While Chicagoans might think of The Salt Shed primarily as a music venue, there is plenty to do on the entertainment campus on the (increasingly rare) days when there aren't concerts.
The Morton Salt warehouse complex opened on the bank of the Chicago River in 1930. The complex's most prominent building is the large barn-like production shed. Its sloped roof is emblazoned with the name Morton Salt, the slogan "when it rains, it pours," and the image of the iconic Morton Salt Girl holding an umbrella. It's the type of landmark that gives Chicago character. I can't help but smile whenever I catch a glimpse of it from the Kennedy. It's so uniquely Chicago.
When Morton Salt closed the warehouse facility in 2015, Chicagoans were curious and hopeful that the area could be redeveloped without destroying the distinctive salt shed and the painting of the Morton Salt Girl. When the factory closed, the salt was relocated, the property was sold, and an application for City of Chicago landmark status was approved.
Chicagoans didn't expect the old salt shed, a reminder of our city's industrial past, would become our city's most unique concert venue. Local hospitality group 16″ on Center transformed the warehouse complex into The Salt Shed, a concert venue and entertainment complex. The Salt Shed opened in 2022 and has been celebrated as a creative and successful example of adapting a historic structure for a new purpose.
This wasn't the first time 16" on Center reimagined a Chicago landmark. They have turned an old post office into a Food Hall and an abandoned public hall into a music venue/bar/restaurant.
A Complete Guide to Chicago's Salt Shed:
The biggest takeaway is that there is plenty to do at Salt Shed even if you aren't seeing a show.
It's Two Live Music Venues in One
Salt Shed has two stages: one outside and one inside.
The summer concert lineup includes The Alabama Shakes, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Lord Huron, and Jack's Mannequin.
The Shed
The Shed is the Salt Shed's indoor concert venue, located inside the old salt production shed. The capacity is 3,500 people.
The Shed Ticket Options
There are three tiers of tickets for inside shows: General Admission, Grands, and Premium.
General Admission
General Admission tickets are standing room tickets in front of the stage.
Grands
The Grands is a large elevated stadium-style seating area located behind the General Admission area. You are able to reserve specific seats in this section.
Premium
Premium ticket holders have access to expedited entry, the balconies on the side of the salt shed, and a premium bar. The views from this area are excellent. I found the bathrooms to be nicer than at other music venues, and there was no line.
These seats are not assigned, but my friend and I had no trouble getting great seats in this section when we attended a concert.
The Fairgrounds
The Fairgrounds is the Salt Shed's outdoor music venue, with a capacity of 5,500 people. Note: Fairgrounds shows are weather-permitting and are not moved inside in case of bad weather.
The Fairgrounds Ticket Options
There are two ticket options for outdoor concerts.
General Admission
General Admission ticket holders have access to a large open space with standing room and an elevated grandstand.
Premium
Premium ticket holders gain access to an elevated balcony and platforms with skyline views, premium bars, lounge spaces, and separate bathrooms. Expedited entry is also offered.
Salt Shed Hosts a Variety of Events
Pizza Fest, outdoor markets, food fests, holiday markets, and even the World's Largest Karaoke Party have been hosted at the Salt Shed.
More Things to Do at Salt Shed
Elston Electric
Elston Electric is a large all-ages arcade and tavern that occupies a space that once housed the salt factory's boiler.
There is an impressive selection of over a hundred games, including classic pinball, shoot-em-up zombie games, virtual reality games, pop a shot, air hockey, skee ball, and video games.
Food options include slices from Pizza Friendly Pizza, taquitos, and hot dogs. There is a full bar—and even negroni Jell-O shots.
Note: after 10pm Elston Electric is 21 plus.
Umbrella Vintage
Find a mix of vintage men's and women's clothing, plus decor and other treasures from the 1940s - 1990s at Umbrella Vintage.
Loud Pizza Records
Shop for vinyl and apparel at this record shop.
Fret 12
Shop for guitars, apparel, artwork, and home goods here. On concert nights, you do need a ticket to enter the shop. They will hold purchases for you during the show, or ship them.
RISE
A cannabis dispensary that is open during events and shows at Salt Shed.
Where to Eat and Drink at The Salt Shed
Whether you are attending a concert or not, The Salt Shed offers several food and drink options.
Three Top Lounge
This rooftop cocktail lounge with incredible skyline views is open for every Salt Shed show. In addition, Three Top Lounge hosts its own events, ranging from DJ sets to magic shows. These events are ticketed - tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door, if available.
In addition to offering a full bar, the Three Top Lounge serves some small bites.
The hours of Three Top Lounge vary based on the Salt Shed event schedule, but they share weekly updates on Instagram.
Goose Island Salt Shed Pub
Located on the riverbank, with stunning Chicago skyline views, this large brewery has one of the city's best patios. It does get very busy before concerts, and you might want to arrive early and/or make a reservation if you plan to dine here before a show.
The menu includes a smash burger, fried chicken, sloppy joe, fish & chips, and several shareable snacks.
The pub is next to the Salt Shed complex—it isn't accessible from the concert areas. It is open until 12am on concert nights (but it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Brewery tours are available and can be booked online.
Mariscos San Pedro
An offshoot of the Pilsen restaurant Mariscos San Pedro serves up food on fairgrounds show nights.
Pizza Friendly Pizza
This pizzeria serves up Sicilian-style slices.
Elston Electric
The Salt Shed's arcade has a menu that includes snacks, giant taquitos, hot dogs, and pizza by the slice.
Getting to Salt Shed
Getting to Salt Shed is easy. It is located at 1357 North Elston Avenue, at the intersection of Elston and Blackhawk.
By Train
Salt Shed is 0.7 miles from the Division Blue Line CTA stop. The Red Line North/Clybourn stop is 0.9 miles from Salt Shed.
By Bus
The Division (70), North (72), and Ashland (9) all stop within a mile of Salt Shed.
By River
This summer, Salt Shed will be adding docks.
By Car
There is a designated rideshare pick-up area, plus free street parking, and paid parking.