Hi NCECA Friends!
On map number 9 is the Convention Center, The Hilton is located across the street from the Convention Center, and further down the block is Providence Place Mall. The Mall has a variety of chain restaurants that are known for particularly great happy hours. The drinks are good and the deals on the food are amazing. Happy Hour deals only take place in the lounge, and bar areas at each restaurant but they are well worth the wait from 4-7pm – Monday – Friday. Below is my list of places worth the bite!
Uno – Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Chain
Uno – Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Chain
- Deals are on a variety of salads, pizzas, and flatbreads — average wait time about 10-15 minutes for food to be out — average happy hour deal price $6
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great all you can eat soup & salad bar for lunch $7.99 everyday if you’re looking for a quick fix near the Convention Center
Melting Pot
Melting Pot — Fondue Cheese/Chocolate
- Pricey place everyday, only really worth it for Cheese and Chocolate fondues during the happy hour time 4-7pm at the bar. Average wait time 15-20mins for them to bring ingredients, mix, and ready to enjoy — Pricing $8 per person, cheese or chocolate — multiple types of fondues — good for smaller groups.
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Cheese fondue menu includes veggies, apples, breads, and chips – flavors include bacon & brie, traditional beer swiss, Mexican Mix, and other featured flavors
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Chocolate fondue menu can be white, milk, or dark chocolate with your choice of add-ins – peanut butter, caramel, fluff, and swirl among other varieties. Comes with cheesecake, rice crispy treats, pound cake, brownies, strawberries and bananas.
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Overall considering it’s usually $16 a person per fondue at dinner time, and is a great treat for their happy hour deal.
Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory — American – Large Portions
- While dining at Cheesecake Factory for dinner the portions are immense, and luckily they keep them large at happy hour. Average wait time 5-10 for happy hour, and for dinner could be up to 40 mins depending on the night. Their happy hour menu involves $3-7 drinks, bites and appetizers. Some items from their menu include: Roadside Sliders, Fried Mac & Cheese, Avocado Eggrolls, Fried Calamari and Chicken Pot Stickers. Drinks range between $3 draft beers to $5 well drinks. Sometimes they also have $5 Pizzettes during Happy Hour as well. If you are looking for a place for a large group, this is your place!
Marketplace
Marketplace at Nordstrom – American
Is located in the Providence Place Mall on the third floor. Pricing is moderate for Providence, around $15-20 for a meal.The atmosphere isn’t of your average mall chain restaurant, they have beautiful stained glass windows that over look College Hill. A personal favorite is the Grilled Shrimp, Asparagus and Risotto. Shrimp is perfectly cooked, al dente asparagus and creamy risotto is sure to please. Great spot for small groups, with a variety of meal options for all.
