Aster Hall Food Hall Chicago. Yesterday when I was in the 900 building to pick something up I discovered that Aster Hall had opened right before I got there! (I posted immediately to Instagram – always check there also for the latest deals etc.). Food halls can be a good deal if you assemble a meal unlike regular restaurants where the selection is limited and you’re forced to order a fixed entree. Food Hall’s are also great for groups because everyone can find something they like.
Where: Aster Hall, Shops at 900 N. Michigan Ave, 1st (Doughnut Vault), 5th and 6th Floors.
2021: All hours and information have and are changing due to covid. Check website for latest info.
No app but you can order online
Aster Hall isn’t on Ritual and doesn’t have an app but you can order online.
When: Level 5 Food Vaults: M–F: 11:00am – 8:00pm, Sat.: 10:00am – 8:00pm, Sun.: 10:00am – 6:00pm. Aster Hall Bar & Study: M–F: 7:30am – 9:00pm, Sat.: 9:00am – 9:00pm, Sun.: 11:00am – 7:00pm. Doughnut Vault, 3 Greens Market, Midnight Juice & Coffee Co.: M–F: 7:30am – 8:00pm, Sat.: 9:00am – 8:00pm, Sun.: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Overview – I love this place!
Aster Hall is a new 22,000-square-foot food hall from Brandon Sodlikoff of Au Cheval, etc. I found the food prices to be extremely reasonable. My Small Cheval burger was $6.95 and the huge order of “golden” thin and crispy fries was $2.95. Drink prices are typical for Downtown Chicago. My glass(es) of Malbec were $13 and a decent size pour. Service was excellent.
Between the gorgeous dining and lounging areas, the reasonably priced delicious food, the great mix of dining options and the generous wine pour I’m in love with this place!
How it works
How it worksTake the express elevator up to the 5th floor. To order your food go to any kiosk. The location of your Vault (counter) will show up on the screen and the number is on your receipt. Make your way to your Vault, wait for your number to be called and pick up your food. The salad bar, 3 Greens Market, to the left when you enter is self-serve. Tiny water cups are next to the soda fountains. I’ve found regular size cups next to the kiosks on the right when you get off the elevator.
Where to sit
There is seating all over the 5th floor including banquets, high top and standard tables. Where you really want to go with your food once you pick it up (I ordered mine to go so it came in a bag rather than on a tray), and where you can order a cocktail, is up the escalator to the 6th floor. The 6th floor is a beautiful bar and lounge “study” area with comfortable chairs and couches as well as tables and booths. There is service in all areas of the lounge.
No outlets and Mall wifi
The only downside is that there are not a lot of outlets for us remote workers. Also they’re on the 900 N. Mall wifi which was never great because it kicks you out periodically. In a 2.5 hour period I was kicked out three times.
Food options and prices
All food options are located on the 5th floor except Doughnut Vault which is in the Lobby on the 1st floor. Each counter offers a reasonable selection of options.
3 Greens Market: Salad bar is $10 per pound, soup $4.25 and $5.25,
Al Pastor Tacos No. 2: Tacos $2.95; sides $2.95-$5.95
Boardwalk Seafood Co.: entrees $9.95-$18.95 (lobster roll)
Chicago Char Dogs: Char dog $3.95 other options $4.95-$6.95
Doughnut Vault (located in Lobby)
Ginza Ramen: three types all $12.95
Grateful Grains and Greens: All salads $10.95
Green Street Smoked Meats: sandwiches $7.95-$9.95; sides $3.95
Lil’ Boots: Italian pastas $7.95-$9.95; subs $7.95-$8.95
Lost Lily’s: Stir fry and dumplings. Everything $8.95. This counter is not open yet.
Midnight Juice & Coffee Co.: Smoothies and juices $8.50 (ouch!), Coffee, lattes, Cappuccino, tea, etc. $2.60-$4.85
Motor City Pizza: $4.95-$5.95
Small Cheval: Burgers $6.95-$7.95, fries $2.95; shakes $4.95
Sushi Station: rolls $7.95-$9.95
The Chocolate Bar: various cookies, bars, desserts. Prices vary.
The Rotisserie: Chicken fried and roasted $8.95-$9.95
Booze options and prices Menus on Instagram
Cocktails: $7-$15
Beer: $6-$10
Wine $11-$22
Bourbon: $12-$24
Scotch: $12-$104
Vodka: $10-$$14
Gin: $10-$16
Rum: $10-$18
Tequila: $10-$37
Brandy: $10-$24
Apertif & Digestif: $6-$30
View from the escalator between 5th and 6th floors
Gorgeous lounge area on 6th floor.
Bar on 6th floor.
Yum!
