Chicago Greektown dining near RSNA accommodation
For radiology professionals attending the RSNA 2020 Annual Meeting, Chicago’s Greektown offered an easy change of pace from conference dining. The neighbourhood sits west of the Loop, close to several downtown and West Loop hotels, with casual tavernas, bakeries, cafés and modern restaurants within a manageable walk.
RSNA 2020 was held from 29 November to 4 December 2020, with the scientific assembly centred on McCormick Place. Hotel locations varied considerably, so the most convenient dining plan depended on whether your accommodation was in the West Loop, River North, the Loop or closer to the convention centre. Greektown was particularly practical for delegates staying west of the central business district.
Finding Greektown from RSNA hotels
Greektown is concentrated along South Halsted Street, with nearby restaurants extending towards Jackson Boulevard and the University of Illinois Chicago campus. From a West Loop hotel, the area can be around 10 to 20 minutes on foot. From a Loop property, the walk is longer but still straightforward for guests comfortable crossing the central streets.
McCormick Place is several kilometres south-east of Greektown, so it is not a realistic walk after a full day of sessions for everyone. Delegates staying near the convention venue could use the CTA, a taxi or a rideshare, while those based near Union Station, the West Loop or the Loop could often walk to dinner. Australian visitors used to Sydney’s CBD or Melbourne’s grid will find the street layout relatively easy to follow, although Chicago blocks can feel longer than they appear on a map.
Greek food for a quick conference meal
The neighbourhood’s traditional appeal lies in generous Greek comfort food. Look for souvlaki, gyros, grilled lamb, spanakopita, saganaki, Greek salad and dips served with warm pita. These dishes suit a busy conference schedule because many can be ordered quickly, shared by a group or packed for later.
A bakery or casual counter is useful for breakfast, coffee and a portable lunch between educational sessions. Full-service tavernas are better for a team dinner, especially when colleagues want time to discuss the day’s programme. Portions can be substantial, so sharing starters and ordering a few mains is often more practical than giving every guest a separate appetiser.
Australian travellers may notice that American coffee shops often serve larger drinks than cafés in Brisbane or Adelaide, while “regular coffee” can mean filtered coffee rather than a flat white. Asking for an espresso-based drink by name avoids confusion. Greek pastries and strong coffee also make a convenient early stop before heading to the venue.
Nearby choices beyond Greek cuisine
Greektown is more varied than its name suggests. The surrounding West Loop has become one of Chicago’s strongest dining districts, with steakhouses, Italian restaurants, burger bars, Korean-inspired menus, vegetarian options and polished hotel restaurants. This gives RSNA teams a useful choice when one person wants grilled seafood and another prefers a plant-based meal.
| Dining style | Best for | Typical walk from West Loop hotels | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek taverna | Shared dinner and classic dishes | 10–20 minutes | Book for larger groups |
| Bakery or café | Breakfast and takeaway lunch | 5–15 minutes | Check opening hours |
| Burger or casual grill | Fast, informal meals | 10–20 minutes | Useful between sessions |
| West Loop restaurant | Client dinner or delegation meal | 15–25 minutes | Reservations are advisable |
| Hotel dining room | Late arrival or poor weather | On site | Usually the simplest option |
A delegation with mixed dietary requirements should check menus before leaving the hotel. Vegetarian food is generally easy to find, while vegan, gluten-free and allergy-sensitive orders may require a direct conversation with staff. Restaurant service can be slower at peak dinner time than many Australians expect, particularly when a group arrives together after a conference session.
Price displays also require care. Australian menus usually show GST-inclusive prices, whereas American menus commonly list food before local sales tax and gratuity. A US$25 meal can therefore cost noticeably more after tax and a customary tip. Budgeting in Australian dollars and allowing for exchange-rate movement is sensible, especially for a multi-day stay.
Paying, tipping and booking for groups
Most established Chicago restaurants accept international Visa and Mastercard cards, though a physical backup card is useful. Some venues place a temporary authorisation on a card for large bookings, and group bills may be split only if arranged in advance. For broader travel planning, delegates comparing transport options can also review this guide to compare travel routes, particularly when building an extended itinerary around a North American conference.
Tipping is part of the expected restaurant cost in the United States. For table service, many diners leave around 18 to 20 per cent before or around the tax, depending on the quality of service and the venue’s policy. A service charge may already be included for larger parties, so the bill should be read carefully before paying. This differs from Australia, where tipping is appreciated but is not normally an essential part of a restaurant worker’s income.
For corporate or team meals, ask for a private area, a set menu or a single invoice when booking. Confirm cancellation terms, minimum spends and whether gratuity is automatically added. These details matter more for a room block or delegation than for a pair of colleagues deciding where to eat at short notice.
Choosing the right evening
The best Greektown option depends on the shape of the conference day. A quick gyro or bakery stop works after an early session, while a long taverna meal is better reserved for an evening without a late presentation. Sunday trading can be quieter than Friday or Saturday, and some smaller businesses may keep reduced hours, so checking the current schedule is worthwhile.
Weather should influence the plan in late November and early December. Chicago can be cold, windy and snowy during the RSNA period, making a supposedly short walk feel considerably longer. Comfortable waterproof shoes, a warm coat and a rideshare backup are useful, particularly for delegates carrying conference materials or travelling in formal clothing.
For late-night plans, it is wise to confirm payment methods and transport before leaving the hotel. Visitors who use mobile financial services may find this overview of mobile withdrawal options useful as part of a wider discussion about digital payments, although restaurant cards and ordinary bank accounts remain the practical choice for dining.
Greektown works best as part of a flexible hotel-and-dining plan rather than a fixed itinerary. Browse the available RSNA accommodation information, identify the distance from your hotel to Halsted Street, and reserve suitable restaurants early for teams, faculty groups and visiting delegations.