Located on the first floor of the 40-story Marriott Marquis Chicago, Showroom Food Hall is inspired by the golden era of automobiles. Five eateries steered by Furious Spoon alumnus, Chef James Kerwin, offer handcrafted, American comfort food. Revolution Coffee Counter features a variety of specialty drinks made with illy coffee as well as house-made baked goods from pop tarts to fresh pies. Argosy Soup & Sandwich is an airstream trailer/ food truck serving soups and sandwiches such as pho spiced pork belly, country pate and pickled carrots on French bread and turducken pastrami, kennel kraut and gruyere cheese on seeded rye bread. Hot Licks, an interesting choice, specializes in potato dishes and Winged Warrior lists wings, wood-fired pizzas, salads and charcuterie and cheese on its menu. Sip draft beer, wine and draft cocktails at Nomad. A mobile ice cream cart trucks throughout the space with grab-and-go ice cream treats, too.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: A short drive or a 14-minute walk to Soldier Field, Showroom Food Hall offers a diverse menu for all palates in a super casual space.
Jacky's expert tip: Showroom Food Hall is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. so Soldier Field goers can enjoy food and drink before or after an event.
You can get North and South Indian dishes like Madras curry, samosas, tandoori chicken, lamb. seafood and veg plus and naan at Chicago Curry House but also the best of Nepalese cuisine: momo dumplings, dal-Bhat (rice and lentils) and gundruk (fermented, dried vegetables). There are a half-dozen of completely vegan Nepalese entrees and carnivores can go crazy with lamb and goat meat dishes. The lunch buffet looks as good as it tastes (and has gluten-free and vegetarian items) and Chicago Curry House does a brisk take-out and delivery business. Cold Kheer, rice cooked with sweetened milk, raisins and almonds makes a nice finish.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Vegetarians, vegans and carnivores can warm up before or after a game with North and South Indian dishes as well as Nepalese dumplings.
Jacky's expert tip: Be sure you indicate your spice level preference or you may be either blown away or unsatisfied.
Not far from Soldier Field, Kroll's is a Chicago Bears fans' haunt for like a pre-game breakfast (the Captain Crunch French toast is a favorite) or a post-game beer. Cue the song - there's a list of 99 beers. The appealing decor and late-night menu attract diners and drinkers year-round. But Kroll's is a well-known spot to watch any Chicago sporting event. with 20 large format TVs, including four projector-sized, that circle the space. Sit at the large U-shaped bar, and pick from the massive beer list, or have a more formal meal at one of the tables. In addition to lunch and dinner, the South Loop spot offers a children's and late-night menu, too. Order a breakfast burger or breakfast pizza during brunch or traditional egg dishes and French toast. Come for fun: Kroll's stocks an 18-foot shuffleboard table as well as Golden tee.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Kroll's is a comfortable neighborhood sports bar near Soldier Field, and a favorite among Chicago Bears fans.
Jacky's expert tip: Kroll's Monday night football special includes $3 drafts and half-price pizza.
The first Yolk opened in the South Loop in 2006 and has added eight more outposts in Chicago as well as others in Indiana and Texas. The appeal appears to be fresh food, large portions and reasonable prices. What's not to love? Yolk is known for its many versions of Eggs Benedicts (try the Caprese or pot roast version) but also for pancakes (with homemade syrups), five-egg omelets and create-your-own scramblers. Fan favorites include chilaquiles, West Coast crepes, Red Velvet French Toast and Nutty Monkey Cakes. The menu changes twice a year and there are limited-time offerings such as a Pancake of the Month. Little noshers can enjoy challah French toast strips, Oreo pancakes and various combinations of eggs and pancakes. Not in an eggy mood? There are also burgers, salads, sandwiches and hot chili and soup warm you before a Bears game.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Yolk is a sure bet for outstanding, generous, fresh breakfast and lunch offerings near Soldier Field.
Jacky's expert tip: You can avoid waiting in line by adding your name remotely to a waitlist via the free Yelp app. They don't add names over the phone or via email.
