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2022 Lollapalooza - Day 4
Lollapalooza crowds are ready to descend on Grant Park.
Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage

Where to Eat and Drink Near Lollapalooza Chicago

The four-day music festival returns to Chicago’s Grant Park

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Lollapalooza crowds are ready to descend on Grant Park.
| Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park from Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6. In a departure from previous years, the massive music festival has ended its partnership with Grubhub, instead assembling its own lineup of food vendors. Familiar street fest vendor names include Billy Goat Tavern, Lou Malnati’s, Cafe Tola, and Harold’s Chicken. Dessert vendors are also numerous, such as The Original Rainbow Cone, XO Marshmallow, and Xurro.

For those who don’t care for those choices, or perhaps are seeking a quiet place to refuel and recharge, there are plenty of restaurants around Grant Park to chow down before or after a show. Below, explore Eater Chicago’s selection of the top spots to dine near the fest ground near Grant Park.

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The Dearborn

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The Lawless sisters, Clodagh and Amy, operate a gorgeous restaurant near the Washington Blue Line Stop at the Block 37 development in Downtown Chicago. The Dearborn is specializing in brunch of the festival with dishes like cinnamon roll monkey bread, dutch apple pancakes, and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. 

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

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The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has multiple beautifully restored distinct areas to fuel up, relax, and grab drinks. The food and beverage is run by Land & Sea Dept., which runs spots like Lost Lake, Longman & Eagle, and Parson’s Chicken & Fish. Get a bird's eye view of the park from Cindy's rooftop lounge, hide away with drinks and play bocce and pool in Game Room, sit down with a full meal at Cherry Circle Room. There’s even a Shake Shack.

JIAO by Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

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Qing Xiang Yuan, shortened to QXY, is a favorite for dumplings. For many, it’s the first restaurant visitors patronized when visiting Chicago’s Chinatown. Ownership saw how customers outside of the neighborhood loved coriander-lamb dumplings and other items, so they created JIAO with hopes to open more locations across the country. Customers will find a huge selection of dumplings packaged to go with tea. This is a great spot for a quick and filling meal.

The Gage and Acanto

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The Gage is an Irish restaurant and pub right across the street from Millennium Park and is an excellent pitstop for a pint of Guinness, a bite or a full meal. Billy Lawless (The Dawson) also owns an Italian restaurant next door, Acanto, with a standout wine program.

Hot Woks Cool Sushi

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Fuel up with decent Japanese and Thai food fast and for cheap right up the street from the festival. Hot Woks Cool Sushi is a local Chicago Pan Asian chain for noodles and maki.

Miller's Pub

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Recently renovated, this historic Chicago pub is friendly and has a full menu of baby back ribs and classic drinks. Miller’s Pub has been around for more than 80 years. This is a no-frills spot that screams old-school Chicago.

Brightwok Kitchen

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This Asian-inspired assembly line restaurant is gluten free with tons of vegetarian options. It’s a make-your-own stir fry concept with fresh ingredients and sauces made on site. Brightwok Kitchen is good for folks with tight dietary needs.

BienMeSabe Venezuelan Arepa Bar

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A favorite of several Latin American baseball players on the Chicago White Sox, the new location of BienMeSabe Venezuelan Arepa Bar is more quick serve. Arepas are the name of the game here and there’s a deep selection. There’s also ceviche and empanadas. Warning: It’s closed on Sunday.

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

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Only a handful of names are associated with Chicago outside of the city. Barack Obama and Michael Jordan are easy marks. But Chicago’s gangster ties still make Al Capone a figure many connect with the city. Exchequer only opened in 1982, but the building allegedly housed a speakeasy where Capone and his goons would frequent. The pub serves thin pizzas, barbecue ribs, salads, and more.

Beatrix Market

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The mini version of the popular all-day coffee shop and restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises is featuring specials for fest-goers if they show their wristbands at any of their locations: a free cold brew. It’s a great place for folks with specific dietary needs who wants something quick and of higher quality than a chain offering.

Cafecito

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This Latin coffee shop and counter-service eatery is a good bet for a quick breakfast or lunch with Cuban sandwiches and more. Cafecito has three Chicago locations.

Mercat a la Planxa

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Mercat a la Planxa is a Spanish stalwart is just a touch south on Michigan Avenue with plenty of small tapas-style plates, large meals, and cocktails and wine. Sit down in the full dining room or order a drink at the secluded downstairs bar.

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

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Roots also has locations in West Town, Lincoln Square, and Old Town and the four serve the same menu: Quad Cities thin-crust pizza that’s cut into puffy strips. It’s a unique style that has made the pizzeria popular for families across Chicago. This South Loop/Printer’s Row location has a gorgeous patio space with a retractable roof.

