MAKE THE MOST OF CHICAGO

Thank you to our Chicago Host City Council for compiling these resources and recommendations for our out-of-town visitors. Read our welcome letter from the council here!

THE CHICAGO HOST CITY COUNCIL

✳︎

THE CHICAGO HOST CITY COUNCIL ✳︎

Mimi Plauché - Chair, Chicago International Film Festival | Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation Artistic Director
Brody Sheldon - Chair, Music Box Theater | Owner
Karen Cardarelli - Chair, FACETS Film Forum/Film Festival Alliance | Executive Director/Board President

Anurada Rana, DePaul University | Director, School of Cinematic Arts & Professor
Betsy Steinberg, Producer, Creative Producer | Consultant
Brian Hieggelke, Newcity + Chicago Film Project | Publisher
Chaz Ebert, RogerEbert.com | President
Douglas McLaren, University of Chicago | Assistant Director
Ed Hall, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | Artistic Director
Elizabeth Arnott, Music Box Films | Head of Marketing & Publicity
Emily Long, Gene Siskel Film Center | Executive Director

Encarnacion Teruel, Illinois Arts Council | Deputy Director
Eric Patrick, Northwestern University | Associate Professor
Glenn Davis, Steppenwolf Theatre Company | Artistic Director
Grishma Shah, Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals | Steering Committee Chair
Louis Ferrara, Illinois Film Office | Assistant Deputy Director
Morgan Harris, Acacia Consulting Group | President
Natasha Olguin, City of Chicago, DCASE | Chicago Film Office, Deputy Commissioner
Nathalie Kohen, Chicago Public Media | Director, Marketing and Events
Rob Walton, Chicago Architecture Center | Director of Communications and Media Relations
Virginia McDermott, Loyola University | Dean of the School of Communication
Wenhwa Tsao, Columbia College Chicago | Interim Co-Director, School of Film and Television

EXPLORE CHICAGO

Here is a collection of your Host City Council’s Favorite Things to do in Chicago if you have extra time before or after IND/EX

Downtown Loop area, Outdoors

Cultural Goings On Right Before and During IND/EX

Explore Chicago Neighborhoods

Eats & Drinks near
IND/EX conference

Venue SIX10 is located on the iconic Michigan Avenue, with very close proximity the Chicago's Loop business district and South Loop neighborhood, with many bars and restaurants within walking distance. 

Must visits: 

  • Kasey's-one of the oldest and best neighborhood taverns in the city

  • Printers Row Wine Bar

  • Vitalogy Craft Cocktail Lounge

  • Chengdu Bistro for spicy Szechuan food

  • Sandmeyers Bookstore

  • Flaco's Tacos for fast casual and great margaritas

  • Half Sour for burgers and select Jewish mainstays like Reubens. 

  • Niu B for Japanese / Sushi, 888 S. Michigan,   

  • Millers Pub and Exchequer Pub on Wabash. Two longstanding iconic spots for food and drink. 

Citywide Festivals the weekends before and after IND/EX

Taste of Randolph - Sat. June 20th & Sun 21st
Michelada Fest - Chicago’s Latino Fest - Friday, June 26-28 https://www.michefest.live/
Chicago Pride Fest 2026 - June 20-21
Chicago Pride Parade - June 28

Visit an Art House Cinema

Davis Theater (Lincoln Square)
Music Box Theater (Lakeview)
Gene Siskel Film Center (Loop)
FACETS Film Forum (Lincoln Park)

FAVORITE CHEAP EATS PICKS

from your Host City Council

🌭
Classic Chicago Icons

    • Why we love it: Legendary late-night chaos, insults included—pure Chicago energy

    • Address: 2622 N Clark St

    • Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

    • Dietary: Limited vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Small interior; tight counter space; best for walk-up/takeout

    • Why we love it: Classic Italian beef done right; no-frills authenticity

    • Address: 666 N Orleans St

    • Neighborhood: River North

    • Dietary: Meat-focused, Veggie hotdog, beyond burger, veggie burger 

    • Accessibility Notes: Narrow interior; limited seating

    • Why we love it: A founding father of Italian beef—fast, messy, iconic

    • Address: 1079 W Taylor St

    • Neighborhood: Little Italy

    • Dietary: Meat-centric

    • Accessibility Notes: Counter-service; tight indoor space

    • Why we love it: Historic, quirky, and proudly unchanged (“Cheezborger!”)

