Lollapalooza Weekend, Lettuce-Style
Your ultimate concert agenda, from pre-festival eats, to after parties and pick-me-ups
It’s almost Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago! The annual summer music festival, Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2, 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 fun dinner with friends visiting from out of town, easy carryout or delivery options pre- or post-Lolla, or a quick bite on the way, we’ve got you covered!
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Pre-Festival Eats | Where to Spot A Celeb | After-Parties | Day 3 Pick-Me-Ups | Where to Avoid the Crowds | Order Pick-Up or Delivery
Specials for Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza Patio Pop-Up at Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop
- When: Thursday, July 30 – Friday, July 31, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (*Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop is closed on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2.)
- Location: Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop, 23 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
- Details: Pop by the patio for Beatrix Market must-haves and samples from some of your go-to brands, stop by the coffee and pastry counter for breakfast on-the-go, or grab a quick lunch with a Personal Deep Dish Pizza! This event is first-come, first-served.
- When: Thursday, July 30 – Friday, July 31 at Beatrix – Loop (weekday breakfast only); Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2 at Beatrix – River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market; Hours vary by location
- Location: Beatrix – River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market, Loop (see website for addresses)
- Details: Fuel up with Lollapalooza specials featuring your choice of Ranchero Breakfast Burrito with cheesy scrambled eggs, sweet corn, quinoa, charred poblano, black bean and hash browns or Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich, PLUS your choice of Spicy Bloody Mary or Beatrix Espresso Martini for $23.95, plus tax (gratuity not included). Specials available for dine-in only during weekday breakfast and weekend brunch (River North, Streeterville and Fulton Market only; Loop closed weekends).
Make a reservation at the Beatrix location nearest you
$1 FroYo Friday at Rotisserie Ema
- When: Friday, July 31: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Rotisserie Ēma, 74 W. Illinois St., Chicago
- Details: Frozen Greek Yogurt with Olive Oil & Sea Salt for $ 1 each, plus tax, or FroYo with Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce or Pistachio Sauce for $2 each, plus tax. *Valid while supplies last. One per person. Available from Rotisserie Ēma (74 W Illinois St.) only. This event is first-come, first-served
Where to fuel up pre-festival
Aba – Chicago
Get Euro summer vibes going at Aba, where weekday lunch starts at 11:00 AM and weekend brunch begins at 10:00 AM. Share a Spritz Tower (8 drinks!) with selections such as Cucumber & Mint, Watermelon & Fennel, Passiflora and Hibiscus & Blueberry. Post-fest, hit the patio for some Smoky Garlic Hummus!
Make a reservation at Aba – Chicago
Beatrix
Fuel up for the day at Beatrix all weekend long with breakfast and weekend brunch options, including 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
Decker’s Sourdough Bagels
On Saturday, July 25, head to Wildfire – Chicago in River North from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM to snag some of Chicago’s most in-demand hand-rolled artisan bagels, perfectly paired with house-whipped cream cheese spreads. Enjoy inside or on the patio before heading to Lolla. Sandwiches like the viral Decker’s Bacon, Egg & Cheese with Hot Honey and fresh-baked pastries are also available.
Pre-order Decker’s Sourdough Bagels for pickup at Wildfire – Chicago
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, Kefta & Eggs, and more before heading to the show!
Make a reservation at Ema – River North
Gus’ Sip & Dip
Pre-party at this River North go-to, recently named No. 27 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Fair warning: Sip & Dip opens at noon on Fridays and Saturdays, and once you’re in, the menu of 30 classic cocktails for just $12 each, plus delicious dipped sandwiches, is going to tempt you to stay all day!
Gus’ Sip & Dip is first-come, first-served
Shaw’s Oyster Bar at Shaw’s Crab House
Stop into Shaw’s Crab House for Happy Hour in the Oyster Bar from 3:00 – 5:00 PM for half-priced oysters on the half shell and other food and drinks specials, then stay for Thursday Night Live Music, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM before hitting Lolla for the headliners!
Make a reservation at Shaw’s Oyster Bar
Tallboy Taco
Pick up a Taco Kit or Margarita Kit from Tallboy Taco for a pre-game at yours, or swing by on your way downtown to down a few faves (Chicken Chimichurri, Crispy Shrimp, and Birria Short Rib, to name a few) along with a margarita or two. 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 you might spot a celeb
Bub City – River North
You never know who you’ll run into at our low-key spot for BBQ, whiskey and live music! Singer-songwriter Dasha popped up for a live performance in 2024, Jason Momoa went behind the bar to pour shots of his Meili vodka, and Jon Hamm took the stage during Live Band Karaoke to belt out “Sweet Caroline” and “Friends in Low Places”!
