CHI: Theatre Dining

Q: Two dining recommendation requests: We're going to see Spelling Bee this weekend at the Drury Lane, and would like a dining recommendation for pretheater; bistro-like or small plates would be great. Also, we're going up to the Theatre Building of Chicago for Assassins; what's good up there for pre-theater, in a similar vein? Thanks!

Sounds like quite a theatrical weekend! When trying to find a restaurant near an event, it's often a good idea to check with the venue to see if they have and recommendations.

The Drury Lane Theatre offers some restaurant suggestions on their website, but we've got a couple additional ideas. Tucci Benucch, in the 900 North shopping center across the street, is a favorite for Italian. Don't let the mall setting throw you — the food great, and they're accustomed to theatre-goers, so just let them know you're going to a show and they'll keep an eye on the clock for you. For small plates in a casual, eclectic setting, try 4 Taste Off Rush. This unusual restaurant morphs throughout the day, from neighborhoody breakfast place to quick lunch spot to contemporary small-plate dinner and swank bar. which means you could always come back after the show for a drink.

The Theatre Building has some suggestions too, and we've heard good things about Socca, a French-Italian bistro, and Cooper's – A Neighborhood Eatery. Of the two, Cooper's is the walkable option, but cabs are readily available in Lakeview, so don't let that stop you.

Tucci Benucch
900 N. Michigan Ave., 5th Floor, Chicago | 312-266-2500

4 Taste Off Rush
100 E. Walton St. | 312-280-2400

Socca
3301 N. Clark St., Chicago | 773-248-1155

Cooper's – A Neighborhood Eatery
1232 W Belmont Ave., Chicago | 773-929-3667

Recommend This! (3) | | Email to a friend