Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in South Side

Discover the best restaurants in South Side

Explore must-try spots, new openings, and hidden gems.

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Chicago

Neighborhoods

Downtown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLakeshore EastRiver North (Chicago)South LoopWest Loop

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

29 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant

1. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.9

Exceptional(606)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 20 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.

2. Roanoke

4.5

Awesome(1560)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 59 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 Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago restaurant

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

4.4

Awesome(4943)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • South Loop

Booked 11 times today

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

4. The Grillroom

4.5

Awesome(3192)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 6 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: please be seated by 5:45 PM• For 7:30 PM shows: please be seated by 6:15 PM• For 8:00 PM shows: please be seated by 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!

A photo of State and Lake Chicago Tavern restaurant

5. State and Lake Chicago Tavern

4.3

Awesome(1588)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 20 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Chicago at the iconic corner of State and Lake Streets, State and Lake Chicago Tavern is a spirited restaurant and bar featuring elevated American tavern fare, alongside fine wine, expertly prepared cocktails, an unrivaled local beer selection and live music every weekend. An inviting gathering spot for residents and visitors alike, step into a special place where hospitality is always on the menu, and everyone knows your name.Envisioned by Chef Steven Chiappetti – an esteemed, decades-long culinary fixture in Chicago – State and Lake’s menu offers contemporary comfort food classics crafted with traditional heart yet modern hand. Whether seeking a juicy burger, a bright and hearty salad or a comforting bowl of French onion soup, there’s something on the menu for every craving, every day. Cozy enough for casual meet-ups and stylish enough for business, our welcoming space showcases distinctive cork floors, rich leather walls and plush banquettes.

A photo of Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails restaurant

6. Kindling | Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

4.6

Exceptional(646)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 47 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!

7. Acanto

4.7

Exceptional(3984)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 35 times today

Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

8. The Marq

4.6

Exceptional(719)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 14 times today

The Marq offers an ever-evolving, globally inspired menu of seasonal fare. Paired with our hand-crafted cocktails & dynamic wine list, we've got everything you deserve. We provide our guests a delicious, upscale, & easily approachable experience. Located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, business, and theater districts while featuring a chic and modern décor with several seating options available. Sit back in our comfortable lounge and enjoy the view of Alexander Calder's Flamingo sculpture or choose to sit at our low, easily accessible tables for a more intimate experience. Or sit at our always friendly bar or selection of high-top tables for a more relaxed visit. Large tables are available for big groups.

9. Beatrix - Loop

4.7

Exceptional(283)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 60 times today

Beatrix is a neighborhood coffeehouse, restaurant and meeting place in Chicago’s Loop, River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market and Oak Brook neighborhoods. The menu features healthy meets delicious options, and is known for its iconic coffee and bakery counter, including signature cookies, in-house pastry favorites and our house blends from Beatrix Coffee Roasters, featuring Light, Dark, Espresso and Decaf roasts.

10. The Florentine

4.5

Awesome(1316)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 24 times today

Located in the JW Marriott Chicago, in the city’s bustling Loop Financial district, The Florentine offers an elegant yet accessible interpretation of seasonal Italian cuisine.Characterized by simplicity and paramount ingredients, the menu showcases top imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts and meats as well as ingredients from local farms.The Florentine offers semi-private and private dining spaces, accommodating anywhere from an intimate dinner for six, to a cocktail reception for 130. Our large private dining room can seat 60, or be divided into two smaller rooms holding 20-30 guests. Semi-private dining for large groups is also available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kim
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic service, excellent food. The steaks are top-notch. We also appreciated our server’s attention to time as we were heading to a show afterwards. Will come again!
More info
The GrillroomPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Loop
•
4.5
C
Carlos
Indiana •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service and food very tasty. Thank you to the restaurant for the courtesy on our celebration!
More info
Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• South Loop
•
4.4
W
William
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •7 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Overall a very nice experience. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and very attentive. Our table had scallops (a special); a steak salad, and a pasta dish. All were quite good, and portions were more than adequate. Had the pistachio cheesecake for dessert, which was excellent.
More info
RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.5
N
NORM
Chicago / Illinois •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
GREAT LOCATION FOR EATS & DRINKS B4 A SHOW IN THE THEATER DISTRICT. SUPER CLOSE TO CHICAGO THEATER:)
More info
State and Lake Chicago TavernPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
L
leslie
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Everything was terrific. The service, steaks and ambience were all exceptional. The small bites were good but I would skip them and focus on the meat. We had steak tartar, roast chicken, waygu ribeye and spinach. Portions were large and perfectly prepared. We would definitely go back.
More info
Bazaar Meat ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.9

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