Your guide to the food and drink at Time Out Market Chicago—and how to order

Contemporary Greek 

With four locations throughout Chicagoland, Avli has been serving some of the area's finest regional Greek cuisine—with a signature contemporary twist—for more than a decade. Here at Time Out Market, you can eat your way through a menu that captures Avli's broad approach to Greek dining, including the restaurant's favorite contemporary dishes, street food and Greek classics. Don't forget to wash down your chicken souvlaki or kataifi prawns with a Greek frappe, prepared with special Greek blenders just like they do it in Thessaloniki.  

Signature dish: Avli's Pork Gyros

Coastal Indian Cuisine 

When co-owners Manish and Rina Mallick first traveled to Goa, they were captivated by the region’s beautiful white sand beaches and Portuguese architecture. But the coastal Indian state’s delicious cuisine left an even bigger impression, with pristine seafood served alongside spicy curry and fluffy poi bread. The pair founded Bar Goa with the help of chef Sahil Sethi to share these delicacies with Chicagoans, serving a variety of dishes that just happen to pair nicely with a cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.

Signature dish: Pork Vindaloo Poi-wich

Eclectic Ramen

Steaming bowls of noodles have been a fixture of chef Bill Kim’s menus ever since he opened his first restaurant, and diners have always been eager to slurp his latest creations. Originally launched as a delivery-only concept, Bill Kim Ramen Shop specializes in broths that draw on Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican flavors, garnished with a creative array of toppings. Whether you’re looking for a conventional bowl or ramen or something a bit more adventurous, Kim has something you can enjoy by the spoonful.

Signature dish: Korean BBQ Mushroom Ramen

Plant-Based Food

Inspired by her family, Polly Gaza unveiled Chicago Raw in 2009 to empower Chicagoans to prioritize their well-being. Treat your body like a fireplace and keep the flame burning long and bright by providing it with the highest quality fuel—from hand-pressed juices and fresh açaí bowls to creative riffs on traditional dishes, such as kelp noodle pad Thai with almond butter sauce and vibrant vegetables. Through a diverse selection of nutrient-rich and flavor-packed foods, this vegan café celebrates the limitless possibilities of plant-based dining.

Signature dish: Pad Thai

Coffee and Pastries

Every morning deserves the perfect start, and that’s precisely what you’ll get at Chitiva Cafe. Backed by award-winning pastry chef Steven Krizman, the extensive all-day menu features an assortment of baked goods, from fresh fruit Danishes to buttery croissants, alongside breakfast sandwiches, caffeinated beverages and more. For those with a sweet tooth, indulgent desserts like the chocolate marquise provide an impeccable ending to any meal. And don’t think twice about grabbing a delightful treat to savor later when the craving calls.

Signature dish: Chocolate marquise

Smoked Meats

When Bonni Cameron took over County BBQ in 2020, she recognized the importance of preserving a winning formula. For more than a decade, the Little Italy restaurant has been serving up a diverse array of smoked meats, inspired by traditions from all across the country. Here, you can savor melt-in-your-mouth Texas-style brisket, succulent Carolina pulled pork and finger-licking rib tips prepared the Chicago way—each perfectly complemented by three house-made sauces. Of course, no barbecue feast would be complete without the essential sides so don’t forget the mac and cheese—crafted with beer cheese sauce—and creamy corn pudding.

Signature dish: Brisket

Ethiopian Cuisine

Growing up in Tigray, Ethiopia with 10 other siblings, chef Tigist Reda learned at a young age how to cook for large groups. Her passion for entertaining turned professional in 2007 when she opened Demera to showcase the bold and vibrant flavors of her home country. Prepare to get hands-on as you scoop up dishes like doro wot—spicy and fragrant chicken stew—with the spongy sour flatbread known as injera. It’s the perfect communal dining experience, but we won’t blame you for not wanting to share.

Signature dish: Doro wot 

Homestyle Biztro

Marrying their passions for health and cooking, Juliea and Christopher Clippard launched Everything Countz in 2006 to champion a cleaner, more nutritious way of eating. Using only a handful of ingredients, the couple create homestyle fare that’s both good for the body and wholly satisfying. Dig into the crowd-pleasing Smoked Turkey Meatloaf Sandwich or the indulgent Krispy Mac Melt, which comes packed with macaroni, grilled onions and a trio of cheeses. After just a few bites, you’ll appreciate how life’s greatest pleasures are oftentimes the simplest.

Signature dish: Pulled jerk chicken sandwich

Fresh Lebanese

Named after his Teta (Lebanese Arabic for “grandma”) and inspired by the love that she put into her cooking, Mitchell AbouJarma founded Evette’s to share her delicious recipes with hungry Chicagoans. Serving dishes that channel bold Lebanese flavors, Evette’s specializes in spit-roasted shawarma, golden fries and fresh salads that use as many local ingredients as possible. After a few bites, you may feel the warmth that comes from eating a meal made with care.

