City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.

The Best DNC Food & Drink Specials in Chicago

Posted on August 20, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Sidney Madden

Sidney Madden

Vice President Kamala Harris at Brown Sugar Bakery in 2021

Vice President Kamala Harris at Brown Sugar Bakery in 2021. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times / Getty)

Whether the Democratic National Convention is leaving a good or bad taste in your mouth, Chicago bars and restaurants are serving themed specials all week.

Brown Sugar Bakery put out a new cake inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Greater Grand Crossing spot a couple of years ago. The cake has light chocolate cake layers and coconut pecan frosting.

With so many Democrats in town, the Wiener’s Circle in Lincoln Park has brought back its tiny Chicago–style hot dogs, a special they’ve run before to mock former President Donald Trump.

Watta Potato is selling its Chicago potato — with Italian beef, nacho cheese, and giardiniera peppers — for just $12 this week. Food influencer Keith Lee put the Austin spot on a lot of people’s radar this summer.

City Cast

Trump’s Chicago Visit, Lolla Tips, and Keith Lee Boosts Restaurants

00:00:00
A blue Kamala Colada with an orange slice, maraschino cherry, and a mini American flag

Stay hydrated with a Kamala Colada in Old Town. (Courtesy of Old Town Pour House)

Old Town Pour House on Wells Street is serving this $13.50 cocktail with Bacardi Superior, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and real cream of coconut. Have a few and you might just feel like you fell out of a coconut tree 🥥

Chicago has the most breweries in the country, so it makes sense Gov. JB Pritzker has not one but two beers inspired by him. Alter Brewing and Sketchbook Brewing in the suburbs created a Mexican–style lager and West Coast IPA in the governor’s honor. Convention attendees can sample the beers at the United Center and at events hosted by Pritzker.

City Cast

Where Are Chicago’s Best Breweries?

00:00:00

Patrons at Pippin’s Tavern in River North can choose from a selection of specialty cocktails from a Democratic Daiquiri to a National Negroni to a Freedom Fresca.

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.