    • Address: 430 N Michigan Ave (lower level)

    • Neighborhood: Loop

    • Dietary: Limited vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Basement location; elevator access available via building

    • Why we love it: Cheap, perfect Chicago dogs and crispy shrimp

    • Address: 3057 N Ashland Ave

    • Neighborhood: Lakeview

    • Dietary: Not vegetarian-friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Walk-up style; limited seating

🌯
Global
Cheap
Eats Gems

    • Why we love it: Incredibly affordable, fresh, and generous portions

    • Address: 1509 W Foster Ave

    • Neighborhood: Andersonville

    • Dietary: Vegetarian & vegan friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Small space; limited seating

    • Why we love it: Hidden gem with some of the city’s best falafel

    • Address: 21 N Wabash Ave (inside mall)

    • Neighborhood: Loop

    • Dietary: Vegetarian & vegan friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Located inside a building; elevator access available

    • Why we love it: Hand-pulled noodles + bold, spicy flavors

    • Address: 888 S Michigan Ave

    • Neighborhood: South Loop

    • Dietary: Some vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Step-free entrance; moderate seating

    • Why we love it: One of Chicago’s original Thai spots—consistent and affordable

    • Address: 11 E Illinois St

    • Neighborhood: River North

    • Dietary: Vegetarian-friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Standard restaurant seating; accessible entrance

    • Why we love it: Big portions, casual vibe, great value

    • Address: 4658 N Western Ave

    • Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

    • Dietary: Vegetarian options available

    • Accessibility Notes: Street-level entrance; spacious seating

    • Why we love it: Cozy, flavorful Himalayan comfort food

    • Address: 1301 S Michigan Ave

    • Neighborhood: South Loop

    • Dietary: Vegetarian-friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Accessible entrance; standard seating

🍕
Chicago Comfort
& Casual

    • Why we love it: That caramelized crust is unforgettable

    • Address: 2207 N Clybourn Ave

    • Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

    • Dietary: Vegetarian pizza options

    • Accessibility Notes: Can be crowded; main floor seating accessible

    • Why we love it: Chef-level food at casual prices

    • Address: 860 N Orleans St

    • Neighborhood: River North

    • Dietary: Some vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Small space; limited seating

    • Why we love it: A Chicago institution with history on every wall

    • Address: 1141 S Jefferson St

    • Neighborhood: South Loop

    • Dietary: Limited vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Spacious cafeteria-style seating; accessible

    • Why we love it: Classic diner charm in a stunning historic building

    • Address: 55 E Washington St

    • Neighborhood: Loop

    • Dietary: Basic vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Located in lobby; accessible via building entrance

    • Why we love it: Legendary vegetarian comfort food done right

    • Address: 3411 N Halsted St

    • Neighborhood: Lakeview

    • Dietary: Vegetarian & vegan

    • Accessibility Notes: Accessible entrance; moderate seating

🍝
Neighborhood Character Spots

    • Why we love it: Laid-back neighborhood energy + solid comfort food

    • Address: 2930 N Broadway

    • Neighborhood: Lakeview

    • Dietary: Limited vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Standard bar layout; may be tight during busy hours

    • Why we love it: Cozy fireplace vibes + British pub charm + Haunted

    • Address: 2446 N Lincoln Ave

    • Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

    • Dietary: Some vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Multi-level; main floor accessible

    • Why we love it: Hearty Polish classics in a welcoming setting

    • Address: 3030 N Milwaukee Ave

    • Neighborhood: Avondale

    • Dietary: Some vegetarian options

    • Accessibility Notes: Accessible entrance; spacious dining

    • Why we love it: Affordable tapas perfect for sharing

    • Address: 1530 S State St

    • Neighborhood: South Loop

    • Dietary: Vegetarian & seafood options

    • Accessibility Notes: Accessible entrance; good for groups

    • Why we love it: A summertime Chicago tradition—simple and perfect

    • Address: 1068 W Taylor St

    • Neighborhood: Little Italy

    • Dietary: Vegan-friendly

    • Accessibility Notes: Walk-up window; no indoor seating