Local Event

First Bites Bash

Thu, January 22, 2026 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Cost: $155

Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced tickets are now on sale for First Bites Bash, the kick-off event for the 19th annual Chicago Restaurant Week. Produced by Choose Chicago, this historically sold-out event will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Chicago’s Field Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees will experience tasting portions from over 70 restaurants spanning two floors showcasing their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus, as well as wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more.

“Choose Chicago’s First Bites Bash has become one of Chicago’s signature winter traditions,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “The unmatched talent of our local chefs and the incredible range of cuisines and neighborhoods they represent showcase exactly why Chicago is a city that's Never Done & Never Outdone in the world of culinary excellence."

Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling – located in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, will serve as the Host Chef for First Bites Bash.

“I’m honored to serve as the 2026 host chef for First Bites Bash," said Chef Jonathon Sawyer. "This event is a terrific way for Chicagoans to join hundreds of fellow food lovers as they preview the incredible flavors in store during Chicago Restaurant Week – the most exciting two weeks celebrating the city's vibrant culinary scene! Attendance at this event also supports the important work of charitable beneficiaries changing lives. I can’t think of a better reason to come out!”

Choose Chicago is pleased to continue its longstanding support of high-impact organizations and will make a financial contribution to benefit No Kid Hungry, a charity chosen by host chef Sawyer. No Kid Hungry works with food banks, schools, and other partners around the country to make sure children and families have the food they need.

"Every kid needs three meals a day to grow up healthy, happy and strong. But too many children in America today are missing those meals. Kids deserve better. Ending childhood hunger is our goal, and we have mapped out the path to achieve it. By supporting our work, you can help us reach our first milestone: cutting childhood hunger in our nation by half by 2030, " said Courtney Smith, Managing Director of Culinary Partnerships and Events at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign.

Additionally, as the official destination partner of the James Beard Foundation Awards, Choose Chicago will also contribute to the James Beard Foundation, a long-time partner, furthering its 40+ year commitment of leading chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.

“We’re honored to be a beneficiary of First Bites Bash and deeply grateful to Choose Chicago for supporting our Good Food for Good mission,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “This event celebrates the extraordinary culinary talent that makes Chicago’s dining scene truly exceptional, while supporting our work to champion a more sustainable, equitable and thriving independent restaurant industry.”

Participating restaurants in First Bites Bash include both longtime Chicago Restaurant Week participants and newcomers alike representing Chicago’s vibrant communities and an array of global cuisines. The complete list of First Bites Bash participants is available here.

A limited number of Flash Sale tickets are now available for $120 per person at firstbitesbash.com until tickets in that category runs out, and then General Admission tickets to First Bites Bash will become available for $155 per person until event capacity is reached or until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Choose Chicago’s First Bites Bash 2026 is generously sponsored by Today’s Variety, 101.9 THE MIX, 97.1 The Drive – Chicago’s Classic Rock, Throwback 100.3 – All the Hits of The 90s & 2000s, Hubbard Inn, the James Beard Foundation, Pepsi and Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.[AG1] 

First Bites Bash serves as the kick-off for Chicago Restaurant Week 2026, taking place January 23 - February 8, 2026. A full list of participating restaurants, along with menus and reservation information, will be released December 10.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Get social using #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek.

Tags

• event
• chicagorestaurantweek
• firstbitesbash
• Things to do in Chicago, IL
• Illinois Wine & Food Events
• Chicago Wine & Food Events