Celebrate Summer Over Labor Day Weekend in Chicago
Politan Row via Luis Angel Aguilar
Sure, sure, summer doesn’t officially end until later in September, but every true Chicagoan knows that Labor Day is really when the summertime celebrating starts to wind down. This coming weekend is the mental and emotional end of the summer season, which means we have to make the most of every one of these coming three days. Take advantage of what remains of patio season by dining in the sunshine, try a seasonal menu favorite, or order up your ideal grilling kit to go. Chicago restaurants have something for every diner this Labor Day weekend!
Gold Goose Tartine at Politan Row {111 North Aberdeen Street, Chicago}: Chef/Owner Jeremy Leven just opened Gold Goose Tartine at Politan Row food hall in the West Loop this week! The restaurant has a week-long preview on the Politan Row patio for outdoor dining and carryout, and then on Monday, September 7, Gold Goose will unveil their full menu, available for pick-up and delivery. Test it out on the patio this weekend, and then order for dinner at home next week.
Riccardo Osteria {1023 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.291.8620}: Riccardo Osteria provides an intimate and relaxing long weekend meal spot, whether you’re on their small sidewalk patio or their open-air dining room. They also just launched a weekend lunch menu with delicious new additions like Foccacina di Salmone with smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and crescenza cheese. So you can enjoy their cuisine for multiple meals a day.
Bandit {841 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.666.6061}: The West Loop bar has quickly become a favorite, and they have lots of outdoor dining space for a Labor Day celebration! They’ll be open at 10AM over the weekend with bottomless mimosas, a live DJ, and a full brunch menu. Cheers to that!
Little Goat Diner {820 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.888.3455}: The Little Goat Snack Bar menu has tasty treats like Loaded Hash Browns and an All-American Burger that you can order from a walk-up window with ease. It’s a perfect way to taste some of Chef Stephanie Izard’s favorite casual offerings for an easy meal on the go.
Publican Quality Meats {825 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.445.8977}: If you’d rather celebrate the long weekend at home, Publican Quality Meats has amazing at-home grilling kits featuring Kentucky-Style Barbecue Lamb Shanks, Beer Brats, Foie Gras Burgers, and more as your choice of main (plus all the fixins’). You can also order summer pies to-go!
Bernie’s Chicago {660 North Orleans Street, Chicago; 312.624.9892}: River North favorite Bernie’s has launched To-Go Cocktails just in time for Labor Day! You can to celebrate the holiday weekend with the Mood Indigo (Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky, Lejay Crème de Cassis, Red Wine, Orange, Lime, Black Pepper, Sage Syrup), Suns Out Buns Out (Legendario Domingo Mezcal, Dimmi Liquore di Milano, Lime, Cucumber, Mango), or Entanglement in August (Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Campari, Strawberry, Rhubarb, Lemon, 11th Orchard Clover Bitters). They’ll also offer Brunch on Labor Day Monday from 11AM-3PM with dishes like Chorizo Eggs Benedict, their Turkey Burger, $18 Bottomless Mimosas, and more.
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar {2700 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.9577}: Another great recent addition to your Labor Day menu would be a meal kit from Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar. They serve a family of four, and you can heat and serve anytime you like! Choose from the "Super Amazing Everything You Want" kit ($325), the "Keep It Easy" grill package ($225) or the "Famous Dad Bod" meal kit ($150). Place your order anytime before 9PM on Wednesday, September 2 to pick up anytime between 11AM-8PM from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor