Stealing a catchphrase from former President Trump, the theme for some attendees at the Democratic National Convention here might as well be “Grill, baby, grill.” From 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day of the convention, some of the biggest names in politics and media have lined up to get into the CNN Politico Grill, a restaurant and bar (actually several bars) built across the street from the United Center. The food and drink are free, and the invitations are hard to come by.
CNN, which has partnered with Politico on the site this year, started what has become a tradition at each party’s convention in 2004, when the network rented out a diner near New York’s Madison Square Garden, where the GOP had gathered. The pop-up restaurant’s reputation has grown over the years. CNN received 4,000 requests to get into the Grill for the Democratic convention. About 400 were accepted, according to David Leavy, chief operating officer for CNN Worldwide. “Over 20 years, it’s built up into a brand,” Leavy said. Leavy said the aim is to build the news organization’s relationships with top campaign officials, policymakers and media outlets. “No one is allowed to bring their assistant in,” he said.
The CNN-Politico Grill is a Chicago Culinary Destination
The offerings at the Grill draw from the local cuisine of the convention city. “We really try to bring the city’s culture and vibe to the Grill to make it authentic,” Leavy said. Bratwurst and local cheeses were on the menu in Milwaukee, where the Republicans held their convention last month. As fans of the Windy City-set hit series “The Bear” might expect, the bar is much higher in food-obsessed Chicago.
The Grill has made sure that it can meet the moment. A waitress told The Times that the cook in charge of the Italian beef sandwiches being served was trained at Portillo’s, the Chicago-based restaurant chain responsible for many of the expanded waistlines in the city. The hot dogs — the favorite item of CNN Chairman Mark Thompson — are Vienna Beef, the city’s ubiquitous tubular meat.
Other famous local brands being served include Jay’s Potato Chips, Homer’s Ice Cream, Big Shoulders Coffee and Garrett Popcorn. And the pizza is (mercifully) thin crust from comfort food specialists Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants.
From Politics to Podcasts: More Than Just Food
CNN stalwarts such as Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper and Sara Sidner have made the scene, as have stars from rival organizations, including CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell, her Washington correspondent colleague Robert Costa and NBC’s Chuck Todd. Politically engaged showbiz types such as Tim Daly, Sophia Bush and Wendell Pierce have also stopped by, along with dozens of Democratic senators and governors. Of course, print and online journalists show up in droves, and many stay until last call. Did we mention that it’s free?
CNN uses the lively scene as a backdrop for its late night programming. And Politico is recording podcasts at the site.
The Grill’s Buzz: A Window into the DNC
Abe Froman may be the sausage king of Chicago, but even he’d have to bend the knee to the sheer variety of meat-related menu items at the Windy City edition of the CNN-Politico Grill. Fresh off its successful run at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month, the eatery is once again open for business as the 2024 Democratic National Convention gets underway in the Illinois metropolis.
Located in the security perimeter adjacent to the United Center—which is serving as the DNC’s HQ from Aug. 19-22—the Grill’s invite-only crowd will include journalists, politicians and other high-profile convention attendees looking to fuel up between all the speeches, interviews and panels. And unlike the RNC edition and its staggered service times, the DNC Grill will keep its doors open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. all four days.
And before you even ask, yes—Chicago Dogs are most definitely on the menu. Those hometown heroes at Vienna Beef are providing the essential ingredients for that quintessential Chicago treat. Pair your dog with a bag of Jays Potato Chips or Garrett Popcorn for that extra salt kick.
Other meaty items include an Italian Beer Sandwich from Portillo’s as well as deli favorites from Publican Quality Meats. And all of those ‘wiches can be topped with locally-sourced condiments ranging from your traditional ketchup and mustard toppings to hot sauces and spicy chili crunches.
If you’re in the market for flatbreads, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants is firing up two Chicago-style pizzas—a traditional Margherita pie and “The Chicago,” which arrives topped with Italian sausage and red and green peppers. Sorry deep dish lovers: you’ll have to be content with shallower servings.
Additional traditional Italian fare comes from Marconi Giardiniera, purveyor of fine tomato-based pasta sauces and olive oils. Sop any spills up with a variety of breads and rolls provided by the 3D Baking team.
As for sweet treats, look for Homer’s Ice Cream from nearby Wilmette to be slung onto cones and into sundae dishes. And then there’s the bevy of beverages, ranging from coffees and ciders to IPAs and pilsners.
Naturally, the assorted journalists from CNN and Politico will also be working in addition to feasting. Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway will be hosting their Pivot podcast at the Grill, and Harry Enten will be interviewing the various boldfaced names that walk through the door. Meanwhile, Politico plans a full slate of live programming, including conversations with political figures like Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor Josh Shapiro.
Between the food and the frenzy surrounding the reenergized Democratic Party, there’s gonna be plenty to twist and shout about during the Grill’s Chicago residency.
