Restaurants In Chicago

Accessibility at Chicago-area Hilton hotels

When it comes to traveling with a disability, there can be a lot of unknowns. But staying at a hotel with the right type of accommodations can make all the difference. That’s why Hilton makes it easy to discover their full array of accessible resources and amenities, from getting around the hotel’s public spaces to special in-room amenities. 

Check out some of the Chicago-area Hilton hotels with a range of accessibility resources for all types of needs.

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, is one of Chicago’s most historic spaces. For more than 150 years, the iconic hotel has been wowing guests with its opulent lobby, unique history, and incredible hospitality. Enjoy a craft cocktail under the stunning frescos, see a magic show, or relax at the spa — your stay is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Find accessible rooms at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

Service animals

Service animals welcome

Mobility

Wide entry doors to guest rooms

Hearing

Closed captioning on televisions or closed captioning decoders
Visual alarm for hearing impaired in rooms and public areas

Amenities

Accessible swimming pool
Accessible exercise facility
Accessible hotel restaurant
Accessible concierge desk and registration desk

Getting around

Accessible parking
Accessible public entrance
Accessible elevators
Accessible routes to many hotel amenities

Learn more about accessible amenities at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel

Hilton Chicago

A pool lift designed to help those with mobility issues enter and exit the indoor pool at Hilton Chicago.

A long-time Chicago favorite with an unbeatable location, Hilton Chicago overlooks Grant Park and offers easy access to Soldier Field, Lake Michigan, the Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, and more. The hotel offers rooms and suites with sweeping water or city views, a fully stocked athletic club, and several in-house dining options and room service.

Find accessible rooms at Hilton Chicago.

Service animals

Service animals welcome

Mobility

Accessible showers with roll-in access

Hearing

Closed captioning on televisions or closed captioning decoders
Digital alarm clock available with strobe light
Visual alarm for hearing impaired in rooms and public areas

Amenities

Accessible swimming pool
Accessible exercise facility
Accessible hotel restaurant
Accessible concierge desk

Getting around

Accessible parking
Accessible public entrance
Accessible elevators with braille and lowered buttons
Accessible routes to many hotel amenities
Wheelchair ramp for lobby/reception access
Braille room numbers

Learn more about accessibility at Hilton Chicago

The Drake

An accessible bathroom at The Drake Chicago

An icon on the Chicago lakefront, The Drake is a legendary Chicago landmark that’s hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities since it first opened in 1920. The location near Oak Street Beach on The Magnificent Mile puts you in the heart of downtown Chicago. For the full experience, make sure to head to the elegant Palm Court for a classic afternoon tea.

Service animals

Service animals welcome

Hearing

Closed captioning on televisions or closed captioning decoders
Visual alarm for hearing impaired in rooms and public areas

Amenities

Accessible bathtubs
Accessible exercise facility
Accessible hotel restaurant
Accessible concierge desk

Getting around

Accessible parking
Accessible public entrance with level or ramp entrance into building
Accessible elevators with braille 
Accessible guest room access
Accessible routes to many hotel amenities
Braille room numbers

Learn more about accessibility at The Drake.

Hilton Orrington/Evanston

An accessible bathroom at Hilton Orrington/Evanston

Just one block from the scenic Northwestern Campus, the lakeshore Hilton Orrington/Evanston is the perfect jumping off point to attend Wildcats events and explore charming local shops, eateries, breweries, museums, and beaches. And don’t miss the new Thomas & Dutch serving contemporary comfort food on the first floor.

Find accessible rooms and suites at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston

Service animals

Service animals welcome

Mobility

Wide entry doors to guest rooms

Hearing

Closed captioning on televisions or closed captioning decoders
Digital alarm clock available with strobe and a vibrating pad
Visual alarm for hearing impaired in rooms and public areas
Audible alerts in the elevator

Amenities

Accessible bathtubs 
Accessible exercise facility
Accessible hotel restaurant
Accessible concierge desk

Getting around

Accessible parking
Accessible public entrance 
Accessible elevators 
Lowered peep holes in room doors
Accessible routes to many hotel amenities
Wheelchair ramp for lobby/reception access
Accessible transportation with advance notice

Learn more about accessibility at Hilton Orrington/Evanston.

