The Chicago Marathon spans 26.2 miles and 29 vibrant neighborhoods, from Lakeview East to Park Boulevard and Pilsen to the Loop. Whether you’re cheering for a friend or just trying to get in on the action, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink along the race route. Brunch fare, comfort food, tacos and doughnuts await—here’s where to fuel up along the way.
Editor’s note: Plan ahead and account for road closures and public transportation delays if you’re dining out on Sunday. Whatever you do, don’t be that jerk who orders takeout or makes a reservation and doesn’t show because of poor planning.
Yolk
355 E. Ohio St. 312-822-9655
Right near the first left turn of the route is Yolk. This brunch spot is perfect for catching that early-morning start. 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Goddess and the Baker
225 N. LaSalle Dr. 312-374-3625
Cheer on your runner while you dig into a pastry and a cup of coffee and sigh in relief that you’re not the one with another 23 miles ahead of you. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Ann Sather Café
3415 N. Broadway St. 773-305-0024
If you’re not stoked about waking up early to cheer on people who are more fit than you’ll ever be, drown your sorrows in Ann Sather’s signature cinnamon rolls and call it even. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
Firecakes Donuts
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2453 N. Clark St. 773-666-5277
If you do-nut want to run, head to Firecakes to watch, instead, and take a bite out of their seasonal specialties, like their apple cinnamon fritter or Sicilian pistachio old fashioned. 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Farmhouse Chicago
228 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-4960
Cozy on up in this “funky farm-themed” spot nestled between miles 11 and 12. Grab a mimosa and settle in. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday.
Green Street Local
130 S. Green St. 312-226-6565
A cross between a tavern and a cutesy brunch spot, Green Street Local is situated in the West Loop portion of the course and is a perfect mid-morning place to post up. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday.
Sweet Maple Café
1339 W. Taylor St. 312-243-8908
This comfort food café in Little Italy is open early—stake your claim on a spot to see the runners fly by. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
Pl-zen
1519 W. 18th St. 312-733-0248
For the Pilsen portion of the course, settle in at this colorful café on 18th Street and grab a mid-morning sandwich and cheer on those nearly done runners. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Little Lamb Hot Pot
2201 S. Wentworth Ave. 312-225-0600
Take your meal into your own hands with Little Lamb while you wait for the runners to round mile 22. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday.
La Cantina
1911 S. Michigan Ave. 312-842-1911
Grab some tacos and a margarita as you cheer on the pack as they near their last mile. 12-10 p.m. Sunday.
Burger Bar
1150 S. Michigan Ave. 312-988-0162
Sink your teeth into a burger and chug down a cold one in honor of those wrapping up their marathon run a block away. 11 a.m.-9p.m. Sunday.
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