About Chicago

Activities

Chicago Trolley Company

For 17 years the Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour has been the gold standard for entertaining and informative tours. Covering 13 miles and 18 stops, the Signature Tour is an eye-popping adventure through the heart of Chicago, giving you the option of Hopping On and Off at your choice of stops to visit the hottest retail, cultural, and family attractions. They also offer private group transportation for special events such as weddings, parties, and corporate outings.

Navy Pier

Located just east of downtown on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers scores of entertainment and dining options, boat cruises, and an excellent view of Lake Michigan, making it one of Chicago's top tourist attractions.

Willis Tower Skydeck

Soaring at 110 stories tall, the Willis Tower is the tallest building in North America and remains a huge tourist attraction, namely due to its Skydeck observatory offering a view of Chicago at 1,353 feet. The Ledge, which was recently added now dares visitors to attempt a new Chicago experience: stand in glass boxes which extend 4.3 feet from the building 103 floors over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

John Hancock Observatory

The Hancock Observatory in the John Hancock Center may not be as high as the Willis Tower but at 1,000 feet up the view of Chicago is still breathtaking. It also has the added bonus of being able to enjoy a cocktail at the Signature Room on the 95th floor.

Chicago Architectural River Cruise

Only the Chicago Architecture Foundation and Chicago's First Lady Cruises can showcase Chicago's world-renowned city architecture with style, class and comfort. Open-air and air-conditioned seating is available. Learn about the architecture and design of over 50 buildings as described by CAF-Certified Volunteer Docents/Guides.

(All tours depart from Riverside Gardens, Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr.)

Wrigley Field & The Chicago Cubs

Games at Wrigley Field consistently sell out -- and if you're familiar with the Chicago Cubs record you know it isn't because of the quality baseball being played there (unless you count the visiting team). More likely they come to soak in the history of the United States second oldest ballpark and enjoy the party atmosphere of the crowd, especially in the bleacher seats. Rooftop’s nearby can be rented out for a fun corporate outing.

Target Free Thursdays at the Art Institute

One of the world’s great art museums is free every Thursday from 5-8 pm.

Visitors enjoy free admission from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday thanks to Target Free Thursday Evenings.

Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Website: http://www.artic.edu/aic/

First Fridays at the MCA

Happy hour takes on a new meaning with First Fridays at the MCA. Relax after a long workweek with a cash bar featuring specialty drinks and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers. Enjoy live music from local DJs, the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar, creation stations, and more. Each month features an up-and-coming Chicago artist in a preview of the latest UBS 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition.

General admission: $18; Advance tickets: $13; MCA members: $10; Buy tickets online; or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010

April 1, 2010: The theme is “Derby”.

Address: 220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL.

Website: http://www.mcachicago.org/programs/ff.php?page=friday

Other Activities

Restaurants

On-Site Restaurants

Restaurant Description Location Phone Hours Price
Au Bon Pain (Sandwiches, Desserts & Pastries) From authentic artisan breads and scrumptious pastries to inspired menus filled with savory sandwiches, soups, salads and entrees, this bustling marketplace allow guests to select fresh menu choices from individual stations. Level 1, McCormick Place West (312) 791-7254 Hours Varies Depending on Shows $
Plate (Food Court) This eclectic food court offers several options to choose from: Little Italy, Pacific Rim, American Grill, The Carvery, Fiesta Brava, Express to Go and a fabulous salad bar. Level 2.5, McCormick Place South (312)791-7000 Hours Varies Depending on Shows $
Connie’s Pizza (Italian) Connie's truly sets the standard for Chicago-style pizza! You'll also find a variety of pasta, salads and pizza for carry-out, dine-in or delivery! Level 2, McCormick Place North (312) 808-3085 10AM-3PM, Daily $
McDonald’s Express Featuring classic all-American favorites. Level 2, McCormick Place North Hours Varies Depending on Shows $
Forno (Italian) Freshly made creations for a fast paced day. Designed for those needing something satisfying yet simple, Forno's menu features hearty, high quality selections made from scratch. Level 1, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (312) 528-4140 11AM-8PM, Daily $$
Shor (American) Shor, a true Chicago Grill, offers a diverse selection of both traditional and non-traditional menu items. Featuring USDA Prime aged steaks and the freshest seafood creations in a contemporary setting, Shor brings all of the flair and ambiance that Chicago steak and seafood houses are famous for right to your doorstep. Level 1, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (312) 528-4140 6:30AM-2PM, Daily and 5PM-10PM, Daily $$$
270 Degree Offering a tantalizing buffet of items such as grilled steaks, seasonal seafood and creative desserts, the 270 Degree provides a sleek environment with club service to allow guests to discuss business or enjoy a great meal experience. Level 2, McCormick Place West Hours Varies Depending on Show $$$

