Lettuce Plan Your Chicago Air & Water Show Weekend

Wings, Waves, and Wonderful Eats

Hey, Chicago! The Chicago Air & Water Show is coming up on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, and we’re here to help you plan a perfect day filled with stunning aerial displays, thrilling water stunts, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you’re a seasoned Air & Water Show enthusiast or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered from brunch to happy hour. Here’s how to do it right.

Brunch with a View

The best way to kick off your day? Brunch with a view! Head over to the terrace at Miru, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch spread of Japanese-inspired dishes while taking in panoramic views of the show. Sip on the 1871 Bloody Mary, savor the signature Tokyo Brunch, and get ready for the excitement to unfold in the sky above.

View the brunch menu at Miru
Make a brunch reservation at Miru

Lakefront Picnic Perfection

Want to get up close to the action by the lake? Pack a picnic and enjoy the show from the shoreline. Our Lettuce Restaurants have everything you need to create the perfect lakeside feast, just order on the LettuceEats app and pick up your goodies on the way.

Some delicious options to consider:
R.J. Grunts’ sandwiches and wraps are perfect for a picnic.

View the menu at R.J. Grunts
Order carryout from R.J. Grunts

Pick up a Banana Bread Cold Brew or Miso Caramel Cold Brew at Beatrix featuring Beatrix Coffee Roasters in-house draft brew, and choose a few pastries to enjoy during the show such as the Lemon Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Angel Food Muffin and more.

Order carryout from the Beatrix location nearest you

Sushi-san’s ready-to-enjoy sushi sets feature a variety of rolls and nigiri.

View the menu at Sushi-san
Order carryout from Sushi-san

Just a 15 minute walk from Oak Street Beach, Tallboy Taco is the perfect spot to cool off after the Air & Water show. Fly over for $5 (plus tax, gratuity not included) Margaritas and Nachitos from 3 PM – 5 PM during Happy Hour. Looking for something to eat during the show? Make it a taco picnic with Taco Kit featuring hand-pressed tortillas, choice of two proteins (carne asada, chicken chimichurri, birria or al pastor), assorted toppings, fresh guacamole, corn fundido and housemade chips, plus Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert. Order the taco kit for two people for $59.95, plus tax or four people for $99.95, plus tax. Orders must be placed by 10:00 AM the day of.

See the menu at Tallboy Taco
Order a taco kit to-go from Tallboy Taco

Here’s more inspo to take your picnic to the next level!

Pro tip: Grab some extra napkins – things can get a little breezy by the water!

Patios Made for Plane Spotting

Make plans to join Ema in River North for mezze favorites including hummus, spreads, kebabs and more, with weekend brunch exclusives available every Saturday & Sunday. Sit back and enjoy the show on the patio with one of four exclusive Sunday Spritzes, available for $15 each, plus tax (gratuity not included), all day on Sunday!

View the menu at Ema – River North
Order carryout from Ema – River North

Just a short stroll from the lakefront, Mon Ami Gabi is the perfect place to enjoy the show from afar. Savor sunshine as you dine on the patio, available on a first-come, first-served basis, or cozy into a banquette inside the bistro. Mon Ami Gabi is open for dinner at 4:00 PM on Saturdays and 2:00 PM on Sundays.

View the menu at Mon Ami Gabi
Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi

After-Show Eats & Drinks

Once the planes have landed and the boats are docked, it’s time to refuel. The show ends around 3:00 PM, the perfect time to make your way to your favorite Lettuce spot serving up weekend happy hour deals:

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s happy hour is available Saturday and Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and features $22 Sangria pitchers, $4 Estrella Damm bottles, $1.50 pintxos, tapas from $3 to $5, and more in the bar area – first come, first served, plus tax (gratuity not included).

View the happy hour menu at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Osteria Via Stato has half-priced Roman-style pizzas and select wines by the glass on Saturday from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

View the happy hour menu at Osteria Via Stato
Make a happy hour reservation at Osteria Via Stato

R.J. Grunts offers Late Night Happy Hour on Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM featuring classic cocktails including dirty martinis, cosmos and old fashioneds along with craft beers and wine for $5.