There’s plenty to see inside Navy Pier, but you won’t need your eyes to find this special treat. The scent of delicious popcorn will draw you in to the Popcorn Palace and Candy Emporium. This old-fashioned popcorn-and-candy shop has been tempting pier-goers since 1995. This Palace doesn’t just offer the traditional butter-flavored popcorn you can find in any movie theatre. They have 27 flavors, including Cheesy Ranch, Jalapeño, Sour Cream & Chives, Cinnamon, Pecan Praline, and even Cookies & Cream. What’s my favorite? Well, I’m still trying to figure that out; everything’s good! Though I have to say, I’m partial to the Chicago Mix (caramel and cheddar popcorn mixed together).
You can’t talk about specialty popcorn in Chicago though without mentioning Garrett Popcorn Shops. Just around the corner from David Burke’s Primehouse, it’s not uncommon to find a long line pouring outside the Michigan Avenue location, but all of the visitors will tell you it’s worth it. It’s even been listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things! The aroma of fresh popcorn alone will have you coming back for more, and the taste? Unforgettable. Once again, I have to recommend the caramel-and-cheddar mix, and I can honestly admit that I have never made it all the way home with more than an empty wax bag and sticky orange fingers.
Photo credit: TangoPango
Popcorn Palace & Chicago Emporium: 600 E Grand Ave (Navy Pier); 312-222-9081
Sun - Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult, pay lot available
Public trans: Bus # 2, 29, 65, 66, 124 or free trolley service (between Navy Pier and State Street along Grand Ave and Illinois St)
http://www.popcornpalace.com/
Garret Popcorn Shop: 670 N Michigan Ave; 312-943-8464
Mon - Thurs: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
No street parking on Michigan Ave
Public trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/
Popcorn Palace Tags: candy, carry-out, catering, chicago, desserts, downtown, food network, lake michigan, mall, navy pier, popcorn, shopping, wheelchair access
Garret Popcorn Shop Tags: carry-out, catering, chicago, desserts, downtown, food network, magnificent mile, michigan avenue, oprah, popcorn, river north, river west, shopping, wheelchair access
