Do Lollapalooza, Lettuce-Style

Plan your ultimate concert weekend, from pre-festival eats, to after parties and pick-me-ups

It’s almost Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago! The annual summer celebration, Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3, is not only four days of live music, it’s also the perfect excuse to eat well. Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch, a classy dinner with friends visiting from out of town, an easy carryout or delivery option pre- or post-Lolla, or a quick bite on the way to the festival, we’ve got you covered!

Specials for Lollapalooza

The deep dish pizza at Beatrix Market Lollapalooza Patio Pop-Up at Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop
WHEN: Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3
Make Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop your one-stop shop on the way to Lollapalooza! From Thursday, July 31 – Friday, August 1, skip the line inside and grab Beatrix Coffee Roasters Cold Brew Cans, Beatrix Hibiscus Ginger or Ginger Lime Kombucha, sparkling water and soda to-go from the patio grab & go pop-up. Canned cocktails are also available: Canned Margarita ($9) , Canned Vodka Soda ($8) and High Noon ($7). Plus, enjoy a bite enroute to the festival with slices or personal Deep Dish Pizzas, hot and ready-to-go right out front of Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop on Jackson Blvd.! The Lollapalooza Patio Pop-Up will be open Thursday – Friday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, while supplies last.
This event is first come, first served

Lollapalooza Cold Brew & Kombucha Cart at Beatrix – River North
WHEN: Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3
Skip the coffee bar line with the Cold Brew & Kombucha Cart at Beatrix – River North! Pop by the patio on Clark Street on the way to Lollapalooza for Beatrix Coffee Roasters Cold Brew Cans, Beatrix Hibiscus Ginger or Ginger Lime Kombucha and house-made Spicy Strawberry Lemonade, all ice cold and ready-to-go. The Cold Brew & Kombucha Cart will be open Thursday – Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, while supplies last.
This event is first come, first served

$1 Fro-Yo at Rotisserie Ema
WHEN: Friday, August 1: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Stop by Rotisserie Ema on your way to the festival for $1 Frozen Greek Yogurt with olive oil & sea salt, or $2 Fro-Yo with Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce or Pistachio Sauce w/ Crumbled Cinnamon Phyllo, between 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM!

*Valid while supplies last. One per person. Available from Rotisserie Ēma (74 W Illinois St.) only.

Where to fuel up pre-festival

Aba – Chicago
It’s a spritz girl summer at Aba, where starting at 11:00 AM on Friday and 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday, you can lunch, brunch and to build your own Spritz Tower (includes 8 drinks) from a selection of seasonal spritz options. Choose from a traditional Aperol Spritz or switch things up with a Hugo Spritz with St. Germain or a Greek G&T with Stray Dog Gin, lemon and simple syrup. After the festival, join Aba on the patio for cocktails guaranteed to keep the good vibes going as you dip into a Smoky Garlic Hummus for the table. Aba is open until 10:00 PM on Thursday and Sunday, and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Plus, don’t be surprised if you spot the likes of Maneskin or Kendall Jenner while you’re there.

Make a reservation at Aba – Chicago

Beatrix
Fuel up for the day at Beatrix all weekend long with weekday breakfast and weekend brunch options, including the Ranchero Breakfast Burrito, Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich, Migas Egg Scramble and Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes. In a hurry to get to the first set? Stop by the Beatrix coffee bar at all locations for cold brew, hand-crafted coffee drinks, fresh-squeezed juices and house-made pastries to enjoy on the way.

Make a reservation at the Beatrix location nearest you

Ema – River North
Hit up the patio at Ema – River North starting at 11:00 AM daily to enjoy Mediterranean mezze and hand-crafted cocktails. Stop by for weekend brunch and sip a Harissa Bloody Mary or Wake Up Call espresso martini while sharing Blueberry Clafoutis, Alba Cinnamon Butter Cake, Kefta & Eggs, Soft Scrambled Eggs and more before heading to the show! Brunch options are available Saturday and Sunday only. Every Sunday, enjoy four exclusive Sunday Spritzes, including the Rosso Fragola—made with strawberry-infused select aperitivo and topped with prosecco.

