Categories: Entertainment and Attractions

Chicago Theatre District

Author: Jody Robbins

The Venues: Tickets, Lights, and Good Seats
Historic angles, high-toned aesthetics, and good acoustics, combine to make these grand buildings special with their attention-grabbing décor and eye-grabbing design. Don't be fooled, though. There is constant activity behind the scenes and around every corner.

• Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre
  It's the imagery of the Far East that you'll find on display at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre. The facility was closed during much of the 1980s and 1990s, but came to life again soon thereafter, and is still entertaining patrons more than 80 years after the curtain first opened. Get here early and take some time to look around before the lights dim. Take a check list, as it's said you should be able to identify 50 different exotic animals throughout the theatre.

          See what's playing at the Ford Center

 

• Cadillac Palace Theatre
  Opened in 1926 at the corner of Randolph and LaSalle Streets, The Palace Theatre took theater-going in Chicago to a new level with the richness and thoughtfulness obvious in every detail. It's been everything through the years, from a home to Vaudeville, a movie theater, a rock music venue, and into a world-class performance facility in 1999, when it also acquired its present moniker. History begins here with your view of the brass chandeliers in the lobby here, which barely avoided becoming ammo for the war effort during World War II.

          See what's playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

 

• LaSalle Bank Theatre
  More than 100 years of history resides in the quiet spots at this venue, originally known as the Majestic Theatre when it opened in 1906. Harry Houdini performed here in the early days, as did Lily Langtry. These days its shows like Rent, Sweet Smell of Success, and Monty Python's Spamalot. Formerly known as the Shubert Theatre, major renovations have made this into a modern facility.

          See what's playing at the LaSalle Bank Theatre

 

Pre- or Post-Theatre Dining
Pick and choose from dining options that exist in all directions from any point in this skyscraper-filled neighborhood.

Going High-End
You can do well on the dining side without ever leaving the grounds.

• Everest
  Often named one of the top five restaurants in Chicago, Everest has even topped the list from its 40 th floor perch above the Chicago Stock Exchange. The views go on forever on a clear night, and chef John Joho lays out progressive French dishes. Try the tasting menu, and watch for Joho—a native of Alsace, France —moving back and forth between kitchen and dining room.

• Vivere
  Vivere, one of three dining components available at the Italian Village , is fantastical in its design, and the cuisine served here is equally inventive. Look for highly stylized Italian dishes and take advantage of the well-stocked wine list.

• 312 Chicago
  Chef Dean Zanella has been consistently serving very high-class, yet unpretentious, Italian product at 312 Chicago . The décor is upscale, the atmosphere laid back, and the food is complicated and bold in flavor, but comforting and filling at the same time.

Old-School Joints with Class
Unlike some venues, sitting on the grass, drinking wine, and eating fried chicken is considered de rigueur.

• Elephant & Castle
  Take a draught of one of the well-chosen beers at Elephant & Castle, or sip on a single malt. Either way, you'll see a slice of life revolving around you in the center of the city's financial district. The British-themed menu is both adequate and affordable.

• Morton's
  You'll get what you pay for at Morton's of Chicago, in the Loop. With a name handed down through the years by one of Chicago's foremost restaurant families (Hard Rock Café, anyone?), this contemporary steakhouse is dark and cozy, and the portions won't leave you wanting.

• Greek Islands
  It's not the Loop, but it's close, and Greektown is one of the most happening dining neighborhoods in Chicago . The Greek Islands offers free valet service and is always busy. Must-gets include the saganaki, a fried cheese, the delivery of which is accompanied by the cheese being set on fire by the waiter and the forceful emission of the word “O-pah!”

New and Contemporary
Chicago is on the cutting edge when it comes to inventive cuisine that's based in technique and procurement of top product, be that carrots or a piece of fish. Chefs here are grounded, but not afraid to be experimental.

• Blackbird
  Blackbird and AVEC sit separated by an alley in the West Loop. Both operated by chef Paul Kahan—undoubtedly one of Chicago's top chefs—Blackbird is fine-dining to the hilt with Kahan's flavorful and definite cooking while AVEC is more of a rustic wine barn where most dishes are produced in a wood-burning oven and tables are communal.

• One sixtyblue
  Modern in its delivery, but classic in character, one sixtyblue resides at the far end of the West Randolph Street restaurant row. Chef Martial Noguier, who has worked with Alain Ducasse and Jacques Maxim, executes crisp, substantial, and seasonally attuned menus here—and works the dining room with charm and genuine wit.

