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Where To Eat Around The Second City

These are the places you should be eating and drinking around The Second City.
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photo credit: Christina Slaton

If you live in Chicago, you either are a comedian, know a comedian, or will at some point host an out-of-towner paying to see comedians at Second City. It’s the most famous comedy venue we have, so if you haven’t been there yet, it’s just a matter of time. And because the only thing more painful than bad comedy is terrible food, we’ve compiled this list of the best places eat nearby. Here’s hoping you end up seeing the next Tina Fey, not someone who thinks their George W. Bush impression needs to be in every scene.

The Spots

American

Gold Coast

$$$$Perfect For:Big GroupsBusiness MealsCorporate CardsDrinking Good Cocktails
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We’re sure whatever show you’re seeing at Second City will be great, but just in case you need a guarantee that one part of your night won’t bomb, go to Somerset. This is one of the absolute best restaurants in Chicago, and also the fanciest spot on our list. Its upscale American menu manages to be interesting but still appeal to just about everyone - and nothing you eat will disappoint. Make sure to tell the server you have a time constraint, and you’ll easily get out in time for the show. It’s about a five-minute cab ride or 15-minute walk from here to Second City.


On the spectrum of sushi restaurants, Kamehachi fits into the “pretty good, and a little pricey” category. But it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for some reliable sushi and other Japanese dishes. The best strategy for tackling their big menu is to go heavy on the signature rolls (the Crouching Tuna Hidden Crab is a fun one), and get appetizers like gyoza and tempura for the table.


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Happy Camper is a really good bar that has some solid pizza. It’s known for creative toppings, like buffalo chicken and pulled pork, and a crust that’s soft and airy but also crunchy on the outside (deep dish or thin crust diehards might not love it, but you can’t please everyone). You’re really here for the space, which is huge and kind of like an adult playground, with tire swing barstools, a rehabbed Airstream camper, and an enormous neon outline of the Great Lakes. It’s a weird decor combination, but it succeeds in making the entire experience fun, and it might even bring you back to that time in college when you took improv classes (before realizing comedy is best left to those who are funny).


If your Midwestern parents are visiting from out of town, this spot will make them happy. It’s been an institution since 1932, serving Chicago-style ribs (they’re slow-cooked rather than smoked, so this is technically not barbecue), and it has giant laminated menus that remind us of old-school supper clubs. The ribs are tender and juicy, so we’re pretty sure everyone (not just Midwesterners) will actually be happy here. It also has light-up beer signs in the windows. What’s not to like?


Topo Gigio is a small neighborhood spot in Old Town serving really good red-sauce Italian food. It’s a white tablecloth spot that isn’t cheap, but the accommodating staff is good at keeping it casual and not too stuffy. There’s a great patio to sip wine on during the summer, plus a heated inner garden area that makes this one of our favorite semi-outdoor situations year-round, even if we’re not in the neighborhood for a show.


The nice thing about this place is that it works for just about anyone. The menu is broad (you’ll find pastas, wood-grilled mains, and lots of stuff for gluten free folks), and the food is good, so even your friends who complain about everything will (probably) enjoy eating here. Make sure to leave them at the restaurant, though - they will completely ruin your fun at a comedy show.


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