The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show Parking Guide
The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show was a pioneering 1970s Chicago restaurant launched by Rich Melman and Jerry A. Orzoff, the founders of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The famous dining concept operated at 21 E. Chestnut Street in Chicago's Near North Side / Gold Coast neighborhood. Today, the venue is permanently closed, meaning there is no active box office, operational event staff, or official venue-managed parking facility under that historic name.
If you are researching The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show parking today, your primary practical need is parking near 21 E. Chestnut Street and the surrounding Gold Coast dining corridor. The best parking choice for this location is reserving a space in advance at nearby commercial parking garages along Rush, Chestnut, or State Street using mobile parking apps. There are no free or official on-site venue lots. Drive-up rates at commercial high-rises in this district are steep, often running between $18 and $40 or more for an evening. To avoid high drive-up rates and street congestion, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your dining reservations or appointments, and secure a prepaid garage space before setting out.
Parking Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show is permanently closed, and no official venue parking exists today. Visitors traveling to 21 E. Chestnut Street must rely on commercial parking garages or public transit in Chicago's Gold Coast.
Official Source Verification
Parking information can change by event, date, traffic control, construction, operator, or season. VenueGuideHQ checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check Parking Information
VenueGuideHQ prioritizes factual, boots-on-the-ground reality over assumptions. For defunct locations like The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show, we verify archival history, confirm the current use of the property, and evaluate the physical neighborhood infrastructure. We do not invent fictional "event passes," box office guidelines, or phantom parking lots for places that no longer operate.
Instead, our editorial team cross-references Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) street regulations, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) routes, and independent parking facilities operating near 21 E. Chestnut Street. When specific pricing or terms cannot be fixed permanently due to dynamic demand, we state that clearly so you can plan safely.
Official Parking Overview
Because The Great Gritzbe’s Flying Food Show closed its doors in the 1980s, there is no official venue parking lot, designated restaurant valet line, or official event shuttle.
The physical address at 21 E. Chestnut Street sits in a high-density, multi-use residential and commercial pocket of the Near North Side. Surrounding streets are filled with residential towers, active retail storefronts, and busy restaurants.
Oversize vehicles, including RVs, camper vans, and commercial tour buses, are prohibited from parking on narrow neighborhood side streets like Chestnut and Rush. Any large vehicles visiting the downtown corridor must seek dedicated commercial marshalling facilities located outside the dense central core, such as the truck yards near McCormick Place.
Best Parking Options Near 21 E. Chestnut Street
Drivers visiting this Gold Coast address have several garage facilities within short walking distance, alongside regional transit options.
21 E. Chestnut Area High-Rise Garages
Best for: Closest walking distance
- Located directly on Chestnut, State, and Rush streets
- Covered multi-level parking operated by major national companies
- Walking distance is typically under two minutes
840 N. Rush Street Garage
Best for: Evening dining along the Rush Street corridor
- Situated less than a block from the original restaurant address
- Elevator access to street level for pedestrians
- Quick access to neighborhood dining establishments
Water Tower Place Garage
Best for: Larger vehicles and multi-stop shopping trips
- Entrances located on Chestnut Street and Seneca Street
- High-capacity multi-floor facility three blocks east
- Easy walking distance to Michigan Avenue retail
CTA Park-and-Ride Stations
Best for: Avoiding downtown driving and saving money
- Park at outlying terminal lots like Howard or Cumberland
- Take the CTA Red Line train straight to the Chicago Station
- Eliminates urban traffic congestion and steep garage fees
Parking Prices and Payment
Parking in Chicago's Gold Coast is premium-priced. Drive-up rates at commercial parking decks in this area can easily exceed $30 to $50 for a few hours on busy evenings and weekends. If you choose to park in a commercial facility, reserving a spot ahead of time using online parking aggregators like SpotHero or ParkWhiz usually cuts these rates down to $18 to $35.
