All Near Major Tradeshow Venues in the U.S
by Mark Hebert Exhibit City News
Discover the hidden gems of America’s top tradeshow cities with our guide to must-visit “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants. These unassuming spots serve up authentic flavors and unforgettable dining experiences, just steps from major convention centers.
Las Vegas, NV
Tacos El Gordo (3041 Las Vegas Blvd): Near the Las Vegas Convention Center, famous for authentic Tijuana-style tacos, especially the can’t-miss adobada (spiced pork) tacos. http://tacoselgordobc.com/
Lotus of Siam (620 E. Flamingo Rd): Close to the Sahara Convention Center, this Thai restaurant is known for exceptional Northern Thai dishes like isaan sausage, softshell crab, and khao soi. https://www.lotusofsiamlv.com/
Cornish Pasty Co. (10 E. Charleston Blvd): Off the Strip, this British-style pub offers savory pasties like “The Oggie” with steak and chicken tikka masala, plus plenty of vegetarian options. https://www.cornishpastyco.com/
Orlando, FL
Bad As’s Sandwich (207 N. Primrose Dr): Located near the Orange County Convention Center, this bold spot is known for its gourmet sandwiches like the Ninja with crispy pork belly and the Porkalypse with adobo pork, bacon, and tamarind BBQ sauce. Their menu offers a creative mix of flavors, making it a must-try for sandwich lovers visiting the area. https://badasssandwiches.com/
The Meatball Stoppe (7325 Lake Underhill Rd): A cozy family-owned restaurant near the Orange County Convention Center, known for its handcrafted meatballs like Nonna’s Traditional Italian and Chicken Buffalo Bleu. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. https://themeatballstoppe.com/
Se7en Bites (211 N. Primrose Dr): In the Milk District, this bakery and restaurant serves Southern comfort food, including their famous biscuits and gravy and their Se7enth Heaven SmashBurger. https://www.se7enbites.com/
Chicago, IL
Fontano’s Subs (332 S. Michigan Ave): A Chicago staple near McCormick Place, Fontano’s is famous for its Italian-style subs like the Blockbuster—packed with ham, salami, capocollo, and provolone on fresh Italian bread. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal. https://fontanossubshinsdale.com/
The Purple Pig (444 N. Michigan Ave): Close to the Magnificent Mile, this Mediterranean eatery offers creative small plates like salt-roasted beets and Spanish octopus, with an emphasis on bold flavors. https://thepurplepigchicago.com/
Dove’s Luncheonette (1545 N. Damen Ave): In Wicker Park, this cozy spot adds a Tex-Mex twist to diner fare, with dishes like burnt-ends hash and chicken fried chicken, perfect for breakfast or brunch. https://www.doveschicago.com/menu
New York, NY
Sunny & Annie’s Deli (94 Ave B): In the East Village, this bodega is known for inventive sandwiches like the P.H.O. Real, combining Vietnamese pho flavors, and the Biden with chicken cutlet and avocado. https://www.yelp.com/menu/sunny-and-annies-new-york
Tavola Hell’s Kitchen (488 9th Ave): Near the Javits Center, this cozy Italian spot offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and classic dishes like lasagna della casa and spaghetti alle vongole. https://tavolahellskitchen.com/menu
Porchlight (271 11th Ave): In Chelsea, this Southern-inspired bar serves creative cocktails like the jalapeño diablo and dishes like bison burgers and po’ boy sandwiches, ideal for unwinding after a tradeshow. https://www.porchlightbar.com/
Atlanta, GA
Home Grown (968 Memorial Dr, SE): Near downtown, this cozy diner is famous for its comfy chicken biscuit and hearty Southern breakfast options like chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes. https://www.homegrownga.com/
The Busy Bee Café (810 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr, SW): A short drive from the Georgia World Congress Center, this soul food institution has served classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and oxtails since 1947. https://www.thebusybeecafe.com/
