Where to Dine During Chicago Theater Week, February 16th-26th

The Dearborn

Anchoring the southeast corner of Dearborn and Randolph streets, The Dearborn is an urban American tavern by sisters and proprietors Amy Lawless and Clodagh Lawless. They combine 40 years of hospitality experience—both here in Chicago and in their native Ireland. Inspiration for the cuisine starts with traditional American taverns and from there Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri taps into seasonal ingredients, farmers markets and contemporary culinary techniques to create dishes that lean towards the Midwest as well as those with a more global influence. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

Proxi 

At Proxi, Chef Andrew Zimmerman combines two of his great loves: travel and cooking. His menu wanders through Asia, India, Mexico and beyond. Just down the street from Chicago’s downtown theaters, diners can choose from 1/2 priced bites and sips. Available in the bar, lounge, and patio, diners can select half-priced appetizers like the Tempura Elotes and Smoked Carrot Dip to pair with $9.00 glasses of wine and select cocktails. Available on Tuesdays through Fridays from 4:00pm-6:00pm.

Petterino’s

Petterino’s has been in the Loop for more than 20 years. It’s an option for a pre-theater dinner with a selection of Italian-American fare like Ravioli with Burrata Cheese or Salmon Arrabbiata. There’s also happy hour specials available at the bar Monday through Thursday, featuring $7 house wines and bartender’s choice cocktails and $6 draft beers. Petterino’s offfers post-theater drinks - grab a Petterino’s 75, Espresso Martini or Italian Old Fashioned. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 

Grill on 21

Grill on 21 sits on the 21st floor of the The LaSalle Hotel. Grill on 21 is a modern interpretation of the classic American steakhouse offering dishes ranging from Lobster Thermidor and Steak Frites to vegetarian Carrot Wellington and Hearth-Fried Cauliflower. Grill on 21 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, for a bite to eat or a drink for daytime or evening showings. Reservations can be made on OpenTable. 

Boleo

Named for a move from Argentine tango, Boleo brings the flavors and beats of South America to a rooftop in the Loop. Take the elevator to the top of The Kimpton Gray Hotel for a dinner under the city lights before the theater. Boleo offers a menu of snackable ceviches, anticuchos and other small plates. Boleo’s beverage menu also offers cocktails. Boleo is open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 PM. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.  

Bar Mar by José Andrés

Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar offers renditions of seafood classics. For the pre-theater crowd, Bar Mar has just introduced a new Pre Theater menu at $75 per person featuring a selection of signature snacks, small bites, a selection of entree and dessert. Dishes include: Hamachi Cone–brick dough, smoked Hamachi, yuzo-sesame mayo, radish, Pan Con Boquerones–White Spanish anchovies cured in vinegar, pan con tomate, Croquetas de Pollo–Chicken-béchamel fritters, and Walleye Pike with mojo picon and grilled gem lettuce. Reservations available through their website. 

Raised

This cocktail bar boasts views of the skyline and the Chicago River from its urban rooftop location. The bar has handcrafted cocktails, international wines, and a beer list filled with draft and packaged beers from Chicago breweries and the surrounding area. The indoor and outdoor seating areas at Raised are year round as the exterior rooftop terrace has fire pits, heaters, and outdoor couches.