Make a reservation at Bub City – River North
Miru
Lainey Wilson just grabbed lunch at this all-day Japanese spot during Windy City Smokeout, and Drake was spotted “enjoying” a bottle of Jeppson’s Malört – a historic spirit native to Chicago – there. Located on the 11th floor of The St. Regis Chicago with sweeping views of the city, Miru will have you feeling like a million bucks.
Pizzeria Portofino
This riverfront restaurant is a literal celeb magnet, with the likes of Darren Criss, Bryan Cranston, and Alex Warren recently stopping by, and Lollapalooza acts such as Brigitte Calls Me Baby relaxing on the patio post-show with pizza, pasta and spritzes. Order the new Lambrughini cocktail, made with supermodel Ashley Graham’s Lucci Lambrusco, for a refreshing summer sip!
Make a reservation at Pizzeria Portofino
RPM Restaurants
Indulge in one of the many wagyu steak options at RPM Steak, which draws celeb fans such as Bad Bunny, Megan Maroney, and John Mayer, as well as previous Lolla acts such as Destroy Boys. Enjoy lobster while perched above the Chicago River on the RPM Seafood patio, a favorite spot of Randy Gerber and Cindy Crawford, and Anderson Paak. Or, feast on elevated pasta dishes at RPM Italian, where you might 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
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! Enjoy 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. Pair your luxurious meal with a signature cocktail or bottle of wine recommended by an expert sommelier. Recently spotted celebs include Oprah Winfrey, Camila Marrone, and Conan O’Brien.
Make a reservation at Tre Dita
Where to keep the party going
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club
This opulent new cocktail lounge in River North is the talk of the town, so when you’re ready for a break from sweaty crowds and beer in plastic cups, take your evening here for velvet sofas and ice cold martinis from the trolley, plus more impeccably made cocktails from the -16° walk-in cold room, such as the 20th Century.
Make a reservation at Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club
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 – Chicago
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, and the Bacon, Egg & Cheeseburger. Plus, enjoy Hangover Happy Hour, featuring $6, plus tax, Bloody Marys and Espresso Martinis—available until 1:00 PM.
Make a reservation at Bub City – Chicago
Crying Tiger
Need an energy boost? Book an early seat at Southeast Asian hotspot Crying Tiger (open at 3:00 PM) to wake up your senses with a Spiced Vietnamese Coffee or Number One Thai Iced Tea, along with a few of Chef Partner Thai Dang’s signature shareables such as Prawn Toast, Sugarcane Beef, Panang Curry and more.
Make a reservation at Crying Tiger
Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Nothing kick starts a party like bottomless brunch! For $30 per person, in addition to the purchase of a brunch tapa, plus tax (gratuity not included), enjoy 90 minutes of Bottomless Sangria, with a choice of Classic Red or White Peach Sangria (dine-in only). Available Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM.
Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Sushi-san – River North, Lincoln Park
Jam to a playlist of classic rap and R&B over the $21 Express Lunch or $38 Lincoln Park Lunch (exclusive to Sushi-san – Lincoln Park). They’ll bring you – and your wallet! – back to life. (Psst: Sushi-san is another low-key celeb favorite…LeBron James, Tems, Zooey Deschanel and Jennifer Connelly are just a few high-profile fans.)
Make a reservation for Sushi-san – River North | Make a reservation for Sushi-san – Lincoln Park
The Cookie Bar by Summer House
Summer House’s beloved oversized cookies now have their very own freestanding location in Streeterville, also serving coffee, soft-serve, shakes and more. Before you head to Lolla, stop by to treat yourself! Check out Cookie Happy Hour from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM when the Cookie of the Day is available for $3 each, plus tax.
View the menu and order online from The Cookie Bar by Summer House
The Oakville Grill & 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. Windy City Smokeout headliner Jon Pardi and up-and-comer Carter Faith have brunched here before hitting the Smokeout stage!
Make a reservation at the Oakville Grill & Cellar
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’ Late Night Happy Hour is Thursday – Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM featuring a selection of classic cocktails including dirty martinis, cosmos and old fashioneds, along with craft beers and wine, all for just $5 each.
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 a Frozen ‘Sconnie Old Fashioned, try one of the nightly specials or opt for signatures like the Barbecue Brisket Burger, Wagyu 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.
Learn more about the LettuceEats® App.
For more ways to make the most of summer and Lollapalooza weekend, explore Lettuce’s guide to the best patios and Happy Hours.
