A Japanese chain imported to the states, Beard Papa's specializes in cream puffs. Get the original or the eclair, stuffed with vanilla or chocolate custard. It also serves coffee and milkshakes.
Herman Joseph Berghoff opened the Berghoff bar in 1898 to share his Dortmunder-style beer, which he served with free sandwiches. During Prohibition, the Berghoff remained in business by expanding as a restaurant, and in 1933, it received the first liquor license in Chicago following the end of Prohibition. Today, it is a Chicago Landmark, and it continues to serve its signature beer and hearty German fare.
A great place for pre-theater dinner, Catch 35 serves a variety of fresh seafood, often prepared with a subtle Asian flair. The classy lounge features live jazz most nights of the week.
Located in the Chicago Theatre District, Crepe Bistro & Martini Bar serves a variety of crepes, from savory to sweet. Their large martini menu offers any house martini for $5 everyday. And don't miss the live accordian music every Thursday and Friday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
The Cupcake Counter is a small kitchen in downtown Chicago serving cupcakes in "everyday" flavors like chocolate and carrot cake as well as "surprise" flavors like maple pecan and lemon. Everything is baked fresh daily ensuring the most satisfactory treat.
The recently revamped Custom House Tavern features contemporary American cuisine made with ingredients primarily from local farmers. Floor to ceiling windows provide a soaring cityscape view. Craft beers, a unique wine list and housemade cocktails are all steps away from Michigan Avenue and theatres.
500 S. Dearborn St. | 312.523.0200
Delis and Diners in the Loop
American (Traditional)
Whether on your lunch hour or taking a quick break from site-seeing, the Loop is home to several diners and delis, including Ada’s Famous Deli (14 S. Wabash Ave), Maller’s (5 S. Wabash Ave), and Pittsfield Café (55 E. Washington St).
5 S. Wabash Ave.
Dining at Hotel Allegro
Various
The historic Hotel Allegro (171 W. Randolph St.) hosts several options for fantastic food and drinks: Try 312 Chicago for memorable meals featuring Italian cuisine; or, stop by Encore Lunch Club & Liquid Lounge for sandwiches, salads and hand-crafted cocktails.
171 W. Randolph St.
Dining at the Palmer House
American (Traditional)
The elegant and iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel in the Loop caters to your every whim, including fine dining and amazing drinks. Enjoy conversation over drinks Potter's Lounge, or experience upscale fine dining rooted in French and Italian traditions at Lockwood.
One of Chicago’s newest hotels, theWit (201 N. State St.) offers several dining options, including Cibo Matto for modern Italian, State and Lake for artisanal American cuisine, and Roof, a year-round rooftop lounge featuring handcrafted libations and specialty snacks.
One of the country’s premier dining rooms, Everest is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange. Chef/proprietor J. Joho’s world-renowned French cuisine and award-winning wine list have earned Everest international recognition.
Featuring two locations in the Loop, one location on 180 W. Washington and another on 233 N. Michigan Ave, Hannah's Bretzel offers a delicious alternative to chain sub shops. Most sandwiches are made from organic ingredients and served on doughy pretzel bread.
Located on the seventh floor of the Garland Building, this Heaven on Seven is the original. It's famous for its spicy Cajun-Creole menu, specializing in breakfast and lunch. It only serves dinner once a month, so you must consider the Michigan Avenue location for an evening meal.
Established in 1935, Miller's Pub has been a Loop staple for years. It was purchased by four brothers in 1950, who kept the original name and made it famous through their canadian baby back ribs. Over the years, celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Harry Caray have visited the cozy wood-paneled space. Stop in for a meal, choosing from an extensive menu, or a drink at the bar, which has been used a backdrop for numerous films.
Located within the friendly confines of Millennium Park, the Park Grill and the Park Café offer an opportunity to have an upscale meal or just a burger and still be in proximity to the Pritzker Pavilion, the Bean, and the Crown Fountain.
Pastoral is a Europeanesque gourmet wine, cheese, and bread shop. All of their products are made by small producers, many of which are imported from Europe. Perfect for a picnic, you can choose your own items in the store or call 24-hours in advance and Pastoral will prepare a pre-packed picnic for two.
With spectacular views of the city amongst Chicago skyscrapers, Plymouth offers three full floors that include, a restaurant, two bars, and a rooftop deck that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Housed in a bar that suggests a nineteenth-century saloon, Poag Mahone’s is famous for its 9 ounce burgers and mini burgers.
333 S. Wells St. | 312.566.9100
Pre-Theater Dining in the Loop
Various
The Loop offers many great spots to enjoy a delicious meal before a show, like Great Street (1 W. Wacker Dr.), featuring contemporary American cuisine; Petterino’s (150 N. Dearborn St), which celebrates the Golden Age of Glamour and the Theater while offering delicious cuisine and a menu full of favorites; Rhapsody (65 E. Adams St), a contemporary restaurant offering an imaginative American menu with global accents; and Trattoria #10 (10 N. Dearborn St), for classic Italian dishes with a contemporary flair.
Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique bakes all cupcakes from scratch daily using only the highest quality, natural ingredients. Featuring over twenty rotating flavors, from traditional red velvet to unique orange creamsicle, each cupcake is frosted with a signature bloom.
115 N. Wabash St. | 312.845.9669
Traditional Favorites in the Loop
Various
Perfect for lunch or an after-work drink, neighborhood staples like Exchequer (226 S. Wabash Ave), Monk’s Pub (205 W. Lake St) and Ronny’s Steakhouse (100 W. Randolph St) keep locals and tourists coming back.
In 1927, The Italian Village opened serving traditional Italian fare. Today it has expanded and is now home to three Italian restaurants located on each floor: The Village, is the original, La Cantina Enoteca specializes in seafood dishes, and Vivere features "new" Italian cuisine.
71 W. Monroe St. | 312.332.4040
Pierogi Heaven
Polish
One of the few, if not only, restaurants in the Loop devoted to authentic pierogi, this no-frills eatery caters to the lunch and early evening crowds with a wide selection of savory and sweet dumplings filled with everything from kraut and mushrooms to plums.
