Best Dishes for a Taste of Chicago Summer
Summer in Chicago is one of those feelings you wish could last forever. The excitement and fun, not to mention all the amazing fruity cocktails and menu specials! Since our city is one known for it’s amazing culinary community, you always have to take our food scene into account when you’re making any plans this time of year. There’s just too much goodness to take advantage of! Here are some of the best bites of the season…
Starbucks® Reserve Roastery Chicago {646 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}: Start your summer work days with an iced coffee, and end them with a spritz - both enjoyed on the Starbucks® Reserve Roastery’s rooftop! They also have a number of summer menu items, including a fresh and crisp Tuna Niçoise Salad that’s perfect for a light meal on a warm day.
Bandit {841 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.666.6061}: Bar bites are always a good choice. They’re filling, shareable, and in most cases - you get to eat them with your hands! And the Crispy Mozz-THICS from Bandit aren’t just a good choice, they’re a GREAT one. That’s true all year round, but especially in the summer heat!
Photo via Joni Jones
Recess Chicago {838 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.801.1181}: We love a summer night spent with our friends - even and especially our four-legged ones! The Recess patio is expansive, and pup-friendly, so bring your besties (dog and human) and dig in to their Seasonal Burrata with apricot-raisin chutney, pistachios and mint. It’s fresh and light, perfect for enjoying with one of their colorful cocktails.
The Smith {400 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.312.5100}: In the summer heat, you’re going to gravitate towards lighter bites, and The Smith has updated their menu accordingly. They added the ultimate “Veggie Burger Royale” to their menu, made of a slow-roasted vegetable and quinoa patty topped with cheddar, pickled beets, shredded lettuce, red onion, and secret sauce. You’ll feel all fresh and healthy, but still full and joyful with Chicago food!
Travelle at The Langham {330 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.923.7705}: Travelle’s Strawberry Caprese Salad has all the beautiful colors of summer, but you shouldn’t stop there. Carnivores will love the Braised Pork Belly with a hoisin glaze! The balance of the carrot puree, cucumber, and pickled carrot and radish make for an ideal dish - with so many flavors all packed in every bite.
Pilot Project Brewing {2140 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.270.5995}: Chicago is known for its beer and Pilot Project showcases a WIDE range of those offerings, from stouts and IPAs to ciders and hard kombucha and beyond. Pair your favorite brew (or a flight) with their insane The Brewer’s Nachos for a great summer happy hour!
LYFE Kitchen {multiple locations}: The entire menu at LYFE is summer ready thanks to flavorful salads, bright entrees and fun breakfast items, but our favorite right now are the Smoothie Kits! They have so many options in terms of flavors (hello Pineapple Jalapeño) and benefits (the Blueberry Oat Kit is packed with fiber) that you can easily find the perfect smoothie for you, then keep it stored at home for when you need easy access.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor