s operated by the Blues Heaven Foundation, a musician-supported nonprofit founded by blues legend Willie Dixon.
History buffs will want to tour the Glessner House, an ornate Gilded Age family home. Each room has been lovingly restored with original 19th-century artifacts from the wealthy Glessner family, who lived here for 48 years.
DINING
The world’s only Michelin-starred brewery, Moody Tongue takes a chef’s approach to beer. Visit The Bar for a casual a la carte menu. Or enjoy an upscale seasonal tasting menu at the 28-seat Dining Room with beer pairings, of course.
Big portions of whipped ricotta with orange marmalade and linguine with clam sauce are crowd pleasers at Il Culaccino. Sit on the all-seasons patio — it can be covered within minutes in the event of inclement weather.
The elegant Chicago Oyster House brings in fresh seafood daily for peak freshness. Sushi and prime steaks round out the menu, while martinis range from classic to creative.
A lively group meal at colorful La Cantina Grill makes for a perfect end to the day. Authentic Mexican dishes and flavorful tamarind margaritas will help you unwind, plus a full vegan menu ensures everyone is included.
Never miss a broadcast game at Fatpour Tap Works, with TVs at every turn. Specialty pizzas, towering burgers, and over 200 beers to choose from mean it’s happy hour approved.
For a hearty meal to-go, visit Mustard Seed Kitchen. This takeout-only spot helmed by award-winning chef Erick Williams serves comfort food like Cajun jambalaya and crispy buttermilk chicken tenders.
Sleek sports bar The Staley is a football fan’s haven, owned by former Chicago Bears lineman Israel Idonije. Catch every touchdown while dining on poutine and birria nachos, sided with a drink from the curated cocktail or beer lists.
In Pilsen, chef Thai Dang offers refined Vietnamese dishes that have earned his HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide. The fried whole fluke is a signature must-try dish.
With seasonally inspired cuisine (like coconut curry salmon), a colorful art-filled interior, and live music, Bronzeville Winery channels the vibrancy of the neighborhood it calls home.
NIGHTLIFE
Owned and operated by the Grammy-winning musician, Buddy Guy’s Legends is a longtime staple of the Chicago music scene. Catch live blues nightly, with occasional guest appearances by the legendary blues guitarist himself.
Let loose at lively rock club Reggies Chicago. Daily live music ranges from Americana to punk to progressive rock. Head up to the laid-back rooftop deck and watch the ‘L’ trains rumble by.
Get above it all at swanky VU Rooftop, located on the 22nd floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place. Sip elevated cocktails with stunning city views — retractable windows and firepits keep guests comfortable year-round.
Sample Nordic and Belgian-inspired beers, along with co-fermented wines, in the Tasting Room at Duneyrr Wine and Beer Company in the historic Motor Row District.
There’s no such thing as too much at Lips Chicago, a glittering drag show palace. Fabulous divas sing, dance, sashay, and bring the house down nightly. Shows include a delish dinner.
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