The Chicagoland area has such a great choice of dinner theaters, you can’t go wrong when you are looking for things to do in Chicago. Whether it’s you and a date or if you bring the whole gang, these theaters will feed you, entertain you and humor you. Here is a list of some of my favorite dinner shows and my experiences there.
Tommy Gun’s Garage
Tommy Gun’s is an absolute fun Chicago dining theater experience that takes place in a roaring twenties speakeasy. The show will crack you up as flappers and gangsters bring audience members up on stage for skits and sobriety tests. There are plenty of excellent singing performances and tons of comedy in this family friendly show. I had a flapper sit on my lap and sing a solo with the spotlight on us! It was hilarious.
The dinner we had was delicious and was served by one of the performers. Menu choices are varied and include lasagna, prime rib, pork chops, chicken and salmon. The Tommy Gun’s dinner theater runs Wednesday through Sunday and prices range form $60 – $70 per person. There are additional charges for alcoholic drinks (hooch).
Shows run Wednesday through Sunday. Ticket prices range $60-$70 per person.
Location : 2114 South Wabash, Chicago
Ticket Ordering : Call 312-225-0273 or online: http://www.tommygunsgarage.com/reservations.htm
Second City
One of the most famous downtown Chicago comedy clubs to go to is Second City. The comedy and improve is outstanding and many of these actors end up on Saturday Night Live. I have been here plenty of times and have never been disappointed.
Regular seating is mostly on the main floor and you need to get there early for good seats. The staff will seat you in the order you arrive with the better seats going first. Second City also offers premium seating for an extra $10. You get an excellent seat that is elevated and is reserved. The comedy club has a full bar and basically a menu that features appetizers and desserts. You can get a small pizza or panini if you want but that’s about it from a dinner point of view. Food prices range from $3.50 – $14.
Second City Chicago has partnered with local restaurants to provide a type of dinner theatre package. They have special pricing for show goers and the restaurants are in walking distance to the show. You contact Second City for the restaurant reservations. Prices vary significantly depending on which restaurant you go to. The online information is very good including menus and price breakdowns.
Show performances run Tuesday through Sunday. Show times are 8pm Tuesday – Thursday, 8pm and 11pm Friday and Saturday. Sunday has a 7 pm show only. Tickets prices are $22 for weekday and Sunday shows. Friday and Saturday shows are $27.
Location : 1616 N Wells St, Chicago
Ticket Ordering : call the Box Office at :312-337-3992 or online:
http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/
Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
Drury Lane is a dinner theater that hosts mostly musicals and comedies. Spamalot is currently showing at the time of this writing. The lobby, dining room and theater are ornately decorated in a classic style with pillars, gold leaf décor and red carpeting. The ambience of this theater is amazing. There is a regal feeling you get when you enter the lobby. The theater has good viewing from all areas, comfortable seats and the acoustics are excellent.
They have dinner theatre packages and patrons enjoy a separate dining area where you eat before entering the show. Their menu choices include chicken, scrod, salmon, pork chops, steaks and several other main courses. The last time I was here I had the filet mignon and it was very good.
Shows run Wednesday through Sunday and dinner show package prices range $45 – $68
Location : Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Ticket Ordering : Call Drury Lane Box Office at: 630-530-0111 or online: http://www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/live_theatre/tickets.shtml
Note: this webpage will take you to Ticketmaster.com to place orders.
Medieval Times
The Medieval Times show is in Schaumburg, just outside of Chicago. I had to include this one because the horses are amazing and the arena is cool. The building itself is a castle and you are transported back to the 11th century when you walk through the great doors. Your picture is taken with King Philippe when you enter the hall so you can purchase it later at the end of the show. Yes, I get the Medieval Times souvenir picture!
When you are seated in your section, you can see the arena is really big. Your section is color specific to correspond to your jousting knight’s color. You cheer for your knight during the jousts and horse competitions. It is a little rowdy and a ton of fun. Families with kids really love the show too.
Your four course dinner is served to you right at your seat. There are no forks or spoons to eat the soup, roast chicken, spare rib, potato and pastry. Just like olden times you use your hands, keeping your napkin close. The bill of fare is very tasty, filling and an utterly wonderful feast.
Shows run Thursday through Sunday, and ticket prices are $59.95
Location : 2001 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, Illinois
Ticket Ordering : Call: 1-866-543-9637 or online: http://medievaltimes.com/chicago/purchasetickets.aspx
So, there you have it. There are too many shows and dinner theaters in Chicago to cover them all but you will not go wrong with any these favorites. Additionally, I have found these theaters to be easy to work with when you have a group. If you have not seen any of these shows yet, don’t miss out, it’s one of the best things to do in Chicago! One final note, unfortunately Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding is no longer performing in Chicago. If you get a chance to see it in another city it’s an excellent show also.
Sources
http://www.tommygunsgarage.com/index.htm
http://www.medievaltimes.com/