Half Sour

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Half Sour is a unique restaurant with deli food not too far from Grant Park. It offers huge sandwiches, fresh bagels, fresh soups, and cold beer at a full bar. Those hungry for breakfast will also find this comfy space with the walk.

Devil Dawgs on State

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Yes, folks can grab a hot dog at fest, but why fight those lines? Devil Dawgs is a Chicago mini-chain that does a proper dog dragged through the garden with all the toppings that the city is known for. This is where to stop to try some genuine Chicago street fare.

Eleven City Diner

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Eleven City Diner offers classic diner fare with Jewish deli classic like filling pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Diners will find breakfast served all day, lox, bagels, soups, salads, and more.

Lowcountry South Loop

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Lowcountry was one of Chicago’s first places for Asian-inspired Cajun seafood boils. This is the second location (there’s one in Wrigleyville), and the restaurant also serves refreshing cocktails. 

Aurelio's Pizza

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Chicago loves its deep-dish pizza, but the city has more than one pizza style. Crispy square-cut tavern style pies are a South Side invention, and Aurelio’s Pizza is among the premier pizza makers in the city. Get it with giardiniera. 

Minghin Cuisine

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Minghin has several locations around Chicago and specialize in dim sum car service. The decor has all the trappings of a traditional Chinese restaurant, including the Lazy Susan trays. This is a dumpling lover’s delight; the steamed shrimp are among the top selections. 

Flo & Santos

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Those with an appetite for South Side Chicago cuisine will want to visit Flo & Santo’s. There are pierogis, pork wings, and tavern-style pizzas at this popular restaurant.

Victory Tap

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Some of Chicago’s best Italian-American food comes from the throwback Victory Tap. The pastas are fresh, service is great, and the drinks are stiff. Victory is a mini chain with locations scattered in Chicago and the suburbs.

AO Hawaiian Hideout

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This restaurant serves up poke, barbecue, Japanese teriyaki, and Thai noodles. The space is casual and has a large vegan menu. The tropical drink selection is also a bit nostalgic and feels like a Cantonese restaurant from the ‘80s. 

Inside a new skyscraper at the start of Upper Wacker Drive and overlooking Navy Pier, this lush restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You focuses on sushi with a few American accents — there’s a cheeseburger, for instance. It’s an all-day restaurant that serves the hotel inside, so look for traditional offerings. After being goaded, the restaurant relented to offer Japanese breakfast with a tidy offering of rice and King salmon. The views here are gorgeous, and this is where rapper Drake first enjoyed a shot of malört. Enjoy might be embellishing.

Hamchi and lemon Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Avli on The Park

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Avli is a Greek American blockbuster hit with multiple locations. The Lakeshore East location differs as it has a larger bar space and an outdoor deck for private events. Fun wines, nice cocktails, and dependable modern Greek small plates make Avli a great choice for dinner and weekend brunch.

A white restaurant entrance with a sign that reads “Avli on the Park” and a large blue eye symbol. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

The Dearborn

The Lawless sisters, Clodagh and Amy, operate a gorgeous restaurant near the Washington Blue Line Stop at the Block 37 development in Downtown Chicago. The Dearborn is specializing in brunch of the festival with dishes like cinnamon roll monkey bread, dutch apple pancakes, and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. 

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has multiple beautifully restored distinct areas to fuel up, relax, and grab drinks. The food and beverage is run by Land & Sea Dept., which runs spots like Lost Lake, Longman & Eagle, and Parson’s Chicken & Fish. Get a bird's eye view of the park from Cindy's rooftop lounge, hide away with drinks and play bocce and pool in Game Room, sit down with a full meal at Cherry Circle Room. There’s even a Shake Shack.

JIAO by Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Qing Xiang Yuan, shortened to QXY, is a favorite for dumplings. For many, it’s the first restaurant visitors patronized when visiting Chicago’s Chinatown. Ownership saw how customers outside of the neighborhood loved coriander-lamb dumplings and other items, so they created JIAO with hopes to open more locations across the country. Customers will find a huge selection of dumplings packaged to go with tea. This is a great spot for a quick and filling meal.

The Gage and Acanto

The Gage is an Irish restaurant and pub right across the street from Millennium Park and is an excellent pitstop for a pint of Guinness, a bite or a full meal. Billy Lawless (The Dawson) also owns an Italian restaurant next door, Acanto, with a standout wine program.

Hot Woks Cool Sushi

Fuel up with decent Japanese and Thai food fast and for cheap right up the street from the festival. Hot Woks Cool Sushi is a local Chicago Pan Asian chain for noodles and maki.

Miller's Pub

Recently renovated, this historic Chicago pub is friendly and has a full menu of baby back ribs and classic drinks. Miller’s Pub has been around for more than 80 years. This is a no-frills spot that screams old-school Chicago.

