Top Picks from Chicago’s Food Halls
Aster Hall Food Hall
In a city like Chicago, with a million and one restaurants to choose from, it can be hard to know which one’s to check out. That’s why food halls are so perfect for those of us that want one of everything! With a ton of different restaurants under one roof, you’ll find something for all different tastes and cravings. Food halls have been around for quite a while and Chicago has recently added a few new ones to our roster! And like everything in the Windy City food world, we are stepping up to the plate and serving up deliciousness…
Aster Hall {900 North Michigan Avenue, Level 5, Chicago}
If you’ve lived in Chicago for a while, you might have missed this one - but you should add it to your list ASAP! Perched up on the fifth and sixth floors inside the 900 North Michigan Shops, Aster Hall is the perfect gathering place for downtown workers and tourists alike. Choose from options like gourmet salads from Grateful Grains and Greens and mouth watering Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwiches from The Rotisserie. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the crowd favorite, Small Cheval, for one of their beloved burgers.
Revival Food Hall {125 South Clark Street, Chicago; 773.999.9411}
One of the veterans of the food hall scene in the city, Revival Food Hall is an all-local dining destination in the Loop. With 15 fast-casual stalls, you’re bound to see some of your favorites. A few highlight picks include Dos Taqueria, Lito’s Empanadas and The Fat Shallot. If you’re in need of something quick to start out your morning, you can also stop by the Familiar Bakery and try their Walnut Tamari Sticky Bun with cinnamon walnut and tamari brown sugar caramel to get you through the day. It’s a must-try!
Urban Space Chicago
Urban Space {Multiple Locations}
Urban Space is one of the newer food halls on the scene, and they are coming in HOT! Located in the historic Woolworth’s building at 15 West Washington Street, with a second location in Willis Tower, both spaces are a must try. With vegan food options, Stan’s Donuts and Sushi Dokku, these expansive food halls offer the best of Chicago’s culinary scene.
Chicago French Market {MetraMarket, 131 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312.575.0306}
We love France, we love French food and we love a French Market, especially when it’s in Chicago. Located in the Ogilvie Train Station, the French Market is the perfect place to stop if you’re coming in from the suburbs via the train. While it’s titled The FRENCH Market, there are a ton of vendors bringing food from spots all over the world, like Cuba, Australia, the Philippines and more. Stop by on your way out of town (or anytime) and try the Nana’s Pie Crêpe from Bon Appetit Crêperie made with cooked apples with cinnamon, almonds and brown sugar, topped with caramel and whipped cream. You’ll feel like you’re on a Parisian vacation after the first bite :)
TimeOut Market Chicago
Time Out Market (131 North Clinton Street, Chicago; 312.575.0306}
Unless you’ve been living under a culinary rock, you have probably heard of Time Out in some capacity. And while the market was temporarily closed due to the pandemic, they are back and better than ever. The Time Out Markets have grown exponentially worldwide, but their quality never waivers. Drop by their 50,000 square foot location here in Chicago and choose a bite from one of their nearly 20 eateries, all while you grab a drink from one of their three bars and head to the rooftop terrace. We recommend stopping by Urbanbelly while you’re there to try the Udon Soup and their heavenly dumplings.
From Here On {433 West Van Buren Street, Chicago}
Chicago’s newest additive to the food hall scene, From Here On, offers food from 11 vendors and beautiful views of the Chicago River. The team behind the Revival Food Hall opened this new venue inside the old Post Office Building on Van Buren this summer. Similar to Revival, all of the vendors at this new location are local to our city. Some favorites include Tempesta Market, a sandwich and charcuterie shop, as well as Hot Chi Chicken, a Chicago-Style, Nashville Hot Chicken concept. Don’t sleep on the cocktail bar, Snorklebox, either - it’s named after the street boxes that mail gets dropped into!
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent