Food halls are popping up like Chicago Dog stands around the city, and there’s a good reason for it: people want local eats and they want to try a little of everything.
Not to be confused with food courts which tend to feature national chains, a food hall is more of a local marketplace, showcasing not only quick-service meals but also products to take home and enjoy later. Loosen your belt and get ready to explore these delicious Chicago food hall destinations.
Eataly
Like a department store of food, this River North emporium of all things Italian offers a vast array of experiences, including a marketplace, wine bar, brewery and sit-down restaurants. On the go? Swing by La Focaccia for a generous square of flatbread with toppings, or stop by the cannoli and gelato bars for indulgent bites.
Forum 55
Home to perhaps the most epic salad bar in town, this six-stall hall opened in 2017 within walking distance of Millennium Park. Graze the dozens of Midwest-made offerings at Community Garden, featuring both local and regional items such as heirloom tomatoes, hearty grain salads, fresh seafood and tons more.
Latinicity
No passport required for this culinary tour of Latin America. Eight kitchens within River North’s Block 37 dish up pork carnitas tacos, tortas (sandwiches) and even Latin-inspired hot dogs with Mexican, Argentinian and Peruvian flavor profiles. Pair your meal with a cocktail such as The Latin Lover with gin, fresh lime juice and blackberry-thyme syrup.
Princi
Pronounced princhy and named after Italian baker Rocco Princi, this West Loop palace of dough boasts a tempting selection of loaves, pastries (try the custard brioche!) and beautifully topped focaccia pizzas. The European coffee here is on-point, too…get your morning jolt with a bold cup of espresso.
Revival Food Hall
Counter-service versions of neighborhood restaurants and fresh dining concepts share space on the ground floor of the Loop’s landmark National building. Slurp housemade ramen at local favorite Furious Spoon or customize a charcuterie and cheese plate at Danke.
Rustle + Roux
Seven kitchens crank out a rotating selection of sandwiches, salads, pizzas and tacos on the second floor of The Franklin building in the Loop. Offerings may include oven-roasted wild mushroom pizza, shrimp tacos with chipotle mojo or the Spud Lovers Potato Bar with Idaho taters or sweet potatoes, plus your choice of toppings.
Time Out Market Chicago
The Windy City’s newest food hall elevates the already foodie-hot Fulton Market District to the next level. The sprawling 50,000-square-foot space features 18 food offerings, an entertainment area and seating for nearly 600 people at communal tables. Visitors are also able to catch kitchen demos and shop for local goodies in the retail area.
Wells Street Market
Bustling since its 2018 opening near the Merchandise Mart, the nine-restaurant hall draws crowds for its deliciously diverse lineup. Pork and Mindy’s slow smokes its barbecue and tops it with house made sauces. Equally drool-worthy, the doughnuts at Firecakes are prepped in small batches (go for the chocolate cake with Valrhona icing and crunchy cocoa nibs).
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