Chicago is taking the food hall concept to a whole new level. Eat, sip, shop, learn and more at these buzzing food court meets epicurean market hybrids. Here’s a primer on Chicago’s booming food hall scene.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market Chicago brings together some of the city’s most revered chefs, restaurants, and mixologists all under one roof, for a one-of-a-kind food and culture experience. It features an impressive culinary lineup of 18 eateries serving cuisine from the city’s top restaurants, with everything from cult-favorite burger joints to Michelin-starred spots.
Photo by Jaclyn RivasThe food stalls are a mix of new concepts exclusive to Time Out and extensions of existing Chicago favorites. There’s also a rooftop bar, a hidden speakeasy, a demo kitchen, and a lineup of cool events throughout the month.
Revival Food Hall
Revival Food Hall is a contemporary, all-local food hall in the heart of the Loop The sleek space features 15 fast-casual stalls that showcase some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants. Some of the permanent vendors include:
- Antique Taco Chiquito, a spin-off of the acclaimed Wicker Park taco hot spot
- Furious Spoon, which has a cult following for their steaming bowls of ramen made using an imported Japanese noodle machine
- The Fat Shallot, once a food truck, now a permanent fixture where you can find their excellent sandwiches
- Smoque BBQ, slinging their award-winning barbecue and signature, house-smoked meats
- HotChocolate Bakery, offering a selection of hand-crafted goodies from a James Beard Award-winning chef
- Danke, a charcuterie-focused concept from the team behind acclaimed Table, Donkey & Stick
- Graze, serving up fresh acai bowls and smoothies made with fresh fruit and superfoods
- Curbside Books & Records, a punk rock band turned publisher showcasing independent books and vinyl
There are also rotating pop-up vendors, so you’ll always find something new to try. Plus, there’s a gorgeous coffee bar that transitions into a cocktail bar in the evening.
Eataly
Travel to Italy, without ever leaving Chicago. Eataly was one of the first to combine a bustling European-style market with a high-end food court. With roots in northern Italy and multiple locations around the world, Chicago holds the title as the largest Eataly outpost in the U.S.
Upstairs, you can savor Italian specialties at several sit-down restaurants and casual counters. Order a plateful of handmade pasta al dente, a perfectly charred Neapolitan-style pizza, plates of charcuteries and antipasti, and more all made with traditional methods and artisanal ingredients. Downstairs, load up on authentic, straight-from-Italy ingredients at the market area, then grab a piping hot espresso or cup of impossibly creamy gelato to go.
Chicago French Market
The Chicago French Market brings together more than 30 specialty vendors inside Ogilvie Transportation Center. There’s standard French fare, plus cuisine from all over the world, including:
- B.I. Tea and Dim Sum, serving Cantonese dumplings and bubble teas
- Demera Ethiopian, an outpost of a local favorite selling their authentic Ethiopian classics
- Flip Crepes, a French classic stuffed with your choice of sweet or savory filling
- Frietkoten Belgian Frieds & Beer, where you can grab a paper cones of hot, crisp fries
- Saigon Sisters, beloved for their traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches
- Vanille Patisserie, displaying gorgeous stacks of macarons, chocolates, and more
- Firenze Italian Street Food, slinging freshly made sandwiches on homemade bread
The quick service makes this a perfect spot for a grab-and-go meal, or to stock up on picnic supplies before heading to Millennium Park for a concert or movie night. There’s also plenty of seating if you’d rather relax and catch some live music. Since its located in the train station, the market caters to commuters with happy hour specials and rush hour concerts.
