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The South Loop’s dining options have expanded in recent years.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Where to Eat in South Loop

There’s plenty of variety in one of Chicago’s most history neighborhoods

by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated
3 comments / new
View as Map
The South Loop’s dining options have expanded in recent years.
| Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam and Naomi Waxman Updated
3 comments / new

South Loop is one of the city’s most historic districts, a district with well-known residents like Marshall Field and George Pullman. One of the city’s first residential neighborhoods, it was one of it wealthiest. In present day, the area near Soldier Field and McCormick Place Convention Center, isn’t known for its restaurants, but with the construction of Wintrust Arena, there’s been a surge of new restaurants. South Loop has a solid collection of old-school Chicago favorites, blended with international newcomers. Eater Chicago highlights some of the best in the area below.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may still pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Cafecito

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One of the South Loop’s favorite lunching spots, Cafecito is an excellent place for a sandwich. Pick a traditional Cuban or go for one of their more out-of-the-box options, and don’t forget to add a side of spicy black bean soup or grab a container of whole olives to share.

26 E Congress Pkwy #1, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-2233
(312) 922-2233

Also featured in:

Mercat a la Planxa

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For tapas, sangria and cocktails, head to Mercat a la Planxa. Olives, tomato bread, boquerones and a Spanish tortilla are all on the menu, and larger plates consist of meats and paellas. Pair the tapas with a build-your-own gin and tonic to complete the meal.

638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 765-0524
(312) 765-0524

Also featured in:

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

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This Quad Cities-style pizzeria, which serves thin-crust pies cut into distinctive strips, has earned a place in the hearts of many Chicagoans with locations in South Loop, West Town, Lincoln Square, and Old Town. Known for a family friendly vibe and mammoth mozzarella sticks (shaped into hearts for Valentine’s Day), Roots’ Dearborn Street outpost offers an expansive indoor-outdoor dining space with a high-tech retractable roof.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A large dining room filled with long tables under a retractable roof.
The retractable roof is well-suited for Chicago’s warmest months.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Chicago Curry House Restaurant

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Traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes are abundant at Chicago Curry House. Try creamy chicken tikka masala or rich biryani paired with naan and a cooling mango lassi. Or stop by for all-you-can-eat brunch with made-to-order naan.

899 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 362-9999
(312) 362-9999

Also featured in:

Eleven City Diner

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This Ashkenazi-style Jewish deli serves up huge sandwiches and ice cream floats in a traditional diner setting. Melts, massive Reubens, egg creams, and matzoh ball soup are available (plus latkes). Founded in 2006, this neighborhood stalwart continues to draw hoards of locals and tourists.

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1112
(312) 212-1112

Also featured in:

The X Pot - Chicago

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This Chinese restaurant, an expansion of the Las Vegas original, is an experience with light shows and robotic servers. The food is decadent with plenty of wagyu beef offerings (there’s even wagyu hot pot broth). Look for a deep sake selection and cocktails.

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 585-8655
(312) 585-8655
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Aurelio's Pizza South Loop

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A South Side institution since 1959, Aurelio’s operates more than 40 locations, including this 5,000 square-foot flagship restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio. The chain specializes in thin-crust tavern style pies — often favored by locals over hefty deep-dish.

1212 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 374-4459
(312) 374-4459

Also featured in:

Minghin Cuisine

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This elegant South Loop outpost from essential Chinese dim sum specialist MingHin Cuisine is especially well-suited for groups, with roomy booths and enormous tables with spinning Lazy Susans. Patrons can count on plate after plate of dim sum favorites, from shrimp dumplings and barbecue pork buns to chicken feet and congee.

1234 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 386-1111
(312) 386-1111

Also featured in:

Flo & Santos

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The tavern-style pizza and wings are what have made a name for this South Loop landmark. The menu also features pierogi and meatballs, giving diners a great taste of old Chicago.

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9817
(312) 566-9817

Also featured in:

AO Hawaiian Hideout

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The former Asian Outpost has reconfigured pushing out an assortment of dishes, including poke bowls, the focus on Hawai’i. There’s a smattering of food from Asia, including Asian American favorites like orange chicken. The bar also pours tiki drinks, so it’s a good place for friends to catch up.

1315 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 662-1100
(312) 662-1100

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

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In a city flush with steakhouses, this restaurant stands apart with a distinctive space inside a former Chicago Fire Department firehouse. This upscale spot is a favorite for prime beef, seafood, and all the traditional accompaniments. It also offers a number of private dining rooms and a charming outdoor patio.

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 786-1401
(312) 786-1401

Also featured in:

Victory Tap

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An Italian American red sauce classic, Victory Tap serves heaping portions of Chicago favorites. Shrimp deJonghe, appetizer pizzas, and an array of pastas make this a great place for families or dates.