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport

If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay while traveling, look no further than Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport. Located on the grounds of the O’Hare International Airport, the hotel is directly connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, plus shuttle service to Terminal 5. Amenities include room service, all-day dining, a fitness center, pool, spa, and more.

Find accessible rooms at Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport.

Service animals

Service animals welcome

Mobility

Wide entry doors to guest rooms

Hearing

Closed captioning on televisions or closed captioning decoders
Visual alarm for hearing impaired in rooms and public areas
Notification devices for the doorbell or door knock and incoming telephone calls

Amenities

Allergy-friendly rooms
Accessible bathtubs 
Accessible exercise facility
Accessible hotel restaurant
Accessible concierge desk

Getting around

Accessible parking
Accessible public entrance 
Accessible elevators with braille
Accessible routes to many hotel amenities
Wheelchair ramp for lobby/reception access
Accessible transportation with advance notice

Learn more about accessibility at Chicago Hilton O’Hare Airport

Explore more on accessibility in Chicago.

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A food tour of Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood

As I approach the 75th Street exit on the Dan Ryan expressway, I change the music that’s blasting through my speakers from the soothing spiritual sounds of Mahalia Jackson to the raucous poetic raps of Chance the Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ album. And although it’s barely 50 degrees on this particular spring day, I proceed to put my windows down, so that everyone within earshot can hear Chance’s ‘No Problem’ from my car. 

If you’re curious where I am, I am in the same Chicago neighborhood where Mahalia Jackson, Chance the Rapper, Michael Wilbon of ESPN, Lena Waithe, and even Cubs legend Ernie Banks once lived. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m in the beautiful south side neighborhood of Chatham. 

If you’re wondering where I’m going to go to satisfy my appetite, well the first place I’m going to go is Soul Veg City on 203 E. 75th street. This Chatham staple has been providing tantalizing soul vegan food, rooted in Black American culture, for Chicagoans (and out-of-towners) for over 40 years. 

I eat a plant-based diet, so this place is like heaven for people like me. If you’re an omnivore and wondering what you should try out of curiosity, you’re going to have to order the cauliflower wingz, amazing gyro, the Italian v, tofu tidbits, and the vegan shrimp. If you’re short on time, you can stop by and grab something from the hot bar as well where you’ll find more traditional (vegan) soul food. Whether you consider yourself an omnivore or herbivore, I can guarantee that you’ll leave satisfied. 

If you prefer not to eat vegan food, I understand. Let’s walk east on 75th Street and go to the legendary Lem’s Bar-B-Q so that you can order yourself some rib tips, hot links, or even some wings, from a neighborhood staple that’s been around since 1968. From what I’m told you’re going to have to make sure you get it with Lem’s special BBQ sauce. So, make sure you order extra because you’re definitely going to want more when you get home. And yes, you’re going to want to buy the gallon size. Don’t second guess me on this, okay?

Alright, who’s ready for dessert? Lucky for you, we can stay on the same street, because by now I’m sure you’re tired and ready for a nap. Right across the street at 328 E. 75th Street, you’ll find the James Beard-nominated Brown Sugar Bakery which opened in 2004. 

You’ll have your choice of ten delicious cakes that will have you crawling back for more. There’s turtle, red velvet, double dark chocolate, and their famous caramel cake, to name a few. These cakes can’t be matched. Yes, I know your granny makes cakes better than anyone you know, but that’s because you don’t know the bakers at Brown Sugar Bakery yet. 

I don’t know about you, but the only thing on my mind now is watching something entertaining on television when I get home. Lucky for me, comedian W. Kamau Bell, a native of Chatham as well, has plenty of shows and comedy specials for me to choose from as I eat my scrumptious leftovers and plan my next trip back to a neighborhood whose restaurant choices are top-notch and nothing short of legendary. 

Chicago Like a Local | Official Chicago Travel Guide & Blog Read More 

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