The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is ready to welcome thousands of runners and supporters to Grant Park and beyond on Sunday — and so are the many restaurants and bars along the course.
Commitment is the main ingredient, from local businesses to volunteers, in a city that continues to come together each year for a cause.
With a race course that spans 29 neighborhoods, each area uniquely offers its own experience. From delicious seasonal drinks at a local cafe to hitting dance moves with the crew at a legendary restaurant, there’s a variety of options to explore while you’re in town.
Here’s a list for you to consider at each mile marker.
Mile 1
Chiya Chai Loop (79 E. Madison St.) – A cafe serving hot drinks and lunch is necessary in the loop, but it’s the endless options of rich robust chai tea with traditional Indian and south Asian flavors that stand out. It’s a great option for a quick curry bowl, samosas, or dumplings.
Mile 2
Labriola Restorante Chicago (535 N. Michigan Ave.) – This restaurant is an unofficial contender for best carb-loading destination, and my favorite spot for deep dish pizza with undeniable garlic knots. There’s fresh salads, massive portions, and its take on artisan bread is a main ingredient in many of its dishes.
Mile 3
Seedo’s Levantine Bakery (125 S. Clark St.) – Tucked inside of the Sterling Food Hall is this Mediterranean bakery, offering memorable savory and sweet menu options. The Magic Halawa Bar and Harissa Roasted Veggie Sandweesh is everything I didn’t know to hope for.
Mile 4
PLANTA Chicago (413 N. Clark St.) – What this upscale vegan restaurant does with truffle is award-winning in my book. The torched and pressed maki roll is astounding, and the truffle fried rice is an absolute must when dining here.
Mile 5
Yoberri Gourmet (2224 N. Clark St.) – This dessert shop has mastered the craft of frozen yogurt and ice cream making. From the fresh ingredients used in the lemon basil sorbet to the classic soft serve with toppings, it’s the place to stop by when you’re in the area.
Mile 6
Firecakes Donuts (2453 N. Clark St.) – Every day should end with something sweet and this counter-serve donut shop is where you should buy it. Treat yourself to the pistachio old-fashioned donut or any of the creative flavors from this family-owned business.
Mile 7
The Weiner’s Circle (2622 N. Clark St.) – You can hear this hot dog stand before you see it, with a high-energy patio and lively staff members. Serving Chicago-style hot dogs, char dogs, veggie options, and sides with major message board vibes.
Mile 8
Ann Sather (3415 N. Broadway) – This restaurant has a laid back family-style ambience with a menu full of comfort dishes. If you like carb-loading for breakfast, the French toasts and cinnamon rolls are some of the best in the game.
Mile 9
The Chicago Diner (3411 N. Halsted) – There’s some kind of magic happening in the kitchen at this long-standing diner. Serving vegan shakes, desserts, and savory dishes that taste like this is otherworldly.
Mile 10
Esmé (2200 N. Clark St.) – Food is literally art at this Michelin-starred restaurant, where chefs create world-class exhibitions served on a plate. The intentionality and community-centered tasting menu experience is worth every penny.
Mile 11
Utopian Tailgate (1608 North Wells) – Rooftops are synonymous with Chicago, and this one is a certified good time for groups. The menu is full of elevated tailgate-style food and drinks, paired with pure playground nostalgia for adults.
Mile 12
Small Cheval – Old Town (1345 N. Wells St.) – When I think about grabbing a burger in the city, Small Cheval will always come to mind. Enjoying classic burgers and hand cut golden fries on the patio is a bi-monthly date in my friend group. Add a scoop of vanilla soft serve or a boozy shake, and it’s truly a one of one experience.
Mile 13
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf (218 W. Kinzie St.) – Bavette’s has a speakeasy-like dining room with an intimate atmosphere that draws your attention to the intentionality in every dish. It’s one of the best steakhouses in the city, but I’d be just as satisfied with having only side dishes. No experience is complete without the Truffle Mac & Cheese.
Mile 14
avec Restaurant (615 W. Randolph St.) – Small and large plates are done exceptionally well at this Mediterranean restaurant. From the focaccia to the nutter butter squares, it’s a tale of simple but spectacularly special in every bite. The coal roasted cabbage is second to none.
Mile 15
VietFive Coffee (1116 Madison St.) – This Vietnamese coffee shop is a neighborhood gem. With coffee beans brewed from a family-owned farm, everything from the specialty drinks and empanadas, gives this destination a unique experience.
Mile 16
Ranalli’s – West Loop (1326 W. Madison St.) – The number of TV’s spread across this sports bar makes this place stand out, especially for big game days. It serves quintessential American food like wings, pizza, and burgers. This location offers a free shuttle service to events at the United Center.
Mile 17
Beatrix (834 W. Fulton Market, Ste. 100) – One of my absolute favorite burgers in the city is the mushroom and quinoa burger paired with kennebec fries at Beatrix. No matter the time of day, this eatery is bustling with customers enjoying extensive menu options, from a bakery to a cafe.
Mile 18
Gathers Tea Bar ( 1214 W. Taylor St.) – A place that caters mostly to tea drinkers can be few and far between, but this cafe has endless options. The creative blends of Taiwanese milk teas and Japanese matcha drinks are worth the trip. There’s something for everyone including bubble tea and fresh fruit drinks.
Mile 19
Pilsen Yards (1163 W. 18th St.) – If you’re looking for a restaurant for groups and high energy moments, Pilsen Yards always delivers. My go-tos are a few of the shareables, the sweet potato tacos, and a Ranch Water.
Mile 20
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria (1165 W. 18th St.) – This plant-based Mexican restaurant offers its own version of some of the most flavorful tacos I’ve ever had. My favorites are the mushroom chimichurri and cauliflower with the butterfly pea flower horchata.
Mile 21
Batter & Berries – South Loop (2318 S. State St.) – Three words, French Toast Flight. This family-owned brunch staple is known for its delicious twist on French toasts with a menu that offers waffles, pancakes, omelets, and more. It’s a great option for comfort food made from scratch.
Mile 22
Lawrence Fish Market (234 W. 31st St.) – This restaurant is for sushi lovers. It’s an exploration of maki, sashimi, and sushi with massive shareable trays made for group meals. The menu includes ramen and hot sides, with an option to buy fish by the pound.
Mile 23
Pearl’s Place Restaurant (3901 S. Michigan Ave.) – A neighborhood treasure serving southern comfort food for more than 30 years is what makes this restaurant special. With a stacked breakfast all day menu, the buffet is a great option to try savory lunch and dinner dishes.
Mile 24
Brûlée Chicago – (2036 S. Michigan Ave.) – Start with the croissant beignets and take your time reading the menu at this lively brunch destination. The French toasts, waffles, grits, and biscuits are just a few of the delectable dishes served here. Checking out the happy hour is a great start, if you’re looking to try a new restaurant.
Mile 25
Overflow Coffee (1449 S. Michigan Ave.) – This coffee shop used to be a music recording studio with some of the history captured in pictures along the walls. There’s always something unique on the specialty sips list, but my favorite menu option is the turmeric tea latte.
Mile 26
Printers Row Wine Bar and Shop (719 S. Dearborn St.) – Part wine shop, part bar, this neighborhood gem is stocked with local craft beer and wine from around the world. Catch live music while enjoying small plates paired with a glass of wine. Stop by and raise a glass, it’s only a few blocks from Grant Park!
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