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C2E2 Convention Sense Tingling! Here's 20 Places for Con-Goers

These establishments will provide C2E2 guests with entertainment while away from the convention floor.

by Ashok Selvam
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Headquarters River North
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by Ashok Selvam

It's once again C2E2 time in Chicago, where folks celebrate their loves of comic books, movies, video games and other forms entertainment. The convention (which stands for Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo) kicks off on Friday at McCormick Place, but guests shouldn't feel restricted to remaining near the convention grounds.

Several establishments offer con specials, and others just are good places to gather and take a break. Check this smattering of locales out. It won't matter if you're a DC or Marvel fan, there's something for everyone here.

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Chop Shop

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[Photo: Marc Much] Saturday night, this unique venue that features a butcher shop, bar, restaurant and event space will host the live Sparks Nevada show.

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 537-4440
(773) 537-4440

Also featured in:

Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen

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[Photo: Facebook] Chuck’s: A Kerry Simon Kitchen is offering a special C2E2 burger pairing with the official C2E2 beer from Friday through Sunday. For lunch, a Galaxy Hero beer and Iron Chef Burger with extra sharp cheddar cheese and red onion jam will cost $14. Dinner brings the Double Iron Chef Burger for $26. Additionally, Galaxy Hero will be on tap all month for $7.

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 334-6700
(312) 334-6700

Dimo's Pizza

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[Photo: Facebook] Dimo's Wicker Park is larger than its older sibling, and caters to the nearby nightlife and folks wanting lunch or dinner. Capitalizing on the infamous Adult Swim video, Dimo's put together a “Too Many Cooks” pizza, which they'll offer until Sunday. The 80s-inspired slice will be topped with Cool Ranch Doritos, Combos, and chicken nuggets tossed in an Hi-C Ecto-Cooler sauce, along with spicy Pop Rocks. Both Dimo's locations offer the special.

1615 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

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Dimo's Pizza

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[Photo: Facebook] The first Dimo's is in the heart of Wrigleyville, but don't worry the Cubs are away over the weekend. Capitalizing on the infamous Adult Swim video, Dimo's put together a “Too Many Cooks” pizza, which they'll offer until Sunday. The 80s-inspired slice will be topped with Cool Ranch Doritos, Combos, and chicken nuggets tossed in an Hi-C Ecto-Cooler sauce, along with spicy Pop Rocks. Both Dimo's locations offer the special.

3463 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-4580
(773) 525-4580

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Emporium Arcade Bar

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[Photo: Facebook] Emporium has two locations, one in Wicker Park and the other in Logan Square, with the latter having more table games such as bubble hockey and the foosball.

1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-7922
(773) 697-7922

Also featured in:

Emporium Logan Square

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[Photo: Marc Much] Emporium has two locations, one in Wicker Park and the other in Logan Square, with the latter having more table games such as bubble hockey and the foosball.

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

Also featured in:

Flo & Santos

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[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Flo & Santos offers thin-crust pizzas and Chicago-style pierogis. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9817
(312) 566-9817

Also featured in:

Geek Bar Beta

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[Photo: Facebook] This bar/restaurant is dedicated to all things geek, and close to Brainstorm Comics and Challenger's comics.

1941 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Headquarters Beercade

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[Photo: Facebook] The beer menu at Headquarters' original locations uses superhero logos to distinguish beers.

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 665-5660
(773) 665-5660

Also featured in:

Headquarters Beercade - River North

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[Photo: Marc Much] The newer iteration of the arcade bar features DJs and more games in the basement.

213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 291-8735
(312) 291-8735

Also featured in:

Kroll's South Loop

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[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Kroll's is a South Side sports bar. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 235-1400
(312) 235-1400

Also featured in:

Logan Arcade

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[Photo: Facebook] This former record store has been reborn with tons of pinball and vintage cabinets.

2410 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(872) 206-2859
(872) 206-2859

Also featured in:

M/X Lounge

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[Photo: Hyatt Chicago website] C2E2 veterans know this is the place to duck to get a break from the con, and perhaps catch the Bulls' playoff game. Special cocktails include: : The Hero (Jameson with Apple Pucker, Sweet & Sour and Lemonade), The Villian (Peach Schnapps & Jack Daniels, Sweet & Sour, Pineapple Juice), The Secret Identity (Blue Moon beer and Amaretto), Damsel in Distress (Amaretto and Ketel One topped with Cranberry and Orange Juice), Unstoppable Force (Bacardi, Brandy, Orange Juice and Sweet & Sour), The Double Cross Ketel One, Amaretto, Club Soda), Cebrewski (Beer of your choice with Bacardi Limon).

2233 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-1234
(312) 567-1234

Reggie's Music Joint

Copy Link

[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

Replay Beer & Bourbon

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[Photo: Facebook] This is how Boystown does a beercade.

3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-9244
(773) 975-9244

Also featured in:

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Revolution Brewing

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[Photo: Facebook] Once more Rev will offer its Galaxy Hero IPA and serve the 10-ounce Galaxy Burger with Tang Roasted Pork (pork roasted with Galaxy Hero and Tang), powdered bacon shallot rings (fried shallots finished with powdered bacon) and Galaxy Sauce (Galaxy hops and Tang-infused aioli). That's all on a Black Hole Bun (made with squid ink and topped with sesame seeds). YES. Orange Tang; what the astronauts drink.

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-2739
(773) 227-2739

Also featured in:

She-nannigans House of Beer

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[Photo: Facebook] From 8 p.m to 10 p.m., this Rush/Division street bar will host C2E2's officials AfterCon OffKilter CosPlay Carousal. Glitter Guild Burlesque is presenting the party, get tickets here: http://cosplaycarousal.brownpapertickets.com

16 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 642-2344
(312) 642-2344

Simone's Bar

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[Photo: Facebook] A legendary late-night spot in Pilsen, some would say the intimate quarters feels like patrons are in a TARDIS. Whatever that is...just kidding.

