I went to a Chase food event in Chicago — here’s what you need to know about these special perks for cardholders
Editor's Note
Though I am arguably biased as a local, Chicago in the summer is one of the greatest cities in the world. Part of that is due to the number of events on a given weekend, including Chase Sapphire events.
One such marquee event is The Infatuation’s Eeeeeatscon Chicago, Presented by Chase Sapphire.
Picture a music festival-meets-food festival experience, with local and national restaurants as the headliners, plus live music performances and panels.
I attended The Infatuation’s Eeeeeatscon Chicago, Presented by Chase Sapphire from July 13 to 14. Here's what the event was like, and how you can find similar events near you.
Tickets
General admission tickets for both days cost $30.37 through Eventbrite, though the July 13 tickets sold out ahead of the event.
Children 6 and under (and service dogs) could attend for free. Tickets did not include the price of food and beverages, which ranged from $4 to $11 per dish, depending on the vendor. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages were available at three bars (two outside, one inside) for $5 to $16.
This two-day food festival is held four times per year: every February in Miami, June in Los Angeles, July in Chicago and fall in New York. Early access is available to Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card holders.
All Chase cardholders also get access to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships taking place later this month. Last year's U.S. Open lounge, called the Chase Lounge and Terrace, featured an outdoor terrace to watch tennis, a Chase ATM that dispensed swag, a phone charging station and a photo op for tennis fans of all shapes and sizes.
An ongoing perk for Reserve users is access to the Paris Olympics. Attendees have exclusive private lounge access, dining events, athlete meet and greets and other amenities throughout the 2024 Games.
This summer, Reserve cardholders can also purchase VIP tickets for music festivals across the country, including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands and Ocean’s Calling. They'll enjoy entry to the Sapphire Reserve Lounge with a guest as well.
Chase Sapphire cardholder perks
For this particular event, my favorite part was the Sapphire Reserve Lounge for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, who also earned 3 points per dollar spent at the festival.
Perhaps it was because of the first bite of food I had, but my favorite food of the festival was in the Sapphire Reserve Lounge. It offered various appetizers from Diego, a Mexican craft cocktail bar in Chicago's West Town neighborhood.
Of everything I tried, the tuna tostada, the corn and tomato tostado and the suenos ceviche were the best bites of the event.
The lounge offered complimentary bites and five cocktails for purchase, including the Sapphire Signature Cocktail — a vodka or gin concoction with blueberry, goldenberry, lime, ginger, oregano, five spice powder, bee pollen and pearl dust. Reserve cardholders received two free drink tokens for use throughout the lounge.
Chase cardholders who purchased presale tickets received 50% off individual ticket purchases, plus applicable taxes and fees. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card holders also got early access to the festival at 11 a.m. CDT — one hour earlier than general entry.
Reserve cardholders could also purchase tickets for cardholder-only events, including a cocktail class held by Apotheke, a cocktail apothecary-themed speakeasy in New York City's NoMad neighborhood.
On both days, there was a Sapphire treat time for cardholders in the lounge from 4 to 4:30 p.m. It included free espresso martinis from Menotti’s Coffee Shop on Saturday.
Other cardholder events included Sapphire Hour, where Preferred and Reserved cardholders could enjoy free food from a select vendor. Saturday's Sapphire Hour featured Tribecca’s Sandwich Shop, a local counter-service spot in Avondale that offered free food from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. My boyfriend took one for the team and enjoyed the Reuben sandwich from TriBecca's.
Sunday's Sapphire Hour was at Los Angeles-based Tacos Los Cholos. There was also a Chase Ink Market Chicago-themed shop with Funky Chunky pretzels, candles and Spice House teas for purchase. Shoppers received an Ink-themed bag.
Given the brutal heat of the day, the lounge felt like an air-conditioned safe haven, with two restrooms, phone chargers and plenty of seating from which to watch the main stage.
Food options
More than 20 restaurants from Chicago and elsewhere were available at the event. Each served tasting-size portions at stands throughout the grounds.
The majority of stands were outside. More specifically, there were food options from:
- Popup Bagels (New York City)
- Tacos Los Cholos (Los Angeles)
- Toma (Miami)
- Professor Pizza (West Loop, Chicago)
- Soul & Smoke (Avondale, Chicago)
- Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food (Lakeview, Chicago)
- Dr. Bird’s (Bucktown, Chicago)
- The Momo World (University Village, Chicago)
- Jibaritos y Mas (Wicker Park, Chicago)
- 312 Fish Market (Chinatown, Chicago)
- Jennivee’s Bakery (Lakeview, Chicago)
- 3 Little Pigs (South Loop, Chicago)
- Diego (West Town, Chicago)
- Charly’s Burgers (Hermosa, Chicago)
- Tribecca's Sandwich Shop (Avondale, Chicago)
- Lilac Tiger (Wicker Park, Chicago)
- Ciao Ciao Gelato & Cafe (Portage Park, Chicago)
Although the event advertised vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, most of the food was catered to equal-opportunity eaters. Guests could enjoy the food at picnic-style seating inside and outside.
Seeing as I am gluten- and dairy-free, my boyfriend indulged in the items of my choosing (aka the ones I couldn't eat). Since I am a personal fan of Shake Shack, I made him try their exclusive menu collaboration with Ann Arbor, Michigan's Zingerman’s Delicatessen — a pastrami Shackburger with Angus beef, Swiss cheese, pickles, sliced pastrami and Shake Shack's special sauce for $12 — which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Right next door was Ciao Ciao, so he obviously had to try the salted caramel gelato, which he quickly devoured.
As a dairy- and gluten-free eater, only two out of the 20 vendors offered options for me: Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food and Tacos Los Cholos. Given the line at the latter, I opted for pad thai with shrimp at TukTuk ($10), which hit the spot.
Outside the main food hall, there was a Teremana Tequila stand with complimentary crafted tequila cocktail samples.
Nonfood activations
Though food was the main event, the experience included music programming events with two Chicago rappers as well. One was a moderated conversation with Chance the Rapper, and the other was a book signing with Common.
On Sunday, there was a panel with TV personality and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen, who also had a booth for her book "Cravings." My favorite activation was from La Croix; the long line was worth the free goodies, such as a glass cup and a hat.
Activities outside of the lounge were open to all attendees.
Other performances came from Dee Dee Da Goat, Maker, DJ Intel, Lori Branch, The Jesse White Tumblers, Creation Chicago, the South Shore Drill Team and The Pack Drumline.
Bottom line
Select Chase cards, particularly the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, offer cardholders access to special events nationwide throughout the year. Events include Eeeeeatscon and Sapphire Presents, a concert series hosted by Chase Experiences.
When considering the annual fees of these cards ($795 and $95, respectively), keep in mind cardholder perks like these. They easily contribute to each card's overall value since event access is specifically restricted to cardholders.
Related reading:
- Chase will open a Sapphire Lounge in Los Angeles, its tenth confirmed location
- How to book travel (and save points) with Chase Travel
- Why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is more than just a starter card
- How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value
- 6 reasons why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is the perfect card for the average traveler
- Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth the annual fee?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.