Lettuce Plan Your Chicago Air & Water Show Weekend

Wings, waves, and wonderful eats

Hey, Chicago! The Chicago Air & Water Show is coming up Saturday, August 15 – Sunday, August 16, and we’re here to help you plan a perfect weekend 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

Kick off your day with brunch and a view! Head over to the terrace at Miru in the St. Regis Chicago, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch spread of Japanese-inspired dishes while taking in panoramic views of the show.

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 options to consider:

Pick up an order of Decker’s Sourdough Bagels, popping up at Wildfire in River North on Saturday, August 15, and enjoy your sourdough bagels, house-whipped cream cheese spreads, and breakfast sandwiches with a view.

View the menu at Decker’s Sourdough Bagels
Pre-order Decker’s Sourdough BagelsR.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 Sugar Cookie Cold Brew at Beatrix, 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. Catch $5 Margaritas and Nachitos during Happy Hour (3 PM – 5 PM), or grab a Taco Kit picnic to go. Feed two for $59.95 or four for $99.95, plus tax. Order 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 and Sunday.

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

Just a short stroll from the lakefront, Mon Ami Gabi- Lincoln Park 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 opens on Saturdays at 4:00 PM and Sundays at 11:00 AM.

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

Get a front row seat to the action along the riverfront at RPM Seafood! With a delicious Lunch with a View menu offered Thursday – Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy delicious bites and unbeatable views.

View the menu at RPM Seafood
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood

Catch the Show from the Water

Make your boat day a front-row experience with Pizzeria Portofino’s Boat Catering Menu, featuring signature favorites ready for carryout straight to your boat while you enjoy the show from the water.

View the Pizzeria Portofino Boat Catering Menu
Place your Pizzeria Portofino Boat Catering Order

Cater Your Watch Party

Hosting an Air & Water Show watch party? Whether you’re on a rooftop or patio, let us handle the catering so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Check out summer catering ideas from Lettuce!

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 $23 Sangria pitchers, $4 Estrella Damm bottles, $1.50 pintxos, tapas from $3 – 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.