Brightwok Kitchen

This Asian-inspired assembly line restaurant is gluten free with tons of vegetarian options. It’s a make-your-own stir fry concept with fresh ingredients and sauces made on site. Brightwok Kitchen is good for folks with tight dietary needs.

BienMeSabe Venezuelan Arepa Bar

A favorite of several Latin American baseball players on the Chicago White Sox, the new location of BienMeSabe Venezuelan Arepa Bar is more quick serve. Arepas are the name of the game here and there’s a deep selection. There’s also ceviche and empanadas. Warning: It’s closed on Sunday.

Exchequer Restaurant & Pub

Only a handful of names are associated with Chicago outside of the city. Barack Obama and Michael Jordan are easy marks. But Chicago’s gangster ties still make Al Capone a figure many connect with the city. Exchequer only opened in 1982, but the building allegedly housed a speakeasy where Capone and his goons would frequent. The pub serves thin pizzas, barbecue ribs, salads, and more.

Beatrix Market

The mini version of the popular all-day coffee shop and restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises is featuring specials for fest-goers if they show their wristbands at any of their locations: a free cold brew. It’s a great place for folks with specific dietary needs who wants something quick and of higher quality than a chain offering.

Cafecito

This Latin coffee shop and counter-service eatery is a good bet for a quick breakfast or lunch with Cuban sandwiches and more. Cafecito has three Chicago locations.

Mercat a la Planxa

Mercat a la Planxa is a Spanish stalwart is just a touch south on Michigan Avenue with plenty of small tapas-style plates, large meals, and cocktails and wine. Sit down in the full dining room or order a drink at the secluded downstairs bar.

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

Roots also has locations in West Town, Lincoln Square, and Old Town and the four serve the same menu: Quad Cities thin-crust pizza that’s cut into puffy strips. It’s a unique style that has made the pizzeria popular for families across Chicago. This South Loop/Printer’s Row location has a gorgeous patio space with a retractable roof.

Half Sour

Half Sour is a unique restaurant with deli food not too far from Grant Park. It offers huge sandwiches, fresh bagels, fresh soups, and cold beer at a full bar. Those hungry for breakfast will also find this comfy space with the walk.

Devil Dawgs on State

Yes, folks can grab a hot dog at fest, but why fight those lines? Devil Dawgs is a Chicago mini-chain that does a proper dog dragged through the garden with all the toppings that the city is known for. This is where to stop to try some genuine Chicago street fare.

Related Maps

Eleven City Diner

Eleven City Diner offers classic diner fare with Jewish deli classic like filling pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Diners will find breakfast served all day, lox, bagels, soups, salads, and more.

Lowcountry South Loop

Lowcountry was one of Chicago’s first places for Asian-inspired Cajun seafood boils. This is the second location (there’s one in Wrigleyville), and the restaurant also serves refreshing cocktails. 

Aurelio's Pizza

Chicago loves its deep-dish pizza, but the city has more than one pizza style. Crispy square-cut tavern style pies are a South Side invention, and Aurelio’s Pizza is among the premier pizza makers in the city. Get it with giardiniera. 

Minghin Cuisine

Minghin has several locations around Chicago and specialize in dim sum car service. The decor has all the trappings of a traditional Chinese restaurant, including the Lazy Susan trays. This is a dumpling lover’s delight; the steamed shrimp are among the top selections. 

Flo & Santos

Those with an appetite for South Side Chicago cuisine will want to visit Flo & Santo’s. There are pierogis, pork wings, and tavern-style pizzas at this popular restaurant.

Victory Tap

Some of Chicago’s best Italian-American food comes from the throwback Victory Tap. The pastas are fresh, service is great, and the drinks are stiff. Victory is a mini chain with locations scattered in Chicago and the suburbs.

AO Hawaiian Hideout

This restaurant serves up poke, barbecue, Japanese teriyaki, and Thai noodles. The space is casual and has a large vegan menu. The tropical drink selection is also a bit nostalgic and feels like a Cantonese restaurant from the ‘80s. 

Miru

Inside a new skyscraper at the start of Upper Wacker Drive and overlooking Navy Pier, this lush restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You focuses on sushi with a few American accents — there’s a cheeseburger, for instance. It’s an all-day restaurant that serves the hotel inside, so look for traditional offerings. After being goaded, the restaurant relented to offer Japanese breakfast with a tidy offering of rice and King salmon. The views here are gorgeous, and this is where rapper Drake first enjoyed a shot of malört. Enjoy might be embellishing.

Hamchi and lemon Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Avli on The Park

Avli is a Greek American blockbuster hit with multiple locations. The Lakeshore East location differs as it has a larger bar space and an outdoor deck for private events. Fun wines, nice cocktails, and dependable modern Greek small plates make Avli a great choice for dinner and weekend brunch.

A white restaurant entrance with a sign that reads “Avli on the Park” and a large blue eye symbol. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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