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Time Out Market Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Time Out Market Chicago
8.0
Time Out Market Chicago is a 50,000-square-foot food hall bringing together many of the city’s chefs and vendors under one roof, from burger counters to sushi, fried chicken, and global street food. Its dog-friendly front patio lets you sample multiple stands in one visit while your dog settles in at a sidewalk table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mott Burger from Mini Mott, Duck Inn Dogs Chicago-Style Hot Dog, QXY Dumplings Soup Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Editorially curated food hall with multiple top Chicago vendors and a dog-friendly patio.
Who should go: Groups who want choices, drinks, and a busy scene with dogs.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak weekend crowds and lines.
What to order: Mott Burger, duck dog, soup dumplings from QXY kiosks.
Insider tip: Claim a patio table first, then send one person inside to order from multiple vendors and bring everything out at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited; nearby paid garages and lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — anything from jeans and sneakers to relaxed weekend wear is common.
Noise level: Loud, especially during peak hours — conversation may require raising your voice indoors.
Weekend wait: Expect lines at individual vendors and limited seating during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually manageable with shorter lines and easier seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vendors offer vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Yes — options are available, but selection varies by vendor.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free dishes are available, though cross-contact may be possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and social with lots of variety — but it’s not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is open seating. Arrive early if you want a patio table or are visiting during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and the casual setup works well for kids. Earlier hours are best for a calmer vibe.
Best For
Better for: Groups with mixed tastes, casual hangouts, and trying multiple Chicago vendors in one stop — especially if you want dog-friendly patio seating.
Skip if: You prefer table service, quiet dining, or a more intimate restaurant experience.
Time Out Market Chicago
7.8
Time Out Market Chicago is a multi-vendor food hall in a converted warehouse, gathering some of the city’s chefs and concepts under one roof. Guests treat it as a one-stop move for groups with mixed tastes, hopping from burgers to dumplings to cocktails without leaving the building.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mott Burger, Duck Dog, Soup Dumplings from QXY Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Editor-curated food hall showcasing multiple Chicago favorites in one space.
Who should go: Groups who want options, drinks, and people-watching.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak weekend lines.
What to order: Mott Burger, duck dog, soup dumplings from QXY stalls.
Insider tip: Claim a table upstairs first, then order from multiple kiosks to avoid juggling trays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Fulton Market; nearby paid garages and lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — anything from jeans and sneakers to relaxed night-out attire fits in.
Noise level: Loud during peak times — conversation can require raised voices, especially in the main hall.
Weekend wait: Expect lines at individual vendors and difficulty finding tables during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically easier to order and find seating, though still busy at times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vendors offer vegetarian mains, bowls, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited but available — options depend on current vendors and seasonal menus.
Gluten-free options: Some GF-friendly dishes are available, but prep is shared and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-style dates than intimate ones — the energy is high and the vibe is social rather than quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive early or split up to claim a table while others order to avoid juggling trays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the day. Kids who like options and quick food runs will do well, though it can feel chaotic during peak evenings.
Best For
Better for: Large groups with mixed tastes, casual nights out, and visitors wanting to sample several Chicago favorites under one roof.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, white-tablecloth service, or highly personalized dining — this is a lively food hall, not a traditional restaurant.
Time Out Market Chicago
7.9
Time Out Market Chicago brings a cluster of top local vendors under one roof, making it an easy pick when your group can’t agree on cuisine. It’s more casual and energetic than a seated restaurant, but the mix of communal tables and smaller nooks can still work for informal business lunches or team outings. Everyone orders from different counters, then regroups with drinks in the central seating area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kurobuta Pork Dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan Mini, Fried Chicken Sandwich from the market’s chicken stand, Pulpo a la Plancha from Lil Amaru
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Editorially curated food hall with multiple top local vendors.
Who should go: Teams who want lots of options and casual, energetic surroundings.
When to visit: Weekday lunches before peak crowds and long ordering lines.
What to order: QXY dumplings, fried chicken sandwich, seafood from Lil Amaru.
Insider tip: Claim a central table first, then send people in rounds to different counters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Fulton Market is limited; nearby paid garages and lots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Office attire is common at lunch, but jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times — conversation is possible, but it won’t feel private.
Weekend wait: Expect crowds and possible lines at individual vendors, typically 20–40 minutes at peak.
Weekday lunch: Usually manageable, though popular counters may have 10–20 minute waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vendors offer meat-free mains and sides.
Vegan options: Yes — a handful of clearly vegan or easily customizable options.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options are available, but prep areas are shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates. The food hall vibe is energetic but not intimate, so it works if you want something low-pressure and flexible.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first come, first served. It helps to grab a table before ordering during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, especially during the day. The variety of vendors makes it easy for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Mixed-diet groups, casual team lunches, and people who want multiple cuisines in one stop.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth business lunch or attentive table service — this is more cafeteria-style and lively.