1416 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9300
(312) 566-9300

Also featured in:

The Spoke & Bird (South Loop)

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This cafe and bistro’s expansive patio is the main draw, while traditional cafe items like baked goods, soups and sandwiches accompany the atmosphere. There’s a large beer list to round out the spot, making it a place to hang out with a brew in hand. The pastries are wonderful.

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(929) 263-2473
(929) 263-2473

TeaPotBrew Bakery

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A nostalgic destination for cakes, muffins, and a plethora of baked goods, this Black-owned indie bakery is a tribute to chef and owner Veranda Runsewe’s mother. A Hyde Park native, Runsewe supplements her food menu with more than 40 loose-leaf teas from Milwaukee-based Rishi Tea.

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Reggies Chicago

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Equipped with a handy rooftop deck, Reggie’s draws crowds for shows from national touring acts and the occasional cover band. The experience is supplemented by a solid selection of beers and the venue’s popular chicken wings. There’s also a rooftop bar.

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-0120
(312) 949-0120

Also featured in:

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Il Culaccino

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Located just minutes away from Wintrust Arena, Il Culaccino tempts fans and diners with a menu of Chicago Italian-American classics like chicken Vesuvio, prime steaks, pastas, and salads, plus a wine bar and tree-covered patio. The restaurant is from the owners of South Side stalwart Franco’s, a hit since 1986 in Bridgeport.

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 794-5300
(312) 794-5300

Also featured in:

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

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This is the Chicago location of a popular Chinese-based chain, the country largest. Haidilao serves Sichuan-style broths with a deep ingredient list like Kobe beef and more. The chain is also known for Dancing Noodle, which offer a bit of presentation. There are also robot servers.

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

Also featured in:

VU Rooftop Bar

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Now operated by Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, this rooftop bar offers great views outdoors and a modern lounge that’s great for groups. There’s plenty of large format drinks, a friendly staff, and the food isn’t an afterthought. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more are quality.

133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 528-0191
(312) 528-0191

Also featured in:

Mustard Seed Kitchen

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James Beard Award winner Erick Williams (Virtue) has taken over the space once belonging to Chef Luciano. This is a casual spot with something for everyone. Chicken gumbo, burgers, and pastas make this a great spot for families.

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-0062
(312) 326-0062

Also featured in:

Apolonia

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Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y.) takes inspiration from his Scottish side with a unique Euro-Mediterranean menu in an elegant space near Wintrust Arena. The pastas are the star (the bucatini is a highlight). Find interesting seafood and a top-shelf dessert menu.

2201 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-2431
(312) 363-2431
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

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Cafecito

26 E Congress Pkwy #1, Chicago, IL 60605

One of the South Loop’s favorite lunching spots, Cafecito is an excellent place for a sandwich. Pick a traditional Cuban or go for one of their more out-of-the-box options, and don’t forget to add a side of spicy black bean soup or grab a container of whole olives to share.

26 E Congress Pkwy #1, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-2233
(312) 922-2233

Mercat a la Planxa

638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

For tapas, sangria and cocktails, head to Mercat a la Planxa. Olives, tomato bread, boquerones and a Spanish tortilla are all on the menu, and larger plates consist of meats and paellas. Pair the tapas with a build-your-own gin and tonic to complete the meal.

638 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 765-0524
(312) 765-0524

Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

This Quad Cities-style pizzeria, which serves thin-crust pies cut into distinctive strips, has earned a place in the hearts of many Chicagoans with locations in South Loop, West Town, Lincoln Square, and Old Town. Known for a family friendly vibe and mammoth mozzarella sticks (shaped into hearts for Valentine’s Day), Roots’ Dearborn Street outpost offers an expansive indoor-outdoor dining space with a high-tech retractable roof.

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
(773) 645-4909
(773) 645-4909
A large dining room filled with long tables under a retractable roof.
The retractable roof is well-suited for Chicago’s warmest months.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago Curry House Restaurant

899 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605

Traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes are abundant at Chicago Curry House. Try creamy chicken tikka masala or rich biryani paired with naan and a cooling mango lassi. Or stop by for all-you-can-eat brunch with made-to-order naan.

899 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 362-9999
(312) 362-9999

Eleven City Diner

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

This Ashkenazi-style Jewish deli serves up huge sandwiches and ice cream floats in a traditional diner setting. Melts, massive Reubens, egg creams, and matzoh ball soup are available (plus latkes). Founded in 2006, this neighborhood stalwart continues to draw hoards of locals and tourists.

