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DTC POKÉMON GO GO Fest Chicago 2019 Visitor’s Guide
POKÉMON GO FEST 2019
Welcome back
to Chicago
Hello again! We're DTC, the oldest and largest Discord server in
Chicagoland, and we're excited to represent our host city for the
third time at Pokémon GO Fest 2019. Just like last year, we have
helpful suggestions and information about Chicago that we’d love
to share with visiting trainers. With that in mind, we refreshed this
guide which covers what you need to know about traveling
throughout the city, on-the-ground know-how about Grant Park,
and recommendations for all the foods, drinks, and views that
Chicago has to offer.
Of course, with so many options—for everything—we’re bound to
miss something. If you have any feedback or would like to make a
suggestion to improve this guide, please, connect with us on
Discord or using social media. We’d love to hear from you!
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.02
A FEW WORDS
About safety
Chicago’s reputation precedes it. As previously noted when
addressing concerns about last year’s GO Fest, violence in
Chicago gets a lot of media coverage, but most of the violence
occurs within a few neighborhoods/pockets of the city, as is the
case with many other major metropolitan cities like it. Neither
GO Fest nor this guide will take you to those areas of the city
most affected by normalized crime and, as such, your GO Fest
experience should not be hindered in any way by the host city or
its residents.
Be that as it may, no neighborhood or city is 100% free of risks.
As your game recommends each time you open it, please be
aware of your surroundings. With so many tourists in town, the
potential for theft, harassment, or other malicious incidents may
be increased. Look out for each other, trainers, and look up from
your phones every once in a while.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.03
TRAVEL
Getting to GO Fest
GO Fest makes its triumphant return to Grant Park in 2019.
While a section of the site may dredge up unpleasant
memories of the very first GO Fest, the location is
unbeatable in terms of its accessibility. Let’s GO there!
Airports
There are two major airports in Chicago. If you’ll be leaving
GO Fest in a hurry, please plan accordingly and consult your
Maps app often!
Chicago Midway Int’l O’Hare Int’l
Airport (MDW) Airport (ORD)
Distance to Grant Distance to Grant
Park: 10.3 miles Park: 17.3 miles
Taxis
NORTH Entrance Drop-off Point
The intersection of South Columbus Drive and East
Jackson Drive
SOUTH Entrance Drop-off Point
The intersection of South Columbus Drive and East
Balbo Drive
PRO-TIP
Because these two entrances are fairly close to one another,
take a moment to make sure you’re in the right area!
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.04
Public Transportation
Trips can be planned through the Regional Transportation
Authority (RTA) trip planner at www.rtachicago.org
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides train and bus
routes to Grant Park, through the city and to both major
airports. Additional information and route planning can be
found at www.transitchicago.com
Closest NORTH Closest SOUTH
entrance stops entrance stop
••••• ••••
Brown/Purple/Orange Brown/Purple/Orange/
Green/Pink Pink
Adams & Wabash State & Van Buren
•• • •
Red/Blue Red Blue
Jackson Harrison LaSalle
Metra’s commuter rail system can be used for traveling to
and from the Chicago suburbs. Details on riding Metra and a
map of nearby Metra stations can be found at metrarail.com
PRO-TIP
When in doubt, lean
on the Transit app
(iOS / Android) as it
tracks CTA buses and
trains, Metra, and
Uber/Lyft prices.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.05
Parking
Convenient, 24-hour parking is available near Grant Park at
the following locations:
Millennium Park Garage
5 S Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
Millennium Lakeside Garage
5 S Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60601
Grant Park North Garage
25 Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60602
Grant Park South Garage
325 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60604
For the best rates, reserve your parking in advance by using
SpotHero or a similar app/service. Reasonably-priced meter
parking is available to the west and south of the GO Fest
grounds, though you’ll need an app to stay on top of refills.
Though free parking may exist in the Grant Park area, we
don’t recommend searching for it.
PRO-TIP
Chicago parking signs are famously vague. If you don’t
know whether or not it is legal to park somewhere, don’t
take any chances.
As most parking spots in Chicago are either permit-only
or metered, your best bet is to find reasonably-priced
meter parking. Learn more and download the proper
app here
SpotHero: (iOS / Android) A parking
reservation service that is great for surveying
parking prices in hard-to-park areas.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.06
TRAVEL
Getting around Chicago
While visiting Chicago, you’ll have a number of transportation
options that can get you from point A to point B. Some are
trickier to navigate than others. However, as long as you have
your phone, someone to explore with, and you don’t mind making
a few wrong turns here and there, you’ll be a pro in no time.
If you'd rather not carry cash to pay for public
transit, we recommend purchasing a Ventra
card or pass, available at train stations, most
drug stores, and www.ventrachicago.com
Single-Ride tickets are available for $3* and are great if you
don’t know how often you’ll be using public transit. (*These
cost $5 if your single ride starts at O’Hare.)
Ventra also sells a 1-Day pass for $10. These work for 24 hours
upon activation (the first time you swipe/tap it at a terminal)
and are good for unlimited rides within that time. If you only
plan on using public transit the day of GO Fest, this may be
your best bet.
For those trainers that plan on exploring the city, there is the
$20 3-Day pass. Just like the 1-Day pass, the 3-Day pass
works for 72 hours upon activation and is good for unlimited
rides within that time.
PRO-TIP
If you have Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Samsung Pay accounts
set up, you can use those to board CTA trains and buses.
Please note that each transaction will place a $5 hold on your
account that will be adjusted once charges are posted/finalized.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.07
CTA Trains, a.k.a., The “L”
If you’re a tourist visiting the city, there is no more efficient way to
travel than by CTA train. Colloquially known as the “L” because of
the prominent elevated tracks, Chicago’s train system will get you
close to 99% of the places you’ll want to see during your visit.
Plan your trips here or by using Google or Apple Maps!
CTA Buses
CTA buses are incredible assets once you learn how to use them.
If you’re looking to travel long distances in any cardinal direction
(N, E, S, and W), make your way downtown, or travel where trains
don’t, buses are your ally. As long as you stay aware of where you
are in relation to your final stop, you’ll be fine. Please note: Buses
do not stop unless requested. Pull on the stop-request cord on
the window when you’re approaching your destination.
Divvy Bikes
Chicago can be an intimidating city to bike in. For that reason, we
do not recommend renting a Divvy bike if this is your first visit to
the city, you are unfamiliar with biking in major metropolitan
areas, you don’t have a helmet, or you plan on exploring the
downtown area. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can
learn more about the Divvy program here.
PRO-TIP
Don’t ever take a Divvy bike onto Lake Shore Drive.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.08
ALL ABOUT GO FEST 2019
Grant Park:
2019’s GO Fest Venue
Grant Park is one of the most well-known and festival-friendly public
parks in Chicago. Named after Ulysses S. Grant, many of Chicago’s
tourist destinations call the park home, including Buckingham Fountain,
Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, and our Museum Campus.
In addition to the occasional GO Fest, Grant Park hosts the Taste of
Chicago and Lollapalooza annually among other events.
ADA Accommodations
Pokémon GO Fest 2019 is ADA compliant, including accessible
entrances and restrooms. For more information, patrons are directed to
visit the Help/Information counters during operational hours or consult
the official GO Fest 2019 website.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.09
AR Destinations within Grant Park
Buckingham
Fountain
Shown off prominently in GO Fest 2019 official artwork (we see you,
Horsea), the iconic Buckingham Fountain is an AR wonder for
Water-type Pokémon. At night, the colors change creating a truly
Instagram-worthy backdrop. You may remember it from 2017 YouTube
meetups and vlogs or from the first-ever Lugia raid.
North and
South Rose
Gardens
With different pathways crossing throughout, the rose gardens that
sandwich Buckingham Fountain make incredible settings for photos of
Bug, Grass, and Poison-type Pokémon. And photos of your group free
from Bean-related traffic. Just two of the many gardens within the park!
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.10Maggie
Daley Park
While not officially included in the
GO Fest 2019 plans, you need to see
Maggie Daley Park to believe
it—especially if you’re in town with
kids. There are jungle gyms for
League Champions-in-training,
swings for Riolu and the gang, and a
rock climbing wall for Fighting-type
Pokémon and athletes alike—all of it
surrounded by beautiful scenery and
overlooking Lake Michigan.
PRO-TIP
Don’t forget to hatch
your eggs before you get
in line for GO Fest!
If you find yourself with spare time and you’re with a group,
nominate someone to grab multiple devices and start walking
laps around Grant Park’s outer perimeter. Or, if you feel like
exploring, you can cover one mile (1.6 km) by finding an address
and walking until you’ve added 800 to it or subtracted 800 from it,
e.g., walking from 100 S Michigan to 900 S Michigan.
*Remember not to spin any PokéStops or Gyms after your eggs
have hatched and don’t open any gifts!
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.11ALL ABOUT GO FEST 2019
About the Loop
Unlike GO Fest 2018, the North and South entrances are relatively close
to one another this year—only .5 miles apart—meaning you’re likely to
find a slew of food and drink options equidistant from each gate. And
whether you’re looking for something to eat before the festivities begin
or well after they’ve started, you’re in a great location to explore the
local food scene.
Breakfast Bites & Caffeination
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe Intelligentsia Coffeebar
130 E Randolph St 53 E Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601 Chicago, IL 60601
For Five Coffee Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee
16 W Adams St 50 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60603 Chicago, IL 60601
Cafecito Hero Coffee Bar
26 E Congress Pkwy #1 439 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60605 Chicago, IL 60605
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.12Lunch/Dinner Spots
MingHin Cuisine
333 E Benton Pl #300
Chicago, IL 60601
Shake Shack The Berghoff
12 S Michigan Ave 17 W Adams St
Chicago, IL 60603 Chicago, IL 60604
Eleven City Diner Devil Dawgs on State
1112 S Wabash Ave 767 S State St
Chicago, IL 60605 Chicago, IL 60605
Other Essentials/Last-Minute Needs
Walgreens CVS
122 S Michigan Ave 310 S Michigan Ave
Chicago 60603 Chicago, IL 60604
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.13ALL ABOUT GO FEST 2019
GO Fest Tips from
DTC Trainers
Take a few tips from two-time GO Fest attendees. Make the most of
your day in and around Grant Park by keeping the following in mind:
1. Plan for the different types of 7. Catching for 8-10 hours
weather forecasted. Bring non-stop may feel like the best
sunscreen you don’t mind use of time, but don't forget
sharing and pack rain gear about the contests hosted last
just in case. year. Get that IRL medal!
2. Bring a water bottle you can 8. Use the name of your buddy to
refill and stay hydrated. let people know you’re in town
or have regionals to trade.
3. Start the day with a nice
breakfast and pack a few 9. Make room for Poké Balls, and
snacks. start collecting them now.
There’s no point walking into
4. Don’t go too overboard the event with an excess of
making space for Pokémon. potions, revives, or Rare Candy.
It’s a great way to ensure you
pace yourself and take 10. Have fun, and don’t stress
regular breaks which should out about the little things!
benefit you and your phone. Odds are, if you find yourself
ill-prepared, there will be a
5. If and when your phone friend, family member, or
slows down because of heat, fellow trainer happy to help.
rely on your accessories. The
cool down is more than
worth the missed Pokémon.
6. Mark your trade-eligible
shinies and legacy-moveset
Pokémon ahead of time,
especially because of the
hints about Special Trade
limits increasing at events.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.14THINGS TO DO
Pokémon, Cultural, and
Dining Destinations
We are completely, 100% biased in saying that Chicago is one of the
best cultural and dining destinations in the world. It just so happens to
be great for Pokémon GO, too!
