THEATER EATS: Staytion

Welcome to THEATER EATS where we at Broadway World Chicago share the places we like to go for a nosh or a drink before theater!

Restaurant/bar: Staytion Market & Bar, 1 W. Upper Wacker Drive (State & Wacker)

Theaters it's near to: Cadillac Palace, Chicago Theatre, Goodman, Harris, Joffrey, Oriental, Private Bank, Siskel Film Center, Storefront Theater.

Hours: Breakfast 6 a.m.-11 a.m.; Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner Sunday-Wednesday 4 p.m.-12 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m.-1 a.m.

Reservations recommended? No

History of the place: Staytion recently opened as part of the $24 million transformation of the lobby of Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.

Dish not to miss: The plates are made to be shared and we are partial to three (more than enough food for two people). The grilled artichoke salad ($8, pictured above) is served with goat cheese, mild Fresno pepper (bringing just enough heat) and a signature house-preserved lemon rind that manages to be both sweet and salty thanks to being packed for a week in a sugar and salt mixture. The wild mushroom flatbread ($10, left) had a light garlic flavor with tangy goat cheese and wild mushrooms (we could honestly eat two of them --they're that good). The pork tacos ($12) feature succulent achiote-braised pork that's slow-roasted for eight hours, queso fresco, pickled red onion and cilantro that taste just like the ones we've had on the streets of Mexico.

Signature Drink: Staytion's take on a classic Manhattan is called O'Leary's Cow and appropriately features just a hint of smokiness.

Finale word: Centrally located to the downtown theater district, the chic and stylish Staytion features locally-sourced food that's big on taste, but light on the wallet.

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