Best Concepts: Chicago’s Old Post Office boasts all local food hall as dining amenity for tenant businesses.

The 2.5 million-square-foot Old Post Office building in Chicago had been abandoned for decades before a recent $800 million renovation project turned it into a premier multi-use office and event space. The historic 1921 Art Deco building spans nearly three city blocks in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood along the Chicago Riverwalk and offers amenities like a quarter-mile track, a full basketball court, paddle tennis courts, a fitness center with a boxing ring, a massive patio fronting the Chicago River and—last but not least—From Here On, an 18,000-sq.ft. elevated food hall with 10 local restaurant concepts that was opened this past June by local hospitality group 16" On Center that has been named the 2023 FM Best Concept Award winner in the Best New Facility category. Foodservice manager Kenny Patronski of Cini-Little International was responsible for the food hall's design.  

From Here On offers direct views of the river and serves as a hub for eating, imbibing and gathering as guests make their way through the spectacular space. From Here On is also accessible via the busy riverwalk and boasts a sprawling, 26,000-sq.ft. outdoor patio that looks out onto the Chicago River.

The food hall’s locally-owned dining concepts include…  

Millie’s, the long-standing family owned and operated all-day diner with homemade recipes, such as their famous Buttermilk Pancakes, and perennial charm.

Phobox, the collaboration between the team at Chicago Lunchbox and Phodega, serving Vietnamese classics in a modern atmosphere.

Tempesta Market, the multi-concept Italian eatery, from the family behind Nduja Artisans Salumeria, that offers popular in-house charcuterie, craft sandwiches, and gourmet take-away items.

Flo’s Kitchen, the Durango-style Mexican concept serving dishes inspired by the family’s hometown in Northern Mexico, such as Mama Rosa’s famous flautas, Durango-style burritos, and Quesabirria.

Familiar Bakery, the new bakery from 16” On Center and Chef Ashley Robinson that showcases globally-inspired pastries, breakfast sandwiches, house-made bagels, savory pies, and more. 

Snorkelbox, another 16” On Center concept, is the massive bar situated in the center of the food hall that serves serious cocktails in a playful atmosphere. The cocktails are inspired by travel given the history of The Old Post Office and the term “snorkelbox,” which is a stand-alone mailbox.

FARE, a plant-based vendor with dietary restriction-friendly options. They work with local farms for seasonal produce and offer bowls, breakfast options, and more!

Hot Chi Chicken, the Chicago-style, Nashville Hot Chicken concept from brothers Amer and Mutaz Abdullah and business partner Kinan Moufti. They're well known for their “Popeyes Ain’t Sh!t” Chicken Sandwich.

Here’s a look at From Here On and its concepts…