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The NBA All Star Game comes to Chicago.
巴裏Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Where to Eat and Drink Before NBA All Star Weekend Near Downtown Chicago

Eat, drink, and celebrate like no scrub

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The NBA All Star Game comes to Chicago.
|巴裏Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago will host the NBA All Star Game on February 16 for the first time in 32 years — back then it was held at the original “Madhouse on Madison.” Chicago Stadium has since been razed as workers built theUnited Centeracross the street. Basketball’s biggest stars will be in town to hang out, along with some of the country’s biggest musicians. The event gives restaurants a chance to pander to NBA fans with pop-up bars, special basketball-themed menus, and other events.

Below is a sampling of some of the many public-facing events that will take place this week around town. The majority are downtown and in River North, but this list is not meant to be comprehensive. Beyond this, fans might see players hanging out at Soule in West Town or Avli in River North or Lincoln Park. NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is a fan of the Greek fare at Avli. Meanwhile, game is a welcome distraction for Chicago Bulls fans who welcome the All Star Break during a difficult season. Check out the picks below.

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The Fifty/50

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Wicker Park sports barthe Fifty/50is hosting a week-long All Star pop-up that runs Tuesday through Sunday. Patrons can expect two floors of 90s-era basketball decor and taped playoff games, as well as a themed menu with cocktails such as theNBA Jam-inspired “Boomshakalaka” (Midori, triple sec, lemon) and a tribute to Madonna and Dennis Rodman’s relationship called “Madge & the Worm” (vodka, malört, triple sec, lemon, cranberry). Other ‘90s Bulls players also get homages.

Fifty/50 Restaurant Group [Official Logo]

Mariposa

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Neiman Marcus’s upscale restaurantMariposaplans to host a few players from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, so eager fans can “meet and greet” while sipping specialty cocktails and trying game day menu offerings. Drinks include the “Double Dribble” (Hennessy VSOP, Grand Marnier, stone fruit) and the “Perfect Layup” (Belvedere Mango Passion vodka, lemongrass, lime), with fancy twists on game day fare like “Deviled Eggs 4 Ways” (applewood bacon, tomato jam, smoked salmon, caviar) and turkey chili (blue corn chips, pico de gallo, cheddar). Checkout the various events.

A table with food
Mariposa is going all-out for game day.
Mariposa/ettakit/Dana Ann Photography

TAO Chicago

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TAO, which is part club and part restaurant has a pair of events. On Thursday, the club will host DJ Space with tickets available at the door by doorman discretion. Folks can also makea reservation for a table. DJ Khaled will make another appearance on Friday withbottle service availablevia reservations. GA tickets are also available at the door.

TAO Chicago
TAO Chicago/Warren Jagger

Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago

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The steakhouse named for Chicago’s legendary basketball playeris an ideal spot for NBA fans. The “Space Jam Combo” features a burger (barbecue braised pork belly, pickled onions, dill pickle, stout mustard, butterkäse, aged cheddar) with fries and a “Mike’s Secret Stuff” salted-caramel milkshake.

Fremont

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Get the party started early atFremontin River North with a “Baller Brunch” in partnership with Jack Daniel’s on Saturday and Sunday. Specials include a $40 brunch buffet and $25 mimosa package, and popular sneaker producer the Shoe Surgeon will give away a pair of custom Jack Daniel’s sneakers on both days. There’ll also be sets from DJ Sean Mac & Mr. Shaw on Saturday, and DJ Heavy & Miss Meg on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

A brunch buffet
Fremont features a “Baller Brunch” buffet for $40.
Four Corners [Official Photo]

Joy District Chicago

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River North nightclub destinationJoy Districtis known for attracting celebs, and this All-Star Weekend is no different: DJ Khaled is slated to perform Saturday night, and reps also promise special appearances from “NBA stars and celebrities.” Staff are also throwing a “South Beach Day” party with music from Tory Lanez, DJ Stevie J, and DJ E Feez. A star of Khaled’s caliber is likely to draw crowds, so table reservations are a smart move.

Dance Studio

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Chicago’s largest restaurant group opened this new clubby hotspot last month in the former celeb-studded Studio Paris space in River North. Revelers can celebrate the All-Star Weekend with a Friday DJ set from venerable rapper Lil Jon and a set on Saturday from none other than the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. Finally, on Sunday there’s a dance party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a “surprise guest” to be named later. Reps note that tickets are “extremely” limited, so it’s a good idea tosnag them soon.