Make a reservation at Ema – River North

Gus’ Sip & Dip
Pre-party at the newest cocktail go-to in River North, recently named one of Bon Appetit‘s “Best New Bars in America,” where the menu of 30 classic cocktails are a cool $12 each, plus tax. Fair warning: Gus’ opens at noon on Fridays and Saturdays, and once you’re in, you’re going to be tempted to stay all day. Keep an eye on the Lolla schedule so you don’t miss your fave artist because of the incredible vibes here!
Gus’ Sip & Dip is first-come, first-served

Tallboy Taco
Tacos are a perfect on-the-go meal! Pick up a Taco Kit or Margarita Kit from Tallboy Taco for a pre-game at yours, which has everything you need to feed your festival crew! Or, swing by on your way downtown to down a few of your favorite tacos (Chicken Chimichurri, Crispy Shrimp, and Birria Short Rib, just to name a few) along with a margarita or two, and be on your merry way. Stop by from 3:00 – 5:00 PM for $5 Tallboy Margaritas and Nachitos, plus $3 Tacos all day on Sunday!

Order Tallboy Taco for pick-up or delivery

Where to keep the party going

Three Dots and a Dash
Continue the party at Three Dots and a Dash! Order up one of the large format cocktails for your crew to share including the Sippopotamus (great for 2-3 people) or the Bali Bali, made for groups of 5-6. Don’t forget a round of Shotstapus!

Make a reservation for Three Dots and a Dash

Ramen-san – River North
In search of late-night bites with a side of fun? Ramen-san in River North is open until 12:00 AM on Thursday, 1:00 AM Friday – Saturday and 11:00 PM on Sunday. Come for blast chilled Asahi Cold Draft and Sake Bombs, stay for the Late Night Fried Rice (available starting at 9:00 PM).

Make a reservation for Ramen-san – River North

When you need a pick-me-up before day 3

Bub City
The all-new weekend brunch at Bub City is the place to be! From 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, tuck into signatures like Golden Fluffy Pancake, Breakfast Tostadas, Three Egg Breakfast and the Bacon, Egg & Cheeseburger. Come in on early side to enjoy Hangover Happy Hour, featuring $6, plus tax, Bloody Marys and Espresso Martinis—available from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Make a reservation at Bub City

Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Tapas-meets-brunch, and make it bottomless! For $30 per person, in addition to the purchase of a brunch tapa, plus tax (gratuity not included), you can enjoy 90 minutes of endless Classic Red or White Peach Sangria (dine-in only). Pair your sangria with dishes like Brunch Patatas Bravas, featuring spicy potatoes with tomato aioli and a sunny side up egg, and Torrijas, (Spanish-style French toast) topped with a blueberry lemon compote and whipped cream. The brunch menu is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM.

Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago
Let’s face it: Attending Lolla – or any musica festival – is exhausting. If you need a little energy boost, grab a seat at the Oyster Bar and order an Espresso Martini from Shaw’s Crab House! (Fans of The Bear, take note: The cast, including Matty Matheson, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Lionel Boyce, are regulars at this iconic River North seafood spot!)

Make a reservation at Shaw’s Crab House

Summer House – Lincoln Park
Summer House’s weekend brunch menu is packed with Cali-Mex breakfast delights and an irresistible variety of classics including pancakes and waffles. Enjoy Breakfast Tostadas, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, the Vegan Breakfast Burrito, or Potato Salad Deviled Eggs. Pair with a Bloody Mary featuring candied bacon, pickled tomatillo, and Spiteful Brewing Lager, or a classic mimosa or espresso martini. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Before you head downtown, stop by The Cookie Bar to treat yourself with a Dubai Chocolate Cookie!

Make a reservation at Summer House

Sushi-san – River North, Lincoln Park
Grab a seat at the sushi bar at Sushi-san to enjoy a few hand rolls made with the freshest sushi fish in Chicago while jamming to a playlist full of classics from ‘90s and noughties rap and R&B. (Pro tip: Don’t miss the $38 Lunch at Sushi-san – Lincoln Park. It’ll bring you – and your wallet! – back to life!)

Make a reservation for Sushi-san – River North
Make a reservation for Sushi-san – Lincoln Park

The Oakville Grill and Cellar
When nothing but a good, hearty meal will do, stop into The Oakville Grill and Cellar to re-fuel with a Napa Caesar Salad, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Faroe Islands Salmon, and more.