Signature dish: Steak shawarma wrap

Craft Donuts

Husband-and-wife owners Jonathan and Karen Fox raised the bar for craft donuts with the opening of Firecakes Donuts in 2013. Inspired by Karen’s great-grandfather William “Billy” Hobbs—a baker who made “firecakes” to feed hungry workers in Wisconsin logging camps—the shop offers freshly baked batches of treats in a variety of inventive flavors. What sets Firecakes apart is its commitment to seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. No matter what you choose, you’ll really taste the quality when biting into one of the signature creations.

Signature donut: Tahitian Vanilla Iced

German-Inspired Burgers

Drawing inspiration from the modest origins of the hamburger, chef Jorge Kauam’s German-American concept offers a variety of smashed creations that blend the comfort of familiarity with striking inventiveness. Through modern techniques and premium ingredients, including a specially crafted spice rub for the beef patties, Kauam presents umami-rich options like the namesake Gutenburg Burger and the indulgent Guten Belly Burger, which comes adorned with luscious caramelized pork belly. And don’t overlook the accompaniments—the sweet potato fries elevated with brown butter and blue cheese are an essential complement to every order.

Signature dish: Gutenburg Burger

Milkshakes & Other Treats

The classic diner gets a dose of ‘80s- and ‘90s-inspired nostalgia at JoJo’s Shake Bar, where visitors can sip decadent milkshakes beneath photos of Biggie Smalls, Bill Murray and other heroes from the era. You can opt for a customized flavor or try a milk bar (essentially a milkshake in popsicle form), but we also suggest one of the shop’s signature Biggie Shakes if you’re feeling adventurous: Topped with a cornucopia of cookies, candy and marshmallows, they’re a delightful sugar rush and a blast from the past all at once. 

Signature dish: Girl Scout Biggie Shake

Latin Street Food and Tacos

Chef Rodolfo Cuadros refers to himself as a “nomad” after a decade spent working alongside Latin American cooks in Miami, London and France. When he opened Wicker Park restaurant Amaru in 2019, Cuadros set out to serve pan-Latin cuisine and share parts of the various cultures that inspire his recipes. Lil Amaru is a continuation of Cuadro’s mission to explore the soul of Latin American cooking, focusing on delicious dishes that are commonly sold by street vendors in countries like Mexico, Cuba and Colombia.

Signaure dish: Pacific rockfish taco

All-Day Brunch

Paying tribute to the influential women in her family who ignited her passion for cooking, Jamie Gilmore delivers Southern-style brunch fare infused with Creole love. At Lizzy J Cafe, the menu boasts all-day specialties like a crab cake Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes and roasted lamb chops served alongside eggs and breakfast potatoes, complemented by a selection of refreshing teas and lemonades. No matter the hour, come in for a leisurely sit-down experience that satisfies with an array of comforting dishes.

Signature dish: Crab cake Benedict

Basque Grill

Embark on a culinary voyage across the sea at chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze’s heartfelt homage to the Basque Country. Sua, which translates to “fire” in Basque, celebrates the rustic yet elegant cuisine of the region through contemporary flame-kissed dishes, from the enticing grilled steak tartare adorned with pickles and delicate microgreens to the irresistible Angus tenderloin sandwich. Guided by a commitment to seasonality, the menu showcases the freshest ingredients, their quality shining through with each bite. Whether you’re savoring these authentic flavors alone or sharing the experience with companions, Sua’s offerings are a delicious reminder of the comfort and warmth synonymous with Basque culture.

Signature dish: Mushroom croquetas

Asian Fusion Fare

Born in Seoul and raised in Chicago, chef Bill Kim's earliest food memory is standing at his mother's side, grinding sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle. Back when his career first started, Kim immersed himself in French cuisine, with guidance from industry heavyweights like Jean Banchet and Charlie Trotter. These days, he's developed a signature style all his own, dispensing a hit list of border-blending, Asian-inflected treats.

Signature dish: Caramelized Dumplings 

Named for the great hall of eternity in Norse mythology, Valhalla represents the crowning achievement of chef Stephen Gillanders’ multi-decade culinary career—a journey that took him around the world while working for Jean-Georges Vongerichten before leading him to Chicago, where he opened award-winning restaurants S.K.Y. and Apolonia. Here at Time Out Market, Gillanders combines his globe-trotting background and fine dining bonafides for a chef’s counter tasting experience suffused with personal touches and luxurious, label-defying cuisine. Step inside and prepare for a meal so next-level, you might even call it heavenly.

Chicago, we know you're thirsty, which is why we put a bar on every floor of the Market in addition to our secret speakeasy from Lost Lake's co-owners. The editorially curated beverage program features inspired libations created by leading mixologists throughout the city.

Named for Time Out founder Tony Elliott, Tony’s is the crown jewel of Time Out Market Chicago. The cozy all-season rooftop bar is decorated in vintage Time Out London covers, twinkling lights and handsome wood beams that stretch the length of the room.