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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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30 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Gage restaurant
1. The Gage
4.8
Exceptional(12243)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 138 times today
The Gage has become a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike for over ten years by effortlessly blending European influence with American style. The restaurant serves refined, rustic cuisine, innovative libations and an award-winning wine list all in a lively, convivial setting. Known as a “must visit” among Chicago’s dining scene, The Gage continues to evolve by serving well-rounded food and beverage menus that feature classic dishes and drinks with contemporary twists rooted in tradition.
A photo of Roanoke restaurant
2. Roanoke
4.5
Awesome(1576)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 56 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 RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
3. RPM Italian - Chicago
4.7
Exceptional(12430)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 96 times today
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio restaurant
4. Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio
4.5
Awesome(548)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 9 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
5. Bazaar Meat Chicago
4.9
Exceptional(632)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 26 times today
THE JOSÉ ANDRÉS STEAKHOUSE - Enjoy Washugyu Ribeye, Rosewood Ribeye, Coffee Rubbed Wagyu Hanger Steak, and a carefully curated theater of José’s favorite shared plates. Bazaar Meat consistently wows its guests with thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive welcoming service. The Bazaar takes guests on an iconic sensory adventure of Michelin Star winning chef José Andres' Spanish roots, from Jamón Ibérico to Spanish Octopus, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible.Experience intimate & elegant dining ambience with an optional curated tasting menu that weaves from raw preparations to the to prized Ribeyes aged to perfection. Enjoy José’s inventive take on carpaccio to the most tender rotisserie-style meat. Bazaar Meat offers unbeatable downtown views of the skyline and Chicago River with private dining and event spaces. Join us for a memorable date night, special occasion, and immersive kitchen view seating. Gluten free options available.
A photo of Chef Art Smith's Reunion restaurant
6. Chef Art Smith's Reunion
4.3
Awesome(836)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lakeshore East
Booked 21 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.
A photo of STK – Chicago restaurant
7. STK – Chicago
4.2
Awesome(6675)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 118 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 Frontier restaurant
8. Frontier
4.7
Exceptional(581)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Town
Booked 6 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 Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails restaurant
9. Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails
4.5
Awesome(674)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 22 times today
Located in Willis Tower at the corner of Franklin and Adams, Kindling offers a captivating steakhouse diningexperience. Chef Partner is James Beard Award-winning Jonathon Sawyer, who brings a worldlyperspective and decades of wood-fired cooking. With our live-fire show kitchen, prime steaks, fresh seafoodand handcrafted cocktails, Kindling brings the warmth of the hearth to the heart of the city. It's the idealsetting for pre-theatre dinner, a large group business lunch, and after-work happy hour at the bar.Follow us on social @kindlingchicago & @chefsawyer!
A photo of Barrio restaurant
10. Barrio
4.5
Awesome(2969)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 65 times today
Located In The Heart Of River North, At 65 West Kinzie Street, Dineamic Hospitality Added Its First Mexican Restaurant, Barrio, To The Hospitality Group'S Culinary Roster In 2017. A Creative Take On Traditional Mexican Fare With American Influences, Barrio Is A 6,000-Square-Foot Space Accommodating 200 Guests Indoors And Throughout Our 3 Private Dining Spaces And 70 Guests Amongst Our Expansive Outdoor Patio. Barrio Is Located Near The Chicago River, Right On The Cusp Of Downtown In River North.

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