Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

1. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(825)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 10 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

2. State and Lake Chicago Tavern

4.2

Awesome(1553)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 14 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.

3. The Grillroom

4.6

Exceptional(3160)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 24 times today

Treat yourself to expertly crafted dishes, bold flavors and a stylish vibe at our modern Steakhouse in the heart of Chicago. We proudly serve Allen Bros. award winning steaks, the freshest seafood, pastas, and more. Enjoy steak and style all just steps away from the top hotels, theaters, shopping and the bustling business district.Having dinner before a show or event? 🎭We are located directly across the street from the CIBC theater & within close proximity to several surrounding venues including the Cadillac Palace Theater, Nederlander Theater and Chicago Theater. To ensure the dinner experience standards we pride ourselves on, please allow at minimum 1.5 hours for your reservation with us.• For 7:00 PM shows: Last seating at 5:45 PM• For 7:30 PM shows: Last seating at 6:15 PM• For 8:00 PM shows: Last seating at 6:45 PM •After these times, pre-theater guests are welcome to enjoy offerings at the bar. We look forward to making your time with us special!

4. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1473)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 87 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.

5. Atwood

4.2

Awesome(4566)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 28 times today

Atwood proudly offers alluring libations and a wildly guest-pleasing menu filled with your favorite all-day American cuisine courtesy of Executive Chef, David Fingerman. Whether for happy hour cocktails, a theater dinner, or the date of a lifetime, Atwood is Chicago’s premier spot to mix, mingle and delight in the joys of food and drink.Atwood’s soaring dining room is strikingly modern with white marble surfaces, glossy subway-tiled walls, and massive windows ideal for watching the State Street shoppers stroll by.

A photo of Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave. restaurant

6. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

4.5

Awesome(772)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lakeshore East

Booked 25 times today

Nestled on the corner of Wabash and Lake, Elephant & Castle is your go-to British pub in the heart of Chicago's vibrant theatre and shopping districts. Just steps from the iconic Chicago Theatre and two blocks from the scenic Chicago Riverwalk, we offer classic British pub fare like fish and chips, hearty breakfasts, and live sports on big screens. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour, catching a football match, or grabbing a bite before a show, Elephant & Castle delivers an unforgettable pub experience right in downtown Chicago.

A photo of Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago restaurant

7. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

4.3

Awesome(4924)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • South Loop

Booked 13 times today

Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produces with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market.

8. Proxi

4.7

Exceptional(2415)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • West Loop

Booked 55 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.

9. STK – Chicago

4.1

Excellent(6437)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 130 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.

10. Industry Ales

4.6

Exceptional(72)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 11 times today

Industry Ales is your destination in downtown Chicago for delicious food, brews, and cocktails. Featuring a lunch and dinner menu curated by Chef Steven Kowaleski, an in house brewing program from Head Brewer Michael Gretz, and a full craft cocktail program lead by Analena Provost. Stop in to see a nod to Chicago's forgotten history in this new elevated take on the classic brewery. It's located in the heart of the loop, just steps from your favorite iconic Chicago landmarks. Industry Ales features a dining room, beer hall, as well as two private dining and event spaces. Whether you join us for a quick lunch, group dinner, or after work libations, we are happy to serve you! Don't miss out on our $6 draft beer happy hour or daily specials, follow us on instagram @industryales for our most up to date offerings. Can't wait for you to join us! For private party inquiries, happy hour reservations or groups of +12, please email events@industryales.com to book your next gathering with us!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RobertVIP
Chicago / Illinois •88 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went on a bitter cold winter day after a matinee showing of Harry Potter. The staff was superb. Friendly, warm and welcoming. We started with Tuna Tartare followed by the Filet Mignon and the marinated steak salad. All were excellent. It’s pricey but not out of line with other high end Chicago downtown restaurants.
More info
The GrillroomPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
R
Ronald
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a quick bite before the theatre. Meat and cheese board was interesting and sufficient and the carrot cake was outstanding. Best of all was the fast and very pleasant attention of our waiter, Troy.
More info
State and Lake Chicago TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2
A
Alejandra
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our experience was absolutely amazing! The service was impeccable, an the food was nothing short of perfect. I've visited this restaurant in the past, and each time, my experience has been consistently exceptional. Everything about it, from the delicious meals to the warm and inviting ambience, is truly outstanding. I will undoubtedly return and continue to bring my business partners and clients here to enjoy this remarkable dining experience. Thank you for maintaining such high standards and for being one of the very best!
More info
RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
J
JenniferVIP
Houston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Came here with my 10yo son before a theatre performance. Food was pretty darn good overall tho the pistachio cheesecake was a bit dry and disappointing. A few zero-proof cocktails my son could choose from for a nice night out. Service was outstanding!!
More info
Miss Ricky's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
E
Elizabeth JeanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Perfect spot for our pre show dinner! Great food, drinks, service, and atmosphere.
More info
AtwoodPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

Price

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Award-winning

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26 restaurants available nearby

1. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

2. State and Lake Chicago Tavern

3. The Grillroom

4. Roanoke

5. Atwood

6. Elephant & Castle - Chicago Wabash Ave.

7. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

8. Proxi

9. STK – Chicago

10. Industry Ales

See what locals rave about

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