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Following the campaign circuit: Where politicians actually eat while campaigning, from the 2024 DNC to still-standing Obama-era mainstays
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As organizers gear up for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, McCormick Place, and the United Center are taking center stage. But while Democrats will trot out rehearsed speeches inside the official venues, Chicagoans know that some of the juiciest political gossip happens over a meal and drink, or several. From the reliable campaign stops to the end of the road for political careers, the list below includes some of Chicago’s most famous and infamous watering holes. So bring your appetite and bring an alder. Just don’t bring a wire.
As restaurants scrambled to survive in 2021 with much uncertainty due to the pandemic, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Brown Sugar Bakery where Stephanie Hart has served her signature caramel cake for two decades.
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This century-old Hyde Park breakfast and lunch staple was a twice-a-day tradition for Mayor Harold Washington and another favorite of Obama, who was partial to the Mediterranean omelet. Valois has always served a modestly priced breakfast, but they honored their former regular, Obama, with a $5 steak and egg on inauguration day. Anthony Bourdain also visited. Note for out-of-towners visiting for the convention: locals pronounce it “Valoyz.”
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A whopper of a testimony at former Ald. Ed Burke’s federal corruption trial last year focused on this Burger King in the 14th ward. The meat of the U.S. attorney’s office case, which succeeded in finding Burke guilty, alleged that Burke pressured the location’s owners into using his private property tax appeals law firm, Klafter & Burke.
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Another regular campaign stop for mayoral hopefuls, this Bronzeville institution made its bones with its soul food buffet and homemade desserts. Start with the shrimp and cheesy grits appetizer and end with the sweet potato pie, if you have any room left.
No mayoral run is complete without an Election Day stop at Manny’s Deli. For over 80 years, the traditional Jewish deli has sliced brisket and served reubens to everyone from construction workers to candidates, as well as the occasional mobster. Retired owner Ken Raskin credits Manny’s political ties to David Axelrod, who first began frequenting the restaurant as a college student and later brought in clients when he worked in politics. You’ll still find traces of Axelrod across the deli, from a plaque over his old table to the over-the-counter photos of President Barack Obama.
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If you want to forget your troubles, go to Ceres. If you want to create your troubles, also go to Ceres. Tucked into the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Ceres’ infamously strong cocktails have made it the “destroyer of careers.” Ceres also serves your hangover cure with a bar menu that features cheese fries and signature sliders.
Lou Mitchell’s classic, cursive neon sign has served as a beacon to presidents and presidential hopefuls for decades. Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and Bernie Sanders have all stopped by the historic diner to gladhand voters and grab a quick breakfast. Those under the legal voting age can indulge in the house’s signature “Mitchell Mouse Pancakes” and complimentary Milk Duds.
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Just around the corner from the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, the Berghoff welcomes lawyers, politicians, and tourists alike. Even fictional power players, like the mafia in The Dark Knight, dine here. Pop in for a pint or try one of their German specials like a game sausage plate featuring house-made spätzel.
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The “Obama Ate Here” tour continues with MacArthur’s. This Southern-style cafeteria has catered to visiting politicians and local West Siders alike, which now include Austin resident and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Shortly after his election, Johnson praised MacArthur’s sweet potatoes and macaroni.
Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times journalists (when the two were neighbors downtown) have long decamped from their namesake tower on Michigan Avenue, but go underneath the Mag Mile to the original Billy Goat Tavern and you’re sure to find a few ink-stained wretches crowding the bar. Local reporters, and sometimes their sources, still flock to the original Billy Goat, where the names of famous Chicago journalists like Richard Roeper grace the walls. The “Cheezborger” made famous by Saturday Night Live doesn’t disappoint, particularly the award-winning “Curse-Breaker” with bacon, grilled onions, and jalapeño.
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The luscious cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather’s have made this Swedish breakfast spot a Lakeview brunch tradition. Ann Sather’s owner, Tom Tunney, has also wielded outsized influence in Chicago politics and its restaurant industry. The former 44th Ward alderman once chaired the Illinois Restaurant Association and all but quashed Chicago’s budding food truck scene. The original location, near Belmont and Clark, appears to be close to the end with developers eyeing new construction in the area. No formal announcement has been made.
