I ended up writing this article because I was inspired by this photo that's been going around Facebook today.
Chicago is full of diverse cultures and amazing places to eat and shop. Here are a few places I highly recommend for you to try.
P.S. - I also included my own pics of the food I ate at these places to back up my claims. LOL! And this is entirely just my very own opinion. I'm aware there's a lot of great places to eat around the area. These are just my go-to spots.
Chinatown Fare
I'm highlighting Chinatown since it's super close to the convention center, and would love to support the businesses there. In light of the corona virus scare, a lot of these businesses got hit hard. Let's support these amazing places so they can keep their doors open.
MingHin Cuisine
2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Distance from Convention: 6 minute drive
This is my family's favorite place to eat during the weekends. We just love checking the boxes off the dimsum order cards and wait for the table to be filled with the bamboo steamers filled with delicious food. Must try their siu mai, Macau style roast pork, and try all the dimsum.
Daguan Noodle
2230 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Distance from Convention: 6 minute drive
This is a great noodle shop that has awesome and inexpensive noodles that come in a variety of flavored broths. Ask about the optional ingredients just in case you have any allergies, and definitely check out the appetizers as well.
TBaar Bubble Tea, Juice, Smoothies
2234 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Distance from Convention: 6 minute drive
Next door to Daguan Noodles is this cute little shop full of delicious and affordable desserts. Rolled ice cream is always a popular choice, but try out their huge selections of frozen desserts.
Strings Ramen
2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Distance from Convention: 6 minute drive
The orginal is located in Chinatown and has the only restaurant in Chicago that has a ramen noodle machine shipped directly from Japan. I love coming to this place and getting ramen late at night after the convention because of the cozy atmosphere and the delicious Japanese food items.
All American
Miller's Pub
134 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Distance from Convention: 12 minute Drive
A classic Chicago bar that's been around since 1935, this is located not too far off of Michicagn Avenue. This bar has some great American dishes, including some great burgers and sandwiches--and they make some great cocktails. Try their mushroom truffle burger!
SafeHouse - Chicago
60 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
Distance from Convention Center: 14 minute Drive
This is a great spot for con-goers who are into spy films. This spy-themed bar has a fake storefront, where you need to give the code word to be let inside. Once in there, go through a list of clues to complete the scavenger hunt before grabbing some burgers and drinks in this beautifully-decorated restaurant.
Jojo's MilkBar
23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Distance from Convention Center: 14 minute Drive
Now with 2 locations in downtown, visit. In a mood for a boozy milkshake? This is the place to be! Another Chicago restaurant that's VERY instagrammable.
Chicago Originals (More than Just Deep Dish Pizza)
Portillos
* Multiple Locations
520 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Distance from Convention Center: 13 minutes
100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Distance from Convention Center: 19 minutes
A Chicago classic, and a must-visit for any visitor, Portillo's is a great place to get local favorites, such as Chicago-style hot dogs and Itallian Beef sandwiches. They also server some great burgers, and you can even get pasta and salads there. For desert, definitely check out their famous chocolate cake, or even the chocolate cake shake (which includes a slice of their iconic chocolate cake whipped into the shake).
Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder
2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Distance from Convention Center: 13 minute drive
I come here because everyone I know has tried the deep dish. How about something different? This "pizza" is made fresh in a oven proof dish with the ingredients of your choosing and served upside down in your table. I can't begin to tell you how good this thing tastes and looks - the cheese is put at the very bottom and once they flip it when they serve it to you, the cheese just covers the sauce and dough and makes for a very satisfying and entertaining treat. There are, however, long lines so best get here early.
Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Distance from Convention Center: 8-10 minutes drive
Known to be one of the places to be on the list for having one of the best burgers in the world! Their "single" burger as 2 patties and the "double" burger has 3 - which I'm guessing it's either the number of layers of cheese or half-inch, house made bacon that comes with it. I love having cocktails in this place as well. Be ready to come hungry and mind the wait time because it's a very popular place, even for the locals.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
646 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Distance from Convention Center: 17 minutes
The Largest Starbucks roastery in the world opened just a few months ago in the Magnificent mile. This massive Starbucks locations has 5 floors and has something different on each floor. You can find pictures in this article from USA Today - https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/money/business/2019/11/13/worlds-largest-starbucks-opening-chicago/2581951001/.
Latino Flavor
Jibaritos Y Mas
3400 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Distance from Convention Center: 27 minutes
Come here for the amazing Puerto Rican Food and try a Jibarito - a sandwich with plantains used as the "bread" for this hearty, savory sandwich that's said to be invented here in Chicago.
And of course, I want to plug some restaurants from my home country.
Filipino Food
Jollibee
5033 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Distance from Convention Center: 17-31 minute drive depending on traffic
I dubbed this fast food restaurant as the ultimate Filipino comfort food place. They serve Filipino breakfast food and has the best fried chicken you'll ever have. Don't forget to try it with gravy.
Max's Fried Chicken
5033 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Distance from Convention Center: 17-31 minute drive depending on traffic
Fairly new to the area Max is known for their deep fried whole chicken. Picture a regular rotisseri chicken that's crispy all through out and is juicy on the inside.
Cebu (Chicago)
2211 W North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
Distance from Convention Center: 14 - 20 minute Drive
Named after my home town in the Philippines - Cebu served a modern take on Philippine cuisine. Using ingredients and cooking techniques from my motherland, this restaurant is always my go-to place when I'm feeling homesick. Check out these pictures I took from the restaurant! Here's a Ube cocktail, Adobo burger and the pork lechon.
I would love to keep this list growing! Let us know your favorite spots to eat during C2E2!
Don't forget to check out all of our panels this weekend!
See you at C2E2.
