A Weekend Guide to Fulton Market
What to do--and eat!--in our favorite West Side neighborhood
Welcome to the latest installment of our Lettuce Locals series, where we share our tips for exploring and enjoying the best neighborhoods in the Windy City. Whether you’re visiting from out of town, live in the area or you’re playing tourist from another part of Chicago, we guarantee the below neighborhood itinerary will make your weekend!
You’ll find some of the buzziest additions to the Lettuce family of restaurants in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market. Originally serving as the city’s meatpacking district, the area, located just north of the popular West Loop, is now home to an eclectic mix of boutiques, bars, restaurants, art galleries, professional offices, public spaces, hotels and entertainment destinations, easily accessible by the Green and Pink CTA lines. Let’s have a look at what to do—and eat!—while exploring this West side neighborhood from Friday – Sunday.
Friday
Lucky Hour at Ramen-san Whisky Bar
There is no better way to kick off a weekend in Fulton Market than with Lucky Hour at Ramen-san Whisky Bar, available Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Enjoy small bites like Fried Chicken Mantou Buns and Roasted Shishitos for $4-$6 each, plus tax, along with $5 Asahi on draft, cold dry sake for $6 and the signature Penicillin #2 for $7 each, plus tax. Also, not only are the vibes at Ramen-san Whisky Bar always on point, they have the most extensive selection of Japanese whisky in the entire Windy City, so stay on post-happy hour to sip through more cocktails.
For dinner, slurp up signature bowls like 10-Hour Tonkotsu or Kimchi and Fried Chicken Ramen, or pop in on the late side to enjoy the rotating Late Night Fried Rice special (available after 9:00 PM) before heading out to some of the other late-night spots in the area such as Bisous, Emporium Arcade Bar and Lone Wolf.
Make a reservation at Ramen-san Whisky Bar – Fulton Market | Order carryout and delivery from Ramen-san Whisky Bar – Fulton Market
Saturday
Rise & Shine at Beatrix
Beatrix will quickly become your home base for a weekend in Fulton Market, starting with the delicious hand-crafted coffee drinks made with Beatrix Coffee Roasters and house-made pastries at the quick-serve coffee bar. Start your day off right with an Iced Banana Bread Latte, fresh squeezed juices, sweet and savory croissants, muffins, and other baked goods, or have a seat in the sprawling dining room to tuck into hearty breakfast fare such as the Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich, Ranchero Breakfast Burrito, Shakshouka, Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes and much more. View the menu at Beatrix – Fulton Market.
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton Market | Order carryout and delivery from Beatrix – Fulton Market
Get Your Pickleball On
Work off all of those delicious Beatrix pastries and cookies with a late morning pickleball session at Big City Pickle on the corner of Lake and Green Streets. With the iconic “El” train whizzing by above along Lake Street, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day.
Tour Local Street Art
If you prefer a more leisurely morning, take a stroll through Fulton Market to discover some of the intriguing, social media-worthy street art that seemingly pop out of nowhere throughout the neighborhood. Take in one-of-a-kind pieces like Chicago artist Ty Nitz’s mural at The Hoxton Hotel, the infamous Angel Wings mural on Lake Street just west of the Morgan CTA stop, and more.
Brunch at The Oakville Grill & Cellar
More treats await during brunch at The Oakville Grill & Cellar. The Oakville Cinnamon Roll is a must-order here, along with a huge selection of other California-inspired brunch classics, such as Sweet Corn Elote Benedict, California Shrimp & Grits, Brioche French Toast and Napa Caesar Salad. Visiting Fulton Market with little ones? Not to worry—The Oakville has one of the best kids’ menus in Chicago! View the brunch menu at The Oakville Grill & Cellar.
Make a reservation at The Oakville Grill & Cellar | Order carryout and delivery from The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Sunset Cocktails & Dinner at Aba
No visit to Fulton Market is complete until you’ve sipped a Dirty Feta Martini, a glass of Mediterranean wine or shared a Spritz Tower with your crew on the patio at Aba. Located three stories above the corner of Green and Fulton Streets and offering epic views of the Chicago skyline, the lush, greenery-filled space (open all year-round!) is made for weekend relaxation.
