I’ve been watching Fulton Market grow up since the ’90s—Italian by marriage, I’m a diehard J.P. Graziano’s fan. What was once a gritty warehouse district is now one of Chicago’s most exciting neighborhoods, filled with incredible restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and even a giant retro arcade.
Exploring Fulton Market District in Chicago IL
Whether I’ve got a full day or just an hour to spare, I always find something new to explore here. Below are my favorite things to do in Fulton Market—places I genuinely return to again and again.
Where is Chicago’s Fulton Market District?
The Fulton Market District is located in the Near West Side of Chicago, west of the Chicago River and the Chicago Loop, between West Loop and Halsted Street. Many of the shops and restarants are clustered along Fulton Street.
EXPERT TIP: It’s easy to get here using public transportation. Take the CTA Blue, Green, or Pink Line to Morgan Station, or hop on Bus Routes 8, 20, 56, 65.
1. Grab Coffee at Sawada Coffee
📍 112 N Green St (inside Green Street Smoked Meats)
This garage-style coffee shop is my go-to morning stop in the area. Sawada is known for their “military latte” — matcha, espresso, and cocoa powder all in one. It’s small and usually busy, but it’s worth the wait.
2. Explore the Time Out Market
📍 916 W Fulton Market
The Time Out Market is of my favorite spots for food in the city. This sprawling, 50,000-square-foot spot is billed as a “food and cultural epicenter,” offering 18 eateries, a demo kitchen and three bars and rooftop terrace all in the same space. It’s a huge space filled with chef-driven eateries, rooftop seating, and three bars. There’s something for everyone — Asian fusion, burgers, tacos, ribs. If you only have time for one stop, make it this.
3. Wine and Whiskey at Grapes and Grains
📍 858 W Lake St
Cozy, Old Chicago vibes with Chesterfield couches, low lighting, and a solid wine and whiskey list. Order a charcuterie board, listen to live piano, and settle in. It’s a great spot for a low-key date or wind-down drink. Grapes and Grains is a favorite with Chicago’s West Loop locals, and on the weekends, it can get pretty packed but it’s still always comfortable.
EXPERT TIP: Other cozy wine bars include The Press Room, Bar Ramone, City Winery, or Venteux, where you can also enjoy live music and entertainment.
4. Check Out the Kavi Gupta Gallery
📍 835 W Washington Blvd
One of my favorite things about Chicago is the abundance of art museums and galleries showcasing the works of diverse artists. The Kavi Gupta Gallery in Fulton Market is a prime example. This contemporary art gallery (and publishing imprint) hosts over a dozen museum-quality exhibitions each year featuring diverse and underrepresented artists from around the globe. Be sure to stop in and take a look around: it’s the perfect respite from the busy city streets.
5. Play Retro Games at Emporium
📍 839 W Fulton Market
Are you a former Pac-Man champ like me? Even if you’re not, you’ll love Emporium. A perfect spot for a Chicago date night or just hanging out with friends, you’ll find dozens of classic arcade games like Frogger, Street Fighter, Simpsons and Caddyshack, as well as two pool tables (free on Mondays). There’s also foosball, air hockey and lots of drinks: choose from their huge list of craft beers, cocktails and alcohol slushies.
6 & 7. Dinner at Aba or Girl & the Goat
- Aba 📍 302 N Green St
One of my favorite places in the city for rooftop dining, Aba is a stylish and casually elegant Fulton Market restaurant that offers a mix of modern and vintage design. You’ll feel how unique it is the moment you step into the lobby elevator (with its beautiful stained glass lighting) and head up to the dining area. You’ll love the Mediterranean-inspired food, amazing rooftop, and a warm, lush atmosphere. The whipped feta and pork belly dishes are unforgettable. - Girl & the Goat 📍 809 W Randolph St
One of the OGs of the neighborhood — still incredible. Make a reservation early.
8. Sweet Treats and Ice Cream
Fulton Market has some of the best bakeries and dessert shops in the city, where you can indulge in some sweets and treats. You can find everything from donuts, cupcakes and vegan baked goods here. Check out Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Black Dog Gelato, or Magnolia Bakery. Whether it’s a scoop of honey pistachio or a banana pudding cup, there’s no wrong choice.
9. Shop Local
📍 Uncommon James — 849 W Randolph St
Hit Uncommon James for unique jewelry and home goods or browse Local Foods and The Find for gifts and artisan snacks. Weekend pop-ups are common, so keep an eye on local Instagram pages.
EXPERT TIP: Fulton Market is not only a foodie paradise, but also a shopping destination. You can find unique and local products at boutiques and markets like Local Foods, Publican Quality Meats, The Find, Randolph Street Market, or The Mart, where you can browse through everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheese to vintage clothing and furniture.
10. Stay Overnight at The Hoxton or Nobu Hotel
📍 Both located within Fulton Market
Make it a staycation or a full weekend getaway. Both hotels are in the middle of the action and offer gorgeous rooms and rooftop views.
Bonus: Escape to Greece at Lyra
📍 905 W Fulton Market
This stylish Greek restaurant feels like a vacation in the middle of the city. Lyra has an open kitchen is the heart of the space, where chefs from Mykonos create dishes like grilled octopus and deconstructed pastitsio. The food is amazing, but it’s the glowing ambiance that will make you want to stay for hours.
Tips Before You Visit Fulton Market in Chicago
- Parking is tricky — rideshare or public transit is your best bet.
- Weeknights = fewer crowds and better chances at reservations.
- Wear comfortable shoes — some sidewalks are uneven, and you’ll want to walk a lot.
Fulton Market is constantly changing, and that’s what makes it so fun. Even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to check out. Let me know what you find!