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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Streeterville

Food and fun activities

Made for those who refuse to choose between a satisfying meal and an engaging, interactive experience.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
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Updated April 2026
01
Benihana - Chicago (John Hancock) image 1
Benihana - Chicago (John Hancock) image 2
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Japanese restaurant offers interactive hibachi cooking shows with chefs performing tricks like flipping shrimp tails and making onion volcanoes. The atmosphere is loud and lively, creating a fun and engaging environment for groups and families. Seating tends to be cramped, but the combination of entertainment and food stands out.

High-quality food comes with amazing service that carefully accommodates allergies. The dining includes entertainment alongside the meal.

Shows feature interactive cooking with chefs performing fun tricks and engaging guests. The experience combines great energy and skill on the grill, making it a lively and entertaining activity.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly."

"The chefs make the experience super fun and interactive."

"The staff here are awesome and great with kids."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

02
Qiao Lin Hotpot - Chicago Downtown image 1

Modern design blends with traditional Asian aesthetics to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Plenty of private booths and comfy seating support intimate dining and easy conversation. A well-stocked sauce station encourages creativity with personalized dipping sauces.

Food quality stands out with top-notch freshness and rich flavors. Service matches the food with consistent excellence.

Offers a fun, interactive dining experience that works well with friends. The downtown location adds to the lively atmosphere, making visits enjoyable and engaging.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I found so many great vegetarian options here."

"The hotpot experience here is delicious and fun."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm offers $5 drafts and $10 cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

3

The kitchen closes at 10pm, so make final orders before then.

03
Polk Bros Park image 1

City park offers spectacular lake views and illuminated fountains that create a lively yet peaceful atmosphere. Families enjoy the splash park and playground, while live music and art installations add cultural vibrancy. The space feels safe and welcoming, with open areas perfect for relaxing or walking by the water.

Various food and drink options line the walkways and food court, offering fresh snacks and meals. The area combines relaxing spots with good food choices alongside attractions and shops.

Live music and water jets create a lively atmosphere for all ages. The end of the pier offers beds to relax and watch the sunset with a cocktail, while pop-up art displays add extra fun.

People are saying

"You can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake here."

"It's so fun for the entire family, especially the water jets."

"I found the food here to be good."

Good to know

1

Fireworks are held on Wednesdays at 9 pm and Saturdays at 10 pm.

2

Transformers figures are on display until May 26.

3

The festival returns on September 21st and 22nd after four years.

04
The Comedy Bar image 1
Comedy club

Comedy club offers an intimate, cozy venue with a circular stage that brings performers close to the audience. The atmosphere feels electric and fun, encouraging interaction and laughter. Small round tables provide comfortable spacing, creating a relaxed setting for enjoying lively acts.

Delicious food and drinks come with a somewhat expensive price but offer good value. Service complements the great taste and adds to the overall experience.

Shows feature a perfect combination of comics including a host, opener, and headliner. The entryway offers a fun picture spot and the overall vibe is consistently fun and lively.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and delicious."

"The comedians here are really funny and provide great laughs."

"It's a great intimate venue, you're right up close to the action."

Good to know

1

There is a two-drink or food minimum at the venue.

2

The entrance is located at the back of the building.

3

Parking can be an issue near the venue.

05
American Girl Place - Chicago image 1

Two-level doll store offers nostalgic atmosphere filled with beautiful displays and interactive amenities like doll salons, a cafรฉ, and a doll hospital. The space feels like a dream world for little girls, combining vibrant design with activities for both dolls and children.

Hilarious staff create a lively atmosphere. The hair salon adds a fun, interactive touch despite being pricey. Overall, it offers a very fun family experience with plenty to explore.

People are saying

"It's a magical, exciting experience that kids will love."

"It's a fun and magical experience for little girls."

"I thought the food here was just okay."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the salon and dining experiences.

2

Expect to spend a significant amount; budgeting is advised before visiting.

3

A complimentary personal shopper is available for first-time visitors.

06
Odyssey Cruise River North image 1

Boat cruise offers amazing river views with dimmed lighting and occasional snowfall enhancing the atmosphere. Interior is loud with high noise levels, featuring a DJ playing 80's style music that affects conversation. Guests often spend time outside to enjoy the nighttime scenery and calmer ambiance.

