The interior of Beatnik on the River, meant to evoke the glamorous existence of the international jet set in the ’50s and ’60s, is as dramatic as anything visitors are likely to hear inside the nearby Civic Opera House. The menu is light and modern, full of vegetables and seafood to keep theatergoers alert during a long performance; there’s also brunch for before a matinee, and it’s open till 11 p.m. for a post-curtain nightcap.

Petterino’s, reopening just in time for the new theater season, evokes a more swanky era of theatergoing, when men wore suits, women wore furs, and everyone ate steaks and drank martinis while lounging in red leather banquettes. During the pandemic, ownership transferred from Lettuce Entertain You to the Good Plate Hospitality Group, but the restaurant will still serve steaks, seafood, Italian classics, and offer pre- and post-theater specials.

Everyone knows about Shake Shack and the burgers. But if diners have time, venture upstairs in the Chicago Athletic Association hotel to Cindy's for gorgeous views of the city on the roof or have a robust meal at the Cherry Circle Room, which offers old-school steakhouse charm, including a traveling bar cart. Planners should make a reservation at the exclusive Milk Room bar for a seating before or after the show for small bites and some of the city's most creative drinks. You can play pool and other parlor games in the Game Room, too.

Billy Lawless' Michigan Avenue mainstay has a great bar, accommodates groups, and serves upscale bar food like fish and chips and steaks. The service here is also top notch, as they're used to accommodating folks who have theater plans after their meal.

The Italian Village, open since 1927, boasts that it’s Chicago's oldest Italian restaurant, though it’s actually three restaurants that share one kitchen. La Cantina, the steakhouse, and Vivere, the contemporary option, are still temporarily closed, but the oldest of the three, The Village, is open once again and serving pizza, pasta, Parmesans, and other red-sauce classics in a dining room that looks like a stage set of a Tuscan village.

Where else will you find Smoque BBQ, Art of Dosa, and Lito’s Empanadas under one roof? The dazzling array of fast-casual spots make Revival a runaway hit. But be sure to check the hours, as not every stall shares the same opening and closing times; most, however, are open until at least 7 p.m.

On the ground floor of Block 37 shops, the Lawless sisters, Amy and Clodagh, have created a lively restaurant and tavern that tourists would be lucky to stumble upon. There's creativity in how they serve their meats, which come with a choice of sauces, and you can also snack on a good raw seafood selection.

Brightwok Kichen offers a vibrant selection of sauces that add heat and flavor to customizable stir-fries. The quick-service restaurant is a great choice for vegans, vegetarians, and those under a time crunch — don't forget to try one of their unique beverages like a custom-brewed non-alcoholic ginger beer from Filbert’s Soda Co. on the South Side.

A Chicago classic that specializes in German-American food and beer, The Berghoff serves small bites at the bar as well as wiener schnitzel, brats and other specialties. The downstairs cafe is still closed, but the main restaurant and bar have reopened.

For theatergoers in a hurry or on a budget, Cafecito, just around the corner from the Auditorium Theatre, serves up excellent pressed Cuban sandwiches with a variety of fillings beyond the classic Cubano, including ham, chorizo, guava, and plantain. There’s also a large selection of vegan options and extremely delicious café con leche.