Dining, Activities & Trivia Around Chicago

Chicago Dining

Activities, Trivia

Chicago Chop House

60 W Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 787-7100
RIVER NORTH. This steakhouse gets high marks for affordable prices and great steaks, salads, and baked potatoes. What's the secret? Some say it's because all three owners are always on-site to make sure everything is perfect. Others say that the quality and value can't be topped. And, here's the trivia buzz...there's a picture of every mayor of Chicago on the walls! Even City Hall doesn't have them all.

Cavanaugh’s Bar & Restaurant

53 W Jackson Blvd
Monadnock Building
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 939-3125
THE LOOP. Located in the Monadnock Building, this bar and restaurant offers business types a place to hang their hats during lunch or after work. The entrance is tucked away in a rather nondescript alley, with the only clue to its existence being a green and white striped awning. Green leather and warm wood tones greet guests upon arrival. The menu includes a mix of sandwiches, pastas, salads, and burgers as well as a laundry list of beers.

China Grill at the Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60601
312-334-6700
China Grill provides a globe-spanning culinary adventure in a spectacular setting. While Asian flavors & techniques are an influence, the menu is labeled as "World Cuisine" with virtually every dish prepared on either grills or woks using ingredients gathered from pantries around the globe.

Flatwater

321 North Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 644-0283
Flatwater, situated just below the Clark Street Bridge, offers a casual, global fare by Executive Chef Todd Ryan Downing as well as imaginative cocktails in an easy, urban setting. Surrounded by exquisite views of the Loop and the Chicago River, Flatwater is Chicago's newest hot spot. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Flatwater provides every diner with opportunity.

Fogo de Chao

661 N La Salle St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 932-9330
RIVER NORTH. This Brazilian churrascaria features experienced gauchos who slice and roast a selection of 15 different meats tableside. Lamb, beef, pork, and chicken are all available. Plus, the price of your meal includes all-you-can eat on the meats as well as multiple side dishes and access to the cold buffet. The lodge-like interior is rustic yet upscale and features dark woods, a waterfall, a cowboy mural, and a decidedly masculine feel.

Giordano’s

135 E Lake
Prudential Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 616-1200
DOWNTOWN. No trip to the Windy City is complete without sampling the distinctive deep-dish pizza. A great place to start is the Prudential Plaza location of this popular Chicago-style chain, whose spinach deep-dish has gained legendary status. If meat is your thing, go for the classic cheese pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, and fresh garlic. A variety of pasta and salad dishes is also available.

Harry Caray’s

33 W Kinzie St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 828-0966
RIVER NORTH. Warm up your vocal cords patrons regularly burst into renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in honor of their favorite sportscaster at his namesake restaurant. Plus, tourists often pay homage to the baseball legend by indulging in tasty food that fits the fun atmosphere. Set in a Dutch Renaissance building, Harry Caray's features baseball memorabilia, exposed brick, and cheerful red-checked tablecloths. Classics fill the menu, including pasta marinara, chicken Vesuvio, seafood, and veal. Add in huge, delicious desserts and great service, and you have a lunchtime home run.

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

63 West Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312-943-2252
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago has celebrated 21 years at the corner of Clark and Ontario, in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood. Located just 5 blocks west of Michigan Avenue, Hard Rock continues to "Love All Serve All" 364 days of the year. Lauded for diversity in all areas and embracing classic and funky trends with equal ardor, Hard Rock Cafe has something special for all. Whether you need a Hickory-Smoked Pulled-Pork sandwich after shopping on the Magnificent Mile or a Rockarita after the theater, you find a wide variety of Legendary Cuisine.

House of Blues

329 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 923-2000
RIVER NORTH. Although HOB features live blues every night at 10pm, it's far from being just a blues place. National, international, and local groups of all musical stylings show up to play in the intimate concert hall with great acoustics. The multi-floored complex is decorated in a funky juke joint-meets-the-opera house style that features folk and Outsider art. Numerous opera boxes offer great views, and the Foundation Room (members only) is a luxurious treat.

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

60 East Grand
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 379-5637
RIVER NORTH. This classic dinner club-style restaurant boasts a vaulted ceiling, dark wooden furniture, and excellent lighting, making it an ideal place for a power lunch or entertaining important clients. Partner of the famous Joe's Stone Crab in Miami, this River North gem features a selection of fresh seafood and steaks. Of course, rumor has it that the stone crab claws alone are worth the trip.

Navy Pier

600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-PIER
Navy Pier's interesting mix of restaurants offers something for everyone. From casual, family-oriented dining to romantic, candlelit evenings, the emphasis is on variety and excellent cuisine. No matter what the season, an exciting roster of restaurants keeps Navy Pier visitors coming back for more.