Most parking facilities in downtown Chicago are fully automated and cashless. Be prepared to scan a digital barcode on your mobile phone or use a physical credit or debit card at the entry and exit gates. Cash is rarely accepted at central city parking gates.
| Option | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial High-Rise Garage | Short-term dining and appointments | Rates range from $18 to $40+; booking ahead saves money |
| Water Tower Place Garage | SUV drivers and shoppers | Spacious facility located three blocks east of the site |
| City Street Meters (ParkChicago) | Quick stops under 2 hours | Extremely limited availability; strictly enforced time limits |
Because The Great Gritzbe's is no longer in business, there is no restaurant parking validation. If you are visiting current restaurants, salons, or businesses in the surrounding buildings, ask their staff directly whether they provide partial parking validation for specific local garages.
Accessible Parking
Drivers requiring accessible parking will find designated ADA spaces inside local commercial parking structures. Under federal accessibility standards, parking garages must designate stalls on level surfaces near elevators and pedestrian entry doors.
Keep in mind:
- A valid state-issued disability placard or disability license plate must be clearly displayed while parked in an accessible stall.
- Commercial garages charge standard parking fees for accessible stalls unless an independent facility policy states otherwise.
- On-street metered parking in the City of Chicago enforces specific rules regarding disability placard exemptions. Check the City of Chicago Department of Finance guidelines before assuming meter fees are waived for street parking.
- If you have clearance concerns or require wheelchair ramp access, call the private garage manager ahead of time to verify elevator operability and stall clearances.
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Using a rideshare service or getting dropped off by a friend is one of the easiest ways to reach 21 E. Chestnut Street without paying high parking rates.
Vehicles can pull over to the curb briefly along East Chestnut Street to let passengers out, provided the curb is not marked as a no-standing zone, bus stop, or active fire lane. Never double-park in active traffic lanes, as Chestnut Street is a narrow one-way roadway that quickly backs up.
During peak weekend dinner hours, Rush Street and Chestnut Street experience heavy vehicle congestion from delivery drivers, private vehicles, and restaurant valet teams. If your rideshare driver is struggling to reach your exact corner at pick-up time, consider walking one block west to State Street, where the wider roadway makes curb pick-ups smoother.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options
Public transportation is an affordable, practical alternative to parking in the Gold Coast. The historic location is well-served by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
- CTA Red Line (Subway): Exit at the Chicago Station (located at State Street and Chicago Avenue). Walk two blocks north along State Street to Chestnut Street, then turn east. The entire walk is approximately 0.2 miles and takes under five minutes.
- CTA Bus Routes (Michigan Avenue): Routes #3, #26, #146, #147, #148, and #151 stop along Michigan Avenue near Chestnut and Delaware. Walk two blocks west to reach 21 E. Chestnut.
- CTA Bus Routes (State Street): The #36 Broadway/State bus drops off at the corner of State and Chestnut, less than one block away.
- Private Shuttles: There are no venue shuttles, hotel shuttles, or private parking shuttles serving 21 E. Chestnut Street.
What to Do if Parking Is Full
On busy evenings, neighborhood garages directly adjacent to Rush Street can post "Full" signs. If your chosen garage is closed to drive-up traffic:
- Reroute to Michigan Avenue Facilities: High-capacity retail garages like the Water Tower Place Garage or the 900 N. Michigan garage rarely run out of room and sit just a short walk to the east.
- Check Parking Apps for Open Inventory: Pull over to a legal curb space and open a parking app to view open stalls across the Near North Side.
- Avoid Endless Street Circling: On-street parking spaces on Chestnut, Delaware, and Rush are heavily sought after and have low turnover. Circling for an open meter during evening dinner hours often wastes 20 to 30 minutes without success.
Day-of Parking Tips From VenueGuideHQ
Navigating the busy Gold Coast street grid requires preparation to avoid fines and frustration.
- Reserve garage space before leaving. Booking ahead locks in lower rates and guarantees you an entrance pass before local lots reach capacity.
- Take a screenshot of your digital pass. Mobile data reception can drop in underground concrete garage entries, making digital barcodes hard to load at the gate.
- Enter the exact street number into your GPS. East Chestnut Street is a one-way street, and missing the garage driveway forces an inconvenient loop around the block.
- Watch for one-way street signage. Chestnut runs eastbound; turning the wrong direction off State or Rush creates immediate gridlock and safety hazards.