Stay for dinner in the romantic dining room and linger over shareable hot and cold mezze, hummus and spreads by renowned Chef Partner CJ Jacobson. A few go-to highlights include the Crispy Short Rib Hummus, House-Made Stracciatella, and Grilled Chicken Kebab. The must-have dessert? Frozen Greek Yogurt drizzled with olive oil and sea salt!
Make a reservation at Aba | Order carryout or delivery from Aba
Sunday
Brunch or Lunch
All of the places you’ve visited so far on our Fulton Market weekend itinerary also have brunch or lunch options—all highly recommended by locals in the know!—but with the CTA Green and Pink Lines located a five-minute walk at Morgan and Lake Street, it’s an easy jaunt to other parts of the city via the El if you want to discover more “Sunday Funday” options in River North and Lincoln Park.
Stroll & Shop
Fulton Market has a diverse mix of boutiques and shops perfect for some retail therapy on any given Sunday. Browse the butcher shop and artisan market at Publican Quality Meats (directly across the street from Beatrix), shop designer shoes at the Marc Nolan flagship store, treat yourself to designer European fashions at RSVP Gallery, or venture over to Randolph Street to wander through national retailers such as lululemon and Anthropologie, or indulge in some nourishing skincare at Scratch Goods Mask Bar.
Wine Time at The Cellar Door
Fun fact: Fulton Market also offers a direct transport to California wine country, no plane ticket required! Well, close…reserve an afternoon spot at The Cellar Door, an intimate, six-seating wine tasting room inside The Oakville Grill & Cellar. Featuring a unique California vineyard on a monthly basis, savor pours of their current selection for $65 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included). A chef-curated cheese & salumi pairing is available to add-on to the experience. Seatings are available Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Saturday – Sunday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Reserve a spot at The Cellar Door at The Oakville
Have A Lil’ Treat at Beatrix
You’ve been pounding the pavement, so before your last dinner of the weekend, we suggest stopping back at Beatrix for a little pick-me-up! The local coffee expert recently introduced house-made Specialty Milks—available in Root Beer, Banana and Strawberry—along with the Iced Dubai Chocolate Matcha Latte. Enjoy along with one of their unique cookies such as Espresso Chocolate and Vegan Chocolate Chip, or a Gluten-Free Brownie. (Pro tip: If you’re extending your visit to Fulton Market through Monday, be sure to stop into Beatrix Market next door for a quick grab-and-go lunch from the hot and cold bar!)
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton Market | Order carryout and delivery from Beatrix – Fulton Market
Sunday Happy Hour at Aba
Happy hour isn’t just for weekdays at Aba! On Sundays from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, enjoy select white and red wine pours for $8, $5 beer, the Classic Martini or House Margarita for $10 each, plus a selection of happy hour mezze dishes including Hot Honey Halloumi, Crispy Pork Belly Bites and Our Favorite Spreads served with house bread. View the Aba Happy Hour menu.
Make a reservation at Aba | Order carryout or delivery from Aba
Dinner at The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Finish out the weekend with dinner in the warm and buzzy dining room of The Oakville Grill & Cellar, where the simply prepared, Midwest-meets-California menu will have you savoring every bite. Tuck into seasonally driven signatures such as Potato Salad Deviled Eggs, So-Cal Steak Frites, Angry Crab Bucatini, and Dry-Aged Steak Burger. Pro tip: Under no circumstances should you leave without ordering the Gooey Lemon Cake for dessert!
Make a reservation at The Oakville Grill & Cellar | Order carryout and delivery from The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Are you ready to start exploring Fulton Market? Make your reservations now!
Make a reservation at Aba
Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton Market
Make a reservation at Ramen-san Whisky Bar – Fulton Market
Make a reservation at The Oakville Grill & Cellar
Make a reservation at The Cellar Door at The Oakville
Planning a wedding or other event in Chicago? Check out our Fulton Market event spaces, The Dalcy and 167 Events.
