Solette

Though I don’t always plan for dinner in the Chicago Loop, going out before a show is the perfect excuse to explore the neighborhood’s restaurant scene. My latest stop was Solette, a downtown Chicago restaurant known for its lively happy hour, after-work crowd, and convenient location near theaters.

I started with a $10 glass of prosecco from the happy hour menu, which felt like a great value for the area. If you’re looking for affordable drinks in the Loop, this is definitely a strong option to consider.

To share, we ordered the guacamole and calamari. While neither dish had an especially standout or unique flavor, both were solid, crowd-pleasing choices—especially at happy hour pricing. They’re easy options if you’re stopping in for drinks with coworkers or friends before dinner plans.

For my entrée, I went with the Solette Smash Burger, topped with fontina cheese, caramelized onions, pickled relish, lettuce, and truffle aioli. The burger had great flavor overall, and I especially loved the combination of the sweet caramelized onions with the rich truffle aioli.

Overall, Solette is a great choice for your next happy hour in the Loop—whether you’re heading to a show, meeting colleagues after work, or looking for a lively downtown dinner spot. The atmosphere leaned more corporate and bright than cozy, but I loved the high energy and buzzing crowd. It feels like a place designed for socializing, which makes it perfect for group outings or pre-event drinks.

Solette: 225 W Randolph St Suite 1, Chicago, IL