- Check garage clearance heights for tall SUVs. Older residential garages in the Gold Coast can have lower overhead clearances than modern retail parking structures.
- Allow 20 minutes of buffer time. Neighborhood traffic and pedestrian crosswalk activity slow down entry ramps during evening dinner rushes.
Category-Specific Arrival Tips: Historic Dining & Urban Districts
Visiting locations in dense urban districts like Chicago's Near North Side requires a different strategy than visiting suburban venues or stadium lots.
East Chestnut Street is a narrow, one-way street running eastbound. Traffic moves slowly, particularly around intersections where pedestrians cross between boutique hotels and dinner spots. When turning into garage driveways, watch for heavy pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks.
Furthermore, valet stands for active neighborhood restaurants frequently occupy curb space along Rush and Chestnut. Do not pull into a restaurant valet queue assuming it is self-parking. If you are comparing your culinary travel plans with other iconic food destinations, you can review our practical parking overviews for Mary Mac's Tea Room parking, examine our guide to Matt's Bar parking guide, or consult the details for Margaritaville Casino and Restaurant parking.
Before You Go Checklist
- Verify the opening hours of the business you are visiting on Chestnut or Rush Street.
- Reserve a garage parking stall through a mobile app to secure a lower rate.
- Download and save a screenshot of your parking barcode to your smartphone.
- Confirm that your vehicle meets garage clearance limits if driving a crossover or SUV.
- Remember that Chestnut Street is a one-way street heading east.
- Carry a credit or debit card, as downtown Chicago garages rarely accept cash.
- Display your disability placard clearly if parking in an accessible stall.
- Check CTA Red Line train schedules if traveling by rail.
- Add 20 minutes to your travel plan to navigate Gold Coast street traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show still open?
No. The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show was a famous 1970s restaurant founded by Lettuce Entertain You that permanently closed in the 1980s.
Where is the best place to park near 21 E. Chestnut Street?
The best choice is a commercial parking garage located on Chestnut, Rush, or State Street. Reserving a spot in advance through a parking app ensures an available stall and a discounted price.
Does the historic building have official on-site parking?
No. There is no official venue parking lot, box office, or dedicated guest facility associated with the former restaurant. Visitors must use commercial garages or street meters.
How much does parking cost in Chicago's Gold Coast?
Commercial parking garages generally charge between $18 and $40+ when booked ahead. Drive-up rates during busy evenings can exceed $50 for several hours.
Can I park on the street near Chestnut and Rush?
Limited metered street parking exists via the ParkChicago app, but open spots are rare during evenings and carry strict two-hour parking limits.
Are accessible ADA parking spaces available nearby?
Yes. Commercial parking facilities in the neighborhood provide designated accessible stalls with elevator access to street level.
What is the closest CTA train station?
The CTA Red Line's Chicago Station at State and Chicago is the closest subway stop. It is less than a five-minute walk (two blocks south) from 21 E. Chestnut Street.
Do nearby garages accept cash?
Most commercial parking structures in central Chicago operate on automated, cashless systems that require credit cards, debit cards, or prepaid digital passes.
Where can rideshares drop off passengers?
Drivers can pull over along East Chestnut Street where curbside regulations permit passenger loading. Avoid blocking crosswalks, hydrants, or bus zones.
What should I do if my chosen garage is full?
Head east toward Michigan Avenue to larger parking decks, such as the Water Tower Place Garage, which have higher vehicle capacity.
Conclusion
The Great Gritzbe's Flying Food Show remains a memorable part of Chicago's dining history, but the physical location at 21 E. Chestnut Street is now part of an active residential and commercial Gold Coast block. Because no official restaurant parking exists today, driving visitors should reserve a space in advance at a nearby commercial garage along Rush or Chestnut Street to avoid steep drive-up fees. Alternatively, taking the CTA Red Line to the Chicago Station allows you to bypass downtown street congestion entirely. Always confirm your destination's address and review parking garage terms before heading out.
Parking information can change by event, date, season, traffic control, construction, and parking operator. Always confirm the latest parking details on the official venue, airport, park, attraction, city, transportation, parking operator, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.