Amazing food comes with a snow globe vibe as snow falls gently outside. Dining feels cozy and scenic on the cruise.

The cruise boat offers a fun time on the water. Many enjoy the experience enough to want to do it again.

People are saying

"The city views from the river were magnificent."

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure your preferred table on the cruise.

2

The A/C is strong, so consider bringing a cardigan.

3

Cocktail attire is suggested, but casual wear is common.

07
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Chicago, IL image 1

Dinner theater combines interactive murder mystery with live theatrics and fun atmosphere. Performers engage actively, creating an entertaining and challenging experience. Food and drink options are limited and not the main focus.

Food here is scrumptious and pairs well with the interactive comedy. Meals come alongside laughs, making the dining experience lively and engaging.

Murder mystery dinners offer a fun, interactive way to solve crimes while enjoying a meal. The fire show adds excitement and variety, making the activities great for groups and family fun.

People are saying

"These dinner spots are a fun and entertaining mystery."

"The bar's interactive and unscripted show was a pleasant surprise."

"It's a really fun and interactive experience."

Good to know

1

The bar is cash only, so bring cash for drinks and tips.

2

Expect to spend around $80 per person for the meal.

3

The show is interactive, encouraging audience participation throughout.

08
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Magnificent Mile image 1

Hotel offers a rooftop pool with city views and a grand, elegant lobby. Atmosphere tends to be loud and busy, with frequent noise from construction, sirens, and lively groups. Rooms feel comfortable but somewhat outdated.

Gourmet experience stands out at the Hothouse Lounge, offering food and drinks beyond typical hotel bars. The location places you close to iconic landmarks and diverse dining options.

Outdoor and rooftop pools offer games like Cornhole, Jenga, and pool table that keep kids entertained. The rooftop pool adds a busy but fun atmosphere for all ages.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were all amazing and so polite."

"The food here was fresh and of good quality."

"The pool area was so much fun with games for all."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $62 per day, regardless of discounts.

2

Breakfast is not included with the room rate, despite some bookings indicating otherwise.

3

The rooftop pool is closed until mid-July, which is not disclosed on the booking site.

09
Palm Court image 1
Restaurant

Elegant decor centers around a large fountain, creating a grand atmosphere enhanced by a live harpist playing throughout. The space feels overcrowded with tightly packed tables, contributing to a bustling energy. Guests often add champagne to their tea, complementing the refined setting.

Fresh and delicious food comes with pleasant lighting and a harpist playing. A fountain inside the dining area creates an outdoor dining feel without the cold.

Afternoon tea offers a fun vibe with beautiful decorations and live harp music. The experience feels unique and different, making it a lively way to spend time despite being pricey.

People are saying

"The tea options are incredible, with delicious cakes and crumpets."

"It's a fun experience with beautiful decorations and people-watching."

"The food here is superb, fresh, and delicious."

Good to know

1

High Tea is available year-round at Palm Court.

2

The Holiday Tea experience costs $77 per person.

3

Reservations are recommended for the High Tea service.

10
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago image 1

Spacious hotel with stunning skyline and lake views offers an atmosphere of quiet elegance and luxury. Amenities include a well-equipped gym, a unique wellness spa with indoor pools and a Finnish sauna, and a kid-friendly environment. The bar provides an inviting and exciting space for drinks.

Food options include 24-hour room service with reasonable prices. Shopping and dining happen inside the building, so there's no need to go outside.

Fun kids gifts and a T-shirt greet granddaughters in the room. Concierge Kyle arranges an impromptu whiskey tasting in the lobby. Location sits near the Museum of Contemporary Art and spots like Jeni's Ice Cream.

People are saying

"The staff's professional and kind service made the nice view even better."

"The food here is delicious and well thought out."

"They have fun activities like a playroom with a PS5 and kid gifts."

Good to know

1

The pool closes at 8 PM, which may limit evening access.

2

Expect 2-3 minute wait times for lifts on weekends and public holidays.

3

The hotel is dog-friendly, allowing pets during your stay.

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Streeterville, Chicago

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