When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
88 Marketplace
Why 88 Marketplace is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
88 Marketplace stands out as a premier destination to meet up with friends and explore Asian culture through food and shopping. Located in Chicago's historic Chinatown at 2105 S. Jefferson Street, this expansive, 80,000 square-foot Asian supermarket is the largest of its kind in the United States. Its multi-level layout includes not only an extensive grocery selection but also a vibrant food court and specialty shops that create a bustling, immersive environment. Friends can gather here to enjoy a wide variety of authentic Asian cuisines, including favorites like Qiao Lin Hotpot, 312 Fishmarket, and Ying Dim Sum, mixing traditional flavors with contemporary tastes. Beyond dining, visitors can browse aisles filled with unique Chinese herbs, fresh produce, Japanese sweets, kitchenware, and household goods, catering to diverse culinary and lifestyle needs. The marketplace operates daily from early morning until 9 p.m., making it a flexible venue for casual meetups, weekend adventures, or cultural exploration. With ample parking and an easy-to-navigate space, 88 Marketplace provides a one-stop spot where socializing, shopping, and savoring Asian flavors blend seamlessly.
Here's what people think of 88 Marketplace
As of recent, 88 Marketplace holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1050 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise 88 Marketplace for its impressive size and broad selection, highlighting it as the largest Asian supermarket in the country with a diverse array of products that cater to various Asian cuisines. The food court receives particular acclaim for its variety and authenticity, with many reviewers enjoying the multiple restaurant options like hotpot, seafood, and baked goods, all under one roof. The friendly atmosphere and affordable prices also contribute positively to visitor experiences, making it a favorite gathering spot in Chicago’s Chinatown. On the downside, some customers note occasional crowding during peak hours and suggest that navigation inside the vast marketplace can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. A few reviews mention that checkout lines may sometimes be long, and parking, while generally adequate, can fill up quickly on weekends. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciate the marketplace’s ability to provide an authentic, convenient Asian shopping and dining experience in one location, reinforcing its standing as a cultural and social hub within Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
C C
Its lovely in here. You can find both Asian and Mexican products. They have a lot of great snacks. I also like that they have cooking tools.
Helen Low
They have a variation of Asian grocery. It is convenient that they have some restaurant. My daughters love the bakery store. This marketplace has a very clean bathroom which is a plus. Most of the Asian grocery store not offer any bathroom. Restaurant: We tried the new clay pot rice restaurant - worse clay pot rice I have even had in my life (overly salty and oily). The ingredients didn’t taste anything like homemade but more like ingredient buying from the grocery story store - not fresh.
karina k
This mall is cute. The 88 marketplace is inside Jefferson Square. It has much variety and it’s a huge place. The prices are fair but not cheapest. But the fact that you will find like 10 aisles of candy and chips and snacks is enough to come here. There are like 6 rows of just frozen dumplings. It’s on a second level after you go up an escalator. It has a seafood and meat section as well. If you want and need variety for pan Asian food you should come here. Free and massive parking lot which is hard to find in the city of Chicago. Has so much here and pan Asian food and restaurants. It's a place anyone should go to find all kids of goodies including slippers seafood candy cookies veges fruit bakery seaweed meat and plates and so much more. They have live seafood.
Sarah
This is more than an Asian grocery store! It’s a whole experience over a couple of levels. There is a food court, restaurant, bakery, home goods store and coffee shop. It is very similar to H Mart but I find 88 Marketplace a little easier to navigate find what I am looking for. The bonus is there is lots of free parking and you are just a few minutes from Chinatown and all of the great stores and restaurants that area has to offer.
Michelle Kim
The food court here has food you wouldn’t easily get elsewhere in the Chicago areas like blue crab curry, duck head, duck neck, pig foot noodles and dong bei food—all in one location. The wait time after ordering food was a bit long and the staff had limited English skills. You order through electronic stands. Overall I had good experience because of this place having Chinese groceries, food court and cute home ware stores all in one location.
How to reach 88 Marketplace
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Why 88 Marketplace may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 88 Marketplace with your friends?
