What do you do when there’s no breakout meeting or the panels are done for the day? Where do you go when you need a little time away from the hubbub of convention chaos? Exhibit City News’ 5 in 15 offers five places to go to eat, relax, or simply stay that are a 15 minute or less walk from the convention center. In Chicago there are two prominent convention centers, including the largest in North America: McCormick Place.
An upscale hotel directly connected to McCormick Place Convention Center via skybridge, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (2233 S Martin Luther King Dr) is an approximately 2 minute walk to the center. The South Loop location also puts the hotel close to Soldier Field, Wintrust Arena, and Guaranteed Rate Field, as well as the Museum Campus and Chicago’s famous lakefront. There are suites with city views or lake views, and Wi-Fi, concierge, laundry services are available. Other amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and on-site dining and drink options including Third Star, Sixes and Eights, and the Arc Bar. With over 1,200 rooms and plenty of meeting space, the hotel could be its own mini-convention center.
The pet friendly, extended stay Home2 Suites by Hilton McCormick Place (123 East Cermak) is an extended stay option for those long convention visits. Budget friendly, you have free breakfast and kitchenettes in every suite. Or you can eat and drink at on site locations such as European style Apolonia, sports bar and beer hall Fatpour Tap Works, HaiDiLao Hot Pot, and the VU Skyward bar. All that and you’re less than five minutes from the convention center, by skybridge.
Chicago Oyster House (1933 S. Indiana Ave) is less than 10 minutes from McCormick, and worth every minute (and penny). Chicago grilled oyster, fried oysters, fresh oysters are just the beginning of an unforgettable night of surf ‘n turf. Sushi and sashimi, steak and chops, fish, chicken, cajun boil are all available. There’s online ordering for pickup or delivery, as well as a gluten free menu. Just about everything you can think of can be found here.
You don’t need to stay at Home2 Suites to eat at Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick (2206 S. Indiana Ave). This sports bar and pub is just a short walk from McCormick Place. The beer selection is huge, over 200 options including local craft brews. Budget friendly, the menu includes pizzas (wood fired), burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and even steak. Ask about the weekly special, it might be the Bats & Balls Crosstown Classic Special (four pork, beef, and bacon meatballs, spicy amatriciana sauce, garlic toast points plus two pretzels with Beer queso, honey mustard and hefeweizen whipped cream cheese). With large screens throughout and plenty of seating, there’s plenty of fun.
When talking about what to do in Chicago, The Museum Campus will always be worth a mention. Yes, historic Soldier Field is located here, but there’s the equally historic Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and more. Best for a day before or after the convention, take the 15 minute walk and visit one of the great cultural centers of America.
This story originally appeared as a truncated version in the Q4 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 82. For original layout, visit LINK
