Where to Eat in West Loop + Fulton Market Right Now
via Formento’s
Spooky season is upon us and, per usual, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in the city. Don’t let the cooler weather scare you though, there’s still plenty of fun to be had this month, starting off with freebies from your 2023/2024 Culinary Guide! With deals at more than 97 restaurants across the city and suburbs, you’re bound to have delicious places to eat all year long. Follow along as we run through some of our top spots to visit in the West Loop/Fulton Market neighborhoods in October…
Formento's {925 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.690.7295}
Visit Formento’s on Randolph for old-school Italian like your nonna used to make. Leather booths and white tablecloths fill the welcoming space with dark red and gold touches throughout to make you feel right at home. Use your Culinary Guide for deals on classic dishes like Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and Nonna’s Meatballs or try something different like the Sweet Corn Cappelletti.
KOMO {738 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.465.2250}
A Japanese-style restaurant nestled on the corner of Randolph and Halsted in Fulton Market, KOMO offers modern dishes by Chef Macku Chan. While they’re known for their Tasting Menu, you can also enjoy luxurious a la carte dishes like White Tuna Ceviche, Miso Black Cod, Hamachi Sashimi and more.
via City Winery
City Winery {1200 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.733.9463}
A Chicago music venue that also serves great food and signature wine? Count us in! Get buy-one-get-one-free on dishes like Wild Mushroom & Goat Cheese Risotto Balls or CW Wagyu Sliders when you use your Culinary Guide. Plus, there’s a hefty list of wine options to pair with any menu item. Perfect for harvest season!
Carnivale {702 West Fulton Street, Chicago; 312.850.5005}
There’s no place in Chicago like Carnivale. Since its inception in 2005, this West Loop favorite has been bringing upbeat vibes and festive decor to the Windy City. Use your Culinary Guide for buy-one-get-one-free dishes with recipes that stem from South America, Spain, and the Caribbean.
TenGoku Aburiya {651 West Washington Boulevard, Suite #101A, Chicago; 312.846.6633}
Dishes like Wagyu Sukiyaki, Ikura-Uni Don, and Spicy Pork Ribs grace the menu at TenGoku Aburiya. The well-loved Chicago eatery by Chef Sangtae takes a new spin on classic Japanese comfort foods. Bring your pals and your Culinary Guide for discounts on all your favorite izakaya!
via The Press Room
The Press Room {1134 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago; 312.450.3301}
We love an intimate wine bar, especially when it’s candlelit and has an array of warm and cozy specialties to choose from. From quick bites like Raw Oysters and Cheese and Charcuterie to craft cocktails like the Violet Sour (Rye Whiskey, Violet Flower Liqueur, and Lime), Press Room will undoubtedly become your new favorite weekend scene.
Gaijin {950 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.265.1348}
Chicago’s first Okonomiyaki restaurant is serving up more than just savory Japanese pancakes. Stop in for your choice of starters such as Bok Choy and Marinated Beef Ribs or head straight to the star of the show, the Okonomiyaki. Whether you choose the vegetable, tofu, beef, or chicken version of these savory cabbage pancakes, you can get them BOGO when you use your Culinary Guide!
Macello {1235 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.850.9870}
Rustic festivity meets delicious Italian fare at this West Loop eatery,known for its wood burning ovens and tasty thin crust pizzas. But their menu doesn’t stop at delicious pizza! Our favorite dishes range from the Risotto Adriatico to the Tiramisu and the Cannoli Ripieni. Don’t forget to use your Culinary Guide for BOGO dishes!
via Stan’s Donuts
Stan's Donuts {Multiple Locations}
Every Chicagoan loves a Stan's Donut now and then, especially during the chilly seasons. Peep their menu for classics and seasonal treats for a little boost before a long work day. Our favorites? The Apple Cider Donut and the classic Maple Long John. The best part? You’ll get half a dozen donuts from when you buy a half dozen and use your Culinary Guide!
Fulton Market Kitchen {311 North Sangamon Street, Chicago; 312.733.6900}
Art fills both the walls and plates at Fulton Market Kitchen, a buzz-worthy restaurant steps from West Loop’s “Restaurant Row.” Inspired by art scenes nationwide, FMK offers restaurant-goers the opportunity to sip on inspired cocktails and bite into delectable dishes all while enjoying incredible art. Don’t forget to use your Culinary Guide for buy-one-get-one-free dishes.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent