Events

From Takeout to Fine Dining: Where to Eat During ProMat 2025

When traveling to ProMat 2025, sampling Chicago’s restaurant scene is always a perk. From historical establishments to takeout near the McCormick Place, we have assembled a list of recommended restaurants during your stay in the Windy City.

Convenient to the Convention Center

More restaurant options have sprung up on the South Side of Chicago in recent years, helping you keep that uber tab down. Here are few places you won’t regret trying:

Oliver’s
Inspired by the 1930’s Los Angeles dining era, Oliver serves a retro allure. The menu is compact, offering simple starters like stracciatella and entree options such as a half chicken with crème fraîche. Conversely, the cocktail menu is lengthy. You can order a silver gin fitz, a “french-ish” martini, or many other creative sips. Oliver’s has a golden hour menu from 5-6 pm, Tuesday – Friday, and a nightcap menu from 9-10 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

Chicago Oyster House
If seafood pleases your palate, you really can’t go wrong with the Chicago Oyster house. With a large raw bar and sushi menu, as well as classic entrees like filet mignon, Chilean sea bass and lobster, this is a solid spot to treat clients and staff.

Featured on “The Bear”

You might have caught a few episodes “The Bear” – a critically acclaimed TV show that centers on a talented chef who comes home to Chicago to try and salvage an Italian beef sandwich shop. Restaurants are prominently displayed on the show, including the following two:

After Lounge
You might remember Marcus perfecting his pastry game in this lounge. It serves up tasty small plates like duck wings, steam buns, and wagyu, dreamed up by Michelin-star chef Curis Duffy. If you’re in a cocktail mood, bring along your Bartender’s Bible. There are many rare options on this sophisticated list.

The Exchange
The setting and menu compete for your attention in this architecturally stunning building. The Exchange’s grand marble staircase was featured in a flashback on season 3 of “The Bear.” If you’re there in real time, you can try such well executed traditions as Parker House rolls and grilled cheese and tomato bisque. If you’re feeling spicier, try the pork chop calabrese. For a more customized business dinner, The Exchange offer private dining rooms.

New and Trendy

Mirra
Even the most hearty steak eater can burn out on fillets during business travel. To revive your taste buds, check out Mirra. This restaurant offers a fusion of Indian and Mexican cuisines. You’ll find creative entrees such as octopus, charred cauliflower salad, and roasted bone marrow, as well as some Mezcal and Tequila-based cocktails. Pro tip: Walk-ins are accepted, but it’s best to reserve this rising hot spot NOW.

Il Carciofo
If you are dining with a large group, Italian is typically a crowd pleaser. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Il Carciofo is an open-kitchen restaurant that offers a seasonal menu. You’ll find it embraces rich pastas, gelato, and sorbet.

The Stay-In Option

Mustard Seed Kitchen
As ProMat 2025 winds down, you might need a night in to recharge your batteries (and legs!). That doesn’t mean you have to forego awesome food. Headed by James Beard award winning Chef Erick Williams, The Mustard Seed will deliver its Cajun-flair entrees to your hotel. From reasonably priced options like the catfish sliders (the Chef’s Special, $10) to a more upscale entree like the honey mustard salmon ($23), there is a great selection on this menu.