Where are the best places to eat in downtown Chicago?

Question

Specifically I am looking for a really nice restaurant Friday night before the theatre, and a Sunday brunch.

Answer 1

Are you going to the theater in the Loop area downtown? If so, a warning: You'll probably want to make reservations, as there will likely be many other theater-goers with the same idea regarding pre-theater dining. Petterino's, Atwood Cafe, Grillroom Chophouse and 312 Chicago are popular pre-theater restaurants, but they all serve your traditional American fare. As the above poster notes, if you're from out of town, you might want to try something you might not have access to back home. The River North neighborhood is a somewhat long walk or super-short cab ride away; there, you'll find slightly more creative menu options. Metromix.com really is a great resource for narrowing down restaurants, bars, events, etc., around Chicago.

For brunch downtown? You'll definitely want to hit the South Loop or West Loop. There, you've got Bongo Room, Orange on Harrison, Yolk, Ina's and Lou Mitchell's. Refer to Metromix (or Centerstage Chicago or Yelp, etc.) for descriptions and user reviews.

Answer 2

I don't know where you are from but I would eat somewhere that you couldn't eat at your home town. I would eat some where that is Chicago only and not a well known chain. There are so many places...try this website that narrows down things based on what you are in the mood for  

http://chicago.metromix.com/

Answer 3

Well it depends where you are going to the Theater at.  If you are going on the north-side to Looking Glass or somewhere like that I would go to BOKA and downtown Opera. I have lived in chicago my whole life and those two are my top picks here.  

I do have to say that I just went to Hub 451 and the food was not up to par and the service was poor. But their  roof top bar was great.

Answer 4

I ENJOY THE GRAND LUX CAFE IT OFF OF MICHIGAN AVE. THEY HAVE A REALLY NICE RELAXING ROMANTIC SETTING AND THEIR SERVICE IS GREAT.

Answer 5

idk if its a nice resturant but it has TERRIFIC FOOD try "Lou Malnati's" i reccomend their deep dish pizza (they had it at the taste of chicago

Answer 6

check it out at yummyuck.com for good restaurants in Chicago.

Answer 7

Most downtown Restaurants are good so buy your theater tickets first then walk around and find one they are everywhere, and you dont want to move your car once you find a park down there anyway.

Answer 8

Friday before theater:  There are two excellent Italian restaurants in the Loop - Trattoria #10 and the Italian Village (any of the restaurants there - and there are three - are good)

Sunday brunch:  You'll have a bit of a wait, but I'd suggest Yolk, on south Michigan Avenue.