Pokémon GO Destinations
While you’re in the city, we recommend visiting the following spots to
grind for XP and spin as many new PokéStops as possible in the
shortest amount of time:
Michigan Ave, a.k.a. The Magnificent Mile
The shopping destination for any visitor to Chicago. If you need to fill
up on items in a hurry, you can make it happen here.
Navy Pier, a.k.a. A Tourist Trap with Good Spawns
You may go to cross it off a list, but you’ll stay for the spawns. Also a
great place to play PoGO indoors.
Lincoln Park Zoo, a.k.a. Our Community Day Hotspot
Perhaps the best place to enjoy pre- and post-Fest spawns because of
its natural beauty. Be mindful of overcrowding or blocking path-
ways—it’s still a zoo after all.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.15Cultural Destinations
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Unplug for a minute and enjoy one of the best museums in the world! If
you can’t, you’ll have a gym and a few stops to keep you busy. A great
place for very artsy AR+ shots!
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60602
If you attended GO Fest 2017, you spent some time walking through
Millennium Park once Niantic opened up the event sandbox. A great
place for a relaxing walk that boasts great views of the city, a certain
bean-shaped sculpture, and the Lurie Garden for all your AR+ shots.
*Gyms, stops, and spawns may temporarily disappear from this area during GO Fest.
The Museum Campus
337 East Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Home to the Field Museum, The Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, and
Adler Planetarium—one of the original Pokémon GO hotspots here in
Chicago. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore of Lake Michigan and
incredible views of the skyline from the planetarium.
*Gyms, stops, and spawns may temporarily disappear from this area during GO Fest.
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.16Dining Destinations
Finally, we get to talk food. Again. It remains the humble opinion of DTC
that few cities can keep up with Chicago’s food scene. If you explore on
your own, you’re likely to find some of your favorite restaurants. However,
we highly recommend the following establishments and breweries:
Burgers
$$ $$$
Kuma’s Corner Au Cheval
2900 W Belmont Ave. 800 W. Randolph St.
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
The Goatsnake, featuring The double cheeseburger
neither goat nor snake meat with bacon and egg – share it
$$$
Publican Anker
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave.
DTC Recommends
Sitting at the bar – USB ports
and multiple PokéStops
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.17Pizza
$$ $$
Pequod’s Pizza Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
2207 N Clybourn Ave 805 S State St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Going very early or very late The butter crust and a
to avoid long waits topping of your choice
$$$ $$
Bonci Pizzeria Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
161 N Sangamon St 1769 W Sunnyside Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Living like a Ninja Turtle and The burrata and the Pistachio
ordering the sardine slice pizza – truly unbelievable
$$ $$
Paulie Gee’s Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.
2451 N Milwaukee Ave 2121 N Clark St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
“In Ricotta Da Vegan” – as fun Bringing cash - pizza pot pie
as it sounds awaits
*Bonus: Great vegan menu
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.18Hot Dogs
$ $
Portillo’s Chicago’s Dog House
100 W Ontario St 816 W Fullerton Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
The chocolate cake shake – Branching out – what sounds
it’s cake in a shake! weird is usually delicious
$$
Hot “G” Dog
5009 N Clark St
DTC Recommends
Thuringer Chicago-style and a
special sausage (cash only)
Vegan Fare
$$ $$
Chicago Diner Kitchen 17
3411 N Halsted St 3132 N Broadway St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
The 100% meat and Anything that sounds like a
dairy-free reuben classic bar food
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.19Vegan Fare, continued
$$ $
Kal’ish Amitabul
1313 W Wilson Ave 6207 N Milwaukee Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Breakfast and baked goods – Mandoo dumplings and a soup
delicious at all times or stew, even if it's hot out
Fried Chicken
$$ $$
Chicken Shop Parson’s Chicken and Fish
113-125 N Green St 2435 Halsted St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Some of the best fries and Fried Amish chicken, hush
nuggets in Chicago puppies, and a frozen Negroni
$$
Gus’s Fried Chicken
401 N State St
DTC Recommends
Sweet tea, dark meat, and
fried okraOther DTC Favorites
$ $$
Crisp Blowfish Sushi & Ramen
2940 N Broadway 1131 W Bryn Mawr Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Wings with Seoul Sassy Pressed sushi, black garlic
sauce and some fries ramen, and fish & chips
$$ $
Cruz Blanca Firecakes Donuts
904 W Randolph St 68 W Hubbard St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
A Oaxacan-style tostada, Donut ice cream sandwiches
guacamole, and a dark beer – ‘nuff said
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.21Breweries
$ $
Half Acre Beer Company Off Color Brewing Taproom
4257 N Lincoln Ave 1460 N Kingsbury St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Several 5 oz. pours and a Bringing your own food or
California burrito using their pizza phone
$$ $
Maplewood Brewery Marz Community Brewing Co.