When you’re planning a gathering with friends or family, the vibe and variety of activities available play a huge role in ensuring everyone has a memorable time. 88 Marketplace in Chicago offers a unique blend of cultural richness, culinary adventure, and shopping all under one roof, making it an ideal place to rally your group. Imagine walking into a bustling Asian marketplace where you can savor freshly made dim sum, browse exotic ingredients for your next cooking adventure, and explore diverse shops selling authentic goods—all in a lively and welcoming environment. The marketplace’s spacious layout, with free parking available in two lots and street parking, makes it an accessible and convenient destination for groups coming together. You can enjoy a shared meal over a variety of Asian cuisines, experiment with new flavors, or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Asian culture through food and marketplace offerings. This combination of food, culture, and shopping creates a dynamic backdrop perfect for socializing, exploring, and creating lasting memories with your friends or family.
What activities can you enjoy at 88 Marketplace?
One of the primary draws of 88 Marketplace is its food court that features a wide variety of Asian culinary delights. This is not just any food court—here, you can find authentic stalls serving dim sum, barbecue, pho, sushi, hot pot, and baked goods. The offerings cater to diverse palates, offering everything from light snacks to full meals, making it easy for a group with varying tastes to find something everyone enjoys. For those curious about Asian cuisine or looking for a hands-on dining experience, Qiao Lin, a notable hot pot restaurant located on the ground floor, offers an interactive meal that’s perfect for group dining. Sharing hot pot encourages conversation and bonding as each person cooks their food at the table. Alongside eating, you can explore the large supermarket area stocked with hard-to-find ingredients, fresh seafood including frozen crawfish and oysters, and a plethora of vegetables and spices integral to Asian cooking. The store also offers some kitchenware and tableware to make your cooking at home even more authentic. For shoppers, this combination of dining and market browsing turns a simple outing into a cultural and culinary adventure that's rewarding to share with friends or family.
Why is 88 Marketplace perfect for a group meetup?
The environment at 88 Marketplace is lively yet laid-back, which creates a fantastic setting for groups to unwind and socialize. Unlike traditional restaurants, this marketplace-style venue encourages exploration and interaction, where groups can spread out, sample various dishes, and reconnect over shared experiences. Its size and layout support large groups comfortably, with ample seating areas that encourage communal dining and conversation. The variety of cuisines and food stalls ensures that everyone’s preferences and dietary needs are met, from vegetarians to seafood lovers, which can often be a challenge when dining out as a group. Moreover, the marketplace’s diverse offerings mean that after dining, friends can keep the gathering going by strolling through the grocery aisles, discovering new ingredients, or purchasing souvenirs and unique snacks to bring home. The free and convenient parking options remove the usual hassle of city parking, making it easier for everyone to arrive stress-free. Whether your gathering is casual or a special occasion, 88 Marketplace’s combination of food, shopping, and cultural ambiance offers an all-encompassing experience that keeps the group entertained and engaged for hours.
How diverse is the culinary experience at 88 Marketplace?
88 Marketplace excels in offering a diverse and authentic culinary scene that spans many Asian cultures. Within its food court, you can find authentic Northern Chinese dim sum, Korean barbecue, Vietnamese pho, Japanese sushi, and baked goods typical of various Asian traditions. This diversity not only celebrates Asian cuisine but also invites visitors to explore new dishes that may be outside their everyday meals. The food court’s setup allows for easy ordering from multiple vendors, letting your group mix and match dishes to create a personalized dining experience. The quality of food is praised for being fresh and satisfying, offering an affordable way to enjoy restaurant-style meals without the formalities of traditional dining. Furthermore, the presence of the hot pot restaurant adds an element of interactive dining that’s both fun and engaging, perfect for groups who enjoy sharing and cooking together. Whether you’re craving a classic bun, a steaming bowl of soup, or fresh sushi rolls, 88 Marketplace provides an extensive menu of options that cater to adventurous eaters and comfort food lovers alike.
What shopping experiences does 88 Marketplace offer?
