The Bars at Steppenwolf
As part of our campus expansion, patrons now have a transformed theatergoing experience with larger lobby spaces and new bars for socializing. In addition to the popular Front Bar, Steppenwolf’s campus now features two new full-service bars—The Tap House Bar and The Balcony Bar—designed by fc STUDIO, inc.
Enjoy a beverage at one of our two full-service lobby bars before the show and during intermission. Front Bar, our iconic café and bar, is open both before and after the show where you can enjoy a delicious bite to eat with a coffee or craft cocktail.
Front Bar
A Space to Gather Over Coffee or Cocktails, Day or Night
Photo by James Steincamp Photography
Located in front of Steppenwolf’s new 1700 Theater, Front Bar is a warm, creative space to grab a drink, have a bite or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. Functioning as a stand-alone entity, the café & bar also connects to Steppenwolf’s existing main building, creating an expanded lobby space.
Front Bar serves artisanal coffee and espresso by Passion House Coffee Roasters and food by The Goddess and Grocer. The menu features fresh, accessible fare with breakfast pastry, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches for lunch, as well as shareable small plates and desserts for evening and post-show service.
Complimentary parking for Front Bar is available in the 1700 N Halsted St lot from 7am–5pm on weekdays and 7am–12pm on weekends. Front Bar also offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
Front Bar was developed with consultation from Steppenwolf’s friends and neighbors, Boka Restaurant Group (BRG), along with interior designers Karen Herold and Kayce Carter of Studio K and the marketing and design firm Grip.
Front Bar Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
Café 9am–4pm for non-show days, 9am–after intermission for show days
Front Bar 4pm–2 hours post final show
Sunday
Café 12pm–8pm
Front Bar will be open for matinées.
TWO NEW FULL-SERVICE LOBBY BARS
Photo by James Steincamp Photography
The expanded Steppenwolf campus now features bright new lobbies and two new full-service bars for socializing before and after productions.
The second-floor lobby of the Downstairs Theater at 1650 N Halsted St has been renovated to house a stylish bar and gathering space. The main lobby of the newly opened Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center also offer a full-service bar and light-filled atrium. In the warmer months, the doors will lead to an outdoor patio.
Steppenwolf’s two lobby bars will open one hour before evening performances and close 30 minutes after performances end. On two-show days with a matinée and evening performance, the bars will be open from pre-matinée through the evening performance.
These new bars join Steppenwolf’s popular Front Bar (1700 N Halsted St) to offer audiences, artists and community welcoming spaces for socializing in the Halsted corridor of Lincoln Park.