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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Proxi restaurant
1. Proxi
4.6
Exceptional(2460)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • West Loop
Booked 20 times today
Proxi offers Modern American Cuisine with cooking that reflects the diversity, innovation, and openness of American culture. Proxi showcases seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, emphasizing open-fire cooking. Located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along Restaurant Row, Proxi, designed by award-winning Meyer Davis, unites an award-winning team to transport its guests around the world, beginning with cuisine and extending to an eclectic beverage program focused on worldly inspirations and diverse, exotic ingredients. Casual, yet fast-paced service guides Proxi’s international culinary experience, with fine-dining standards and in-depth product knowledge leading the charge, balanced by genuine energy and enthusiasm.
A photo of Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio restaurant
2. Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio
4.4
Awesome(539)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 14 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
3. Bazaar Meat Chicago
4.8
Exceptional(581)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • River North (Chicago)
Booked 36 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.
A photo of Roanoke restaurant
4. Roanoke
4.4
Awesome(1534)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Loop
Booked 73 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 STK – Chicago restaurant
5. STK – Chicago
4.2
Awesome(6559)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 126 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 The Grillroom restaurant
6. The Grillroom
4.5
Awesome(3187)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop
Booked 18 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 Frontier restaurant
7. Frontier
4.4
Awesome(568)
Price: Expensive
• American • West Town
Booked 21 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 State and Lake Chicago Tavern restaurant
8. State and Lake Chicago Tavern
4.1
Excellent(1581)
Price: Moderate
• Unspecified • Downtown / Loop
Booked 7 times today
The sleek contemporary gastropub State and Lake Chicago Tavern combines the flair of artisanal American cuisine with the warm, welcoming vibe of a neighborhood pub. Named after the iconic intersection in the heart of the city, State and Lake Chicago Tavern serves up new twists on bistro fare, with an emphasis on featuring the finest locally sourced and wholesome ingredients. Putting a modern spin on traditional tavern dining, the inviting decor features cork floors, leather walls and plush banquettes, radiating upscale hospitality and exceptional service. Cozy enough to lounge in and stylish enough for business, State and Lake Chicago Tavern is ideal for guests and locals alike looking to unwind over a drink, gather together to watch a game, or grab a pre-theater bite before heading to the nearby historic theater district. Whether it's a lunchtime escape or a Happy Hour go-to at the intimate bar, theWit's award-winning eatery takes traditional tavern dining to the next level.
A photo of Chef Art Smith's Reunion restaurant
9. Chef Art Smith's Reunion
4.2
Awesome(795)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lakeshore East
Booked 19 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 Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago restaurant
10. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago
4.4
Awesome(4934)
Price: Very Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • South Loop
Booked 15 times today
Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produces with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market.

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