Dining & Refreshments
From lobby bars serving delightful refreshments to sit-down dining experiences and options for unforgettable private events, the two world-class institutions Levy Restaurants and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association are working together to deliver an elevated concert experience.
Close Encounters special menu items at Forte
On May 3-5, Forte will be offering a special menu, showcasing items inspired by the movie, including a Devil's Tower of Mashed Potatoes. View menu | Make a reservation.
Close Encounters special cocktail
Enjoy a Kodály Method cocktail, made with Vodka, Midori, Lime, Lemon and Grenadine. An eye catching bright green due to the Japanese melon liqueur, this specialty cocktail will be available at all concert bars, and drinks ordered with a Symphony Center souvenir cup will be permitted in the hall during the performance.
April Specials at Forte Restaurant
Forte brunch
Open every Sunday in April for brunch!
Reservations accepted, walk-ins welcome.
Featuring house made biscuits with hot honey, stuffed French toast, spinach frittata, crab benedict, and even a donut! Served alongside lunch mainstays like the salmon salad and Forte burger. The bar will be ready with classic mimosas and bloody mary drinks, as well as some innovative brunch drinks like an elderflower spritz. $29 per person includes biscuits and entrée in our dining room. Bar & lounge available for individual menu item ordering.
View April Specials Menu at Forte »
Forte at Symphony Center
Located at 65 E. Adams, Symphony Center’s restaurant, Forte, offers a two course menu for seamless preconcert dining as well as a bar menu. Forte’s menu features Mediterranean influenced dining and craft cocktails, global wines, locally roasted coffee and desserts and is the perfect on-site spot to enjoy a meal, beverage or snack before a performance.
Forte’s two course dining room menu will change seasonally to include fresh and creative dishes. Dinner is offered at $55 per guest and includes two courses (choice of starter and main) with focaccia and olives. The two course lunch menu prior to matinee concerts is offered at $35 per guest. Reservations are requested but not required.
The bar menu features a variety of snack and entrée options. The bar area offers seating for 40 guests and is first come first served (reservations are not accepted). View weekly happy hour specials, offered from 5-6 p.m., on Forte’s Instagram page.
Forte opens two and a half hours prior to most concerts; specific dates and hours will be posted on Forte's website. Please note Forte restaurant is cashless and accepts payment by credit card only. View menus, hours, make a reservation or learn more about Forte at Symphony Center.
Dining at The Thomas Club
The Richard & Helen Thomas Club (located on the ninth floor of Symphony Center), is open on select dates bringing ticket holders a delightful dining experience with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan right here at Symphony Center. Reservations to dine at The Thomas Club are required.
The prix fixe menu will change monthly to include fresh and creative dishes. Lunch is offered at $45 per guest and includes two courses (appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert) and a non-alcoholic beverage of your choice. Dinner is offered at $75 per guest and includes three courses with after-dinner coffee or tea. View sample menus here, subject to change based on product availability.
Club Dining is available to members of the Thomas Club and ticket holders to the day's performance. Priority access to Club Dining is an amenity to Club Members, as a donor benefit for those who give to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association at or above the Governing Member level, and for Stradivarian Associates of the Theodore Thomas Society. Learn more »
Refreshments at Symphony Center
You can order drinks and snacks before the performance or during intermission at various bars located throughout Symphony Center, including the Bass Bar in the Rotunda and most of the lobby spaces in Orchestra Hall. Please note, bar service is cashless, and you can save time at intermission by making a preorder at the bar before the performance. Only bottled water is permitted inside the hall for most concerts and concessions may not be available for some events.
Local Restaurant Partners
Check out our list of local restaurant partners for more dining options.