2717 N Maplewood Ave 3630 S Iron St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Visiting on Sunday morning Pairing a Chocolate y Churros
for brunch and beermosas Stout with a board game
$$ $
Ballast Point Brewing Metropolitan Brewing Tap Room
212 N Green St 3057 N Rockwell St
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Starting with the R&D lineup Grabbing a spot on the patio
and exploring from there – BYOF
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.22Bars
$ $$
Hopleaf Lost Lake
5148 N Clark St 3154 W Diversey Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Exploring their expansive Sharing an oversized tiki drink
craft beer menu – order frites with ultra friends
$$$ $$
Cindy’s Rooftop Scofflaw
12 S Michigan Ave 3201 W Armitage Ave
DTC Recommends DTC Recommends
Grabbing a drink and enjoying Exploring Armitage Avenue
the view after a cocktail or two
$$
The Sixth
2202 W Lawrence Ave
DTC Recommends
The Silly Rabbit and an order
or two of duck fat fries
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.23Thank You
Thank YOU for reading our updated guide or, at the very least,
once again skipping to the credits! We hope all of this information
has been helpful. If you feel like we’ve overlooked something or
you have a recommendation to share, please connect with us on
Discord or through our social profiles.
We’d also like to thank the global Pokémon GO community,
especially those active on The Silph Road, Pokébattler, GO Hub,
and the Verified Level 40 Club among many, many other
collectives/groups. As we stated last year, there wouldn’t be a
game without the dedicated trainers of the world, the ideas they
share, and their passion. We’ll see all of you on the next hype
train. And the one after that!
Once more, we need to pay special thanks to the Pokémon GO
community of Chicagoland and the Midwest. We sincerely thank
all of you for helping us to grow and evolve into the best possible
group we can be. We appreciate your enthusiasm, patience, and
feedback equally, and we hope we represent you well as we
complete a GO Fest three-peat. Let’s keep it going!
Finally, we’d like to thank Niantic and the entire team behind
Pokémon GO. We’ve truly appreciated every opportunity we’ve had
to connect with you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for
trainers like us. It’s been a truly wild year, and we consider
ourselves lucky to be a part of your journey as we hope you
consider yourselves lucky to be part of ours. Once again, we’re
extremely excited to see what’s in store at GO Fest 2019 and
beyond. Here’s hoping for a Fairy-type fast move. Cheers!
If you see us at GO Fest, say “hello!”
- DTC Harmony Team
DTC 2019 GO Fest Visitor’s Guide • www.dtc.fyi • P.24Connect w/ DTC
Please, keep in touch by joining our
Discord or finding us on social media.
We'd love to host you whenever you visit
Chicago—even outside of GO Fest—and
we're always happy to make in-game and
real-life recommendations.
discord.gg/sSeeGPs
facebook.com/groups/dtcpkmngo
instagram.com/dtcpkmngo
twitter.com/dtcpkmngoYou can also read
