Where to Eat & Drink During Pitchfork Weekend

Whether it’s coffee/pastries or cocktails before or a huge sandwich/slice of pizza after Pitchfork (July 15-July 17), CFM has your list of spots close to Union Park to grab drinks or food during the festival weekend!

MONEYGUN

MONEYGUN's menu of retro cocktail selection of eats includes: Fire Roasted Poblano and Corn Fritters, Loaded Waffle Fries, Seasonal Empanadas, Soft Baked Pretzels, a Patty Melt, Grilled Cheese, Steak Frites and more. 

Lou’s Backyard

Tucked away behind adjacent sister-concept MONEYGUN in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, Saint Lou’s Backyard is a laid-back urban oasis. The menu consists of craft cocktails, beer and wine, as well as casual summertime eats. The indoor/outdoor, dog-friendly 2,315 square foot back patio space features bleacher seating for 100, lush planters, picnic tables, fire pits and a full Bocce ball court. 

Chikatana

Chikatana’s dinner menu features starters like, Guacamole, Camarones al Mojo, Tamal de Cochinita, a rotation of homemade tacos and other regional Mexican fare, as well as a cocktail menu of agave-focused spirits. The weekend brunch menu includes, house-made pastries, Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Churro French Toast, and more. They also offer specials on pitchers of margs, palomas, mimosas, and Jamaica mimosas as well as happy hour from 3-5pm Mon-Thurs.

Formento’s

Located in Fulton Market District, Formento’s is an Italian restaurant steeped with the flavors of Italy. Created as a nod to the owner’s grandmother, guests will experience an array of dishes from house-made pastas, antipasti and wood-fired fish and steak. The wine menu offers guests more than 600 varieties. The happy hour menu is available Sun-Thurs at the bar/lounge only. Italian snacks are $7-8, cocktails are $10 and glasses of wine are $9, plus beer. 

Nonna’s

Neighboring Formento in Chicago’s West Loop sits Nonna’s – an Italian grab and go restaurant. From made-to-order sandwiches and pizza to homemade desserts, Nonna’s menu provides items to take on-the-go or from the counter and outdoor patio.

Pizza Friendly Pizza

Pizza Friendly Pizza is a rock and roll-inspired casual neighborhood eatery from 16” On Center and Chef Noah Sandoval of Oriole, Kumiko, and Kikko. The menu features Sicilian-style pan pizzas available by the slice or whole pie all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. 

Good Ambler

Café, bakery, and chocolatier in Fulton Market, Good Ambler boasts an array of sweet and savory offerings, hand-crafted assortments of individual chocolates, house-made candy bars, and cakes, alongside a full coffee program. 

Funkenhausen

At Funkenhausen, Chef Mark Steuer draws on his German heritage and Charleston, South Carolina upbringing. His food combines Southern and German flavors to create a soulful mash-up of cuisines, cultures and memories in an expression that is deeply personal. They also offer a daily happy hour from 5-6 PM with rotating specials (at the bar only). 

Selva and Fora at The Emily Hotel

The Emily Hotel is a new boutique hotel in Chicago’s Fulton Market. The agave-focused rooftop bar Selva, is opening in early June, and main-level Mexican-inspired restaurant, Fora, is opening early July.

Carnivale

Located in the Fulton Market District, Carnivale offers Latin-fusion fare served up in their colorful dining room. Their imported Jasper charcoal grill reflects the diverse cultures of Latin America, bringing a burst of flavor to each and every plate. Carnivale is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. 

Fulton Market Kitchen

Part restaurant and part art gallery, this Fulton Market District spot artfully combines a variety of international cuisines with local ingredients. FMK is open for dinner service Monday-Saturday and boasts a brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays.