What to Eat at Chicago’s Revival Food Hall

Revival Food Hall is about to become your new go-to lunch spot.

Last week I tagged along with my friend Carly Hurwitz from Fork This America to the preview of Revival Food Hall (125 S. Clark St.), a new 24,000-square-foot marketplace with 15 fast-casual restaurants. It’s basically a giant, amazing food court in the middle of the Loop.

Each stall was sampling a few popular menu items and cocktails in celebration of the opening, so Carly and I did some tough research trying everything (literally everything—except the ramen, which we’re still upset about). We also checked out Curbside Splendor, the super cute pop-up shop with a small curated selection of books and records from Chicago artists—very cool and conveniently located next to the bar.

(Photo courtesy of Revival Food Hall)

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find at Revival, which officially opens today, along with some of our favorite foods. I’ll definitely be back for lunch (and maybe even breakfast!) soon.

Union Squared

If you’ve been to Union Pizzeria in Evanston (or if you just love pizza), you’ll love the Detroit-style pizza at Union Squared. We tried the Quattro Formaggi—with mozzarella, brick, fontina and Parmesan cheeses—and the Mushroom—with fontina, leeks and walnut pesto. I may or may not have gone back for seconds.

(Photo courtesy of Revival Food Hall)

Furious Spoon

Choose from four types of ramen and add your own toppings: Vegetable Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen and the shop’s namesake Furious Ramen (a spicy miso based bowl).

(Photo by Zachary Johnston)

Brown Bag Seafood Co.

Get sustainable fresh fish any way you want it—in a sandwich, on a salad, in a taco, whatever. You’ll also find seasonal salads, lobster rolls, fresh juices, and our favorite: the truffle Parmesan tater tots.

The Budlong

The Budlong is the first restaurant to occupy the rotating pop-up stall, which will feature a new local, chef-driven restaurant every three months. Carly went for the fried chicken, which she described as juicy on the inside and extra crispy on the outside with a punch of heat. Go check it out before they’re gone!

(Photo by Hilary Higgins)

Graze Kitchenette

Graze is all about #balance. Come here to get a burger and fries—and an acai bowl. Burgers are grass-fed, antibiotic-free and non-GMO, served on a brioche bun with fries. Bowls are made with fresh fruits, granola and all the Instagram-worthy toppings.

Antique Taco Chiquito

We didn’t try the fish tacos, but the Rosemary Margarita was so fresh and summery. I’ll definitely be back to try some of the veggie taco options. This new location will also be serving up breakfast tacos and empanadas.

Farmer’s Fridge

Farmer’s Fridge originally started as vending machines serving fresh, handcrafted foods, and their new location is serving up healthy salads, avocado toasts and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options.

Aloha Pokê Co.

Debatably the trendiest food right now: poke bowls. You can build your own deconstructed sushi bowl at this new hot spot. If you’re stopping by for happy hour, just know that the frozen Hawaiian punch is deadly.

(Photo by Alain Milotti)

Black Dog Gelato

We’re no strangers to Black Dog Gelato (they just came by our office serving their artisanal gelato and sorbet!). My favorite was the Nutella Pretzel. Carly was all about the Pistachio.

Smoque BBQ

This award-winning melt-in-your-mouth barbecue was one of Carly’s favorites of the night: “I was 10 stalls deep and still couldn’t resist Smoque BBQ’s brisket!”

The Fat Shallot

I’m a huge grilled cheese fan, and The Fat Shallot’s Grilled Cheese with muenster cheese, sautéed spinach and caramelized onions on sourdough bread did not disappoint. I paired mine with a pickle and a Tito’s lemonade and it was basically perfect.

Danke

Grab a handcrafted sandwich over lunch, and come back for customizable meat and cheese plates paired with wines and craft beers for happy hour. I tried the Marinated Mushroom sandwich with portabella and oyster mushrooms, black lentil hummus, fontina and marinated zucchini on rye baguette.

Harvest Juicery

Detox with one of Harvest Juicery’s organic or locally sourced cold pressed juices made with fresh herbs and spices. (Not sure what to order at a juice bar? Start here.)

(Photo courtesy of Revival Food Hall)

RCB Bakery

Treats on treats on treats—all from HotChocolate chef Mindy Segal, so you know they’re good.

Revival Cafe/Bar

Whether you go for a cocktail or a draft latte from La Colombe, you can’t go wrong here.

 

Lead photo by Nick Fochtman (check out even more photos here!)