5 to Try: Museum Restaurants

by Jennifer Olvera - Citysearch Contributor - 3,378 Reviews - 26 Lists

Updated: August 05, 2008

There are a few museum-centered restaurants that not only provide a place to chill out, but also eats so likable that they threaten to become destinations themselves.

Our Picks

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Lincoln Park Zoo
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    2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)

    Feel good about what you're eating at this organic, locally minded concession stand in Lincoln Park Zoo with beyond-the-norm bites, like an orange and brown sugar-brined turkey breast sandwich with cranberry mustard on multi-grain bread.

  2. 2 Puck's at the MCA
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    220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (map)

    Take a break from the action at this modern, whitewashed dining room with killer views of the sculpture garden and Lake Michigan. Its Asian-tinged eats--from star chef Wolfgang Puck--go beyond the ordinary to include seared ahi with veggies, udon noodles, and soy-citrus ponzu.

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Soundings at Shedd Aquarium
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    1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    **Closed for renovations until June 2009.** Check out the aquarium's fish--then chow down on finned food--at this quietly elegant, museum-centered dining room. Worlds away from the chaos that surrounds, its great lake views and sustainable seafood-centered menu are a breath of fresh air (and a nice alternative to the food court below).

  4. 4 Spertus Inst Of Jewish Studies
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    610 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605 (map)

    Located in the architecturally stunning Jewish studies museum, this pristine, contemporary kosher restaurant overlooks Grant Park, with gourmet grub courtesy of Wolfgang Puck.

  5. 5 The Garden Restaurant
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    111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 (map)

    **As of January 2009, closed temporarily for renovations.** Feeling peckish after taking in all that art? Scurry to this lower-level dining room and patio, which emanates with jazz, serves vino and dishes up cheese flights, upscale sandwiches and tempting full entrees.