Navy Pier is a popular place in Chicago for out of towners and natives, busy in summer and visited all year round. The pier itself has a few fast food restaurants in the food court, and also sit down places scattered throughout. If you rather step off the pier to explore more of Chicago and Streeterville, there is plenty of restaurants near Navy Pier!
Places to Grab a Bite
Chicago is a food city, ditch the chain restaurants and venture out for what is only available locally!
Cupitol Coffee and Eatery
Coffee, whether iced or hot, always sounds like a good idea in the morning. Good news – Cupitol in Streeterville has coffee unique to Chicago only that you can enjoy!
A restaurant, bakery, cafe, and bar all in one. The jack of all trades one might say. Cupitol’s menu offers a selection of coffee, juices, and delicious baked goods made in-house for customers to enjoy.
Kanela Breakfast Club
The closest place off the pier is this modern restaurant that serves delicious breakfast and brunch! They are open at the crack of dawn and close by 3pm. Kanela have a coffee and juice bar, or if you’d like to start your day with some mimosas and other fun cocktails this is your spot!
Their menu offers options for everyone – healthy choices, sweet treats, and savory dishes. Whether you want something light, indulgent, or salty, they have something for you. USA Today voted Kanela the #1 breakfast in Chicago!
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company
A day in the sun can cause you or the family and friends to get tired. Its probably best to carb up, do so at Roberts! Just a short ten minute walk from the front of the Pier.
Here you can choose to dine inside or on their waterfront patio. A place for drinks, happy hour, handcrafted pizza, brunch, dessert, and a good view! Despite the name, their menu doesn’t only consist of pizza options. Roberts Pizza Company offers appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches!
Volare Ristorante Italiano
Another option that is a ten minute walk is Volare Chicago. This is a great option since the walk to the restaurant from the pier is headed towards Michigan Avenue, where more things to do await you!
Volare has an assortment of hot and cold appetizers, pizzas, pastas, entrees, dessert, wines, and more. Menu items are subject to change and make a reservation just to be safe!
Activities to do
Don’t stop the fun at boat rides! The Navy Pier and Streeterville area holds a lot more activities available for you to enjoy for all ages. Below are some of our top picks that we think are worth while to check out!
Pinstripes Chicago
Right next to Cupitol Coffee and Robert’s Pizza is Pinstripes. Where you can not only grab a bite to eat but also bowl and play some bocce.
While you get your game on, full service is available to you. Anywhere in the city is a good idea to make a reservation. You can eat and play indoors or dine outside with a close up view of the Chicago River. Fireplaces are available to keep you warm on windier nights.
FTW Chicago
Located on Illinois Street, west of Navy Pier you can find FTW. An arcade bar that also welcomes kids, offering American food and beverages. They have a range of arcade games, from skee-ball, air hockey and other classic games! Once you finish arcade games, you can even play a round of mini golf.
For sports fan, FTW has high definition TVs scattered throughout so you can have fun playing games and keep up with your team playing in the game. FTW is in the same building as the AMC, if you’re looking to catch a film that has been on your list, there you go!
Chicago Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is what you make of it! From as simple to sitting and enjoying a picnic with good views to way more. A lot of Chicagoans use the trail for daily exercise: walking, running, rollerblading, and skateboarding. Divvy’s are also available for use at a low cost, just lock it back up in one of their many stations.
The whole trail is basically a beach! To name a few we have 31st Street Harbor, Ohio Street Beach, Oak Street Beach, Oak Street Beach, and more along the way. Get a front spot to feel that cool lakefront breeze!