Beyond its impressive food scene, 88 Marketplace is a gateway to authentic Asian groceries and goods, making it a paradise for shoppers interested in Asian culinary ingredients and cultural items. The supermarket boasts an extensive selection of fresh, frozen, dried, and packaged foods that you won’t commonly find in mainstream grocery stores. This includes specialty items like tree ears (a type of edible fungus), tiger lily buds, frozen seafood like crawfish and oysters, and a wide assortment of vegetables and spices vital to Asian recipes. For those who love to cook or are looking to experiment with new dishes, the marketplace’s offerings provide the perfect inspiration. Additionally, there is a small section dedicated to cookware and tableware, allowing shoppers to pick up authentic utensils and serving dishes to elevate their home dining experience. This makes 88 Marketplace more than a place to eat—it’s a resource for anyone passionate about food or culture, adding value to any group visit with the opportunity to learn, shop, and bring home unique flavors and items.
How accessible and convenient is 88 Marketplace for visitors?
Accessibility and convenience are key factors when choosing a destination for a group meetup, and 88 Marketplace scores highly on both. Located at 2105 S Jefferson St in Chicago, this two-floor market offers ample free parking on two lots and street parking, which significantly eases the typical challenge of city parking. This ease of access means groups can arrive and leave without fuss, allowing the focus to stay on enjoying the experience. The marketplace is open with extended hours on weekends, providing flexibility for daytime or evening meetups. Inside, the layout supports easy navigation with clear sections for groceries, prepared food, and seating areas. The acceptance of credit cards makes transactions simple and quick for all visitors. Customer-focused programs such as a frequent buyer card and customer point rewards add an extra layer of benefit, particularly for repeat visitors or those planning future meetups. These factors come together to create a welcoming and hassle-free environment suitable for casual visits or special group gatherings.
What cultural experience does 88 Marketplace provide?
Visiting 88 Marketplace is more than just a food or shopping trip—it’s an immersion into the vibrant cultures of Asia. This marketplace reflects the diversity and richness of Asian communities through its products, food, and overall atmosphere. The variety of Asian cuisines available highlights the culinary heritage of different regions, and the supermarket shelves are stocked with import goods that carry a story and tradition. The marketplace’s food stands, with their open kitchens, exhibit traditional cooking methods and offer aromas and flavors that invite curiosity and exploration. For groups, this cultural richness creates a dynamic social atmosphere where learning and sharing about different foods and customs comes naturally during the visit. Whether it’s tasting a new dish, watching food being prepared fresh, or browsing unique grocery items, 88 Marketplace provides a hands-on cultural experience that stimulates all the senses. This cultural authenticity makes it a special destination to share with friends and family who appreciate global cuisine and heritage.
What makes 88 Marketplace stand out as a social hub?
What truly sets 88 Marketplace apart as a meet-up spot is its fusion of food, shopping, and social energy. The marketplace environment encourages movement and mingling, rather than the static seating of typical restaurants. Groups can drift from food stalls to grocery aisles, share snacks at communal tables, and discuss purchases and flavors as they go. The lively setting, filled with shoppers, cooks, and food enthusiasts, fosters a collective enthusiasm for discovery and enjoyment. The marketplace also supports spontaneous interactions, such as sampling new foods together or helping each other select ingredients, which deepens the connection among friends or family members. Along with the convenience of its location and parking, the variety of activities available ensures that there’s no shortage of engagement for diverse groups, whether young or old. This makes 88 Marketplace not only a fantastic place to eat but also a vibrant social hub that transforms an ordinary meetup into a memorable shared adventure.
In summary, 88 Marketplace’s combination of authentic Asian culinary experiences, extensive grocery selections, convenient location with great parking, and culturally rich atmosphere make it an outstanding choice for hosting meetups with friends or family. From delicious shared meals and interactive dining to shopping for rare ingredients and kitchenware, this marketplace offers a multifaceted outing that educates, entertains, and connects people in a lively, welcoming environment. The 4.5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews attests to its popularity and quality, underpinning its reputation as a top spot to gather, eat, shop, and celebrate friendship and family bonds.