• Atwood Café
  Dining at Atwood Café, you can't help but feel transported thanks to the fanciful—almost surreal—décor, and the kitchen workings of chef Heather Terhune. Her cooking is comforting and experimental at the same time (think duck and manchego cheese quesadilla, or a steaming bowl of fresh mussels).

Check out places of interest near Chicago Theatre District:

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

 

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blackbird
619 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, Blackbird has been named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by Gourmet magazine. Contemporary American dining reaches its zenith here.

 

Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605

Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.

Elephant & Castle
185 North Wabash, Chicago, Illinois 60601

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

 

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication, Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu.

 

Shikago
190 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60603

The cuisines of Asia come together at this very good call of a restaurant in the Loop.

 

Sixteen
401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the16th floor of Chicago's new Trump International Hotel & Tower, Sixteen offers gorgeous city views and the modern American Cuisine of Chef Frank Brunacci.

 

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

Walnut Room
111 N State Street, Chicago, IL 60602

The historic Walnut Room, located on Macy's seventh floor, has been a premier Chicago dining destination since 1907.

ZED451
739 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

ZED451 offers a guest-focused, intimate dining experience.  Chefs not only prepare the meal, but present it as well.

 

Garrett Popcorn Shop
4 East Madison Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Since 1949, Chicagoans have been enjoying Garrett Popcorn, Carmel Corn, and Cheese Corn. The popcorn is hot-air popped using no oils or fats.

Macy's
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Water Tower Place, this is a second downtown location of this famed department store.

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007.  From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

 

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Potter's
17 E Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

Located inside the Palmer House Hilton, Potter's offers unique retro cocktails and delicious small plates in a classically elegant setting.

 

The Gage
24. S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603

The Gage offers high-end Irish fare with a touch of elegance and class. Located near Millenium Park, this restaurant offers traditional Irish foods along with all-American favorites.

 

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60605

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University has evolved over the years from rock and roll concerts to musicals to ballets.

Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

With an interior that was inspired by real palaces, the Cadillac Palace Theatre opened in 1926 with white marble, lush fabrics, and 2,500 seats.

Has been designated a:
Concierge favorite

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green Street, Chicago, IL 60622

The center performs numerous theatrical productions throughout the year.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".

 

Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

The newly-remodeled, state-of-the-art theater has intimate seating to some of Chicago’s best plays.

Horseshoe Hammond Casino
777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Already the premier gambling facility in the Midwest, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino has stepped it up a notch with a serious expansion happening summer of 2008. Check out the new 3,300-seat entertainment facility, The Venue. Choose from a wide range of tables and slots, plus entertainment and dining options here.

 

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

Macy's On State Street
111 N. State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Taking up an entire Chicago shopping block on State Street, this landmark department store opened in 1852 and continues to offer top levels of service and merchandise.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Oriental Theater- Ford Center for Performing Arts
24 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL 60601

Oriental Theatre- Ford Center for Performing Arts, home of the current Broadway smash "Wicked", offers a variety of seats so you can get the best seat for your budget. 

 

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

The LaSalle Bank Theatre
22 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

For tickets call 312-902-1400. Call for tickets and schedule.>

The Theatre School of DePaul
60 E Balbo Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

The Theatre School at DePaul presents groundbreaking, affordable productions by one of the nation's most respected conservatories.

 

Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

The creative theater masterpieces performed at the Theater on the Lake each summer for the last 56 years attract a diverse crowd of art appreciators. Eight plays are performed over a period of eight weeks every Wednesday through Sunday from early June until early August. Take in the striking sight of Lake Michigan at night while enjoying contemporary plays put on by esteemed theater troupes. 

Tommy Gun's Garage
2114 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60616

The whole family will enjoy this 1920s inspired interactive dinner theater complete with gangsters and flappers. Hidden away in this furtive speakeasy is a musical-comedy troupe that performs the hippest tunes, dances and jokes of the time when Al Capone ruled the streets of Chicagoland.

Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

Victory Gardens Theater has been around since 1974 and stays true to its mission to develop and produce new plays. Most of its featured plays are written by Chicago-area writers, staying true to its heart of Chicago roots.

Wendella Sightseeing Boats
400 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Wendella Boats are guided by expert staff.

 

Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Bus Co.
401 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60609

Daily tours of Chicago in San Fransisco-style trolleys and London-style buses, narrated by expert guides, are offered here. Take Chicago trolley tours as a worry-free way to get around the city of Chicago; it's "Hop On Hop Off".