I love visiting Chicago’s popular Fulton Market District, especially when I have a few hours to meander through the markets and restaurants that line Fulton Street. With everything from unique boutiques and bustling upscale markets to top-rated restaurants and a giant retro arcade, Chicago’s Fulton Market area is filled with fun things to do.
Discovering the Vibrant Fulton Market District in Chicago IL
Fulton Market District is one of the most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods in Chicago, known for its lively nightlife, fabulous restaurants, cocktail bars and coffee shops. You’ll also find a mix of upscale fashion and home goods stores worth checking out.
If you’re planning a visit to the Windy City, you’ll want to make time to explore the Fulton Market District in Chicago. Read on for a list of my favorite things to do in Fulton Market Chicago to add to your travel itinerary.
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.
Public transportation to the Fulton Market is available via the Chicago “L” Blue Line, Pink Line and Green Line; and on Bus Routes 20, 56, 65, 8.
Enjoy the Mediterranean Flavors at Aba
Aba is located at 302 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
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.
Here you’ll find lush greenery that extends onto the airy patio (perfect for dining in warmer weather). I love the ambiance here. We celebrated my husband’s birthday here with a few close friends and it was the perfect setting: casually elegant.
Known for a creative menu of both food and cocktails, Aba has a whipped feta dish served with warm pita bread that will make you a fan for life. Looking for something more substantial? The Roasted Pork Belly (served with black cherries) is amazing, too.
Explore the Time Out Market
Time Out Market is located at 916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
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.
I love the fabulous food-court style dining with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop: it’s perfect for date night or simply stopping by with friends. There are so many amazing options that everyone can satisfy their cravings, which makes it an easy choice for groups. From Asian fusion and Ethiopian to barbeque ribs and burgers, there is something for everyone here.
EXPERT TIP: If you only have time to go to one spot in Fulton Market, make it this one.
Play Retro Arcade Games at Emporium
Emporium is located at 839 W Fulton Street, Chicago, IL 60607
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.
See Some Contemporary Art at the Kavi Gupta Gallery
The Kavi Gupta gallery is located at 835 W Washington Blvd floors 1-3, Chicago, IL 60607
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.
Visit Greece from Chicago at Lyra
Lyra is located at 905 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Step inside this inspired Greek restaurant and you’ll be immediately transported to the Mediterranean Islands. Lyra’s sleek space centers around an open kitchen, where chefs from the island of Mykonos whip up specialties like Deconstructed Pastitsio and Grilled Octopus with grilled onions and olive relish. Yes, the food is outstanding, but it’s the ambiance here that will bring you back again and again.
Dine at a Michelin-starred Restaurant
Fulton Market District in Chicago is home to some of the best restaurants in the city, including several Michelin-starred ones. You can treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at places like Oriole, Smyth, or Next, where you can enjoy innovative and exquisite dishes prepared by some of the most talented chefs in the country.
Some of my other favorite restaurants in Fulton Market include Duck Duck Goat for Chinese American food and Rose Mary, where you’ll find inspired Croatian and Italian dishes. Rose Mary haas a light, airy space that I just love, and Duck Duck Goat make amazing hand-pulled noodles.
Relax at a Cozy Wine Bar: Grapes and Grains
Grapes and Grains is located at 858 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Sitting back onto one of the comfortable Chesterfield couches with a glass of wine or whiskey equals instant relaxation, and that’s what you’ll find at Grapes and Grains. Also known as GG’s, there’s an Old Chicago vibe ambiance, with exposed brick, low lighting and a fantastic piano player.
You can nibble on tidbits from cheese or charcuterie boards, and even Beef Carpaccio. This 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.
Shop at Local Boutiques and Markets
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.
EXPERT TIP: Uncommon James, 849 W Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607, is television personality Kristin Cavallari’s fun boutique featuring unique jewelry pieces and home goods. You’ll have fun browsing the collection.
Indulge in Some Sweets and Treats
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 to ice cream and gelato at places like Firecakes Donuts, Magnolia Bakery, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, or Black Dog Gelato.
Favorite Things to Do in Fulton Market Chicago
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful for your trip to Fulton Market. Have you been to Fulton Market recently? What are some of your favorite things to do here? Please use the comment section below to let us know; we’d love to hear from you!