The Chicago Sky’s home opener against the Connecticut Sun is Saturday, the first of 20 WNBA regular season games at Wintrust Arena after the team defeated the 90-81 Thursday night in New York. Skyrocketing and new interest in the WNBA and the Sky have the potential to add energy this summer to the South Loop neighborhood surrounding Wintrust Arena. But where to eat once hunger pangs set in before or after tipoff could be a question for fans flocking to nearly sold-out stands, especially considering the arena’s more limited concessions options (think hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders) compared with other sports venues.
United Center’s , which opened in December, serves the namesake late Blackhawks chairman’s signature martini and french fries with black truffle butter. Menu lineups from and include decadently stacked Chicago dogs and sandwiches, boozy milkshakes and empanadas. First-round draft pick Angel Reese has told reporters about her impression of the beloved Harold’s Chicken, which does have a South Loop location near Wintrust, and has even posted on seeking Chicago restaurant recommendations.
For the uninitiated, the South Loop may appear to lack the restaurant and bar options of North Side neighborhoods. But it is home to a bevy of definitive Chicago dishes, solid sports bars, modern concepts, the city’s and classic are very close. While not an exhaustive list of bars and restaurants, here are a few Tribune food team favorites at various price points to ge.