While you’re in town for SCA Expo, we hope you get to see some sights and eat some delicious food! Below is a list of recommendations from some of our Chicago-based team members (current and former) and friends. Enjoy!

NEARish THE CONVENTION CENTER

Ricobene's (casual)

A casual Chicago classic famous for their breaded steak sandwiches. 5-minute drive from the convention center. Make sure to add giardiniera if you like it spicy!

Address: 252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone Number: (312) 225-5555
Neighborhood: South Loop

Hing Kee(casual)
A popular spot for soup dumplings and hand pulled noodles with 3 menu pages of beverage options. Call ahead for large party reservations.
Address: 2140 S Archer Ave Chicago, IL 60616
Phone Number: (312) 808-9538
Neighborhood: Chinatown

Ming Hin
Popular MidWest Dim sum spot with multiple locations. Can accommodate bigger parties. Located in Chinatown and Streeterville areas.
Address:& 2168 S. Archer Ave Chicago, IL 60616
Phone Number: (312) 808-1999
Neighborhood: Chinatown

CLASSIC CHICAGO

Italian Beef (casual, Chicago classic)
This is a pretty personal decision, but a classic Chicago dish that's worth trying if you're a meat eater. Options include Jay's, Al's (the Taylor Street location only), Portillo's, Johnnie's (Chicagoans love an apostrophe). Hot and dipped is the way to go.

Papa's Cache Sabroso (Chicago classic, casual)
Get the jibarito, a sandwich inspired by Puerto Rico but uniquely Chicago. Papa's is known for their pollo chon (rotisserie chicken), but the vegetarian jibarito is also excellent. Bring gum, it's garlicky.
Address: 2517 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone number: (773) 862-8313
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

Home Depot Hot Dogs (Chicago classic, very casual)
Okay, technically this place is called Fixin' Franks, but no one calls it that. If you have a booth at Expo, you'll probably have to run to Home Depot at some point. It's worth looking for one with a hot dog stand as these are some of the best in Chicago.
Address: Home Depot stores
Phone number: varies

Birria Zaragoza (casual, Chicago classic)
The gold standard for goat birria, in our opinion. The tortillas and salsa are also best-in-class. Call for hours, as they often sell out early (yes, it's that good).
Address: 4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
Phone number: (773) 523-3700
Neighborhood: Archer Heights

PEQUOD's DEEP DISH (casual, Chicago classic)
Not a fan of deep dish? You haven’t tried Pequod’s. This Classic Chicago spot comes highly recommended by locals. Reservations are encouraged as it gets very busy.
Address: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone number: (773) 327-1512
Neighborhood: Bucktown

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN FRIENDLY

Bungalow by MiddleBrow (veg-friendly, reservations available)
Natural wine, sourdough pizza, and beer made in-house from ingredients mostly within 150 miles, plus an excellent spirit-free menu. Located in the Logan Square neighborhood. This place gets packed, so plan ahead.
Address: 2840 W Armitage Ave.
Phone number: (773) 687-9076
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Transportation: Green to the Blue line

Urban Vegan (casual)
Vegan Thai food! Plant-based comfort food with healthy options.
Address: 1601 W Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60613
Phone number: (773) 404-1109
Neighborhood: North Center/ Ravenswood

Demera (Good for groups, vegan-friendly)
Ethiopian cuisine in the Uptown neighborhood with a separate vegan menu.
Address: TIME OUT MARKET 916 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607
Phone number: (773) 334-8787
Neighborhood: Uptown

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Kasama Bakery (modern hip)
This Filipino bakery as seen on The Bear has incredible pastries with a long line to vouch for it. Prepare to wait or try for an off-time (think 1:30pm on a Wednesday). They do take dinner reservations, though!
Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773) 697-3790
Neighborhood: East Ukrainian Village

Lula Cafe (veg-friendly, reservations available)
A slightly upscale Chicago classic with inventive, market-driven, mostly organic food, hosting an especially popular brunch in Logan Square (but don't overlook dinner!).
Address: 2537 NORTH KEDZIE BLVD CHICAGO, IL 60647
Phone number: (773) 489-9554
Neighborhood: Logan Square

Uncle Mike's Place (breakfast)
Filipino breakfast in West Town in a cozy, no-frills diner setting.
Address: 1700 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (312) 226-5318
Neighborhood: West Town

Dove’s Luncheonette
A nice diner-concept spot for brunch that serves excellent Mexican food inspired by Southern-American US culinary traditions. They also have a decent cocktail menu.
Address 1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773) 645-4060
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

SMALL GROUPS/QUICK BITES

Pleasant House Pub (small groups)
Located in Pilsen, this restaurant specializes in "royal pies", handmade meat and vegetable savory pies, which is rounded out by a solid beer list.
Address: 2119 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone Number: (773) 523-7437
Neighborhood: Pilsen

Taqueria Chingon (counter service)
A Mexico City street-style taqueria located in Bucktown, featuring classic tacos in a new tradition. Think duck carnitas with date puree alongside al pastor and raclette quesadillas on heirloom blue corn tortillas.
Address: 2234 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone Number: (773) 687-9408
Neighborhood: Bucktown

Jimmy's Pizza Cafe (casual)
Super solid NY style by the slice or whole pies place. They also do beignets!
Address: 2434 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone Number: (773) 293-6992
Neighborhood: North Center/Ravenswood

Ba Le Sandwiches
Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies. They also have some grab and go options as well. Great for lunch.
Address: 5014 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone Number: (773) 561-4424
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

Cho Sun Ok
Popular and smaller Korean BBQ spot located in the North Center neighborhood. Fills up quickly and does not take reservations so it's best to go at off times. Worth the travel. BYOB.
Address: 4200 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone Number: (773) 549-5555
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square

Lao Peng You
Homestyle dumplings in a super flavorful broth and noodles. Small and cozy with quick service. Great place for two old friends to catch up.
Address: 2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (872) 206-8624
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village

THINGS TO DO THAT AREN’T FOOD

Wendella Boats Chicago River Architecture Tour
A rare view of the skyline from a boat in the Chicago river. You'll also learn about Chicago's legendary architecture during a narrated tour. Highly recommended!

Garfield Park Conservatory / Lincoln Park Conservatory
For those looking for some greenery and quietude, these conservatories are a plant paradise. Free to enter, reservations required.
Address: 300 N. Central Park Ave. / 2391 N. Stockton Dr.
Neighborhoods: Garfield Park / Lincoln Park
Transportation: Straight shot on the Green Line

Museum of Contemporary Art: MCA
If you have time to sneak in a lil’ culture, this is a perfectly sized museum; not too big, not too small.
Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone Number: (312) 280-2660
Neighborhood: River North
Transportation: Straight shot on the 3 bus

Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Neighborhood: Grant Park
Transportation: Straight shot on the ME line