Pizzeria Uno

9 East Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 321-1000
Home of the original Chicago deep dish pizza. From a single pizzeria in 1943 on the corner of Ohio and Wabash in downtown Chicago, Uno has become legendary for an amazing variety of food, handmade dough (crafted on-site daily), and a unique, welcoming atmosphere. Nothing fake, nothing too fancy, just great American food.

The Palm

323 E Wacker Dr
Swissotel
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 616-1000
THE LOOP. Perhaps best known for the caricatures of celebrities that grace its walls, The Palm also serves some of the best steaks in town. The Chicago branch of this New York-based establishment has been enthralling local politicians and sports figures, as well as business guests and out-of-towners, since its 1980 opening. Impeccable service makes dining in this beautiful room all the more enjoyable. Dark woods, rich leathers, hardwood floors, and fine linens blend to create an atmosphere conducive to romance or business.

Rock Bottom Brewery

One West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
Corner of State Street & Grand
(312) 755-9339
Each Rock Bottom is rich in brass, warm woods, earth tones and gleaming brewing vessels. Rock Bottom's service is attentive, friendly and upbeat and its moderately priced, familiar American food menu features tasty items that range from Brown Ale Chicken and Alder Smoked Salmon Fish & Chips to Texas Fire Steak and the best BBQ Ribs and Chicken anywhere. Rock Bottom also offers a variety of interesting salads, hearty sandwiches, burgers, its world famous White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes and Asiago Cheese Dip served with the restaurant's own handmade Beer Bread.

Rockit Bar & Grill

22 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 645-6000
Executive Chef James Gottwald's moderately priced, yet ambitious menu puts an inventive spin on classic grill items, including the Kobe beef burger with foie gras, black truffles and sweet and sour onions. Nightlife touches include a state-of-the-art sound system where DJs will spin nightly, custom-designed pool tables, flat-screen plasma televisions and plenty of lush lounge furniture.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

431 Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 321-2725
RIVER NORTH. If Ruth Fertel has a Ruth's Chris steakhouse in the area, it's sure to be included on every "Top 10" list. Most people would have been intimidated to open an establishment in the backyard of such famous steak houses, but not Ruth. This restaurant, with its men's club atmosphere, holds its own and serves perfectly seasoned steaks sizzling on platters heated to 450 degrees, mouthwatering sides, and fantastic desserts.

The Signature Room at the 95th®

875 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 787.9596
Located atop the John Hancock Center, in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, The Signature Room at the 95th offers Contemporary American fare with sweeping views of the city. Along with top-flight food and exceptional service, you'll enjoy live jazz on the weekends and a wine selection of dizzying proportions. Our Internationally acclaimed cellar features 250 wines from the finest wineries around the globe.

Activities of Chicago: Truly Magnificent®

dining, Trivia


The Magnificent Mile
Plan for a little fun while in town and see why Chicago ranked #1 among Top 25 cities for a "business/meeting trip that's also fun" in the Headline News, Travel + Leisure and CNN.com.

The 2008 World Congress
The 2008 World Congress will feature three elaborate evening receptions. Join us as we start things off with the Sunday night Opening Reception in the ornate Versailles-inspired Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago. Enjoy the beautiful Chicago skyline at Monday night’s Gala at the River East Art Center (www.rivereastartcenter.com/). Tuesday night will feature an elegant evening Poster Reception held in the Hilton Chicago Exhibit Hall. Don’t miss this wonderful networking event.

Like baseball?
Check out one of Chicago’s famous baseball teams while in town. Visit Wrigley Field, as the Chicago Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers, Wednesday, April 30 (chicago.cubs.mlb.com). Coming to Chicago early? The Chicago White Sox will be playing at home against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 (chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/).

Head outdoors
See why Chicago is known as the “City in a Garden.” Enjoy the beautiful lakefront and renowned architectural beauty of Chicago with a boat tour (www.chicagotours.us). Need to stretch your legs after a long day at the conference? Take a walk around Chicago’s Millennium Park, located just minutes from the Hilton Chicago. (www.millenniumpark.org/).

Bringing the family?
How about a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo (www.lpzoo.com/)? Visit the animal exhibits, take a paddle boat ride and see Lincoln Park Zoo’s dedication to preserving the Earth's delicate ecosystems. Learn more about the zoo’s green efforts at www.lpzoo.org/green.

