First Bites Bash 2025

Celebrate the city’s acclaimed culinary scene at First Bites Bash the official kick-off event for Chicago Restaurant Week featuring bites from 60+ of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs.

Guests can enjoy tastings from top Chicago restaurants plus wine beer and spirits at the stunning Field Museum. This year’s event proudly features Host Chef Soo Ahn of Adalina in Chicago's Gold Coast. Adalina has been recognized multiple times by Eater Chicago for Best Dish Best Meal and is on the 38 Essential Restaurants in Chicago. Adalina was also nominated as the Best New Restaurant of the Year by the Jean Banchet Awards.

New this year check out the First Bites Bash VIP Lounge presented by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. Guests will receive early access to the First Bites Bash event a commemorative gift unique VIP food offerings and exclusive tastings from Trinchero Heritage Collection - California Trinchero Heritage Collection - Italy Jose Cuervo Reserva la Familia and Proximo Spirits Luxury Tequila.

Choose Chicago is pleased to continue its longstanding support of impactful organizations by donating a portion of event proceeds from First Bites Bash. This year a donation will be made to the James Beard Foundation a long-time partner furthering its commitment to championing a more sustainable equitable and thriving independent restaurant industry and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention whos mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Visit firstbitesbash.com for a complete list of participating restaurants.

Keep the party going and join us for the official First Bites Bash after party at Hubbard Inn! Show your event wristband for entry at the front door. Let the night continue with good company and great spirits!

This is the ONLY ticketing page for First Bites Bash 2025. For accurate information and updates please be sure to follow this page only. Any other pages groups or websites claiming to be affiliated with this event are not official and may provide incorrect details.

A few things to know about the event:

• All guests must be at least 21 years old and bring a valid ID.
• If you don’t present a valid ID at the event your ticket will be void and no refunds provided.
• This is an adults-only affair. No children of any age are allowed into the event including infants and children in strollers.
• General admission entrance will be on the EAST side of the Field Museum.
• VIP entrance will be on the SOUTH side of the Field Museum (main entrance).
• Parking will be available for $30 per car in the lot just east of the Field Museum on Museum Campus Drive. After looping around in front of the Shedd Aquarium you will circle back and turn right into the lot. View the map here. This lot is first come first served and overflow parking is in the Soldier Field North Garage for $30.
• No refunds or price adjustments.

Vendors subject to change. Your ticket includes entrance to the event access to select exhibits and food and drink samples. Enjoy responsibly. We reserve the right to curtail service to anyone if intoxicated. It is recommended to print a paper ticket to prevent any technology complications that would prevent your ticket from displaying on your phone. There is no guest list. Each ticket must be scanned. Security reserves the right to inspect all bags and persons. Absolutely no food or drink may be brought into the event. Guests who are deemed intoxicated (or otherwise unfit) will be denied entry and no refund will be given.

Host or Publisher Gala Gallery