My top-five recommendations of where to get a pre- or post-visit bite on an outing to “Hamilton: The Exhibition” on Northerly Island.
Del Campo’s Taco’s on 12th Street Beach: The closest restaurant to the exhibition is this window-service restaurant with covered (barely) outdoor seating. Tacos, of course, but also burgers, hot dogs, elotes and appetizers. 1301 S. Linn White Drive (in the Park District beach house just south of the Adler); www.facebook.com/DelCamposTacosOn12stBeach
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: Closed by fire in 2014, this steak-and-seafood restaurant, built in a former Chicago fire house, reopened two years later. If you’re not up for a full dinner, hit the U-shaped marble bar for pubby items (try the prime-rib sandwich). A la carte weekend brunch. 1401 S. Michigan Ave.; www.chicagofirehouse.com
RELATED: Everything you need to know if you go to “Hamilton: The Exhibition”
Eleven City Diner: Hit the breakfast-all-day menu for bagels, omelets and other items; lunch items include hefty deli sandwiches, along with burgers and melts. Brisket, made daily, available after 4 p.m. Good choice for carryout. 1112 S. Wabash Ave.; www.elevencitydiner.com
Mercat a la Planxa: More than a dozen tapas, larger plates and paella are on offer in this lively restaurant inside the Blackstone Hotel. Hit the bar for a drink and a couple of small bites, or linger in the dining room. Weekend brunch, too. 638 S. Michigan Ave. https://mercatchicago.com
Tapas Valencia: The owners of the long-lived Meson Sabika in Naperville are behind this bright and colorful Spanish restaurant, which features more than three dozen tapas, along with larger plates. Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch available. 1530 S. State St.; www.tapasvalencia.com