Chicago is a tremendous metropolis overflowing with possibilities for planners to ponder, from its dynamic dining spots and world-class attractions to a wealth of great group tours and excursions.
But this awesome array of options can also be overwhelming, particularly for those in the industry without substantial Windy City experience.
To help you cut to the chase, Meetings Focus checked in with some serious experts on Chicago—longtime local residents in the hospitality industry who have graciously shared their secrets on a great group time in the “City of Broad Shoulders.”
Sam Toia, President, Illinois Restaurant Association, on his favorite dining spots
“Nestled in the base of the iconic Tribune Tower along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Howells & Hood is a prime location for visitors,” Toia says. “Boasting a draft beer selection as brilliant as it is vast, a menu featuring familiar favorites with a twist, and an expansive square footage, it is both an approachable and accessible option for large parties. Nothing beats sipping a cold beer on Howells’ huge patio in the summer, in the shade of one of our city’s most historic landmarks.”
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse is a Chicago signature and a local favorite featuring big portions and big personality, according to Toia.
“The Montgomery Club is Gibsons Restaurant Group’s new, unique and all-inclusive event space located in the heart of River North,” he says. “You’ll feel like a local in no time with Gibsons’ knowledgeable family of staff, flexible accommodations and a menu abundant with award-winning steaks, fresh seafood and gigantic margaritas.”
Toia adds that Epic is a sexier space for private events, providing more of an urban, nightlife feel.
“The multilevel venue is located on Chicago’s bustling Hubbard Street, which is packed with revelers on any given night,” he says. “Epic has a variety of soft-lit, swanky areas for events, including a lounge, dining room and roof deck for those warm summer nights in Chicago.”
Rose Horcher, Vice President of Client Services, Choose Chicago, on hidden gems and favorite stops
“I recently had an opportunity to dine at Grace,” Horcher says. “It was one of the most outstanding dining experiences of my life. The food is presented with such style and flair that it looks like artwork, and the food is simply amazing. Top that with inspired wine pairings for an unforgettable dining experience. I also like to entertain at the Boarding House, Balena, Bar Toma and Embeya.”PageBreak
When it comes time to shop, Horcher enjoys a funky alternative to the famed Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue.
“The Randolph Street Market is held outdoors during warm weather months, and indoors during the winter,” she explains. “Over 75 vendors of vintage, antique, indie designer, global goods and fancy foods hawk their wares. It’s a great time, often accompanied by live music playing and street vendors selling food.”
As for Horcher’s “dream venue” in Chi-town, she says a party she hosted last summer for her mother’s 85th birthday bash, with 40 guests, showcased a trio of them.
“We started the day with an outdoor lunch at the Park Grill at Millennium Park, followed by a 2.5-hour boat ride on Chicago’s First Lady, followed by an after-cruise reception at Howells & Hood,” Horcher explains. “All three activities were within just a few blocks of one another. The event was extremely successful, with delicious food at the Park Grill, a fun yet relaxing boat cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, followed by a lovely evening spent on the outdoor patio area of Howells & Hood.”
Horcher also shared some lesser-known wonders that might sometimes get lost in the shadows of Navy Pier, the Sears Tower and other famed local offerings.
“There are plenty of hidden gems across the Chicago area that many people have yet to discover, including Osaka Garden, Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the Smart Museum and Renaissance Society,” she says.
Shane Kost, VP of Sales & Marketing for Chicago Food Planet Food Tours, on beer and brunch
Kost and his group provide three-hour foodie tours that encapsulate the city’s history and culture through its iconic classics like deep-dish pizza, hot dogs and much more. PageBreak
He also strongly urges visiting groups to dive into the local beer scene.
“It’s no secret that Chicago likes to eat and drink, and we have great local breweries and beer pubs that showcase everything from ales to stouts,” Kost remarks. “Be sure to visit local favorites including Revolution Brewery in Logan Square, Goose Island Brewery in Lincoln Park and Piece Pizza & Brewpub in Wicker Park.”
Kost adds that a hearty brunch is a local tradition of sorts for Chicagoans.
“Whether it’s cold or hot outside, Chicago takes its brunch very seriously and in large quantity,” he says. “These places will leave you stuffed and yearning for more: Hot Chocolate in Bucktown, Bakin’ & Eggs in Lincoln Park, The Bongo Room in Wicker Park and Nookies in Old Town.”
Bobbi Chiodo, Chef Concierge, InterContinental Hotel Chicago O’Hare, on a lifetime of local favorites
Bobbi Chiodo is a born-and-raised Chicagoan who can still recall taking a streetcar at age 7 for just pennies. She knows the city inside and out and has no end to her own roster of current favorites.
Two of Chiodo’s favorite neighborhoods to explore are the Wicker Park/Bucktown area and the Old Town district.
“There are Vintage Shops, beautiful boutiques and fabulous restaurants,” she says of the former. “[Old Town] is where The Second City began! This is where I buy my oils and vinegars, at The Old Spice Shop for my spices, and it has one of the best candy stores, The Fudge Pot.”
She says a daylong group adventure can be had in either neighborhood, and also had some suggestions for a more-organized excursion.
“Chicago Architecture Foundation provides some of the most outstanding tours in the city,” Chiodo says. “They can provide walking tours, bus tours, trolley tours boat tours, bike tours. They offer more than 85 tours.”
As for some group attractions worth a look, the lifetime resident shared ideas ranging from famous to farther-flung.
“One of the great things to do when one comes to Chicago is to go to a Cubs Game. If you never have been, it is pure excitement,” Chiodo says. “Wrigley Field is the oldest ballpark since 1914, and whether we win or lose there is nothing like a baseball game with the ivy vines at Wrigley Field.”
She also recommends a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo— “one of three in the U.S. that is still free”—as well as the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
