- Hidden gem
- Urban oasis
- People watch
Ellery's South Loop recommendations
Coming to Chicago for the News Product Alliance Summit? Here's my guide to some less-visited spots near the venue you should check out.
9 places
Showing 9 of 9 places
- Hidden gem
- Urban oasis
Tilly Bagel Shop
Popular Chicago bagel shop offering handcrafted bagels and artisanal flavored cream cheeses.
Tilly Bagel Shop makes excellent sourdough bagels. We're not a bagel city, alas, but if you're looking to grab a quick bite while at Venue SIX10, I highly recommend checking it out!
- Date night
- Low-key cool
Printers Row Wine Bar and Shop
Rustic-looking retailer offering wine, craft beer & small-batch spirits, plus tastings & events.
I love this wine bar. The curation is excellent; the vibes are excellent.
- Hidden gem
- People watch
- Urban oasis
Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago Public Library
The public library's main branch features a mix of classic & modern architecture & a winter garden.
Go up to the top floor and check out the Winter Garden! They also have piano practice rooms and private meeting rooms if you're looking to get away from the hustle of the conference.
- Institution
- Late night
Buddy Guy's Legends
Classic blues club with up-and-coming & famous acts 7 nights a week plus New-Orleans-inspired grub.
If you're looking to experience some Chicago blues, this is the venue to check out.
- Hidden gem
- Old Chicago
Jazz Showcase
Long-time (since 1947), 170-seat Jazz club showcasing local, national & international acts.
Or, if you're looking for a jazz show, check out Jazz Showcase inside the old Dearborn Station.
Exile in Bookville
Cozy independent bookstore featuring a curated book selection and a vinyl collection.
This is one of the most interesting bookstores in the city. More importantly, it's in the Performing Arts Building, one of the most interesting buildings in the city. If you're a classical music nerd, check out Performers Music while you're here and wander the hallways to listen to people rehearsing.
- Dreamy
- Eclectic
- People watch
Cafe Deko
Art Deco coffee shop featuring specialty espresso drinks and light breakfast fare.
The interior decor of the coffee shop is worth checking out.
- Institution
- Playful
Shedd Aquarium
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
This recommendation has less to do with all of the dead beluga whales and more about the views from outside the aquarium. One of my favorite dates is to get takeout from somewhere in South Loop and have a picnic on the grass near the aquarium — it's the best view of the skyline in the city.
Cafecito
Coffeehouse specializing in pressed Cuban sandwiches plus salads, platters, and more in modern digs.
If you're looking for an inexpensive spot to grab a quick bite, this local chain is excellent.