Preparing to Attend a GVC Summer Concert
Are you planing on attending Grand Victoria Casino’s Summer Concert series? Performers range from HEART to Peter Frampton to Jerrod Niemann. When you are ready to plan your trip to the concert here is a list of things that will help you. If you have specific questions about places to dine or sight-see then give us a call, 847-695-7540.
Buying a ticket
Arguably the most important step to preparing for a summer concert is to buy the ticket! Here is the link to buy your tickets. Each concert has a couple different options for tickets, so make sure to pick the right one, this will set the mode for the whole trip.
Dinner Before the Show
Once you have your tickets the next biggest decision is where you want to eat dinner. It is never a good idea to go to an outdoor event hungry. The Grand Victoria Casino has a couple of options inside, Prime BurgerHouse (Drunken Bull Burger is pictured to the right), Indulge Show Kitchen Buffet and Buckingham’s. All great options and right by the concert.
If you are looking for something a little more local here are suggestions nearby. Restaurants are listed in order of their proximity to Festival Park.
Prairie Rock Bar & Grill
127 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin
Website
This is your typical neighborhood bar. Great food with limited outdoor seating. The best part is that the concert is right outside the front doors.
Chooch’s Pizza
64 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin
Website
Located off of Riverside Drive Promenade with a view of Fox River and promenade lighting this a local favorite for pizza in the summertime.
Mr. Tequila de Elgin
51 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin
Website
Craving authentic Mexican cooking and margaritas then you have found your place! Outdoor seating and dinner specials that are sure to get you ready for the concert.
Al’s Café
43 DuPage Court, Elgin
Website
Anyone craving a sandwich or sangria before the concert should head to Al’s Café. There is outdoor seating to enjoy the weather or sit inside to enjoy the eclectic decorations. Make sure you do not leave without trying a famous Burns’ Malt.
Toom Toom Thai
23 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin
Website
Great Thai food by Thai people! Locals know her as Mamma Toom, Chef Toom will prepare a delicious dish for you then come out to personally greet you.
Bangkok House
11 Douglas Avenue, Elgin
Website
Offering delicious Chinese & Thai cuisine in the heart of Downtown Elgin for over 27 years!
Solo Restaurant & Wine Bar
13 Douglas Avenue, Elgin
Website
Solo is a modern American restaurant and wine bar located just a couple blocks from the concert venue. Grab a glass of wine and relax in style.
Blue Box Café
176 E. Chicago Street, Elgin
Website
Located within walking distance this locally owned and operated cafe/deli features premium coffees, meats and cheeses. The Doctor Who theme will add to the ambiance.
Elgin Public House (EPH)
219 E. Chicago Street, Elgin
Website
EPH is known for its unique pub grub, daily menu specials and over 80 different beers. Their delicious menu and drink selection is guaranteed to get you in the mood for the concert.
Danny’s Pizza
231 Douglas Avenue, Elgin
Website
Food, Live Entertainment & Bar
In the Neighborhood Fresh
270 N. Grove Avenue
Website
The concept of this eatery is to build culture, community and your own perfect lunch, all at the same time. And yes, you will see some of the local favorites from In the Neighborhood Deli.
Here is a full list of restaurants in the area.
Drinks After the Concert
Finish the night with a drink or two at one of downtown Elgin’s finest bars. There are plenty of options from a classic martini to a craft brew, you can find your drink of choice.
Prairie Rock Bar & Grill – 127 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin website
Chooch’s Pizza – 64 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin website
Mr. Tequila – 51 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin website
Martini Room – 161 E. Chicago Street, Elgin website
Solo Restaurant & Wine Bar- 13 Douglas Avenue, Elgin website
Gasthaus Bar & Grill – 15 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin website
Elgin Public House – 219 E. Chicago Street, Elgin website
Danny’s Pizza – 231 Douglas Avenue, Elgin website
* Please make sure to designate a sober driver or call a taxi for a ride.
Hotel
One thing is for sure, with an exciting night filled with a concert and sight-seeing in downtown Elgin, you will need a hotel room. Stay out enjoying the downtown scene and then call a taxi to get you back to the hotel room. The Hampton Inn Elgin and Holiday Inn Elgin are offering special rates for concert goers this summer. Check out the packages here. We also have a list of all hotels in the area, pick your hotel and get your reservations early.
Taxi
It is important to make sure you have all of your bases covered, save a couple Taxi numbers in your cell phone before you hit the town. Here are a couple taxi companies to start with. Safe Travels!
A#1 Cab
847-888-3990
Website
303 Taxi
847-303-0303
Website
Metra
The Metra Milwaukee District/ West Line will even help you get from Downtown Chicago to within blocks of the concert. We recommend you get off at the National Street stop and walk to Festival Park. This is another great option if you are not wanting to drive home after a fun night in Downtown Elgin.
Check out the train schedule so you can plan your trip now! Metra Website
Do not forget to order your GVC Summer Concert Tickets.
* Photo Credit: Grand Victoria Casino and Martini Room
