Best Chicago Restaurants to Celebrate Halloween
Whether or not you still go out trick or treating (and we’re guessing not), there are still some ways to recognize one of America’s most popular holidays at Chicago’s best restaurants, some of which run specials, others of which are just…witch-y.
We’re not necessarily talking about servers dressing up as ghosts and goblins, or side dishes of candy corn, but there are ways to recognize this seasonal event by visiting a restaurant that evokes some of that spooky holiday spirit.
Here are six of Chicago’s best bar/restaurants, serving food in allegedly haunted rooms or simply celebrating Halloween with food and drink specials, or costume competitions, that make the day special…if not particularly spine-tingling.
Lawry’s The Prime Rib. The old McCormick mansion, now home to Lawry’s The Prime Rib, is said to be haunted. And although it’s an old place, there is yet to be any photographic evidence of paranormal activity in the confines of this excellent old steakhouse. The upstairs, however, does contain cases of old puppets that used to perform operas for the music-loving owners many years ago – it’s well-intentioned, of course, but a little creepy. Soothe any jangled nerves with one of the best slabs of prime rib you will find among the living.
Celeste. One of River North’s grooviest restaurant/discos becomes the scene of this year’s jungle boogie celebrations. Celeste’s Halloween Jungle Party kicks off on Saturday, October 26. You can start at 5pm or at 10pm, then you can dine and dance the night away with your significant other spirit. No cover…and be prepared for some spooky surprises.
Hubbard Inn. If you’ve ever been to the Hubbard Inn, you know the place can be a little spooky any time of year – the food is fantastic, innovative and delicious, but those pictures on the wall of birds and beasts in formal attire can be a little unnerving. At Hubbard Inn’s Boos and Booze Halloween festival, on October 26, you enjoy a three-hour drink package and costume contest (be prepared for some naughtiness – you know what we’re talking about: the sexy nurse, lascivious maid, etc.).
Shaw’s Crab House. Before a late afternoon of trick or treating (either going door-to-door or standing at the door serving candy to the trick or treaters), consider a Halloween Brunch at Shaw’s Crab House. On October 26 and Sunday October 27 (okay, actually a few days before the big event) enjoy lunch and selections from Shaw’s frighteningly massive Halloween-inspired dessert buffet. From 10am to 2pm ($65 for grownups, $15 for children 7-12, and FREE for children 6 or younger), you can enjoy some superior sweets surrounded by spooky decorations guaranteed to get you into the spirit of the day.
Emporium Arcade Bar, As one of the most fun and colorful bars on the North Side, and as part of Chicago Halloween Bar Crawl Nation, the Wicker Park location of Emporium Arcade Bar promises, “Lots of costumed partygoers, Wicker Park’s best bars, spooky specials, and free gear as you complete the bar crawl!” Fun, right?!
Alhambra Palace. The Mysteriosa Halloween Special takes place on October Saturdays at Alhambra Palace. Billed as a variety show of myth and intrigue, and presented in the exotic, shadowy and yet inviting surroundings of Alhambra Palace, everything starts at 8:30pm. Prepare to be scared – and delighted! – with acts that draw on traditional culture…with a Halloween twist.