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Brown Sugar Bakery
As restaurants scrambled to survive in 2021 with much uncertainty due to the pandemic, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Brown Sugar Bakery where Stephanie Hart has served her signature caramel cake for two decades.
Valois
This century-old Hyde Park breakfast and lunch staple was a twice-a-day tradition for Mayor Harold Washington and another favorite of Obama, who was partial to the Mediterranean omelet. Valois has always served a modestly priced breakfast, but they honored their former regular, Obama, with a $5 steak and egg on inauguration day. Anthony Bourdain also visited. Note for out-of-towners visiting for the convention: locals pronounce it “Valoyz.”
Burger King at 41st and Pulaski
A whopper of a testimony at former Ald. Ed Burke’s federal corruption trial last year focused on this Burger King in the 14th ward. The meat of the U.S. attorney’s office case, which succeeded in finding Burke guilty, alleged that Burke pressured the location’s owners into using his private property tax appeals law firm, Klafter & Burke.
Pearl’s Place
Another regular campaign stop for mayoral hopefuls, this Bronzeville institution made its bones with its soul food buffet and homemade desserts. Start with the shrimp and cheesy grits appetizer and end with the sweet potato pie, if you have any room left.
Manny’s Deli
No mayoral run is complete without an Election Day stop at Manny’s Deli. For over 80 years, the traditional Jewish deli has sliced brisket and served reubens to everyone from construction workers to candidates, as well as the occasional mobster. Retired owner Ken Raskin credits Manny’s political ties to David Axelrod, who first began frequenting the restaurant as a college student and later brought in clients when he worked in politics. You’ll still find traces of Axelrod across the deli, from a plaque over his old table to the over-the-counter photos of President Barack Obama.
Ceres Cafe
If you want to forget your troubles, go to Ceres. If you want to create your troubles, also go to Ceres. Tucked into the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Ceres’ infamously strong cocktails have made it the “destroyer of careers.” Ceres also serves your hangover cure with a bar menu that features cheese fries and signature sliders.
Lou Mitchell’s
Lou Mitchell’s classic, cursive neon sign has served as a beacon to presidents and presidential hopefuls for decades. Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and Bernie Sanders have all stopped by the historic diner to gladhand voters and grab a quick breakfast. Those under the legal voting age can indulge in the house’s signature “Mitchell Mouse Pancakes” and complimentary Milk Duds.
The Berghoff
Just around the corner from the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, the Berghoff welcomes lawyers, politicians, and tourists alike. Even fictional power players, like the mafia in The Dark Knight, dine here. Pop in for a pint or try one of their German specials like a game sausage plate featuring house-made spätzel.
MacArthur’s Restaurant
The “Obama Ate Here” tour continues with MacArthur’s. This Southern-style cafeteria has catered to visiting politicians and local West Siders alike, which now include Austin resident and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Shortly after his election, Johnson praised MacArthur’s sweet potatoes and macaroni.
Billy Goat Tavern
Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times journalists (when the two were neighbors downtown) have long decamped from their namesake tower on Michigan Avenue, but go underneath the Mag Mile to the original Billy Goat Tavern and you’re sure to find a few ink-stained wretches crowding the bar. Local reporters, and sometimes their sources, still flock to the original Billy Goat, where the names of famous Chicago journalists like Richard Roeper grace the walls. The “Cheezborger” made famous by Saturday Night Live doesn’t disappoint, particularly the award-winning “Curse-Breaker” with bacon, grilled onions, and jalapeño.
Ann Sather
The luscious cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather’s have made this Swedish breakfast spot a Lakeview brunch tradition. Ann Sather’s owner, Tom Tunney, has also wielded outsized influence in Chicago politics and its restaurant industry. The former 44th Ward alderman once chaired the Illinois Restaurant Association and all but quashed Chicago’s budding food truck scene. The original location, near Belmont and Clark, appears to be close to the end with developers eyeing new construction in the area. No formal announcement has been made.