The Lyft guide to where to eat in Chicago for the marathon

Every year, about 1.7 million people show up to watch 48,000 runners zip around the streets of Chicago. And they do more than cheer. On marathon weekend, the city sees a 7% increase in Lyft rides to food, a 14% increase to downtown, and a 28% increase to food places downtown.

If you're one of the many planning on visiting, you could always ask a friend where to eat - or you could turn to the collective wisdom of Lyft's many riders. Here are some of the most popular spots to eat and drink in Chicago.

Hottest table: Cindy's

It's rare to see an established restaurant reinvent itself as thoroughly as Cindy's - and still keep what made it worth visiting in the first place. But that's exactly what happened when the rooftop restaurant (overlooking Millennium Park) did a refresh earlier this year. The old communal-style dining was out, new intimate tables and furniture were in, and a new chef, Kaleena Bliss, took over the kitchen, bringing flavors inspired by the Pacific Northwest. You may recognize Bliss from her many TV appearances; she's won a Chopped tournamen t and was on the most recent season of Top Chef. Now, Cindy's great view is paired with great dishes, like whole fried branzino with white cabbage kimchi and mint. Locals have noticed; it's experienced over 12% growth among Lyft riders since 2023.

The most popular pizza spot: Pequod's Pizza

Let's get this one out of the way: When people come to Chicago, one of the first things they want is some classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. And the place to go is Pequod's Pizza. Pequod's isn't just popular, it's the single-most-visited restaurant by Lyft riders in Chicago. (It has over 7% more drop-offs than the second-most-popular restaurant and 70% more than the second-place pizzeria.) Even better? It now takes reservations, which means no more standing in line for delicious pies.

The most popular steakhouse: Gibsons Italia

If Chicago is known for one thing other than pizza, it's steak. And the most popular steakhouse in Chicago among Lyft riders is also one of the very best - Gibsons Italia, which pulls in 31% more rides than the second-most-popular steakhouse. This outpost of the Gibsons empire has the single best restaurant view in Chicago, looking east to where the Chicago River splits. In addition to its excellent steaks (Gibsons has its own USDA certification program, so you are getting the very best), the restaurant serves a selection of gold-extruded homemade pastas, including a version of carbonara made with crispy prosciutto and black truffle - the ultimate decadent treat.

The best in the West Loop: Aba

The West Loop, also known as "Restaurant Row," is the spot for trendy dining in Chicago, with a new restaurant seemingly popping up every other week. But even here, Aba is a standout - and the second-most-popular restaurant in all of Chicago, according to Lyft riders. The upper-floor dining room is bathed in sunlight and also has a dreamy, plant-draped outdoor space. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a touch of California, and you can't leave without snacking on one of the restaurant's five different takes on hummus (Tip: try the sweet corn version with black lime and Aleppo peppers).

Most popular with locals: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

It's not a surprise that Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is not only one of the most popular spots in Chicago but also particularly popular among locals. (Only 16% of Lyft riders who visited were based outside of Chicago.) This Spanish spot has been serving up tapas since the mid-'80s, and it's still packed for a party every night of the week. Bring a group of friends and order a whole spread of small plates from the expansive menu (the goat cheese baked in tomato sauce and the garlic shrimp have been on the menu as long as anyone can remember) and throw in a few pitchers of sangria to keep the evening lively. The most pleasant surprise will be the check: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is still one of the best values in Chicago.

Most popular with tourists: Girl & the Goat

Just because a restaurant is popular with tourists doesn't mean it's not awesome. Witness Girl & the Goat, one of celebrity chef Stephanie Izard's Chicago restaurants. It's enduringly popular (No. 9 among Lyft riders overall), especially among out-of-towners, who make up about44% of drop-offs. The dining room, paneled with charred wood and with a sexy, bustling vibe, is just as striking as it was when the restaurant first opened almost 15 years ago. While the menu changes regularly, certain classics are always around, such as the insanely delicious (if unlikely sounding) roasted pig face, served with a red wine maple glaze and a sunny-side-up egg.

Most loyal patrons: Lula Cafe

One of the original farm-to-table spots in Chicago, Lula Cafe has an army of loyal followers, possibly because its friendly service makes you feel like you belong - in fact, it recently won a James Beard award for hospitality. Locals also know that Mondays are farm-dinner days (featuring an ever-changing selection of whatever is freshest) and that the café menu - serving items like the always exquisite spaghetti with queso fresco and spicy chiles ($20) - is a great bargain.

Best spot(s) in Chinatown: Qiao Lin Hotpot / MingHin Cuisine

Chicago's Chinatown doesn't always get as much love as those in other cities, likely because it's slightly further away from the center of town. But there are some gems if you know where to look. Two spots in the neighborhood are virtually tied for popularity among Lyft riders: Qiao Lin Hotpot and MingHin Cuisine. Qiao Lin serves up authentic Chinese hot pot in a gorgeous dining room with traditional touches; visitors choose their broths, meats, and veggies and can go tame (mushroom broth with short rib) or adventurous (Chongqing Spicy Broth with gizzard skewers). MingHin is the spot in town for dim sum and consistently makes every best-of list; unlike some restaurants, the Chinatown location does dim sum all day, every day. If you can choose to go to only one, however, Qiao Lin Hotpot has the edge with Lyft riders: Its customers are more likely to return, even though they travel about a quarter-mile farther to get there.

Most popular bar: Luxbar

It's not even close; the most popular bar in Chicago, according to Lyft riders, is Luxbar - the 10^th most popular destination overall, racking up dozens of dropoffs every night. Luxbar is also from the Gibsons group, a see-and-be-seen sort of spot to sip a gorgeous martini, watch Chicago's glamorous and wealthy, and then splurge on a giant shrimp cocktail. If you're a cocktail drinker, don't skip their legendary Manhattans, with a whole list of rye whiskey to choose from.

Best burger: Au Cheval / Loyalist

No surprise, the most popular burger spot in Chicago is Au Cheval; in fact, it's the third--most-popular restaurant in town overall among Lyft riders. But it's nearly impossible to get into. If you can't snag a table, try The Loyalist, a pub-style spot down the street in the basement below Michelin-starred Smyth. Its cheeseburger has made multiple national best-of lists in the past several years, and if you or your date isn't in the mood for beef, its vegetable dishes are made with the same level of care and technique as the fancy food upstairs.

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