Nearby Restaurants

Located within 2 miles of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

Restaurant Description Location Phone Hours Price Distance from Hyatt McCormick
Bar Louie (American) Specializing in oversized sandwiches and artfully concocted signature cocktails, Bar Louie also offers an extensive selection of appetizers, pastas, entrees and a wide assortment of interesting beers, microbrews and wines by the glass or bottle. 47 W. Polk St 312.347.0000 11AM–2AM, Daily $ 1.8 Miles
Lou Malnati’s (Chicago Deep Dish Pizza) Lou's is the home of the BEST Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in the world! If you love a buttery, flakey crust, sweet and tangy tomatoes, gooey mozzarella cheese, perfectly seasoned sausage, and other fresh ingredients- you’ve come to the right place. 805 S. State St 312.786.1000 11AM–11PM, Daily $ 1.75 Miles
Kroll’s South Loop (American – Traditional) Serving lunch, dinner, a children's and late night menu of classic American-style food, including live charcoal grilled hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, bbq ribs and more. 1736 S. Michigan Ave 312.235.1400 11AM–12AM, Daily $$ .67 Miles
Opart Thai House (Thai) With an extensive menu of many different kinds of dishes. It will definitely entice your taste buds as you start out with Opart Thai's well-known appetizer dish, Tiger Cry. A skewered tender beef cooked to perfection served with homemade hot sauce. 1906 S. State St 312.567.9898 11AM–11PM, Daily $$ .69 Miles
Tapas Valencia (Spanish Tapas) Tapas and other Spanish specialties 1530 S. State St. 312.842.4444 5PM–10PM M-Sat., 11AM-2PM, 4:30PM-9PM, Sunday $$ 1.8 Miles
Tamarind (Pan-Asian) Sushi, Sake, Eclectic Asian Cafe 614 S. Wabash Ave 312.379.0970 11AM-11PM, Daily $$ 1.8 Miles
Oysy (Japanese/Sushi) Oysy, or "delicious," is a posh addition to the South Michigan Avenue restaurant scene, sporting a relaxed, contemporary decor (designed by Chicago architect Douglas Garofalo) and creative menu of sushi and Japanese cuisine. 888 S. Michigan Ave 312.922.1127 11:30AM-2:30PM, M-F, 5PM-10PM, Daily $$$ 1.8 Miles
Café Bionda (Italian) Bionda focuses on reasonably priced old-school Italian dishes in manageable portions; pasta selections average about $15 and entrees top out at $25. 1924 S. State St 312.326.9800 11AM-11PM, M-F, 4PM-12AM, Saturday, 3PM-10PM, Sunday $$$ .68 Miles
Opera (Asian Fusion) Classical Chinese dishes prepared in a contemporary fashion, such as kung pao beef, Maine diver scallops, crisp almond prawns and five-spice ribs. 1301 S. Wabash Ave 312.461.0161 5PM-10PM, Sunday-Thursday, 5PM-12AM, Fri & Sat $$$$ 1.25 Miles
Gioco (Italian) This rustic Italian restaurant serves up seafood, pastas and pizzas, and features an exposed-brick-and-mahogany decor. 1312 S. Wabash Ave 312.939.3870 11:30AM-2:30PM, M-F, 5PM-10PM, M-Th, 5PM-12AM, Fri-Sat, 9AM-2PM, Sunday $$$$ 1.24 Miles
Chicago Firehouse (Steakhouse/Seafood) Named after the restored turn-of-the century firehouse the restaurant calls home, this space serves upscale food, features an extensive American wine list and offers both a casual and more formal dining room. 1401 S. Michigan Ave 312.786.1401 11:30AM-10:30PM, M-Saturday, 11:30AM-9PM, Sunday $$$$ 1.04 Miles
Rhapsody (Contemporary American) Rhapsody is a contemporary restaurant in Chicago's vibrant South Loop offering an imaginative American menu with global accents, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list. 65 E. Adams St 312.786.9911 11:30AM-2PM, M-F, 5PM-9PM, M-W, 5PM-10:30PM, Th-Sat, 4:30PM-9PM, Sunday $$$$$ 2.19 Miles

