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IMTS 2024: Insider's Guide

Must-hit spots for your visit to Chicago

Coming to Chicago this fall? Beyond the doors of McCormick Place lies an expanse of bars, restaurants, museums, tourist spots, and so much more. If you’re planning your visit to Chicago, you might not know where to start. That’s what our insider’s guide is for.

Amper is proudly headquartered in Chicago’s River West. We’ve put our heads together to give you the best recommendations to fill your schedule. Whether you need a place to keep networking, let loose, celebrate, or take a breather, we’ve got you covered. Use this list to find the perfect spot for your post-event needs.

Things to do

Amper x Second City present: Manufacturing Is Sexy

Catch our manufacturing-themed comedy show at the world-famous Second City theater! Tickets are free but very limited. Contact us at marketing@amper.xyz to find out how to claim your tickets!

Chicago classics

Millennium Park

Visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”) and enjoy concerts and events at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Art Institute of Chicago

Explore an extensive collection of artworks from around the world in this renowned museum.

Navy Pier

Experience rides, restaurants, and shops, or just enjoy a walk along the lakefront.

Places to eat and drink

Bars near McCormick Place

Reggies

Great pub grub, live music, and loads of beers. What else could you need?

Fatpour Tap Works

Famous for their “fat” 22 oz beer pours, large draft menu, and more.

Nine Bar

Chinatown’s very own speakeasy hidden inside the Moon Palace Express.

VU Rooftop Bar

Unbeatable city views from this chic rooftop spot.

Moody Tongue Brewing

Upscale brewery offering unique beers paired with oysters and cake.

Eateries near McCormick Place

Chinatown

Chinatown is less than a mile away from McCormick Place. Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings and BBQ King House are popular spots, but whatever you’re after, you’ll find it here.

Cafecito

Pick a traditional Cuban sandwich or go for one of their more out-of-the-box options!

Roots Handmade Pizza

The Quad City-style pizza with a thin crust reigns supreme here. But now without giant mozzarella sticks and an outdoor dining space.

Chicago Oyster House

This place offers fancier vibes and seafood delights just a couple of blocks away from McCormick Place.

Bars near the Loop/River Nort

Skylark

Low-key retro spot for great pub fare (mmm, tots) and beer. Bring cash!

Kasey’s Tavern

No-frills sports bar with a claim to fame as the second oldest tavern in the city.

Cindy’s Rooftop

A classic downtown rooftop overlooking Millenium Park and Lake Michigan with cocktails and shareable plates.

Redhead Piano Bar

For a late-night drink, this cocktail piano bar is open until 4 AM.

Eateries near Old Town

Portillo’s

Known for having the best Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs around. If you’re getting a Chicago-style dog, stay away from the ketchup or steel yourself for some dirty looks.

Old Town Ale House

Laid-back dive bar with a storied past, old-school jukebox, and funky art.

Professor Pizza

Hope you weren't planning on visiting Chicago without eating pizza! This place is next door to Second City, Chicago’s iconic comedy club.

Restaurants to make reservations for

For some popular spots, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. Take a look at these recs to get something on the calendar now!

Rosemary

Innovative Italian and Croatian-inspired dishes in a vibrant setting.

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

A stylish, dimly lit steakhouse with a French twist.

Virtue

Southern American cuisine in a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Meet us at IMTS!

IMTS 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting one for Amper! We’re making a splash with new features, live demos, and so much more.

Add Booth #135632 to your IMTS planner and swing by to talk shop, get more city recs, or just say hi. (We’ll also have some IMTS-exclusive merch we’re pretty sure you’ll love.) See you soon!

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