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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Chicago

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28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Frontier restaurant
4.4
Awesome(559)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Town
Booked 19 times today
Frontier's Executive Chef Brian Jupiter has created mouthwatering dishes celebrating American contemporary cuisine, blending game and other seasonal ingredients into classic and approachable fare.The seasonal dinner menu includes small plates, vegetables, sandwiches and entrees designed to share. Frontier’s menu also features 8-10 varieties of oysters to order a la carte with dinner, or to enjoy with a bottle of beer at the bar. Over the weekend, patrons may indulge in brunch offerings including a wide selection of Frontier signature dishes alongside traditional brunch items. Complimenting Frontier's savory menu items are unique wines by the glass & bottle, specialty craft cocktails including creative punches and frozen cocktails along with an array of draft, canned and bottled beer.Frontier is closed Monday & Tuesday but will open for private events along with Sunday evenings & weekday afternoons. Email jen@pioneertaverngroup.com to inquire today!
A photo of Proxi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2437)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • West Loop
Booked 39 times today
Proxi offers Modern American Cuisine with cooking that reflects the diversity, innovation, and openness of American culture. Proxi showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, emphasizing open-fire cooking. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along Restaurant Row, Proxi, designed by award-winning Meyer Davis, unites an award-winning team to transport its guests around the world, beginning with cuisine and extending to an eclectic beverage program focused on worldly inspirations and diverse, exotic ingredients. Casual, yet fast-paced service guides Proxi’s international culinary experience, with fine-dining standards and in-depth product knowledge leading the charge, balanced by genuine energy and enthusiasm.
A photo of Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio restaurant
4.4
Awesome(521)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 27 times today
GIOIA, [joy-ah] meaning joy in Italian, brings the joy of Italian cuisine to Chicago. Infusing the romance and traditions of Italy with the energy and sophistication of Chicago's West Loop.We open for dinner, nightly beginning at 5pm, for delicious dishes created by our own, Chef Cristiano Bassani. Check our social @gioiachicago for more!
A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(548)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 56 times today
STEAKHOUSE, REDEFINEDA carefully curated theater of shared plates, The Bazaar consistently wows its guests with ingeniously innovative cuisine, thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive yet unfussy service. The Bazaar takes guests on a wild sensory adventure born of José’s Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible. Each location is completely unique, adding a fresh, ever-evolving intrigue to the world of The Bazaar.Underneath sparkling crimson chandeliers designed to mimic the flames of a volcano, sit for a curated tasting menu that weaves from raw preparations to the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. As the flames in the fire kitchen flicker, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind meal, from inventive takes on carpaccio to the most tender rotisserie-style meat. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.
A photo of Roanoke restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1491)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 103 times today
Roanoke Restaurant, located in the Loop, is a local favorite known for its excellent service and top-tier culinary offerings. The menu highlights artisan comfort food, signature rotisserie dishes, and hand-crafted cocktails. The restaurant's design features luxurious finishes, copper accents, and warm lighting inspired by the rotisserie and brick oven in the open kitchen. Whether you're enjoying happy hour at the bar, dining by the fireplace for a more intimate experience, or joining the vibrant lunch crowd, Roanoke is an ideal spot to gather with colleagues, friends, or family. The restaurant also offers large event spaces that can accommodate up to 250 people.Guests can enjoy parking validation at the 172 W Madison Self-Park Garage. After 4 p.m. on weekends and weeknights, park for free with a $25 meal purchase. Be sure to bring your parking slip for validation. Not valid for valet parking.
A photo of STK – Chicago restaurant
4.2
Awesome(6472)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 123 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Willow Room restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1930)
Price: Expensive
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 70 times today
Willow Room is located in Lincoln park, serving European/American bistro food set in a classic yet unique atmosphere.