“All that Jazz”…
Catch a live show at one of Chicago’s famous jazz clubs. The Green Mill Jazz Club has performances nightly (www.greenmilljazz.com). A favorite spot of Al Capone you can even request his usual booth—just make sure to keep one eye on the door…Or stop by Andy’s Jazz Club, a Chicago institution for more than 30 years (www.andysjazzclub.com) . Looking for something other than jazz? Don’t miss the famous House of Blues and their Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning (www.hob.com).

The Sears Tower
Get a bird’s eye view of Chicago from the Sear’s Tower Skydeck (www.theskydeck.com/tour.asp). Did you know the Sear’s Tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere or that from the Skydeck you can see four states - Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan?

The Magnificent Mile
Celebrate spring during Tulip Days on The Magnificent Mile (www.themagnificentmile.com/). Hundreds of thousands of vibrant tulips blooming throughout the district will inspire and delight visitors of all ages. Whether you stroll through the stunning garden beds during a day of shopping or enjoy the hospitable spirit of the area’s restaurants and theatres, The Magnificent Mile promises to leave you feeling renewed and magnificent! Tulip Days on The Magnificent Mile is a cultural celebration that not only showcases the magnificent tulips and spirit of the district, but will highlight the world famous architects that call Chicago home.

Historic Navy Pier
Make some time for fun at Historic Navy Pier®---Chicago's lakefront playground (www.navypier.com). Navy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and tourists from around the world have come together since 1995 to enjoy the beauty and the thrills of a day on Lake Michigan. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats Navy Pier has it all - in a location unlike any other!

The Field Museum
Now exhibiting at the Field Museum: the life of George Washington Carver (www.fieldmuseum.org/carver/index.html). Learn more about the groundbreaking scientist, educator, and humanitarian and his lifelong mission: to bring practical knowledge to those in need. His genius was in the application of science to practical purposes. See how ecology, conservation, ethnobotany, bioengineering, and biological product development are all carry on the Carver tradition today.

The Second City Theater
Need a laugh after a busy day? A show at famous Chicago landmark The Second City theater group will provide just that (www.secondcity.com). Be sure to take note of the performers. You might just be watching a future Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Mike Meyers, Tina Fey, or Steve Carell—all Second City alumni.

For more information on restaurants, sites and getting around Chicago, visit www.CityofChicago.org for more information.


A Dinosaur Named Sue

Chicago Trivia

dining, activities

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871
Destroyed a third of the city, including the entire central business district, Chicago experienced rapid rebuilding and growth. During Chicago's rebuilding period, the world's first skyscraper was constructed in 1885. Originally ten stories tall, the building was on the site of the present day LaSalle Bank Building.

World's Columbian Exposition in 1893
Hosted in Chicago. The Exposition drew 27.5 million visitors, and is considered among the most influential world's fairs in history. Many architects including Burnham, Root, Adler and Sullivan went on to design other well known Chicago landmarks because of the Exposition.

Lake Michigan
The history of Chicago is closely tied to that of Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes, with a maximum depth of 925 feet (282 m) and a size slightly greater than the country of Croatia. The lake bottom off Chicago’s shore is littered with shipwrecks, ranging from schooners and tugboats to car ferries and even World War II airplanes.

Downtown Chicago
Downtown sometimes smells like chocolate because of Blommer's Chocolate Factory. Established in 1939, it's the only factory in the Chicago area that processes raw cacao. It's located just west of the river at Kinzie and Milwaukee so the scent often wafts over downtown.

"The Windy City"
Chicago has been dubbed the “Windy City” since the mid-1800s. This nickname may have developed because of the grid system on which the city was re-built after the Great Chicago Fire which created man-made wind tunnels in high density areas, such as the Loop, where the wind could travel down the columns and rows formed by the buildings.

A Dinosaur named Sue
On display in Chicago’s Field Museum is the actual skeleton of Sue, the world's largest, most complete and most famous T. rex fossil.

3rd Largest City
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and has a population of nearly 3 million people.

The Manhattan Project
On December 2, 1942, physicist and Nobel Laureate Enrico Fermi conducted the world’s first controlled, nuclear chain reaction at the University of Chicago as part of the top-secret Manhattan Project.

The Museum of Science and Industry
The oldest science museum of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, where visitors can interact with the exhibits, not just view displays and artifacts.

Prohibition & Organized Crime
The 1920s brought notoriety to Chicago as gangsters, including the notorious Al Capone, battled each other and law enforcement on the city streets during the Prohibition era.

American TV Culture
The city is the home of The Oprah Winfrey Show and Jerry Springer, while Chicago Public Radio produces programs such as PRI's This American Life and NPR's Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!.

The Sears Tower
The tallest building in North America since 1973. The tower has 108 stories as counted by standard methods, though the building owners count the main roof as 109 and the mechanical penthouse roof as 110.