Business & Tech

Fuel and Refuel: Food Specials for Marathoners

Looking for a place to carbo-load before the race this weekend, or somewhere to refuel afterward? Look no further. We have all your pre and post race-day specials.

While some are preparing for a weekend of relaxation and time away from work, others are ready to run—26.2 miles, of course, during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

More than 45,000 people from all over the country, and world, will take to Chicago's streets this Sunday for one of the most famous marathons in history. 

Race organizers have said cool temperatures will be ideal for the run, which kicks off in Grant Park. But both before and after the race, restaurateurs are capitalizing on participants' needs to carbo-load, and refuel. The following are some of the many Chicago Marathon-related specials offered prior to and following Sunday's race. 

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Tesori, 65 E. Adams St.

  • What: Runners showing their bibs at Tesori this weekend will get a craft beer on the house. Any family and friends joining them will get 10 percent savings on their bill.
  • Contact: 312-786-9911

2 Sparrows, 553 W. Diversey Pkwy

  • What: After 26.2 miles, you're bound to be hungry. Stop by 2 Sparrows for brunch, where runners will receive a 26 percent discount on all food and non-alcoholic drinks, provided they show their bibs.
  • Contact: 773-234-2320

The Florentine, 151 W. Adams St.

  • What: Need carbs? Of course you do. Present your race bib from Friday to Sunday and choose from dishes including veal argue or mezzelune butternut squash-filled pasta. Oh, and you'll get 25 percent off.
  • Contact: 312-660-8866

Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, 437 North Rush St.

  • What: In anticipation for race day, Phil Sefani's is offering several specials on Friday and Saturday including $16 Rotoli di Ricotta e Spinaci, $17 Rigatoni with Prosciutto, Panna e Piselli, $18 Pennette Primavera, $17 Linguine alla Matriciana and $19 Pappardelle alla Bolognese.
  • Contact: 312-222-0101

Michael Jordan's Steak House, 505 N. Michigan Ave.

  • What: On Saturday, runners can get their last carb fix at Michael Jordan's, where a twist on the restaurant's traditional favorite, a wagyu meatball pasta, is being offered for just $23. Those stopping in after the race will get a complimentary pour of Metropolitan Krankshaft—for this, bring your bib.
  • Contact: 312-321-8823

Tuscany, 1014 West Taylor St.

  • What: Specials during the weekend include $17 mezzaluna with chicken and pesto sauce, $15 linguine primavera with oil and garlic and $21 macaroni cipriani with shrimp.
  • Contact: 312-829-1990

Where: Filini, 221 N. Columbus Ave.

  • What: Filini offers high-protein pancakes leading up to the marathon. Top your selection off with fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt, blueberries, crushed almonds and hazelnuts—all for just $9.
  • Contact: 312-477-0234

Eleven City Diner, 1112 S. Wabash

  • What: Eleven City Diner will offer a special "Finish Your Plate" menu for those ending the race. After all, the restaurant is very near the finish line. Dishes include mish mosh pasta, "Fish Fuel" tilapia, deep dish paella, a granola and yogurt tower and veggie and beef sliders.
  • Contact: 312-212-1112

Mercat a la Planxa, 638 S. Michigan Ave.

  • What: All throughout the weekend, enjoy a special "Dine and Dash" menu for $35, which includes four protein-packed courses. Among them is a chicken breast with truffle rosemary white beans and grilled asparagus; and a saffron chicken broth with rice, chorizo, poached chicken and Maine lobster. On Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., runners are welcome to come in for a three-course brunch with endless dessert and charcuterie helpings. The cost for that meal is $25 per person.
  • Contact: 312-765-0524

Riva Crab House, 700 East Grand Ave.

  • What: Get several specials during the weekend. For $20, get penne with wild boar argue, swiss char, pecorino; for $18, get linguini primavera with oil and garlic; and for $28, get fetuccine with shrimp, fresh tomato fondue and basil.
  • Contact: 312-644-7482

Lockwood, 17 E. Monroe St.

  • What: Fuel up on a pre-marathon menu of unlimited pasta for $18. Choose from strozzapretti, linguini or pappardelle pasta, and a choice of marinara, alfredo or pesto sauce.
  • Contact: 312-917-3404

Frasca Pizzeria and Wine Bar, 3358 N. Paulina

  • What: Carbo-load and get the energy you need by showing your bib number at Frasca before the race. In doing so, you'll receive a 20 percent discount on all pasta dishes. After the race, enjoy $6 bloody mary beverages.
  • Contact: 773-248-5222

The Pony, 1638 W. Belmont Ave.

  • What: Runners can celebrate their runs by rehydrating at The Pony, a neighborhood favorite. Show your bib for a complimentary Powerade Pony Punch with the purchase of a food item. Grub deals include a $5 burger, $5 24-ounce Pony Punch cocktails and $4 16-ounce Miller Lite bottles.
  • Contact: 773-828-5055

Balsan, 11 E. Walton

  • What: Oct. 6 is both the eve of the Chicago Marathon and National Noodle Day. The Waldorf Astoria will be flying in world renowned Italian chef Heinz Beck to create special hand made pasta dishes for runners. The pre-race lunch will take place on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
  • Contact: 312-646-1400

Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard St.

  • What: On Saturday, try the mac and cheese poppers or gluten-free penne pasta specials. Marathoners will receive 20 percent off their dishes. Runners will also save 20 percent on Sunday brunch when they show their bibs.
  • Contact: 312-645-6000

Carriage House, 1700 W. Division St.

  • What: Mark Steuer's new Lowcountry cuisine restaurant in Wicker Park is the perfect spot to load up on some carbs. The restaurant is offering baked grits with roasted wild mushrooms, truffle vinaigrette, coddled farm egg and thomasville tomme for those getting ready to run. Also enjoy Carolina gold rice balls with pimento cheese, sweet potato puree, smoked pork neck gravy and pickled cabbage.
  • Contact: 773-384-9700

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