Pizano's thin-crust pie sufficiently impressed Oprah Winfrey (when she lived and worked here) that she dubbed it her favorite. No wonder - the thin crust stands up to a barrage of toppings without losing its crunch. Even Rudy's Special - cheese, sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper - doesn't compromise the crust. The deep dish is a fragrant, bubbling thing of wonder, too, with its buttery crust - try Mark's Special. a heady combo of sliced tomatoes, basil and fresh garlic and you won't miss the meat. In case you do, sample Mama Malnati's Homemade Meatballs. There are also gluten-free options, traditional Italian chicken dishes, pasta and sandwiches and burgers. The South Loop location, next to McCormick Place, offers an outside café during the warmer months.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Gameday practically calls for a satisfying, flavorful pie with an abundance of toppings from Pizano's ovens.
Jacky's expert tip: Just a six-minute drive to and from Soldier Field and serving until midnight, Pizano's food and drink can be enjoyed before or after a game or concert.
VU Rooftop Bar in the city's South Loop neighborhood is a ginormous bar and restaurant perched 22 stories into the Chicago sky. Impressive views? You betcha. And warming elements so you can enjoy the vistas when the Midwestern chill ensues. A hot evening destination, VU is a good brunch destination, too. Executive Chef Nolan Narut (Chicago born and Wisconsin raised) offers an array of brunch options and specialty cocktails like a Southside Mojito to kick start a game or event at Soldier Field. Consider VU's Brunch package options during game days which includes items like Chicken & Waffles and Lobster Chilaquiles starting at $30 per person.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: A five-minute drive from Soldier Field, VU offers brunch and spectacular views of the city.
Jacky's expert tip: VU has a dress code, however, there is a game day exception for sports jerseys and other sports attire.
Victory Tap has been stoking the pizza oven for more than 60 years and the South Loop location offers not only perfectly executed tavern style and pan pizza but also Italian American favorites from Rosebud's former executive chef Joe Farina. The tavern-style pie has a thin, crispy crust, hearty sauce, deep flavors and square cuts plus a dusting of cornmeal providing extra crispiness and delicious mouthfeel. Other popular choices include Joe Mama's Meatballs; an eggplant stack with eggplant Milanese, vine tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and aged balsamic; and homemade pasta like the 2018 Bacon Fest People's Choice Winner - agnolotti stuffed with bacon, ricotta and parmesan cheese in a sage butter sauce. This location offers its rectangular Yardstick Pizza, which is great for a group! Moisten the pipes after all of the yelling at a Bears game or concert with classic cocktails, 18 craft beers on tap or wine.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Victory Tap Chicago, located just blocks away from Soldier Field, offers a hearty menu of Chicago-style Italian cuisine just like grandma's.
Jacky's expert tip: Try Victory Tap's nostalgic Italian American dishes like Chicken Vesuvio and homemade lasagna which are particularly satisfying in the fall and winter.
Need a place to watch the games? The Scout is a comfortable, upscale bar with a couple dozen flat-panel televisions lining the walls. The menu lists anything you'd crave on game day: burgers, flatbread pizzas; shareable items like mussels, nachos and wings; and their signature foot-long grilled cheese creations. Even The Scout's salads get rave reviews. Weekend brunch adds breakfast burritos, various egg dishes like "The Hangover Cure" and some sweet items. As expected, the bar serves a nice selection of local and national craft beers, wine (by the glass and bottle), martinis and cocktails. The decor is rustic and service efficient and friendly.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: The Scout is a convenient meeting point for game day brunch or after a game or concert at Soldier Field.
Jacky's expert tip: On the days that Bears' home games kick off at noon, The Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen opens at 9 a.m.
Former Engine Company 104 is a gorgeous restaurant with its original fire pole, tons of warm woods, a second-story veranda, solarium, grand bar/lounge and lush backyard patio. And, it's walkable to Soldier Field and the museum campus. Expect a classic Chicago steakhouse menu but the hearty bar list is also appealing: a Prime cheeseburger or a Prime Rib sandwich; meatball and peppers; short rib poutine; chicken lollipops with bleu cheese cream among the choices. Sunday brunch may be the winning ticket with various Benedicts, fried chicken and two-fisted hand-helds plus Bellinis, Mimosas and a surf-n-turf Bloody Mary. Street parking isn't bad around here but valet service is also available. Use the RESY app for reservations or call directly. Happy Hour takes place between 4-6pm daily offering outstanding value on a short but appealing list of bites and drinks.
Recommended for Restaurants near Soldier Field because: Built in an old fire station, The Chicago Firehouse offers a Chicago steakhouse experience with a neighborhood ambiance close to Soldier Field.
Jacky's expert tip: The movie BACKDRAFT was filmed at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.