Fab Happenings: Top 5 Things I Ate/Drank at Lollapalooza 2019

Lollapalooza was in the full effect this weekend and we can say it was another amazing year! With 8 stages, and over 170+ bands plus the Windy City’s favorite restaurants in Chow Town, we can understand why it is one of Chicago’s hottest summer fests.

People from all ages and walks of life gathered at Grant Park for some fabulous beats, eats, and treats. From hip hop to electronic to indie bands, each stage had your body moving, heads nodding, and hands waving in the air. The all-star line up included artists like Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper, The Chainsmokers, Twenty One Pilots, and more.

Lolla featured some photogenic spots (for cute photos of yourself or if you’re like us background for our food), unique activations, free swag, Kidzapalooza, hydration stations, and more.

Excited much?

My roller skating skills were a little too rusty to get on the floor but there were some brave souls who showed off their moves at the Revlon Ultra Rollerama…

And, obviously, we ate our way through the festival. Here are my “Top Things I Ate/Drank at Lollapalooza 2019″…

5. The Original Rainbow Cone

It wouldn’t be a Chicago summer without The Original Rainbow Cone, am I right? A local favorite since 1926, this multi-colored treat is happiness in a cone. The layers includes chocolate (melted down in the cone), strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with walnuts and cherries), pistachio, and orange sherbet. It was a hot day so melted in seconds but nonetheless divine.

{Location}
The Original Rainbow Cone
Beverly || 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 238-9833
Navy Pier || 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL || (312) 929-3672

4. Vero Coffee & Gelato

Never say “NO” to cookies and ice cream especially to BomboBar Cookie Monster gelato sandwiched between two homemade chocolate chip cookies from the Vero Coffee & Gelato stand. You won’t care your mouth is coated in blue when you bite into the cookie dough chunks and rainbow sprinkles.

{Location}
Vero Coffee & Gelat0
Bucktown Mariano’s || 2112 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 342-6585
Greektown Mariano’s || 40 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-7657
McKinley Park Mariano’s || 3145 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 247-3394
Plus, additional Mariano’s locations…

BomBo Bar
Old Town || 1529 N Wells St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 549-8433
West Loop || 832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 967-7000

3. XO Marshmallow

We didn’t want to just focus on desserts but how can you resist these gooey, adorable S’mores on a Stick? The three vanilla marshmallows are toasted and topped with chocolate drizzle and dusted with graham crackers. The best part? You don’t have to get your hands dirty.

 

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#lolla Everybody’s taking cute pics of themselves in front of @lollapalooza murals while we take cute photos of our S’mores on a Stick. #lifeofafoodie 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ || Stop by @xo.marshmallow for these gooey treats. || 😋#lollapalooza #fabfoodchicago

A post shared by Fab Food Chicago (@fabfoodchicago) on Aug 2, 2019 at 3:00pm PDT

{Location}
XO Marshmallow
Rogers Park || 6977 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL || P: (872) 484-0011

2. The Budlong Hot Chicken

A local favorite, The Budlong Hot Chicken, served Chicken Tenders, Crinkle-cut Fries, Farm Slaw, and my favorite Hot Chicken Sandwich. Choose between Naked or Classic and either way you can’t go wrong. I went for the Classic with the Budlong comeback sauce (spicy), farmslaw, and pickles, nestled between pillowy brioche buns.

{Location}
The Budlong Hot Chicken
Hyde Park || 1301 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 270-9005
Lincoln Park || 1008 W Armitage, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 270-9005
Ravenswood || 4619 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 270-9005
River North || Merchandise Mart || 222 W Merchandise Mart Plz, Food Court – Floor 2, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 270-9005

1. MAD Social

When I saw Fried Chicken and Waffles with crispy pork belly on MAD Social’s menu, I knew I had to get it. The pieces of fried chicken and waffles were generously stuffed in a waffle cone with crispy pork belly, all dressed in a spicy maple syrup and sprinkled with powder sugar. If you haven’t been to the restaurant, they have a great brunch menu, which includes a Fried Chicken and Churro Waffle. Yes, a churro waffle.

{Location}
MAD Social
West Loop || 1140 W Madison St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 243-2097

Thanks to Red Bull, we were well fueled and re-energized for the festival at the Red Bull outpost! #givesyouwings

Featured refreshments included specialty drinks like the HyperX Punch made with Red Bull Tropical Edition and Alienware Razz with a choice of sugar-free Red Bull. We couldn’t get enough of the NEW Coconut Edition. You received a complimentary Red Bull when you turned on the notifications on your Lolla app.

They had Ninja and other top gamers as well as musicians and special guests throughout the weekend. Thanks for the hookup, Red Bull!

It’s another great Lolla in the books. See you next year!

Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo

Note: Our passes were complimentary from Lollapalooza and Red Bull. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.