1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1112
(312) 212-1112

The X Pot - Chicago

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605

This Chinese restaurant, an expansion of the Las Vegas original, is an experience with light shows and robotic servers. The food is decadent with plenty of wagyu beef offerings (there’s even wagyu hot pot broth). Look for a deep sake selection and cocktails.

1147 S Delano Ct East, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 585-8655
(312) 585-8655
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Aurelio's Pizza South Loop

1212 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

A South Side institution since 1959, Aurelio’s operates more than 40 locations, including this 5,000 square-foot flagship restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio. The chain specializes in thin-crust tavern style pies — often favored by locals over hefty deep-dish.

1212 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 374-4459
(312) 374-4459

Minghin Cuisine

1234 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

This elegant South Loop outpost from essential Chinese dim sum specialist MingHin Cuisine is especially well-suited for groups, with roomy booths and enormous tables with spinning Lazy Susans. Patrons can count on plate after plate of dim sum favorites, from shrimp dumplings and barbecue pork buns to chicken feet and congee.

1234 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 386-1111
(312) 386-1111

Flo & Santos

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

The tavern-style pizza and wings are what have made a name for this South Loop landmark. The menu also features pierogi and meatballs, giving diners a great taste of old Chicago.

1310 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9817
(312) 566-9817

AO Hawaiian Hideout

1315 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

The former Asian Outpost has reconfigured pushing out an assortment of dishes, including poke bowls, the focus on Hawai’i. There’s a smattering of food from Asia, including Asian American favorites like orange chicken. The bar also pours tiki drinks, so it’s a good place for friends to catch up.

1315 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 662-1100
(312) 662-1100

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

In a city flush with steakhouses, this restaurant stands apart with a distinctive space inside a former Chicago Fire Department firehouse. This upscale spot is a favorite for prime beef, seafood, and all the traditional accompaniments. It also offers a number of private dining rooms and a charming outdoor patio.

1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 786-1401
(312) 786-1401

Victory Tap

1416 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

An Italian American red sauce classic, Victory Tap serves heaping portions of Chicago favorites. Shrimp deJonghe, appetizer pizzas, and an array of pastas make this a great place for families or dates.

1416 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 566-9300
(312) 566-9300

The Spoke & Bird (South Loop)

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616

This cafe and bistro’s expansive patio is the main draw, while traditional cafe items like baked goods, soups and sandwiches accompany the atmosphere. There’s a large beer list to round out the spot, making it a place to hang out with a brew in hand. The pastries are wonderful.

205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616
(929) 263-2473
(929) 263-2473

TeaPotBrew Bakery

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

A nostalgic destination for cakes, muffins, and a plethora of baked goods, this Black-owned indie bakery is a tribute to chef and owner Veranda Runsewe’s mother. A Hyde Park native, Runsewe supplements her food menu with more than 40 loose-leaf teas from Milwaukee-based Rishi Tea.

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Reggies Chicago

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616

Equipped with a handy rooftop deck, Reggie’s draws crowds for shows from national touring acts and the occasional cover band. The experience is supplemented by a solid selection of beers and the venue’s popular chicken wings. There’s also a rooftop bar.

2105 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-0120
(312) 949-0120

Related Maps

Il Culaccino

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Located just minutes away from Wintrust Arena, Il Culaccino tempts fans and diners with a menu of Chicago Italian-American classics like chicken Vesuvio, prime steaks, pastas, and salads, plus a wine bar and tree-covered patio. The restaurant is from the owners of South Side stalwart Franco’s, a hit since 1986 in Bridgeport.

2134 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 794-5300
(312) 794-5300

Haidilao Hot Pot Chicago

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

This is the Chicago location of a popular Chinese-based chain, the country largest. Haidilao serves Sichuan-style broths with a deep ingredient list like Kobe beef and more. The chain is also known for Dancing Noodle, which offer a bit of presentation. There are also robot servers.

107 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-3888
(312) 363-3888

VU Rooftop Bar

133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Now operated by Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, this rooftop bar offers great views outdoors and a modern lounge that’s great for groups. There’s plenty of large format drinks, a friendly staff, and the food isn’t an afterthought. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more are quality.

133 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 528-0191
(312) 528-0191

Mustard Seed Kitchen

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

James Beard Award winner Erick Williams (Virtue) has taken over the space once belonging to Chef Luciano. This is a casual spot with something for everyone. Chicken gumbo, burgers, and pastas make this a great spot for families.

49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 326-0062
(312) 326-0062

Apolonia

2201 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Stephen Gillanders (S.K.Y.) takes inspiration from his Scottish side with a unique Euro-Mediterranean menu in an elegant space near Wintrust Arena. The pastas are the star (the bucatini is a highlight). Find interesting seafood and a top-shelf dessert menu.

2201 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 363-2431
(312) 363-2431
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Related Maps