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Orecchiette Francois Frankie for Where to Carb Load for the 2026 Chicago Marathon

Where to Carb Load for the 2026 Chicago Marathon

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Gold Coast

  • Somerset at Viceroy Chicago

Somerset at Viceroy Chicago is celebrating Marathon weekend (October 9-11) with a special Carb Load Menu featuring a lineup of handmade pastas layered with rich, seasonal flavors. Available throughout the weekend, the menu is designed for runners, spectators and anyone looking for an excuse to indulge in pasta. Reservations can be made through OpenTable. Featured dishes include: Saffron Pappardelle with braised duck, balsamic, pecorino and chive crumbs; Ravioli with ricotta, mushroom, brown butter and hazelnut; Ricotta Cavatelli with duck sugo, Parmigiano and crispy chive crumb; and Spaghetti alla Chitarra with saffron, lobster, yuzu cream and garlic chili crisp.

VCHI Somerset for Where to Carb Load for the 2026 Chicago Marathon
Credit: Somerset at Viceroy Chicago

River North

The night before the race (October 10), Eataly Chicago will host The Marathon Dinner, a pre-race buffet designed for runners looking to load up before hitting the course. Hosted in La Scuola, the experience will feature a spread of salads and pastas, with communal seating that gives runners a chance to connect and soak up Marathon weekend together. Each seating is limited to one hour, and tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

ECHI Marathon for Where to Carb Load for the 2026 Chicago Marathon
Credit: Eataly Chicago

The Loop

  • Francois Frankie

On Saturday, October 10, Francois Frankie will offer a one-night-only Orecchiette special ahead of the Chicago Marathon. Executive Chef Matt Ayala’s Orecchiette features Italian sausage, kale, roasted cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbed breadcrumbs, and is paired with a glass of house Champagne or house beer for $35. Available during dinner service only. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

  • Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

From October 7 to October 10, Staytion Market & Bar, located inside the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, is hosting an exclusive Build-Your-Own Pasta Bar designed to give athletes a customizable, high-protein prep meal before hitting the pavement. This interactive pre-race dinner allows guests to craft their ideal performance meal for $29 per person (plus tax), and reservations are available on OpenTable. Diners begin by selecting a nutrient-dense base, such as protein penne, gluten-free fusilli, or cheese-stuffed tortellini, paired with signature house-made sauces like a slow-simmered beef and pork Bolognese, a fresh vine-ripened Pomodoro, or a rich local Pesto Parm Cream. To complete the meal, guests can add top-tier proteins including grilled herbed chicken (+$9), a crab cake (+$12), or their choice of Aji marinated skirt steak or teriyaki salmon (+$13).

Staytion Interior for Where to Carb Load for the 2026 Chicago Marathon
Credit: Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel

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