Thousands are expected to turn up for the Blackhawks Stanley Cup parade and rally on Thursday, and fans are likely to get hungry and thirsty during the festivities.
Check out our guide on the best places to eat and drink along the parade route or nearby.
Along the Route
South Branch Tavern and Grille: This contemporary American restaurant is located on Wacker Drive right along the Chicago River near the middle of the parade route. The restaurant will open its doors at 9 a.m. and will take walk-ins. Head to South Branch Tavern and Grille before or after the parade for an appetizer or a drink and then return to the festivities on the street. Located at 100 South Wacker Drive.
Townhouse Restaurant and Wine Bar: The casual restaurant and wine bar will open early at 10 a.m. for parade-goers who want a break from the chaos. The restaurant will take walk-ins as soon as it opens as well as reservations after 11:30 a.m. The restaurant is located at 111 S. Wacker Drive.
Rustle + Roux: For a hand-pressed burger, deli sandwich or salad for lunch, stop by Rustle + Roux, located right on Monroe Street. The cafe makes a great lunch spot, but it's likely to be less crowded than other sandwich shops because it is a little more out of the way. Rustle + Roux is located on the second floor mezzanine of 227 W. Monroe.
Starbucks: Any Starbucks locations on or near the parade route will be stocked with extra coffee and food to accommodate an expected surge in customers. The lines may be long, but there will be plenty of coffee for the early parade-goers!
Local
Near the Route
Atwood Cafe: If you're looking for a great place to get brunch before the parade, head to Atwood Cafe, which opens at 7 a.m. and is located only a few blocks from the parade route. You'll likely find other Hawks fans there as well as a professed Blackhawks fan for an owner. Atwood Cafe is located at 1 W. Washington.
Heaven on Seven: Recognized as one of Chicago's best restaurants, Heaven on Seven opens at 10 a.m. for breakfast and stays open throughout the day for lunch and dinner. Feast on Cajun-inspired dishes before joining the rest of the Hawks fans at post-parade parties. The restaurant is located at 111 N. Wabash, just a few blocks from the parade route.
Exchequer: The family-owned restaurant and pub opens at 11 a.m., and fans who couldn't get tickets to the Blackhawks rally can watch it on the restaurant's televisions. The pub will offer its regular Thursday drink specials and a full menu, including its famous pizza. Exchequer is located at 226 S. Wabash.
Mother Hubbard's: This Loop sports bar will open its doors at 11 a.m. following the Blackhawks parade and will broadcast the rally on its televisions. The bar will offer regular Thursday drink specials as well. Mother Hubbard's is located at 5 W. Hubbard St.
Stocks and Blondes: Hawks fans can choose from 23 types of draft beers and a selection of homemade burgers while watching the Blackhawks rally post-parade on the televisions at Stocks and Blondes. The bar is located close to the middle of the parade route, so it may be a little less crowded than bars and restaurants closer to Michigan Avenue, where the parade ends. Stocks and Blondes is located at 40 N. Wells St.
Eastman Egg Company: Grab an egg sandwich made with freshly baked bread and a cup of coffee at the Eastman Egg Company as early as 6 a.m., when they open. If you're looking for a good spot on the parade route, this restaurant could be a good breakfast option as you'll need to arrive early. Eastman Egg Company is located at 23 N. Wacker Drive.
La Colombe: Grab a cup of some of the best coffee in the city near the beginning of the parade route. La Colombe also serves tea, but food is minimal so plan accordingly. The coffee shop is located at 955 W. Randolph St.
Haymarket Pub and Brewery: Order a pulled pork sandwich and a craft beer from brewer Peter L. Crowley after the parade and rally. Haymarket Pub and Brewery, located just a few blocks from the beginning of the route, opens its doors at 11 a.m. and stays open until 2 a.m. The restaurant and bar is located at 737 W. Randolph St.
