Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

1. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(805)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 36 times today

Tucked away in a beautiful historic building located at 203 N. Wabash sits the ever-evolving and delectable Miss Ricky's. Serving up brunch and dinner seven days a week featuring some of Chicago's best fresh and from scratch Italian dishes by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Whether you're dining solo or with a large group, Miss Ricky's can accommodate your desired experience. To book a table visit www.missrickys.com *For private dining options e-mail Tricia.moore@virginhotels.com

2. Proxi

4.7

Exceptional(2398)

Price: Expensive

• Global, International • West Loop

Booked 21 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 State and Lake Chicago Tavern restaurant

3. State and Lake Chicago Tavern

4.0

Excellent(1539)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 24 times today

The sleek contemporary 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 tavern 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 Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago restaurant

4. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

4.3

Awesome(4919)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • South Loop

Booked 8 times today

Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produces with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market.

5. Roanoke

4.3

Awesome(1448)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 75 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.

6. The Grillroom

4.6

Exceptional(3141)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Loop

Booked 11 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: Last seating at 5:45 PM• For 7:30 PM shows: Last seating at 6:15 PM• For 8:00 PM shows: Last seating at 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!

7. STK – Chicago

4.1

Excellent(6383)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 104 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 Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio restaurant

8. Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio

4.4

Awesome(508)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 17 times today

***JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND DAY DINNER!***We will be offering a 3 course set menu for $95/person including choice of pasta, veal t-bone and more. On New Year's Eve, we will have a set menu for $110/person! Menus can be found on our website by clicking UPCOMING EVENTSWatch our socials to learn more! (regular dinner menu will NOT be available on 12/24,12/25, 12/31)**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

9. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(500)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 27 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.

10. Industry Ales

4.6

Exceptional(66)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Loop

Booked 11 times today

Industry Ales is your destination in downtown Chicago for delicious food, brews, and cocktails. Featuring a lunch and dinner menu curated by Chef Steven Kowaleski, an in house brewing program from Head Brewer Michael Gretz, and a full craft cocktail program lead by James VanDerBosch. Stop in to see a nod to Chicago's forgotten history in this new elevated take on the classic brewery. It's located in the heart of the loop, just steps from your favorite iconic Chicago landmarks. Industry Ales features a dining room, beer hall, as well as two private dining and event spaces. Whether you join us for a quick lunch, group dinner, or after work libations, we are happy to serve you! Don't miss out on our $5 draft beer happy hour or daily specials, follow us on instagram @industryales for our most up to date offerings. Can't wait for you to join us! Interested in hosting a happy hour or private event? E-mail events@industryales.com to host your next party or gathering with us.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Megan
Columbus •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Order the Chef’s Menu - well worth it and you get to try so many different things that way. Service was impeccable.
More info
ProxiPrice: Expensive• Global, International• West Loop
•
4.7
A
Amy
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Making the reservation was easy and we were seated right away when we arrived. It took a little bit for a server to come at first but the food arrived very soon after we ordered. My salmon was hot and very delicious. My husband had the chicken Parmesan which he said was good but a little cold. I also had the French Alexander drink which was very good! Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
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RoanokePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.3
M
MarlaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •43 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Surprisingly good food for a hotel bar/restaurant. Service was a little slow, probably understaffed, but very pleasant. Would definitely go back.
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State and Lake Chicago TavernPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / Loop
•
4
W
Wendy
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The service was very good. Brookie was attentive and friendly. The food was delicious, and the ambience was lovely. We were in the back room where it was quiet and cozy. Our only surprise was the small portion for the lobster ravioli. My niece is a fairly small 23 year old, and the lobster ravioli was more like a child's portion and didn't fill her up, so we all shared some of our food. However, she said it tasted really good. I would definitely return, but would not get the ravioli.
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Miss Ricky's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.6
B
BarbVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A group of 5 friends went before a CSO concert. It was a short walk to symphony hall and very festive for the holidays. The service and food were both great. We had the bacon wrapped dates, prosciutto and blue cheese salad, gambas, tuna tartar scallops and paella! All delicious! Thank you.
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Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, ChicagoPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• South Loop
•
4.3

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Little Italy / University Village

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26 restaurants available nearby

1. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

2. Proxi

3. State and Lake Chicago Tavern

4. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

5. Roanoke

6. The Grillroom

7. STK – Chicago

8. Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio

9. Bazaar Meat Chicago

10. Industry Ales

See what locals rave about

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