Popular Chicago Restaurants

Restaurant Description Location Phone Hours Price Distance from Hyatt McCormick
Billy Goat Tavern (American) Ever hear of the "Curse of the Billy Goat," also known as the Cubs Curse? Do you recall the Saturday Night Live sketch in which a short order cook would yell out to incoming patrons: "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!"? All of the above have one thing in common: the World Famous Billy Goat Tavern, a Chicago legend since 1934. 430 N. Michigan Ave (312) 222-1525 7AM-12AM, M-F, 10AM-3AM, Saturday, 11AM-2AM, Sunday $ 3.23 Miles
Rockit Bar & Grill (Traditional American) Rockit serves up a comforting menu of updated bar and grill classics, from cobb salad and Black Angus meat loaf to jumbo shrimp cocktail and fish-and-chips. 22 W. Hubbard St (312) 645-6000 11:30AM-1:30AM, M-Sa, 11AM-4PM, Sunday $$ 3.07 Miles
Café Ba Ba Reeba (Spanish Tapas) Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is known for Tapas, the hot & cold appetizers of Spain; Paella, a typical Valencian rice dish served with vegetables and meat or seafood; and Sangria, Spain’s famous wine “fiesta” drink made from fruit, wine and liquors. 2024 N. Halstead St (773) 935-5000 5PM-10PM, M-Th, 5PM-12AM, Fri, 11AM-12AM, Saturday, 11AM-10PM, Sunday $$$ 7.66 Miles
Quartino (Italian) The menu features "piatinni" small plates of Italian dishes, artisanal cheeses, and meats cured in-house by Coletta. There's a salumeria station in the dining room where the chefs slice the meats and cheeses to order, and the main kitchen is also open. 626 N. State St (312) 698-5000 11:30AM-2AM, M-Sa, 11:30AM-1AM, Sunday $$$ 3.28 Miles
Grand Lux Café (American) Blending the grandeur and luxury of European cafes with the sensibilities and spirit of an all-American restaurant, "Grand Lux Cafe" was born. 600 N. Michigan Ave (312) 276-2500 11AM-11PM, M-F, 10AM-12:30AM, Saturday, 10AM-11PM, Sunday $$$ 3.04 Miles
BIN 36 (Fine Dining, Wine & Cheese Bar) Bin 36 is open for breakfast lunch and dinner daily and features contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and wine pairing. In the evenings, you may dine in either the more casual Tavern dining room or the intimate Cellar. 339 North Dearborn St (312) 755-9463 6:30AM-11PM, M-F, 7AM-2AM, Saturday, 7am-11PM, Sunday $$$ Distance from Hyatt McCormick: 2.99 Miles
Carnivale (Latin American) Carnivale, one of Chicago's most lively restaurants, features the cuisine of Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Colombia 702 W. Fulton Market (312) 850-3017 11:30AM-2:30PM, M-F, 5PM-10:30PM, M-Th, 5PM-11:30PM, F-Sa, 5PM-10PM, Sunday $$$$ 4.31 Miles
Sunda (Pan Asian) The restaurant’s name is a nod to the Sunda Shelf, a Southeast Asian landmass, and incorporates modern takes on dishes from throughout the region. A large chunk of the lineup is devoted to China and Japan, but fare from other countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, makes an appearance too. 110 W. Illinois St (312) 644-0500 11:30AM-3PM, M-F, 5PM-12AM, Su-Th, 5PM-1AM, F-Sa $$$$ 5.89 Miles
Frontera Grill (Mexican) Celebrity chef Rick Bayless defines authentic regional Mexican cuisine for north-of-the-border diners at Frontera 445 N. Clark St (312) 661-1434 11:30AM-2:30PM, Tu-F, 5PM-10PM, Tu-Sa $$$$ 5.93 Miles
Japonais (Japanese/Sushi) One of Chicago's trendiest dining destinations, a blend of contemporary Asian and French cuisines that has foodies and fashionistas buzzing. 600 W. Chicago Ave (312) 822-9600 11:30AM-2:30PM, M-F, 5PM-11PM, M-Sa, 5PM-10PM, Sunday $$$$ 5.34 Miles
Charlie Trotters (American) Regarded by many as the pinnacle of American cooking, Charlie Trotter's enjoys as much international renown as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Bulls basketball team. The chef's aim is to synthesize European traditionalism with Asian minimalism and American ingenuity. 816 West Armitage Avenue (773) 248-6228 6PM-9:30PM, Tu-Th, 5:30PM-9:30pm, F-Sa $$$$$ 7.66 Miles
Boka (New American) Swank atmosphere and an ambitious, Mediterranean-influenced contemporary American menu created by award-winning executive chef Giuseppe Tentori. 1729 N. Halstead St. (312) 337-6070 5PM-9PM, Su-Tu, 5PM-10PM, W-Sa $$$$$ 7.26 Miles
Gibson’s Steakhouse (Seafood/Steakhouse) Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse embodies the big city dining experience with big flavor steaks and chops, fresh fish daily, and enormous lobster tails—all matched with an extensive wine list. An evening out at Gibsons will include a fun and happening atmosphere with light entertainment, large portions of great food, and uncompromising service. 1028 N. Rush St. (312) 266-8999 11AM-12AM, Daily $$$$$ 3.81 Miles
Spiaggia (Italian) Since opening to great fanfare in 1984, Spiaggia has set the tone for Italian fine dining in Chicago and in the United States. A favorite of critics and patrons alike, this timeless four-star restaurant celebrates the cuisine of Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano, who creates luxurious, world-class Italian cuisine showcasing the finest ingredients presented with simple elegance. 980 N. Michigan Ave (312) 280-2750 6PM-9:30PM, M-Th, 5:30PM-10:30PM, Fri-Sa, 6PM-9PM, Sunday $$$$$$ 3.58 Miles