Chicago Theater District

[another sloe eyed vamp]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 1:35pm

Am I missing something, or is there really not much to the Chicago theater district besides the theaters?

I saw War Paint earlier this week, and was very surprised at how few restaurants there were anywhere nearby. I walked around the whole area from the Goodman to the Private Bank, as well as several blocks east and west of both, and think I saw 3 restaurants that weren't just fast food chains, or cafes that were only open through mid-afternoon. And then after the show, except for the restaurant attached to the theater, I saw literally nothing open between the Goodman and my hotel about 7 blocks away. Not even the drugstores. If there were any bars, I didn't see them.

I'll be seeing Hamilton in November, and as far as I could tell, there's only one restaurant near the Private Bank, plus the one in the park not that far away. Is there somewhere to go for dinner in Chicago before a show, or for a drink or dessert after? Am I just very spoiled by New York?

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 2:04pm

There are quite a few restaurants in that area but you have to look for them. You are correct that almost everything in that area closes down after 8 or 9. It's mainly a business/tourist area. Not much night life to be found. 

Chicago doesn't really have a "theater district." It's sort of a recent invention. 95% of the theaters are on the North side of the city... nowhere near the designated "theater district." In fact, other than the touring houses...  the Goodman is really the only other theater in the area.  The other Tony winning regional theaters are all further north; Victory Gardens, Lookingglass, Chicago Shakes, and Steppenwolf. Not to mention, of course, the hundreds of storefront theaters we've got. Many of them equity theater companies.  

If you ever do come back to Chicago, I'd encourage you to avoid the Loop and stay in a near-north neighborhood like Lincoln Park or Lakeview and take the CTA to one of the big theaters. You'll have a much more diverse experience. 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 2:26pm

As you say, Chicago doesn't have a theater district per se. The commercial theaters are in the heart of the business district, the "Loop". Since there is very little foot traffic in the evenings, most businesses shut down in early evening. It's not unusual for there to only be one or two shows playing at any given time, and not much for tourists to do in the evening in the area, so there isn't as high a demand for restaurants in the Loop as there is in Times Square. Most Chicagoans and regional tourists (the primary audience for Broadway in Chicago's shows) will eat somewhere outside the area, usually before the show (which lessens the demand for restaurants to be open later).

 

That said, I counted six table service restaurants within the six blocks surrounding the theater. You should do some research before going to find some restaurants, because they aren't all on one block in a row (and may not be as obvious).  There are quite a few bars in the area, again do some research because they are spread out as well.  Chicago, like New York, does have numerous places for food and drink in the late evenings, but outside the business district.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 2:34pm

Michigan avenue has a lot of places. If you want to go farther go near Wrigleyville and lakeview.

[indytallguy]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 2:36pm

As others have noted, the Loop, while quiet, does have more options near the theatres. That number increases quite a bit if you just cross the river and get into the River North area where there are more hotels, shopping, and foot traffic.

[pathman2]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 6:27pm

You can also check out the West Loop area, it's somewhat a foodie/nightlife haven. It's "walkable" from the downtown theaters but just a quick cab or über ride away. 

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 7:12pm

Chicago's real theatre district begins around Wrigleyville and Boys Town and winds it's way up north. Many of them are small storefront theatres, and they deliver amazing work.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 9:09pm

It is a shame most of the Loop theaters were pounded into dust in the name of progress.

[Boday]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 9:20pm

Trattoria Ten if you want a more upscale dinner (definitely need reservations), Exchequer or Millers Pub if you want a more casual dinner. Hope that helps!

[illiniparkie]

Posted: 7/15/16 at 10:01pm

I agree with those who mention the West Loop (west of the Kennedy Expressway along Randolph St. and Halsted St.) and River North areas (just north of the Chicago River) as great spots with tons of restaurants, bars, and clubs.  The Loop area itself has a number of good restaurants, often attached to hotels or along Michigan Avenue.  Many are within a 10 minute walk or short cab ride from the downtown theaters.  Chicago is a great restaurant and entertainment town.  There should be no trouble finding a place before or after the theater.

Updated On: 7/15/16 at 10:01 PM