A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(833)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 16 times today
Tucked away in a beautiful historic building located at 203 N. Wabash sits the ever-evolving and delectable Miss Ricky's. Serving up brunch and dinner seven days a week featuring some of Chicago's best fresh and from scratch Italian dishes by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Whether you're dining solo or with a large group, Miss Ricky's can accommodate your desired experience. To book a table visit www.missrickys.com *For private dining options e-mail Tricia.moore@virginhotels.com
A photo of State and Lake Chicago Tavern restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1563)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 25 times today
The sleek contemporary State and Lake Chicago Tavern combines the flair of artisanal American cuisine with the warm, welcoming vibe of a neighborhood pub. Named after the iconic intersection in the heart of the city, State and Lake Chicago Tavern serves up new twists on tavern fare, with an emphasis on featuring the finest locally sourced and wholesome ingredients.Putting a modern spin on traditional tavern dining, the inviting decor features cork floors, leather walls and plush banquettes, radiating upscale hospitality and exceptional service. Cozy enough to lounge in and stylish enough for business, State and Lake Chicago Tavern is ideal for guests and locals alike looking to unwind over a drink, gather together to watch a game, or grab a pre-theater bite before heading to the nearby historic theater district. Whether it's a lunchtime escape or a Happy Hour go-to at the intimate bar, theWit's award-winning eatery takes traditional tavern dining to the next level.
A photo of Chef Art Smith's Reunion restaurant
4.3
Awesome(776)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lakeshore East
Booked 14 times today
Dining together allows us to better understand who we are, regardless of our social status. The food does not have to be elegant, complicated, or fancy. We find that busy people like simple food—the busier they are, the simpler the food. Our menu is straightforward, down-home Southern food with a few more contemporary dishes.Getting back to the table allows us to love and nurture each other and renew connections to our families—however they may be configured—in this diverse and ever-changing society. Such connections are crucial in a fast-paced world where we feel more disconnected every day. One of the best ways we know how to restore that daily balance is to sit down at our table.We should all think about returning to the sanctity of the table, where we can rebuild our families whether they be given or chosen, and reconnect with those we love and choose to love. Our table is a familiar, uncomplicated, friendly place where we can celebrate.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cassandra
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I was celebrating my birthday, they made sure I did it right. We received champagne for the whole table. Our waitress was kind and understanding. She kept a smile on her face, and in turn, we smiled back with her. All of her recommendations hit the mark. Everything was delicious. I promise I'll be returning.
    More info
    Bazaar Meat ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
    4.8
  • RobinsonV
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great food, excellent service, good ambience, and they arranged a cake with candle for our occasion
    More info
    ProxiPrice: Expensive• Global, International• West Loop
    4.7
  • Cinthia
    South Carolina •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    First time at Roanoke and it did not disappoint! Our server Lexi was very pleasant and helpful, and gave us the right amount of attention. We had the Chicken and Waffles (exceptional), Tavern Breakfast (delicious and plenty!) and Avocado toast (very nice). The Mimosas flight is a must! Lexi suggested the raspberry as an option and she was right on…delicious and dangerous! I definitely recommend and looking forward to coming back!
    More info
    RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
    4.3
  • ClementeVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wonderful experience. Food and Service was amazing. Cocktails are delightful!
    More info
    Gioia Ristorante e PastificioPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    4.4
  • Veronica
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 18, 2025
    Passionate, skilled, original--these are the words that leap to mind after my first meal at Frontier. As a former restaurant critic, my standards are high. Every single dish was skillfully done with a core of creativity and lusciousness! As a lover of the best of NOLa (and not all New Orleans food is great), I immediately recognized the influence of the Crescent City. To be honest, I was afraid that the dishes would be corny, as they so often are in the North. Instead, they were expertly executed on the core flavors and techniques and ingredients, but with a modern flair. For ex., the gator bites were perfectly chewy and crisp, but the crispy kale and saucy bits would earn it a place on any creative menu. Chargrilled oysters are nothing without quality, salty Parm, and here Frontier delivers, too. The burnt edge mac cheese ranks among the best eats in the city in my book. Similarly, the smoked and braised elk shank has my whole heart--fall-off-the-bone tender, elegant, and still wholly accessible. Not overthought nor showy, but a skillful dish that speaks for itself and the skill of this kitchen. I also want to give a shout to the thick-cut salmon, roasted on a cedar plank, with crispy edges and a silky, luscious, rare center as requested. I also want to thank whoever set the prices. They are more than fair at a time when so few menus are. Making food at this level is insanely time-consuming, but the pricepoint makes Frontier much more accessible than many of its peers. Frontier is a place we will return to again and again because of that. Chicago...support these incredibly talented and passionate kitchen and front-of-the-house teams! This is not a paid review or a bot. Merely one diner who was truly impressed and appreciative of a great meal for our family for my birthday.
    More info
    FrontierPrice: Expensive• American• West Town
    4.4
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