It’s always an honor to be nominated—but who doesn’t like to actually win? Time Out Market Chicago is among the illustrious nominees for Best Food Hall in USA Today's 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and not to toot our own horns, but toot! A 50,000-square-foot food and cultural epicenter located at 916 W Fulton Market in the heart of the West Loop, Time Out Market Chicago has been welcoming food-loving locals and visitors alike since November 2019 and in the years since, it has become a true monument to the vibrant, energetic and delicious city around it. With all of that in mind, here are five reasons Time Out Market Chicago deserves your vote as the best food hall in America.
1. Because it represents the best and brightest of one of the world’s greatest cities
From its food-and-drink scene to its cultural institutions to its lively neighborhoods, Chicago is one of the globe’s most-loved cities. And you can feel that love stretched across all 50,000 square feet of Time Out Market Chicago, which packs in more than 15 eateries, three bars, a rooftop terrace and a video-installation wall into one space that encompasses the best dining, drinks and culture that Chicago has to offer, all under one roof.
2. It’s always changing its lineup, so no two visits are ever the same
Chicago is an ever-changing town, which means that its food halls need to be fired up and flexible to keep up with that pace. As such, Time Out Market Chicago is an always evolving concept, with a rotating list of chef-driven vendors featured at the Market as well as a constantly changing array of activations and events each month. That means that, from Roman pizza to Dubai chocolate, the Market can satisfy whatever your most recent craving is.
3. Because there’s always something fun and unexpected going on
Sure, those dine-and-drink vendors are a major draw for Time Out Market Chicago, but the food hall is so much more than food. The Market always keeps its social calendar packed with exciting things to do each week, from intimate concerts to art showcases, from drag performances to comedy nights, from pop-up markets to craft workshops. Heck, there’s even an entire arcade bar set on the second floor! From family-friendly afternoons to an extra-long date night, you can easily plan a full day of activities without having to leave the building.
4. Because the outside is just as lively as the interiors
Speaking of the building, Time Out Market Chicago is the rare food hall that boasts sprawling outdoor space, from the expansive outdoor patio with a front-row seat to bustling Fulton Market, to the all-season Tony’s Rooftop Bar with sweeping views of that famous Chicago skyline. With twinkling lights hung above and a refreshing signature cocktail in hand, is there any better way to soak in the city’s stunning architectural gems?
5. Because Time Out knows what it’s talking about
For nearly six decades, Time Out has been the name when it comes to discovering the best things to do in the world’s top cities. And just like the brand’s publications, its Markets are also curated by a team of top-rate editors who meticulously vet the food stalls and help plan activations to ensure each venue is up to the Time Out editorial team's high standards. And that’s certainly the case with Time Out Market Chicago—the Time Out Chicago editors spend their days narrowing down what to eat, where to go and how best to spend your time in this glorious city, and that admittedly nerdy care and consideration is clear every time you walk through the Market.
You can vote once per day until polls close on Monday, April 14 at noon ET. The winning food halls, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 23. Go vote for Time Out Market Chicago here!