View this post on Instagram

All of the lights Doors at 9. #GetOutThere

A post shared byDance Studio(@dancestudiochi) on

El Che Steakhouse & Bar

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John Manion’s essential steakhouseEl Chewill celebrate the game with an opulent $159 “All-Star Parrillada platter” on Saturday and Sunday, featuring grilled beef short rib, bife angosto, sweetbreads, morcilla, chorizo, bone marrow, salsa criolla, chimichurri, and bone-in ribeye. Staff will also offer a special cocktail menu with drinks named for notable players: these include “the Greek Freak” (ouzo, orange juice, lemon juice, PBR), a reference to the Milwaukee Bucks’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and “the King” (white and spiced rum, lime juice, St. Germain, dry curacao), honoring Lakers’s star LeBron James.

A platter of meats
El Che’s “All-Star Parrillada platter”
Neil John Burger

The Fifty/50

Wicker Park sports barthe Fifty/50is hosting a week-long All Star pop-up that runs Tuesday through Sunday. Patrons can expect two floors of 90s-era basketball decor and taped playoff games, as well as a themed menu with cocktails such as theNBA Jam-inspired “Boomshakalaka” (Midori, triple sec, lemon) and a tribute to Madonna and Dennis Rodman’s relationship called “Madge & the Worm” (vodka, malört, triple sec, lemon, cranberry). Other ‘90s Bulls players also get homages.

Fifty/50 Restaurant Group [Official Logo]

Mariposa

Neiman Marcus’s upscale restaurantMariposaplans to host a few players from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, so eager fans can “meet and greet” while sipping specialty cocktails and trying game day menu offerings. Drinks include the “Double Dribble” (Hennessy VSOP, Grand Marnier, stone fruit) and the “Perfect Layup” (Belvedere Mango Passion vodka, lemongrass, lime), with fancy twists on game day fare like “Deviled Eggs 4 Ways” (applewood bacon, tomato jam, smoked salmon, caviar) and turkey chili (blue corn chips, pico de gallo, cheddar). Checkout the various events.

A table with food
Mariposa is going all-out for game day.
Mariposa/ettakit/Dana Ann Photography

TAO Chicago

TAO, which is part club and part restaurant has a pair of events. On Thursday, the club will host DJ Space with tickets available at the door by doorman discretion. Folks can also makea reservation for a table. DJ Khaled will make another appearance on Friday withbottle service availablevia reservations. GA tickets are also available at the door.

TAO Chicago
TAO Chicago/Warren Jagger

Michael Jordan's Steak House Chicago

The steakhouse named for Chicago’s legendary basketball playeris an ideal spot for NBA fans. The “Space Jam Combo” features a burger (barbecue braised pork belly, pickled onions, dill pickle, stout mustard, butterkäse, aged cheddar) with fries and a “Mike’s Secret Stuff” salted-caramel milkshake.

Fremont

Get the party started early atFremontin River North with a “Baller Brunch” in partnership with Jack Daniel’s on Saturday and Sunday. Specials include a $40 brunch buffet and $25 mimosa package, and popular sneaker producer the Shoe Surgeon will give away a pair of custom Jack Daniel’s sneakers on both days. There’ll also be sets from DJ Sean Mac & Mr. Shaw on Saturday, and DJ Heavy & Miss Meg on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

A brunch buffet
Fremont features a “Baller Brunch” buffet for $40.
Four Corners [Official Photo]

Joy District Chicago

River North nightclub destinationJoy Districtis known for attracting celebs, and this All-Star Weekend is no different: DJ Khaled is slated to perform Saturday night, and reps also promise special appearances from “NBA stars and celebrities.” Staff are also throwing a “South Beach Day” party with music from Tory Lanez, DJ Stevie J, and DJ E Feez. A star of Khaled’s caliber is likely to draw crowds, so table reservations are a smart move.

Dance Studio

Chicago’s largest restaurant group opened this new clubby hotspot last month in the former celeb-studded Studio Paris space in River North. Revelers can celebrate the All-Star Weekend with a Friday DJ set from venerable rapper Lil Jon and a set on Saturday from none other than the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. Finally, on Sunday there’s a dance party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a “surprise guest” to be named later. Reps note that tickets are “extremely” limited, so it’s a good idea tosnag them soon.

View this post on Instagram

All of the lights Doors at 9. #GetOutThere

A post shared byDance Studio(@dancestudiochi) on

El Che Steakhouse & Bar

John Manion’s essential steakhouseEl Chewill celebrate the game with an opulent $159 “All-Star Parrillada platter” on Saturday and Sunday, featuring grilled beef short rib, bife angosto, sweetbreads, morcilla, chorizo, bone marrow, salsa criolla, chimichurri, and bone-in ribeye. Staff will also offer a special cocktail menu with drinks named for notable players: these include “the Greek Freak” (ouzo, orange juice, lemon juice, PBR), a reference to the Milwaukee Bucks’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, and “the King” (white and spiced rum, lime juice, St. Germain, dry curacao), honoring Lakers’s star LeBron James.

A platter of meats
El Che’s “All-Star Parrillada platter”
Neil John Burger

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