Get ready to sip & rock: Chicago’s Lollapalooza pre-game and post-concert hotspots

As Lollapalooza electrifies Grant Park with its annual summer music festival, attendees seek not only great music but also the perfect dining experiences. Chicago offers an array of pre- and post-festival culinary delights that fans won’t want to miss.

Places to pre-game for Lollapalooza

Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse on the Magnificent Mile provides an upscale ambiance just steps away from the festivities, offering an unbeatable pre-show dining experience that honors the Chicago basketball legend. According to a press release, the restaurant is known for its prime dry-aged steaks, iconic Garlic Bread with Blue Cheese Fondue, and signature craft cocktails. 

 For fans starting their Lollapalooza weekend early, The Smith in River North serves discounted martinis and seafood platters during their signature Martini Hour on weekdays from 3-6 p.m. Special menu offerings like the signature Mac & Cheese or Smith Burger make it an ideal pre-festival stop.

Located on the Magnificent Mile, Casa Chi by Chef Richard Sandoval presents a delightful Margarita Flight and vibrant Nikkei bites, perfect for a pre-Lollapalooza pickup.

By the same renowned chef, Toro Chicago offers mouthwatering Latin American cuisine inside the Fairmont Hotel, just a block away from Millennium Park. The restaurant, which opened less than a year ago, boasts flavorful dishes such as Chef Sandoval’s Argentinian Sweet Corn Empanadas and Peruvian Ceviche Amarillo.

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In the South Loop, Swadesi Cafe serves contemporary Indian cuisine and creative caffeine boosts that are perfect to fuel up before Lollapalooza. The cafe offers a unique corn and saffron latte that can be paired nicely with fresh-baked dirty chai or mango cruffins..

The Dearborn in The Loop offers an inventive cocktail menu and dishes like the signature Dearborn Burger. Its extensive and diverse menu will please every person in your party before heading to Grant Park. The Dearborn also recently opened a new location in O’Hare Airport, making it the perfect spot for visitors flying into Chicago to fuel up before making their way downtown. 

 Places to post-game for Lolla

Cindy’s Rooftop, on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, is the perfect place to head to for a post-Lolla drink. With amazing views overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, visitors can dine inside the glass atrium and then step out onto the outdoor terrace to take in the nighttime view.

Once the festival winds down, Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar in River North, elevates the afterparty with its stunning skyline views. Signature cocktails like the Red Line cocktail made with bourbon and whiskey paired with shareable bites like Truffle Fries conclude the Lollapalooza night in style.

Festivalgoers have many options to fuel their Lollapalooza adventure. Whether it's indulging in Chicago’s famed steak or enjoying vibrant cocktails under the city lights, these hotspots provide the ultimate festival food journey.