What Are You Doing Tonight?

Gather your colleagues, coworkers and new friends and explore everything Chicago has to offer. Below is your complete roundup of restaurants, nightlife and tips from show attendees — thoughtfully curated to maximize your enjoyment of the Windy City.

Restaurants:

• Kroll’s, located in South Loop, is a comfortable, casual sports bar that’s great for a midday reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the convention floor. Featuring standard bar food like pretzels and pizza alongside more unexpected dishes like oxtail soup, Kroll’s offers a relaxed atmosphere. The dining portion of the restaurant closes at 10:00 p.m., after which there is a late-night menu offered in the bar and cocktail lounge. This spot is fantastic for milkshakes, mojitos or catching a Met’s game.

• For a group that can’t decide, The Spoke and Bird Cafe in South Loop truly has something for everyone. Focusing on farm-to-table freshness, this restaurant with ample indoor and outdoor seating has local beers, a full coffee bar and a menu with everything from veggie omelets and kale salads to smoked hot dogs and BLTs. The Spoke and Bird is open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday, and 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for all your bean brew, beer and burger needs.

Nur Hayat Nezir

COO, Abrams Industries Inc., Bolingbrook, Illinois

“Have a long walk at the Chicago River. Meet nice and friendly people. Have a nice drink and chat outside — it is great there!”

• Just a stone’s throw away from McCormick Place, Pizano’s Pizza and Pasta on Indiana Avenue has all your Italian comfort food favorites (checkered tablecloths included). In addition to vegetarian options, there is also a carb-free crust made of sausage, which might be worth ordering no matter your diet. Customers can choose from a massive selection of thin crust and deep-dish pizzas, homemade pastas, sandwiches, salads and deep-fried appetizers or go rogue and forge their own paths with a build-your-own pizza option. The restaurant is open weekly Wednesday-Sunday, with business hours of 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Wednesday – Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Friday – Sunday.

• The “T” in “IMTS” actually stands for taco, and you’ll find plenty of those at La Cantina in South Loop! With a mix of authentic Mexican dishes alongside fan favorites like fajitas and flautas, La Cantina has a warm environment, friendly service and some killer cocktails. Whether you want a full meal or you’re just getting drinks at the well-stocked (and beautifully lit) bar, La Cantina is close, convenient and delicious. Stop in from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Bob Kover

Application/Sales Engineer, Horn USA Inc. Franklin, Tennessee

“This is my twelfth IMTS, and my recommendation is to relax with a nice meal with colleagues. IMTS is a huge event and takes a lot of walking, so enjoy and relax the feet.”

Nightlife:

• In the mood for a laugh? Chicago’s Second City sketch and improv comedy group are putting on an original show titled “Do The Right Thing, No Worries If Not.” Rated four-out-of-five stars by the Chicago Tribune, tickets start at $39 for general admission, and the show begins 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14.

• Laughter is the best medicine, but if your tastes lean more towards Vincent Price than Adam Sandler, a ghost tour might be the perfect excursion for you and your crew. Wind and Souls Ghost Tour runs every day of the week at 9:00 p.m. This is an adults-only and pet-friendly walking tour that will take you to see all the haunted sights that Chicago has to offer. Tickets are $35 a person and can be purchased online or by phone at 855-999-9026.

Michael Shea

Product Sales Manager – Industrial, NSK America Corporation, Hoffman Estates, Illinois

“Take advantage of the great food and views that Chicago offers. The weather is usually perfect in early September, so I would recommend visiting a rooftop bar/restaurant, you can get the best views at the London House. We are known for giving out restaurant recommendations at our booth during the show!”

• Are boats more your speed than the boogeyman? Consider Mercury’s Chicago by Night! Cruise. Departing at 8:15 p.m., this 90-minute cruise takes you along the Chicago River and Lakefront, with live commentary on the history and architecture, as well as alcohol, soda and snacks available for purchase. Adult tickets are $45 and can be purchased via the Mercury Cruises website or by calling 312-332-1368.

• Jazzed for the next day of IMTS? Chicago is home to a wealth of jazz clubs, including the historical venues Andy’s Jazz Club and The Green Mill. Both venues have live music seven days a week, from dinner time until the wee hours of the morning. Andy’s requires a reservation for all customers (which can be made via andysjazzclub.com) while Green Mill explicitly states that it does not take reservations. Green Mill is also a cash-only establishment, so stop by an ATM, grab some singles and don’t forget to tip your bartender!

• Need a nightcap without the madcap romps? There are plenty of cozy bars and taverns in the Chicago area! Kibbitznest, located in the Lincoln Park area, has books and board games for patrons to play while enjoying a drink. Both Remedy in Bucktown and Frontier in Noble Square feature ample seating and charming brick fireplaces. EZ Inn, located in Ukrainian Village, is a great spot for cheap drinks and long chats, with a jukebox ready for you to throw on some jams. Of course, if you don’t feel like making a trek, there are plenty of bars near McCormick Place, including Fatpour Tap Works, where you can order from a list of more than 200 brews, watch a game, and chat with newfound compatriots and long-time companions.