Several of these are within a mile of Chicon's site, but I have also included some that are worth making an expedition for. Chicago, IL 60614 Charlie Trotter is probably Chicago's most famous chef. Meals at Trotter's are memorable, almost overwhelming. Dining here requires concentration to appreciate the complex flavors. The dining room is small, hushed, elegant and unadorned - Trotter wants nothing to interfere with his food.
Service is attentive but starchy.
This is probably not the place for complex negotiations over a publishing contract. There are two seatings nightly, Tuesdays through Saturdays. To guarantee a table, make reservations three months ahead, though it's barely possible that a cancellation will get you in if you call just before Chicon. Opened just this year, Tru is poised to give Trotter's a run for its money. The airy open dining room is full of energy, with nice but silly touches like padded purse rests.