Explore the Windy City during CHEST 2025

By Morgan Lord

Fall in the Windy City means crisp air, changing leaves, and thinning crowds. Pack on the layers and lace up your walking shoes because there’s plenty to explore while you’re in town for CHEST 2025.

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Restaurants

Au Cheval
800 W. Randolph St.
(4.2 miles from McCormick Place)

The Fulton market neighborhood is home to some of the hippest and best restaurants in the city, including Au Cheval. This is a great spot for a cheeseburger with popular add-ons like thick-cut bacon and a fried egg. It’s called Au Cheval for a reason—eggs can be added to top off burgers, crispy fries, foie gras, and even salads. Be prepared for a wait; unfortunately, you can’t make a reservation. So put your name on the list and grab a drink at the neighboring Lone Wolf bar. Tip: Go in smaller groups to this well-frequented spot.

Bavette Bar & Boeuf
218 W. Kinzie St.
(5.8 miles to McCormick Place)

Chicago is home to many steak houses, but Bavette is the place locals love. Because of that, it will be tough to score a reservation if you haven’t already booked it. If you have, this high-end family-owned steak house serves mouthwatering steaks along with seafood, fried chicken, and pork chops. Bavette is a great spot to get a taste of Old Chicago with a new twist—and it’s worth the splurge.

Bronzeville Winery
4420 S Cottage Grove Ave.
(3.1 miles from McCormick Place)

Tucked into the heart of historic Bronzeville is this local, Black-owned, and woman-owned gem dedicated to community care and engagement through curating locally sourced wines, food, and vibes. Stop in for a bite, a flight, or a late night!

Eleven City Diner
1112 S. Wabash Ave.
(1.6 miles from McCormick Place)

If you’re in the mood for an old-school delicatessen, this is your spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu includes favorites like matzoh ball soup, potato pancakes (two ways), Reubens, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, big salads, cocktails, sodas, and shakes. Because it’s a Loop neighborhood favorite, there can sometimes there can be a wait—but once seated, you usually get served swiftly.

Nuevo Leon
3657 W 26th St. Ste 65
(6.1 miles from McCormick Place)

This no-frills authentic Mexican eatery has been serving renowned refried beans, al pastor, and chilaquiles for nearly 50 years. It’s been called “a little piece of Mexico in Chicago.” Bring your friends and a big appetite.

Phoenix Restaurant
2131 S Archer Ave.
(1.1 miles from McCormick Place)

We’ve already got CHEST 2026 on the mind… Grab 10 of your closest friends and head to Phoenix in Chinatown for mouth-watering dim sum. Pro tip: The more people you bring, the more dim sum you will get to try. If you find yourself looking for a spot to walk off the delicious meal, head to Ping Tom Park where you will enjoy unparalleled views of the city skyline as you walk along the river.

The Purple Pig
444 Michigan Ave.
(3.1 miles from McCormick Place)

This locally owned Streeterville restaurant is known for its pork dishes and extensive wine options. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is based on the season and there are always unique cured meats and cheese plates. Vegetarians and seafood lovers also have plentiful options, and all pasta is made in house. If you plan on dining with a group, this is a good spot to make a reservation for larger parties.

Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St.
(5.2 miles to McCormick Place)

In the River North neighborhood, tucked down an alley, you’ll find a tropical getaway in the middle of the city. This local bar is an ideal spot for upscale tiki drinks and appetizers (such as the pu pu platter, skirt steak skewers, and Thai curry crab rangoon dip). There’s Polynesian-inspired décor, fun drink names, and, of course, tiny umbrellas. Make reservations in advance if you want to visit with a group.

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Activities

Capture Cloud Gate
201 E. Randolph St.
(2.8 miles to McCormick Place)

When it comes to public art, this one is worth the trip. Cloud Gate, also known as “the Bean,” is a 110-ton, stainless steel sculpture that reflects the city skyline. You can touch its surface and stroll under it for a “hall of mirrors” moment—making it an ideal photo op. It sits in Millennium Park, a 25-acre urban oasis alongside Lake Michigan.

Take in the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
(2.8 miles to McCormick Place)

Right across the street from “the Bean” is the Chicago Cultural Center, arguably one of the coolest spots in Chicago because of its free public art exhibits, gorgeous landmark building, and the Buddy shop, where local artists sell their goods and artwork. It’s a great place to snag a true Chicago souvenir. Before leaving, check out the exterior Kerry James Marshall mural, which honors 20 women who have shaped Chicago’s arts and cultural landscape.

Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
740 East 56th Pl.
(4.6 miles from McCormick Place)

America’s oldest independent Black history museum, The DuSable is “dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study and dissemination of the history, art and culture of African Americans and of Black people worldwide. The DuSable Museum narrates stories and shares contributions that educate all people about Black excellence through exhibits, programs, and special events.”

See Skyscrapers by Boat
112 E. Wacker Dr.
(3 miles from McCormick Place)

Chicago is home to many firsts, including the first successful open-heart surgery and the first skyscraper, the latter of which you can learn more about on the Chicago Architecture Center’s First Lady boat tour. It’s a 90-minute cruise up and down the Chicago River and into the mouth of Lake Michigan, with captivating storytellers shedding light on the buildings that make up Chicago’s skyline. You can get tickets in advance, and tours depart almost every hour. It’s a fun group outing pre- or post-dinner—final tours set sail around 8 pm—and there’s a bar onboard.

Head to the Museum Campus
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
(3 miles to McCormick Place)

Pick a museum that sparks your interest at Museum Campus. Take an hour to see Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found, at the Field Museum. Hop over to the Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, or go under the sea at the Shedd Aquarium. If you’re more of an art lover, you’re just a short ride to the Art Institute of Chicago, home of “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” and “American Gothic.”

See the National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St.
(3.8 miles from McCormick Place)

Home to one of the country’s largest Mexican art collections from ancient Mexico to the present, the NMMA has been a Pilsen staple for more than 40 years. As the first Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, NMMA offers innovative and unique exhibitions and cultural programs that demonstrate the breadth and depth of Mexican art, culture, and history.

Laugh at The Second City
230 W North Ave.
(5 miles from McCormick Place)

While you’re in the Second City, why not stop by The Second City—a time capsule of comedy legends featuring new shows nightly. The sketch comedy show “Chaos Theory of Everything” will be showing on the e.t.c. stage at 7 pm on Sunday, October 19. 

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“Activities” photo credits, from left to right: Alejandro Reyes, Alejandro Reyes, and Abel Arciniega/Choose Chicago