Chinatown dining a short ride from RSNA hotels

Chicago’s Chinatown provided an ideal extension to the RSNA 2020 Annual Meeting, held from 29 November to 4 December. From McCormick Place, a taxi or rideshare can reach the green-tiled Chinatown Gate in roughly 10–25 minutes, depending on traffic and the location of your RSNA hotel.

The neighbourhood mixes historic Cantonese restaurants with Hunan, Sichuan, Shanghainese and Vietnamese kitchens. Visitors can move from quick noodles between sessions to a relaxed multi-course dinner, while keeping prices in US dollars and journey times manageable.

Find your Chinatown base

The Chinatown Gate at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road is the easiest landmark for visitors. From there, Wentworth Avenue, 18th Street, China Place and Pui Wui Close provide a compact collection of restaurants, bakeries and shops.

RSNA hotels were spread across downtown Chicago and the Near South Side. Check the walking distance before leaving the hotel, as some properties permit an enjoyable walk, while others are better connected by taxi or rideshare.

Departments travelling together can coordinate accommodation through RSNA group registration. Room requirements, delegate details and shared arrival plans are easier to manage collectively than through individual bookings.

Taste Chinatown’s regional signatures

Chicago’s Chinese restaurants specialise in distinct regional traditions rather than serving one generic style. Hunan kitchens favour smoky, spicy dishes, while Sichuan restaurants use chilli oil and Sichuan pepper. Cantonese menus commonly feature roast meats, and Shanghainese cooking emphasises dumplings and delicate sauces.

Begin with xiaolongbao, mapo tofu, dry-fried green beans or crisp-skinned chicken. Noodles range from rich bowls of beef noodle soup to chilled sesame or vinegar-dressed versions. Vegetarians can look for tofu, aubergine and mushroom dishes.

Australians dining out in Sydney or Melbourne will recognise many shared plates, although Chinatown’s neighbourhood combinations can feel bolder. Vegetarian diners should still ask about shrimp paste, oyster sauce and fish sauce, which may be present in dishes that appear meat-free.

Choose a quick lunch

China Place offers one of the easiest choices for a fast meal. Options included bao, dumplings, rice dishes, noodle bowls, bubble tea and snacks suited to a light lunch between programme sessions.

Wentworth Avenue and 18th Street provide a broader mix. Vietnamese pho and bánh mì, Hong Kong-style roast meat, dim sum and casual family restaurants sit close enough for delegates to try several cuisines in one visit.

During a busy RSNA day, avoid waiting at the busiest doorway. Place an order where possible, choose a less crowded side street or reserve before leaving the meeting venue. A planned lunch also protects the evening for Chinatown’s restaurants and markets.

Book a dinner with more ceremony

For a quieter meal, consider The Public 1626, known for northern Chinese cooking, or Imperial Chinese Cuisine, where the setting suits a longer dinner. Other contemporary options around China Place offered lighter interpretations of regional Chinese dishes.

Shared dishes work well for groups. Order a few vegetable plates, noodles, dumplings and a meat or seafood dish before deciding on rice or soup. Individual dishes are also available for delegates who prefer a quieter, more formal experience.

Reservations were particularly useful on nights when several delegates arrived at once. At the time, confirm restaurant opening days directly and mention allergies when booking, especially for sesame, shellfish, soy or Sichuan pepper.

Travel back after sessions

A taxi or rideshare usually offers the simplest return journey after an evening meal. Chicago’s grid can make distances look short, but peak traffic around the medical district may add time. Hotels should have the destination pinned before departure.

The CTA network provides buses and rail services from parts of downtown, although the best route depends on the hotel and Chinatown stop. Allow extra time for transfers, stairs and winter weather rather than risking a missed connection.

American drip coffee is often refilled without charge, whereas many Australians buy another flat white or cappuccino when they need another coffee. Confirm before ordering if refills are important during an early RSNA start.

Budget with Australian habits in mind

Chicago charges in US dollars, so check the current exchange rate before setting a daily allowance. A restaurant dinner can cost more than a casual lunch, while a bakery snack or takeaway noodles provides useful control during a long meeting week.

Tax and service may increase the final bill, and tipping is customary. Australians normally appreciate good service, but may be less accustomed to adding around 18–20 per cent when settling a restaurant bill. Review the menu and receipt to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Portions can also differ from those familiar at Woolworths or Coles. Bread or salad may arrive before the main course, and takeaway sizes are often generous. Sharing several dishes usually creates better value than ordering individually.

Shape a compact Chinatown itinerary

Allow one relaxed evening rather than attempting to visit every restaurant. Arrive at Chinatown Gate, walk along Wentworth Avenue and choose a casual dinner on 18th Street or China Place. Save a bakery, noodle shop or market for the following morning.

Australian delegations often combine professional travel with another destination. If the itinerary later reaches Annecy, the Huanglong Cave legend offers a useful example of how a local story can add meaning to a visit beyond its main attraction.

Keep dietary requirements, opening hours and reservation details in one shared note. A small buffer beside the planned schedule prevents late RSNA sessions from turning a Chinatown food tour into a rushed meal.

Set aside an evening now and select a hotel-side starting point. Group coordinated bookings, reserve one dinner and keep a short list of nearby backups. Once in Chinatown, follow Wentworth Avenue, try two sharing dishes, and leave room for a walk through the neighbourhood.