Make a reservation at the Oakville Grill and Cellar

Where you might spot a celeb

Bub City
You never know who you’ll run into at our go-to for BBQ, whiskey and live music! Singer-songwriter Dasha popped up for live performance at Bub City – River North during Lollapalooza in 2024, and the low-key country vibes attract a host of celebs all year-round. Jason Momoa was spotted pouring shots of his Meili vodka behind the bar, and actor Jon Hamm recently took the stage during Wednesday Night Live Band Karaoke for lively renditions of “Sweet Caroline,” “Friends in Low Places,” and more!

Make a reservation at Bub City – River North

RPM Steak, RPM Seafood, RPM Italian
Dine like a celebrity at your favorite RPM restaurant over Lolla weekend. If you feel like treating yourself, try one of the many Wagyu steak options at RPM Steak, which draws celeb fans such as Bad Bunny, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer and Jack Harlow. Enjoy lobster while perched above the Chicago River at the RPM Seafood patio, a favorite spot for Drake, Randy Gerber and Cindy Crawford, and Anderson Paak. Or, feast on elevated pasta dishes at RPM Italian, where you might just see Justin and Hailey Bieber, Mariah Carey or Chris Rock.

Make a reservation at RPM Steak
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood
Make a reservation at RPM Italian

Miru
Drake was spotted “enjoying” a bottle of Jeppson’s Malört – a historic spirit native to Chicago – at Miru. Located in The St. Regis Chicago with sweeping views of the city, this beautiful restaurant will have you feeling like a million bucks.

Make a reservation at Miru

Tre Dita
At one of the hottest spots in town, you’re bound to run into a Lollapalooza headliner, or at least get to eat like one! Order like a celebrity and enjoy the Tagliatelle Al Ragú, Branzino Alla Brace and Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, a 60-day dry-aged 42 oz prime porterhouse with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. Wash down your luxurious meal with a signature cocktail or bottle of wine recommended by an expert sommelier. You might even see The Bear’s Corey Hendrix!

Make a reservation at Tre Dita

Where to go to avoid the crowds

If your plan is to steer clear of the crowds on Lollapalooza weekend, we get it. Try one of these spots!

Boat Catering by Pizzeria Portofino
If you’re skipping the festival heat and crowds in favor of a day on the lake or the Chicago River, let Pizzeria Portofino cater right to your yacht! All your favorites, including Rigatoni Vodka, Crispy Parmesan Fries, and Charred Pepperoni Pizza are available for dock-side pickup or full on-boat service. (Pricing varies based on guest count and individual needs. Boat catering must be booked 48 hours in advance.)

Order from the Boat Catering Menu at Pizzeria Portofino

R.J. Grunts
Escape downtown and head to Lincoln Park for Happy Hour. R.J. Grunts is now offering Late Night Happy Hour on Thursday – Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM featuring a new menu of classic cocktails including dirty martinis, cosmos and old fashioneds along with craft beers and wine for $5.

Make a reservation at R.J. Grunts

Need more Happy Hour inspo? Check out Lettuce’s guide to the best drink specials.

Mon Ami Gabi
Sit back, relax, and enjoy some French classics. Start with the buttery Escargot de Bourgogne before moving on to Prime Steak Frites adorned with one of five sauce options. A little Chocolate Mousse for dessert and you might just feel like you went to Paris for the evening.

Make a reservation for Mon Ami Gabi

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge
Looking to get out of the city entirely? L. Woods is your spot. Along with the new Frozen ‘Sconnie Old Fashioned, try one of the nightly specials or opt for signatures like the Barbecue Brisket Burger, Creekstone Beef Ribs, or Buffalo Wings. Finish up with a slice of Key Lime pie served icebox cold.

Make a reservation for L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge

Order Pick-Up or Delivery on the LettuceEats® App

LettuceEats® App for Pick-Up or Delivery
Want to order pick-up or delivery and truly avoid the crowds that Lollapalooza brings? See what to-go options are available closest to you with estimated delivery/pick-up times and delivery fees on the LettuceEats® App.