The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will be run Sunday, and so naturally, restaurants near the marathon route (and some nowhere near the route) are jumping in with dining specials, not all of which are related to carbo-loading.
Ceres’ Table: Saturday evening, Giuseppe Scurato will feature a special 26-layer lasagna, made with veal Bolognese and black truffle ($18). You won’t find any marathoners carbo-loading the night before, but don’t let that stop you. 3124 N. Broadway, 773-922-4020
Chicago Firehouse Restaurant: Right on the marathon route and very close to the finish line, the Firehouse is a popular gathering spot for the big race. Keep in mind, though, that pedestrians will not be permitted to cross Michigan Avenue until 2:30 p.m., so approach the restaurant from the east and find street parking (no valet during the race). A big supporter of Special Olympics, the Firehouse will hold a private event for runners and friends/family in its City Tavern space across the street. As in years past, the Firehouse will offer coffee to go, as well as a brunch with specials from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (dinner service begins at 3). Children’s entertainment includes a face-painter, and a bounce house installed on the back patio. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401
Current: A build-your-own pasta menu (choose among four house-made pastas, four sauces, three proteins or vegetable) will be featured Saturday; prices range from $15-$22. 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-255-4460
Luxbar: Avoid the Marathon traffic and wait for Luxbar’s “Marathon Monday” a la carte brunch, which starts at 8 a.m. Monday. 18 E. Bellevue Place, 312-642-3400
Michael Jordan’s Steak House: This one’s for the runners: After the marathon, stop by the restaurant and, with minimum purchase (a celebratory beer will do it), receive a complimentary 10-minute massage. Available noon-2 p.m. 505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-4100
Park Grill: The restaurant will feature two tented events this weekend: Saturday, a Marathon Pasta Dinner includes pasta buffet, build-your-own-pasta station, salads and dessert. Tickets are $35; seatings at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday, a Breakfast and Viewing party runs from 8-11 a.m. and includes breakfast buffet while watching the marathon action on wide-screen TVs. Tickets are $35. All tickets available through parkgrillchicago.com/events. 11 N. Michigan Ave., 312-521-7275
Piccolo Sogno Due: Three-course Pasta Palooza menu, with accompanying wines, is $45. Available Sundays-Thursdays through October. 340 N. Clark St., 312-822-0077.
Plymouth Restaurant & Bar: All-you-can-eat pasta bar, $10, available 6-9 p.m. Saturday; regular menu and drink specials available Sunday (dining room and, weather permitting, rooftop), beginning 11 a.m. 327 S. Plymouth Court, 312-363-1212
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