960 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 666-8601
(312) 666-8601

Weather Mark Tavern

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[Photo: Weather Mark website] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. The Weather Mark's a nautical-themed bar with a decent beer selection. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

1503 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 588-0230
(312) 588-0230

Also featured in:

The Wormhole Coffee

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[Photo: Facebook] This coffee shop has a DeLorean inside. If that doesn't excite you, please go to the doctor's office.

1462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 661-2468
(773) 661-2468

Also featured in:

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Chop Shop

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

[Photo: Marc Much] Saturday night, this unique venue that features a butcher shop, bar, restaurant and event space will host the live Sparks Nevada show.

2033 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 537-4440
(773) 537-4440

Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

[Photo: Facebook] Chuck’s: A Kerry Simon Kitchen is offering a special C2E2 burger pairing with the official C2E2 beer from Friday through Sunday. For lunch, a Galaxy Hero beer and Iron Chef Burger with extra sharp cheddar cheese and red onion jam will cost $14. Dinner brings the Double Iron Chef Burger for $26. Additionally, Galaxy Hero will be on tap all month for $7.

224 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 334-6700
(312) 334-6700

Dimo's Pizza

1615 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

[Photo: Facebook] Dimo's Wicker Park is larger than its older sibling, and caters to the nearby nightlife and folks wanting lunch or dinner. Capitalizing on the infamous Adult Swim video, Dimo's put together a “Too Many Cooks” pizza, which they'll offer until Sunday. The 80s-inspired slice will be topped with Cool Ranch Doritos, Combos, and chicken nuggets tossed in an Hi-C Ecto-Cooler sauce, along with spicy Pop Rocks. Both Dimo's locations offer the special.

1615 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Dimo's Pizza

3463 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

[Photo: Facebook] The first Dimo's is in the heart of Wrigleyville, but don't worry the Cubs are away over the weekend. Capitalizing on the infamous Adult Swim video, Dimo's put together a “Too Many Cooks” pizza, which they'll offer until Sunday. The 80s-inspired slice will be topped with Cool Ranch Doritos, Combos, and chicken nuggets tossed in an Hi-C Ecto-Cooler sauce, along with spicy Pop Rocks. Both Dimo's locations offer the special.

3463 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-4580
(773) 525-4580

Emporium Arcade Bar

1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

[Photo: Facebook] Emporium has two locations, one in Wicker Park and the other in Logan Square, with the latter having more table games such as bubble hockey and the foosball.

1366 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-7922
(773) 697-7922

Emporium Logan Square

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

[Photo: Marc Much] Emporium has two locations, one in Wicker Park and the other in Logan Square, with the latter having more table games such as bubble hockey and the foosball.

2363 N Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647

Flo & Santos

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Flo & Santos offers thin-crust pizzas and Chicago-style pierogis. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9817
(312) 566-9817

Geek Bar Beta

1941 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

[Photo: Facebook] This bar/restaurant is dedicated to all things geek, and close to Brainstorm Comics and Challenger's comics.

1941 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Headquarters Beercade

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

[Photo: Facebook] The beer menu at Headquarters' original locations uses superhero logos to distinguish beers.

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 665-5660
(773) 665-5660

Headquarters Beercade - River North

213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610

[Photo: Marc Much] The newer iteration of the arcade bar features DJs and more games in the basement.

213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 291-8735
(312) 291-8735

Kroll's South Loop

1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Kroll's is a South Side sports bar. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

1736 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 235-1400
(312) 235-1400

Logan Arcade

2410 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

[Photo: Facebook] This former record store has been reborn with tons of pinball and vintage cabinets.

2410 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(872) 206-2859
(872) 206-2859

M/X Lounge

2233 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

[Photo: Hyatt Chicago website] C2E2 veterans know this is the place to duck to get a break from the con, and perhaps catch the Bulls' playoff game. Special cocktails include: : The Hero (Jameson with Apple Pucker, Sweet & Sour and Lemonade), The Villian (Peach Schnapps & Jack Daniels, Sweet & Sour, Pineapple Juice), The Secret Identity (Blue Moon beer and Amaretto), Damsel in Distress (Amaretto and Ketel One topped with Cranberry and Orange Juice), Unstoppable Force (Bacardi, Brandy, Orange Juice and Sweet & Sour), The Double Cross Ketel One, Amaretto, Club Soda), Cebrewski (Beer of your choice with Bacardi Limon).

2233 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 567-1234
(312) 567-1234

Reggie's Music Joint

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

[Photo: Facebook] The third-anual cosplay bar crawl's back on Saturday in the South Loop. Reggie's, Krolls, Weather Mark Tavern and Flo & Santos Pizza will have drink specials, prizes and raffles. Tickets cost $10 and are available at http://supercrawl15.eventbrite.com

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

Replay Beer & Bourbon

3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

[Photo: Facebook] This is how Boystown does a beercade.

3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-9244
(773) 975-9244

Related Maps

Revolution Brewing

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

[Photo: Facebook] Once more Rev will offer its Galaxy Hero IPA and serve the 10-ounce Galaxy Burger with Tang Roasted Pork (pork roasted with Galaxy Hero and Tang), powdered bacon shallot rings (fried shallots finished with powdered bacon) and Galaxy Sauce (Galaxy hops and Tang-infused aioli). That's all on a Black Hole Bun (made with squid ink and topped with sesame seeds). YES. Orange Tang; what the astronauts drink.

2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-2739
(773) 227-2739