Heading to Chicago for the DNC? Local Tips on Food, Drink, and Travel

The Democratic National Convention kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19, and wraps up on Thursday, Aug. 22.

The United Center and McCormick Place will host the main events. Since it is a “national special security event,” the Secret Service will handle security inside these venues. Chicago police will oversee safety measures outside.

Caucus meetings start at 9:30 a.m. each day at McCormick Place, while programs go on until 10 p.m. at the United Center.

One notable event is an invite-only party hosted by Gov. JB Pritzker on Aug. 20 at the Salt Shed.

For those concerned about the weather, the forecast looks promising. Temperatures are expected to be in the 70s with mostly sunny or partly cloudy skies.

Day	Events Start	Events End
Monday	9:30 a.m.	10:00 p.m.
Tuesday	9:30 a.m.	10:00 p.m.
Wednesday	9:30 a.m.	10:00 p.m.
Thursday	9:30 a.m.	10:00 p.m.

Getting Around

With enhanced security measures and parking constraints during the convention, public transportation and rideshares are your best bet for getting around Chicago.

The city unveiled its much-anticipated Damen Green Line station, located at Lake Street and Damen Avenue.

This station is conveniently situated within a ten-minute walk from the United Center. For those coming from Downtown, the No. 126 Jackson bus provides a direct route to the arena.

Within the secure pedestrian zones, rideshare services, deliveries, or bikes will be off-limits. However, rideshare vehicles and delivery services can enter through checkpoints near Paulina and Monroe streets.

McCormick Place is accessible by a short walk (10-15 minutes) from the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station.

Other options include the Metra trains and the No. 3 King Drive bus.

Checkpoints for the car screening area will be positioned near Indiana Avenue and 18th Street, Cermak Road and Wabash Avenue, and King Drive and 25th Street.

Though CTA service remains mostly unchanged, some bus reroutes will be in place, according to the Regional Transit Authority.

From O’Hare Airport, the Blue Line offers regular service to Downtown.

Metra is also running hourly shuttle service between O’Hare and Union Station until Aug. 30, taking about 35 minutes for a one-way fare of $3.75.

Travelers from Midway Airport can take the CTA’s Orange Line to the Loop for easy access to various parts of the city.

Transportation Options Overview:

• Green Line Stations: Damen (for United Center), Cermak-McCormick Place
• Buses: No. 126 Jackson (Downtown to United Center), No. 3 King Drive (for McCormick Place)
• Metra: O’Hare to Union Station hourly service
• CTA Lines: Blue Line (O’Hare to Downtown), Orange Line (Midway to the Loop)
• Rideshare & Delivery Checkpoints: Near Paulina and Monroe, Indiana Avenue and 18th Street, Cermak Road and Wabash Avenue, King Drive and 25th Street

Eating And Drinking

The area around the United Center in Chicago is teeming with fantastic dining options.

Head over to the nearby West Loop, specifically Randolph Street, known as “restaurant row,” for a variety of high-end eateries and buzzing bars.

Whether craving a gourmet meal or a craft cocktail, this strip has something to please everyone.

If the upscale scene isn’t appealing, Chicago Avenue in West Town offers a more relaxed vibe with some of the best local spots.

Dive bars like the Chipp Inn and Rainbo Club provide a no-frills experience that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day.

For those needing a quick bite close to the United Center, Moon’s Sandwich Shop on 16 S. Western Ave is a local favorite for hearty sandwiches and a touch of Chicago history.

South of the arena, the vibrant 18th Street in Pilsen is the go-to for amazing Mexican food.

Just a short trip away, Chinatown offers a vast array of restaurants near the McCormick Center, serving everything from dim sum to spicy Szechuan dishes.

Chicago’s rooftop bars and open-air restaurants are perfect if the weather is nice.

Many places are serving special cocktails to celebrate the DNC.

And for those who find themselves indulging a bit too much, the city boasts several late-night food spots to satisfy those midnight cravings.

When it comes to pizza, Chicago is famous for its deep-dish style.

Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s are popular choices for this iconic dish. However, locals often prefer the thin crust, “tavern-style” pizza.

Vito and Nick’s on the Southwest Side is a hidden gem for thin-crust pizza enthusiasts.

For a unique twist, Bungalow by Middle Brow in Logan Square offers cracker-thin crusts on their “Tavern Tuesdays” and regular delicious pies the rest of the week.

No trip to Chicago would be complete without trying a classic Chicago hot dog, served “dragged through the garden” with all the traditional toppings.

Red Hot Ranch, Fatso’s Last Stand, and the Maxwell Street Depot on 31st Street are must-visit spots for a true taste of this local specialty.

And the debate over whether to add ketchup? That’s a personal choice and a heated topic among locals.

Non-DNC Events & Activities

Visitors in Chicago for the DNC can explore many non-DNC events and activities across the city.

There are farmers markets, architecture tours, and art exhibitions among other options lined up for the week.

The Museum Campus in Grant Park is a great spot to visit, including the Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum of Natural History.

Each offers regular programs and exhibits worth checking out.

For art lovers, the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue is showcasing a George O’Keefe exhibit running through September.

It’s a highlight among the many offerings this summer.

Those interested in music should check out the Chicago Show Calendar website.

It lists dozens of weekly concerts, featuring bands and musicians of various genres performing at venues throughout the city.

Baseball fans have a chance to catch the Cubs at Wrigley Field as they play against the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers.

Unfortunately, the White Sox won’t be around since they’ll be out of town during the DNC.

For a peaceful escape from the political buzz, the Garfield Park Conservatory or the National Mexican Art Museum in Pilsen offer serene environments.

If you’re in the mood for some sun and water, the city boasts over 20 public beaches along the lakefront perfect for a refreshing dip.