Hey Chicago, keep an eye out for us. We’re taking over this week!

Tonight, over 500 of our employees are coming from all over the country and India to Chicago for our annual Summer Meeting.

Chicago is a rapidly-evolving city with an appetite – for food, of course, but also for architecture, history, and culture. This lively city has everything at your fingertips, from professional sports to an entire park dedicated to museums, to more than 25 Michelin starred restaurants.

The Chicago team is proud to host all of Centric Consulting – and we’re ready to enjoy our amazing city together.

Get to Know Chicago

Never been to Chicago? Here are some great things to see and do in the city:

  1. Sports

Chicago is home to two Major League Baseball teams – both of which are some of Chicago’s greatest ongoing legacies.

Just a few miles away from Downtown Chicago is Wrigley Field, an iconic stadium home to the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were the first team to play in three consecutive World Series championships, and were the first to win it back-to-back in 1907 and 1908.

On the south side of Chicago lies the home of the White Sox, the second of Chicago’s MLB teams. The White Sox have also won multiple World Series titles, and after spending some time with the locals, you might find that fans of the White Sox tend to not be fans of the Cubs and vice versa…

Our city is home to one of the most dominant basketball teams in the history of the entire NBA – the Chicago Bulls. Having seen some of their greatest success in the 1990s, the Bulls are known for having arguably the greatest dynasty in NBA, winning 6 NBA championships between 1991 and 1998 with two three-peats, with the legendary Michael Jordan himself.

Chicago’s NFL team, the Chicago Bears, has its own legacy as well. Having won 9 NFL championships, including one Super Bowl, the Bears hold the NFL record to date for the most players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the most retired jersey numbers. The Bears also have recorded more victories than any other NFL franchise.

Lastly, our NHL team, the Chicago Blackhawks, rounds out our slew of sports options. Founded in 1926, they have won 6 Stanley Cup championships, and are one of the remaining “Original Six” NHL teams.

  1. Museums and Architecture

The art scene is continuously growing, you can’t walk around the downtown Chicago area without passing by and appreciating the beautiful architecture that surrounds you.

Chicago has so many museums that a park was developed to host them all – Museum Campus. Museum Campus encompasses 5 of the city’s most notable museums: Alder Planetarium, America’s first planetarium; Shedd Aquarium; the Field Museum of Natural History; Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears; and the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place.

Lastly, we can’t forget the most notable tourist attraction that everyone takes selfies with.. The Bean! Resting in Millennium Park right of Michigan Ave, this iconic landmark draws in tourists from all over the world.

  1. Food

My personal favorite part of Chicago is the food scene. With concepts ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to small, hip joints, here are a few of my favorites:

  • The Signature Room at the 95th – Located on the 95th floor of the Willis Tower, the Signature Room is a high-end restaurant that lets diners bask in the view of the Chicago Skyline from the tallest building in all of Chicago.
  • Au Cheval – Once regarded as a standard diner, this restaurant can now always be found with a line out the door just to get in – wait times are estimated to be around 1-3 hours every time I stop by. Like burgers? Au Cheval has developed a reputation for having arguably the best cheeseburger in the entire Chicagoland area. Pro Tip: Ask for bacon on the side and not on the burger!
  • Smith and Wollensky – Rated by many as the go-to spot for prime rib, Wollensky’s is one of the greatest steak and chop restaurants in the nation, offering prime and aged cuts of meat in the heart of downtown.
  • 3 Arts Club Café – Located in the Restoration Hardware Museum, this café offers a curated menu inspired by Californian and Mediterranean cuisine. Guests may dine in the Grand Courtyard, a light filled, all season oasis featuring a restored historic fountain and breathtaking views. A unique restaurant, truly one of its kind.
  • Fulton Market Chicago – Fulton Market is a portal of collective creativity, integrating various art mediums and styles with imaginative cocktails and cuisines to create a new experience for Chicago’s ever-changing culture.
  • Three Dots and a Dash – One of the only bars in the downtown area that always has a line to get in. Three Dots is a one of a kind – featuring flaming Tiki drinks, 200+ rums & luau bites in a Polynesian-island setting, this place makes for an amazing place to unwind after a long day.
  • Cindy’s Rooftop– The jewel in the crown of The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is Chicago’s go-to rooftop restaurant and open-air terrace with panoramic views overlooking Millennium Park.
  • Firecakes Donuts – Ice Cream? Donuts? Why not both? This hole-in-the-wall donut shop offers a unique spin on the classic ice cream sandwich, using a freshly-baked donut to encapsulate their homemade ice cream.
  • Deep Dish Pizza – Love or hate it, Chicago is inseparable from its deep dish pizzas. Baked in a taller than usual pan, deep dish is a must have while here! Some of our favorites include:
    • Pequod’s: The #1 spot for locals, Pequod’s has a substantial crust with lots of cheese, while not being too cheesy. A perfect ratio of crust to cheese.
    • Lou Malnati’s: One of the classics of Chicago, Lou’s offers a thinner crust with toppings laid on top of it, followed by a generous topping of cheese.
    • Giordano’s: Rivaling Lou’s, Giordano’s also has a fantastic deep dish and toppings that are baked to perfection.
  1. Neighborhoods

To finish your tour of Chicago, check out one of Chicago’s nearby neighborhoods, each with its own distinct look, feel and charm. In the center of the city (also known as the Loop), catch an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River, featuring eclectic views of the city. From every direction of the Loop lies its own neighborhood: River North, West Loop, South Side, and Navy Pier.

River North and West Loop are neighborhoods filled with their own cultures and cuisines while being home to the University of Illinois at Chicago; South Side is home to the Museum Campus and Chinatown; Navy Pier is a 3300-foot-long pier with free live sets from some of Chicago’s best DJ’s and a boardwalk.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be afraid to say hi when you see us exploring! Not from Chicago or have yet to visit? You’re going to have a blast! For any specific food recommendations or if you just want to learn more about our city, feel free to email me or anyone on the Centric Chicago team to learn more about our city.