Fall in the Windy City means crisp air, changing leaves, and thinning crowds. Pack your layers and your walking shoes because there’s plenty to explore in magnificent Chicago, the host city for CHEST 2025, October 19 to 22.

“The conference is a great opportunity for everyone to connect around a common goal, which is finding ways to improve chest health for all,” said Rachelle Paul-Brutus, Executive Director of Chicago Asthma Consortium.

Paul-Brutus encourages conferencegoers to take the time to discover Chicago’s different neighborhoods. “It’s a culturally diverse city,” she said, “and attendees should take the time to experience its richness.”

With Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, it can be tough to know what to put on your downtime agenda. Thankfully, we have you covered with the top restaurants, sightseeing ideas, and other attractions—all in close proximity to McCormick Place Convention Center.

Restaurants

Chicago is a foodie town; it’s home to deep dish pizza, ketchup-free hotdogs, and Italian beef. When you’re not scouting out “The Bear” filming locations, check out these picks for close-by and standout dining options.

Eleven City Diner
1112 S. Wabash Ave.
(1.6 miles from McCormick Place)

If you’re in the mood for an old-school delicatessen, this is your spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Opened by local Brad Rubin, the menu includes favorites like matzoh ball soup, potato pancakes (two ways), Reubens, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, big salads, cocktails, sodas, and shakes. With an in-house soda jerk, homemade pies and cakes, and old-timey candy counter, you’ll likely leave content… or at least sporting a sugar high. Because it’s a Loop neighborhood favorite, there can sometimes there can be a wait—but once seated, you usually get served swiftly.

The Purple Pig
444 Michigan Ave.
(3.1 miles from McCormick Place)

This locally owned Streeterville restaurant is known for its pork dishes (think pork chops, pork belly, pork ribs) and extensive wine options. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is based on the season, so expect what’s most fresh in the Midwest this fall, and there’s always unique cured meats and cheese plates. Vegetarians and seafood lovers will have plentiful options (from mushroom ravioletto to seafood risotto), and all pasta is made in house. If you plan on dining with a group, this is a good spot to make a reservation for larger parties.

Au Cheval
800 W. Randolph St.
(4.2 miles from McCormick Place)

The Fulton market neighborhood is home to some of the hippest and arguably best restaurants in the city, including Au Cheval. This is the spot for a cheeseburger, with its most popular add-ons: thick-cut bacon and a fried egg. It’s called Au Cheval for a reason; egg can be topped on crispy fries, burgers, foie gras, and even salads. Other menu standouts include roasted marrow bones and a fried bologna sandwich. (It’s better than it sounds!) There’s a large bar menu, with local beer options and root beer on draught. Be prepared for a wait; unfortunately, you can’t make reservations here. So put your name on the list and grab a drink next store at Lone Wolf. Tip: Go in smaller groups to this well-frequented spot.

Small Cheval
1352 W Lake St.
(4.6 miles from McCormick Place)

If you want the Au Cheval burger experience without a long wait, there always Small Cheval—a scaled-down version of the original restaurant—with nine locations around town including in Hyde Park, the Loop, the Gold Coast, and Old Town Fulton Market. You’ll get the same tasty burger, just with less ambiance and wait time.

Bavette Bar & Boeuf
218 W. Kinzie St.
(5.8 miles to McCormick Place)

Chicago is home to many steak houses, but Bavette is the place locals have fallen in love with. Because of that, you’ll want to book your reservation up to 21 days in advance, so set that reminder for the end of September. This high-end family-owned steak house serves mouthwatering steaks along with seafood, fried chicken, and pork chops. You can expect mood lighting, jazz music in the air, and an Old Fashioned to sip on. Here, you’ll get a taste of Old Chicago with a new twist—and it’s worth the splurge.

