Dining & Refreshments
From lobby bars serving delightful refreshments to sit-down dining experiences and 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.
Special Fantasia preconcert dining experience! Enjoy a Fantasia inspired menu to enhance your concertgoing experience alongside the CSO at the Movies concerts for Fantasia, November 24-26. The menus for Fantasia feature whimsical and satisfying choices with seasonal ingredients. Executive Chef Leonardo Moslemian was inspired by the the iconic imagery of Mickey's enchantment of the brooms and the mushroom dance and Director of Beverage Jennifer Knott created cocktails for your enjoyment, including drinks like Faerie's Symphony, The Apprentice and a zero proof Sorcerer's Wand. Explore Forte’s a la carte Fantasia menu with limited items like a King Trumpet Bao Burger and Finocchio Mussels, or the ninth floor Thomas Club two-course menu, showcasing amazing Lake Michigan views and a dinner menu with items including Grilled Prawns and Osso Bucco. Make your reservation today!
Forte at Symphony Center
Subscriber offer: During November and December, subscribers save 15% when dining at Forte, Symphony Center’s on-site restaurant. Show your subscriber card at the beginning of your meal to receive your savings.
This limited time Subscriber offer is available at Forte restaurant only and does not apply to concessions or at The Thomas Club. Discount applies to the subscriber and a maximum of three guests.
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 contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and classic cocktails, global wines, draft beer, locally roasted coffee and gelato and is the perfect on-site spot to enjoy a meal, beverage or snack before a performance.
Sample menus, subject to change based on product availability:
- Dinner menu offers two courses in the dining room.
- Bar menu offers individual selections in the front bar room.
Forte’s dining room offers a two course menu which will change seasonally to include fresh and creative dishes. Dinner is offered at $55 per guest and includes two courses (mezze and main dish) and focaccia. 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.
