Where to Eat Near The United Center in Chicago, IL
The United Center is so much more than the largest arena in the country. It’s also in the epicenter of Chicago where there are countless food scenes emerging, which means endless dining options for you when you’re in town for a Bulls game or a concert. When you find yourself near the United Center, whether it’s for a game, a show, or simply because you’re visiting, we’ve located some great restaurants that you can enjoy.
Billy Goat Tavern
1535 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9132
Billy Goat Tavern has become famous for its burgers and other classic American eats. The interior is spacious with seating at the bar as well as throughout the dining room. Sports games are on the many TVs, and some evenings are met with trivia. Head right to the counter to place your order. Breakfast and lunch menus hang from the ceiling, and we highly recommend the Chicago Style Italian Beef. It’s diner food with a spin, and we’re here for it.
Sinha
2018 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 491-8200
You’re not going to find a restaurant like Sinha anywhere else in Chicago. The restaurant has been converted from a brick home, so it still has the feel of a house. The Brazilian heritage is rich, and you’ll find a buffet that allows you to explore rice, beans, salad, and more. From there, you can also order main dishes, including the Shrimp Bobo made with fresh shrimp. When they say home-cooked, they aren’t kidding.
Palace Grill Restaurant
1408 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-9529
Palace Grill is an old-fashioned diner with sports memorabilia all over the walls. There’s plenty of indoor seating as well as a patio with umbrella-covered tables. Breakfast and lunch have been served here daily since 1938. It’s home to the three-egg omelet as well as plenty of classics. We happen to be huge fans of the comfort classics, which include an open-faced meatloaf, complete with mashed potatoes and brown gravy.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
1364 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 982-2840
When you want to play with your food, Gyu-Kaku is the place to go. You’ll have the ability to grill your own food at the table. There are built-in grills at every table, allowing you to have some fun. There’s a relaxed vibe throughout, and everything is stunningly decorated with wood accents. Beef, pork, poultry, and even seafood are available to toss on the grill, though there are also plenty of rice and noodle dishes if you’re not interested in doing the cooking.
Viaggio Restaurant
1027 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 829-3333
Viaggio is a stylish restaurant where you’ll find Italian American cuisine on the menu. You’ll find white linen on the tables and accents of brick throughout the small dining room. A lounge area allows you to sit back and enjoy cocktails and wines from their extensive menu. You’ll find a bit of everything on the menu, including pastas that are served with house-made sauce. We happen to be a fan of their brick chicken that is marinated in garlic and white wine.
The Rosebud
1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 942-1117
The Rosebud has been a staple on the Chicago food scene. You’ll find traditional Italian dishes such as Baked Ziti and Chicken Vesuvio. The bar has a list of specialty cocktails, including a Sapphire Negroni and an Aperol Spritz. We love that all of their pasta dishes have a gluten-free option. This is the perfect place for date night with its linen-covered tables. A covered patio also creates an al fresco option that is fun for both lunch and dinner.
The Loyalist
177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 913-3774
When you’re searching for a gastropub near The United Center, you can’t do better than The Loyalist. The rustic-chic restaurant is located inside Smyth. Specialty burgers with hand-cut fries are always a classic go-to, though you’ll find that the chefs love to create with local and seasonal ingredients. There’s a laidback lounge area and a bar that offers a very speakeasy vibe. We’ve fallen in love with everything about this vibe.
Elske
1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-1314
Elske stands above the rest because it has one Michelin Star. The creative American food has Danish influences. You’ll find a la carte along with tasting menus so that you can sit back and enjoy a full culinary experience. The dining room is relaxed with an uber-modern feel to it all. Every plate comes out of the kitchen looking like a work of art. There’s no telling what will be on the menu, but it’s common to see such things as lamb, halibut, and even duck liver grazing the tables.
For more recommendations on the best places to eat around the city, check out our Chicago page for an inside scoop on the best spots to eat and drink.
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