The best food halls in Chicago

Yes, this may be our food hall, but we still think it's Chicago's best! We've rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market featuring more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. Our mission is simple: Bring Time Out Chicago to life with the help of our favorite chefs, the ones who wow us again and again. You'll find delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, mouthwatering burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird and extravagant milkshakes from JoJo's shakeBAR. If you're thirsty, sit down at one of the Market's bars to enjoy a menu of local beer, a robust wine list or a creative seasonal cocktail.

One of the city's most popular food halls, Revival Food Hall, changed operators and names this summer. Loop workers are spoiled by the lineup of hip restaurants and culinary concepts here, including the Fat Shallot, Art of Dosa and Table, Donkey & Stick offshoot Danke. Sterling has also been a launch pad for ghost kitchen concepts, debuting physical storefronts for former upstarts like Minahasa and Boonie Foods. If you just need a drink, swing by the cafe bar for coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening.

A food hall before the concept became super trendy, what this West Loop dining institution lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in vendor variety, with a whopping 24 stalls offering everything from sushi and bahn mi to empanadas and macarons. You can even get dim sum and Aussie pies. Best of all, the French Market's proximity to Union Station and Ogilvie makes it a top choice for those catching trains in and out of the city.

This food hall concept nestled inside the Old Post Office comes to us from 16” on Center, the hospitality group behind popular spots like Longman & Eagle and Pizza Friendly Pizza. Housed inside the historic Old Post Office building, From Here On provides tasty fare morning, day or night. Visitors may be familiar with the space’s most prominent tenant, Tempesta Market, but there are plenty of other satisfying options. We’re big fans of the crispy quesabirria from Flo’s Kitchen, as well as Hot Chi Chicken’s spicy sandwiches. For those who need a drink after work, post up at Snorkelbox for a menu of thoughtful cocktails, draft beers and wines by the bottle or glass.

Originally the first Chicago outpost of New York-based Urbanspace, the rebranded Washington Hall has become one of the largest food halls in Chicago. Centrally located in the Loop, the food hall feeds hungry workers a bevy of local favorites alongside exciting upstarts. You can look forward to The Happy Lobster’s luscious lobster sandwiches, mango lassi from Bhoomi's Indian grill, a classic dog from the Chicago Dog House and much more.

Head west of Chinatown to discover this enormous Asian grocery store loaded with delicious delights. On the second floor, guests will encounter an expansive food court that offers all sorts of bites. Sushi lovers can indulge in bluefin otoro, creamy uni and seared wagyu at 312 Fish Market, while carnivores would do well to snag a roast duck or barbecue pork at BBQ King 88. And if you're still hungry, pick up a Korean dog from Ssong's Hotdog. 

Brendan Sodikoff—the guy behind Chicago institutions Au Cheval and Bavette's—offers his take on the food hall with this stunner that spans two floors of Mag Mile mall 900 North Michigan Shops. The kitchens here are all operated by Sodikoff's restaurant group, Hogsalt Hospitality, so don't expect to find any old-school Chicago gems. Even so, there's plenty to ponder, with eats that range from Small Cheval cheeseburgers and al pastor tacos to ramen and cacio e pepe. Guests order from sleek touch screens before making their way to the corresponding "vault" (or kitchen) to pick up their grub.

Tucked away in the basement of Chinatown’s HeungSeng Square (formerly Richland Center) is a wonderland of Asian flavors. This no-frills food court is home to various mom-and-pop stalls and we recommend bringing companions along so you can try a little bit of everything.  Our favorites include the okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) from Kylin Teppanyaki. But the can’t-miss is the namesake dish at 3 Sauces Hainam Chicken Rice, which features poached chicken thighs served with jus-flavored rice and a trio of dipping sauces.

You could easily spend an entire day wandering around this two-story Italian superstore, but we recommend planning your trip around lunch or dinner to get the full experience. Grazers can snack on charcuterie and cheese, coffee fans can get a cup at Caffè Lavazza and leisurely diners can book a table at Vino &..., a full-service restaurant that showcases the market's freshest produce and Italian ingredients. On your way out, grab a bottle of Italian wine and a cannoli to go.