Three Dots and a Dash
435 N Clark St.
(5.2 miles to McCormick Place)

In the River North neighborhood, tucked down an alley, you’ll find a tropical getaway in the middle of the city. This local bar is an ideal spot for an upscale tiki drink (with fresh, cold-pressed juices and house-made syrups) and appetizers (such as the pu pu platter, skirt steak skewers, and Thai curry crab rangoon dip). There’s Polynesian-inspired décor, fun drink names, and, of course, tiny umbrellas. It’s a good place to unwind after a long conference day and chat in a booth over a tasty drink. Make reservations in advance if you want to visit with a group.

Activities

When you’re not eating your way around Chicago, check out these sights and worthwhile local experiences.

Capture Cloudgate
201 E. Randolph St.
(2.8 miles to McCormick Place)

When it comes to public art, this one is worth the trip. Cloudgate, also known as “the Bean,” is a 110-ton, stainless steel, bean-shaped sculpture that reflects the city skyline. You can touch its surface and even stroll under it for a “hall of mirrors” moment—making it an ideal photo opp. It sits in Millennium Park, a 25-acre urban oasis alongside Lake Michigan, so take a walk around and peep the changing leaves. If you’re up for a longer jaunt, head east toward the Lakefront Trail, where you can see Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel to the north and Museum Campus to the south.

Take in the Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
(2.8 miles to McCormick Place)

Right across the street from “the Bean” is the Chicago Culture Center, arguably one of the coolest spots in Chicago because of its free public art exhibits, gorgeous landmark building, and the Buddy shop, where local artists sell their goods and artwork (a place to snag a true Chicago souvenir). Peek in to see an exhibit or two and explore the building, including the rotunda and massive Tiffany dome. Before leaving, check out the exterior James Marshall mural, which honors 20 women who have shaped Chicago’s arts and cultural landscape.

See Skyscrapers by Boat
112 E. Wacker Dr.
(3 miles from McCormick Place)

Chicago is home to many firsts, including the first successful open-heart surgery and the first skyscraper, the latter of which you can learn more about on the Chicago Architecture Center’s First Lady boat tour. It’s a 90-minute cruise up and down the Chicago River and into the mouth of Lake Michigan, with captivating storytellers shedding light on the buildings that make up Chicago’s skyline. You can get tickets in advance, and tours depart almost every hour. It’s a fun group outing pre- or post-dinner—final tours set sail around 8 pm—and there’s a bar onboard.

Explore on Foot

Calling all architecture enthusiasts! This year, CHEST 2025 falls during the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House event, from October 18 to 19. It’s a chance to explore Chicago buildings usually closed to the public. This behind-the-scenes historical tour is free, and sites will be announced in early fall. Tickets are required, and they fill up fast, so check back in early September. Reserve a spot that fits in your downtime for a uniquely Chicago experience.

Head to the Museum Campus
1400 S Lake Shore Dr.
(3 miles to McCormick Place)

In Chicago, you can take your pick of any museum that sparks your interest. Take an hour to see Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton every found, at the Field Museum. Hop over to the Adler Planetarium, the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Or go under the sea at the Shedd Aquarium. If you’re more of an art lover, you’re just a short ride to the Art Institute of Chicago, home of “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” and “American Gothic,” where museum curators have thoughtfully arranged what to see if you have only an hour to explore.

Root for Da Bears
1410 Special Olympics Dr.
(2.2 miles from McCormick Place)

There’s not a more Chicago thing to do than to see the Bears play at Soldier Field. At noon on Sunday, October 19, the Bears take on the New Orleans Saints. If that aligns with the pre-conference schedule, make sure to get your tickets in advance. If fall football doesn’t fit your plan, at least try to dodge the gameday traffic.

Laugh at The Second City
230 W North Ave.
(5 miles from McCormick Place)

While you’re in the Second City, why not stop by The Second City—a time capsule of comedy legends featuring new shows nightly. The sketch comedy show “Chaos Theory of Everything” will be showing on the e.t.c. stage at 7 pm on October 19. Say “yes and” this to Old Town activity if you want to crack up and see the stomping grounds for improv and sketch comedy.