Places to eat near McCormick/Convention Center

[michael0804]

I'm coming to Chicago next week. This is my first time there. I'm staying near the Convention Center.

What are some good places to eat that are nearby, preferably within walking distance?

I'm seeking good Chicago-style pizza in the area, but I'll be there for a few days so all types of food are welcome!

[michael0804]

Thank you all for the recs. This is very helpful.

I should have mentioned in the original post that I'm a student and looking for relatively inexpensive food.

Once again, thanks!

[jbw]

Actually, there are several good restaurants that have opened in the last couple of years within 1/2-mile of the Hyatt, My favorite is Cuatro (Nuevo Latino), but there's also Cafe Bionda (Italian), Room 21, and Kroll's (Wisconsin barfood). Note that the area betwen these restaurants and the Hyatt can get pretty quiet at night. Cuatro has drawn comment on this board, and search Chicago metromix for info on the others.

[Pete Oldtown]

Thanks for correcting me. I haven't been to McCormick in a couple of years and did not realize those were so close. As you noted, it's a pretty deserted area at night. Probably not dangerous, but deserted.

[leek]

Yes, I would say deserted but not dangerous. Even though there are a LOT of condos around there, it doesn't seem to get a lot of foot traffic.

[Pete Oldtown]

As noted, there ain't nothing near McCormick. However, there are free shuttle buses into the hotel zone near Michigan Avenue and there are literally dozens of good restaurants there. You'll have to take a cab back, which will be about $10 or so. Also, there is a Metra train in the basement of McCormick Place that will let you off near the Art Institute on South Michigan.

If you take the shuttle bus, take the one to the Marriott on Michigan and Ohio. Walk down Ohio one block, take a right on Rush and Uno and Due will be a block or so north.

The last shuttle bus usually leaves at about 6 or so.

You can search the board here for recommendations by cuisine and location. Frontera Grill (no reservations, but you can usually get in if you're willing to chill for a while across the street at Fado) is on Clark nearby, Brasserie Jo is a short walk...there's so much I don't even know how to start.

[masha]

Assuming that you are staying at the Hyatt at McCormick Place, there is virtually nothing within walking distance, other than China Town. China Town is about 1 mile to the west and walkable. My personal favorite there is Moon Palace, but if you search the board you'll find other opinions, including a strong contingent that favors Lao Sze Szuan (spelling?). Also, Phoenix, if you like dim sum.

McCormick Place is pretty much an island surrounded by Lake Shore Drive and parking lots, although it is within a few miles of decent food -- so a short cab ride away. The closest neighborhood due north is the South Loop, which has a number of good restaurants. Mercat a la Plaxa in the Blackstone Hotel is getting a lot of buzz, but I've not been there. You might search for "South Loop" on the Board to see what else suits your fancy.

Closest good Chicago style pizza may be Pizanno's, which is in the Loop, on Madison There is also an Edwardo's on Dearborn, between Harrison & Congress that has Chi-Style pizza.

You also will be within about a 10 minute cab ride (or less, depends on traffic) of Greek Town -- Greek Islands, Santorini (specializing in fish), and Parthenon all are good choices there.