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q (1238 Dekalb Ave NE): Near Poncey-Highland, this Atlanta staple offers mouth-watering barbecue like pulled pork, beef brisket, and jalapeño cheddar sausage in a laid-back setting.http://foxbrosbbq.com/index.html
Dallas, TX
Jimmy’s Food Store (4901 Bryan St): A Dallas institution known for its Italian sandwiches like Italian beef and meatball. Popular options include the muffuletta and Philly roast pork. https://jimmysfoodstore.com/
Cattleack Barbeque (13628 Gamma Rd): Just north of downtown, this legendary spot offers smoked brisket, beef ribs, and turkey, with standout sides like hatch chili mac and cheese and the famous “crack cake.” https://cattleackbbq.com/
The Henry (2301 N. Akard St): Downtown, this popular restaurant blends classic American cuisine with modern twists, offering dishes like filet mignon, Scottish salmon, and the all-American burger. https://www.thehenryrestaurant.com/locations/the-henry-dallas/
San Diego, CA
Las Cuatro Milpas (1857 Logan Ave): In Barrio Logan, this legendary spot offers authentic Mexican comfort food like menudo, tamales, and burritos, with a no-frills, homemade flavor. http://www.las-cuatro-milpas.com/
The Friendly (2632 University Ave): A popular spot with locations in Convoy, Kearny Mesa, and Pacific Beach, known for creative New York-style pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches like the salt and fried chicken sandwich. https://sandiego.eater.com/venue/57298/the-friendly-tavern
Super Cocina (3627 University Ave): Renowned for home-style Mexican cuisine, this casual eatery serves a variety of regional dishes made by local housewives, offering an authentic and flavorful experience. https://www.supercocinasd.com/
Anaheim, CA
Mi Casa Mexicana (630 W. Orangewood Ave): Near the Anaheim Convention Center, this cozy spot offers authentic Mexican dishes like sizzling fajitas and street tacos, perfect for unwinding with a margarita. https://micasamexicana.com/
Marri’s Pizza & Pasta (1194 W. Katella Ave): Just a short walk from the Anaheim Convention Center, this family-owned gem offers hearty Italian comfort food. The cozy atmosphere and freshly made dishes, like their signature Marri’s Special pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, have made it a local favorite for over 60 years. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal after a long day at the convention. https://marrispizza.com/
Cortina’s Italian Market & Pizzeria (2175 W. Orange Ave): Family-owned since 1963, this spot offers Italian dishes like pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches in a casual setting, ideal for a relaxed meal. https://cortinasitalianfood.com/
Denver, CO
Stout Street Social (1400 Stout St): Steps from the convention center, this spot offers a diverse menu from fresh seafood to hearty burgers, in a modern, relaxed atmosphere with an extensive cocktail list. https://www.besocialcolorado.com/
The Nickel (1100 14th St): Located in Hotel Teatro, this American bistro features a seasonal menu and lively bar scene, with charming leather seating perfect for solo diners or groups. https://www.thenickeldenver.com/
Corinne Restaurant (1455 California St): In the Le Meridien hotel, this upscale yet relaxed eatery offers dishes like truffled pasta and chile-glazed chicken, providing a sophisticated dining experience near the convention center. https://www.corinnedenver.com/
Detroit, MI
The Apparatus Room (250 W. Larned St): In the historic Detroit Foundation Hotel, this chic spot offers New American cuisine with Midwestern ingredients, complemented by crafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list. https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/dine/apparatus-room/
San Morello (1400 Woodward Ave): Located in the Shinola Hotel, this urban Italian restaurant features wood-fired dishes and house-made pastas, bringing Southern Italian flavors to downtown Detroit. https://www.sanmorello.com/
Savannah Blue (1431 Times Sq): This stylish downtown spot blends Southern flavors with a modern twist, offering contemporary Northern soul cuisine in an urban setting. https://savannahbluedetroit.com/
