Don’t stress about where you’re going to eat or if you have enough time to eat or catch a drink before your play for Chicago Theatre Week. You’ll have enough time and delicious fare.
Catch 35
Loop Theater Dining
If you’re catching “Gloria” at the Goodman Theatre, “The Bodyguard” at the Oriental Theatre, a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, or any of the other shows taking place in the Loop then you have plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Catch 35 not only has mouthwatering seafood and steaks but they’re very accommodating for theater attendees. Beginning Feb. 10 they will offer a three-course prix fixe menu that has options including Blue Hill Bay mussels in lemongrass or garlic butter, yellowfin tuna poke, grilled Australian lamb chops, and Ecuadorian Mahi-Mahi among others for $35.95. Parking in the Loop can be stressful, so if you valet at Catch 35 and are going to the theater the cost of the valet is deducted from your check.
Catch 35
35 W. Wacker Dr.
312-346-3500
If you’re going to the Goodman Theatre then you might want to visit The Dearborn, a concierge favorite. Goodman Theatre attendees receive a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entree, and with entrees like beef oxtails, housemade parmesan gnocchi, and rabbit and curry pot pie who could resist.
The Dearborn
145 N. Dearborn St.
312-384-242
The Gage, another concierge favorite, is a perfect spot for drinks and food before a performance at the Chicago Symphony Center. They offer great American dishes with a twist like the venison burger, Persian-spiced lamb shanks, roasted Amish chicken, and more along with a long list of beers in a fun, bustling atmosphere across from Millennium Park.
The Gage
24 S. Michigan Ave.
312-372-4243
If you’re rushing for time these two delicious options have you covered. For a great variety of Latin American food head to Latinicity in Block 37. Artisanal tortas, sushi and ceviche, chaufas, fritas, tacos, and sopas, are just a some of the never-ending options at the various stalls inside Latinicity. With several stalls to order from the wait is never too long and you can still eat with friends and enjoy a pisco, tequila, or sangria from the bar. If your friends can’t decide on a type of food, then just head to Revival Food Hall where you can pick from outposts of Antique Taco, Furious Spoon, Smoque BBQ, Black Dog Gelato, the first location for sandwich-centric food truck The Fat Shallot, and much more. Just make sure to arrive to Revival Food Hall before they close at 7 p.m.
Latinicity
108 N. State St.
312-795-4444
Revival Food Hall
125 S. Clark St.
773-999-9411
Cafecito
Streeterville and Magnificent Mile Theater Dining
If you’re heading to the Lookingglass Theatre Company make sure to try Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap. Not only does Jake Melnick’s have some of the city’s best chicken wings and was voted a concierge favorite, but guests will receive a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees if you’re going to see a show at the Lookingglass Theatre Company.
Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap
41 E. Superior St.
312-266-0400
Near both the Lookingglass Theatre Company and the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place is Cafecito’s new location. Enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich, tostones, and a caldo gallego along with a refreshing beer or glass of wine, which is new for this location.
Cafecito
215 E. Chestnut St.
312-643-2242
If you’re heading to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater than the options for dining at Navy Pier are endless. Grab a juicy burger at DMK Burger Bar and Fish Bar, fresh seafood at Riva Crabhouse, deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s, and more.
Navy Pier Dining
600 E. Grand Ave.
Boka
Old Town Theater Dining
The Second City and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company have you covered for pre-show dining. Located right next to the E.t.c. stage at The Second City the 1959 Kitchen and Bar offers tacos, sliders, and other bar bites with a great beer, wine, and cocktail selection. The Front Bar at Steppenwolf offers small plates like chicken liver mousse, pizza by the slice like goat cheese and roasted pepper, and sandwiches like porchetta along with an excellent selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
1959 Kitchen and Bar
230 W. North Ave.
312-337-3992
Front Bar
1700 N. Halsted St.
312-649-6880
If you want to try something that isn’t in the theater then try Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen. Across the street from Steppenwolf, Dawali offers delicious and affordable classic Mediterranean dishes and is BYOB. The service is great and always accommodating to theater go-ers.
Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen
1625 N. Halsted St.
312-944-5800
If you want to splurge make sure to visit Boka. This Michelin-starred restaurant in Lincoln Park serves beautiful American dishes in a timeless designed setting. Enjoy slow-roasted pork neck, tagliatelle with goat gouda, and grilled salmon with celery root and endive among others.
Boka
1729 N. Halsted St.
312-337-6070
Prost
Lincoln Park Theater Dining
For before or after a show at the Apollo Theater Chicago, head to Prost. A little bit of Germany in Chicago, here you can enjoy schnitzels, a wide variety of sausages, and a great selection of German brews.
Prost
2566 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-880-9900
If you want to travel to Ireland then head to The Galway Arms. This Irish pub has enough space that it doesn’t feel crowded. Along with the always excellent beer and drink selection it doesn’t skimp on the food with delicious options like the braised lamb shank or the Guinness beef stew.
The Galway Arms
2442 N. Clark St.
773-472-5555
Others to try in Lincoln Park:
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
2024 N. Halsted St.
773-935-5000
Mon Ami Gabi
2300 N. Lincoln Park W.
773-348-8886
There are still great theaters outside of these neighborhoods so below are some quick picks for theater dining near other theaters on the North Side.
Fahlstrom’s Fresh Fish Market
Lakeview Theater Dining
Crisp
2940 N. Broadway St.
773-697-7610
Dryhop Brewers
3155 N. Broadway St.
773-857-3155
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
3446 N. Southport Ave.
773-270-4272
Fahlstrom’s Fresh Fish Market
1258 W. Belmont Ave.
773-281-6000
Revival Social Club
Edgewater Theater Dining
Pearl’s Southern Comfort
5352 N. Broadway Ave.
773-754-7419
Francesca’s Bryn Mawr
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
773-506-9261
Revival Social Club
1133 W. Granville Ave.
773-293-6435
The Bedford
Wicker Park Theater Dining
The Bedford
1612 W. Division St.
773-235-8800
Frontier
1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-772-4322
Chicago Theatre Week 2017 will take place Feb. 9–19. For a full list of participating shows please visit chicagotheatreweek.com or follow @chicagoplays on social media using #CTW17.
Written By Joel Mora
Joel Mora is editor at Concierge Preferred. Born and raised in Miami, Fl., Joel has slowly ate, drank, and explored his way up north refining all his senses to prepare for the stampede of delicious dining, notorious nightlife, stellar shopping, and captivating culture that calls Chicago home. In the wild he’ll be the red-bearded Cuban with a Lagunitas IPA in his hand.