Chicago’s Latest & Greatest Restaurant Openings
Matcha Cita
As this warm weather continues to breathe new life into our favorite city, Chicagoans are taking full advantage of this opportunity to find their new favorite spots for the season. With summer in full swing, businesses that were closed during the winter are starting to open their doors again and even more hot spots that may have shut down during the pandemic used past lockdowns as an opportunity to give their business a facelift. Follow along for all things openings and re-opening in the hospitality industry right now…
RECENT OPENINGS
The Grill on 21 {208 South La Salle Street, Chicago}: Grill on 21 is bringing a modern interpretation of the classic American grill, created for the sophisticated diner of the 21st century, to the 21st floor of the LaSalle Chicago Hotel. You can enjoy an array of grilled steaks, hearth-roasted fish and even plant-based dishes from environmentally responsible, local family farms, ranchers and sustainable fisheries.
Matcha Cita {1017 West Lake Street, Chicago}: Calling all matcha lovers! Matcha Cita, Chicago’s first matcha-focused café recently opened on Lake Street in the West Loop and we couldn’t be more excited! When you stop in, try the Purple Haze made with ube, lavender, oat milk and matcha.
Beatrix Loop {155 North Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago; 312.736.0404}: We all know Beatrix, we all love Beatrix and now we have a fifth Chicagoland location to enjoy! This new location, located on Wacker, will serve house blends from Beatrix Coffee Roasters, fresh-squeezed juices and house-made pastries. Additionally, happy hour will be from 4-7PM on weekdays and feature special priced local beers, wines, hand-crafted cocktails and healthful comfort food favorites.
Publican Quality Bread Bakery {1759 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.605.1618}: Well-known wholesale bakery, Publican Quality Bread, has served bread to more than 100 local chefs, restaurants and independent retailers for the last eight years. Now, for the first time ever, they have a public-facing home of their very own! The grab-and-go café and retail counter offers pastries, from-scratch sandwiches and a full coffee bar. As the weekend rolls around keep your eyes peeled for exclusive weekend treats like Lemon Meringue Croix and Pistachio & Amarena Cherry-filled Maritozzi too!
The Gin Commission
The Gin Commission {1962 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 773.248.3000}: If you love gin and you love cocktail bars, this one’s for you! The Gin Commission recently opened on the lower level of Quality Crab and Oyster Bar in Lincoln Park and is offering a curated list of more than 50 gins from around the world every Friday and Saturday. Stop in and try the Seasonal Gin Tonic made with ha'penny rhubarb, hibiscus, raspberry, lemon and elderflower tonic.
Tabu {401 North Morgan Street, Chicago; 773.453.8228}: Find Pan-Latin-inspired cuisine and cocktails at the colorful Tabu in the West Loop. Executive Chef Saúl Román, a Cuernavaca, a Mexico native is delivering vibrant dishes that draw influence from the cuisines of Mexico, Spain, Colombia and more.
HIDE+SEEK {838 West Randolph Street, Chicago}: HIDE+SEEK, the new addition to Restaurant Row in the West Loop, is the perfect blend of Mediterranean and New American cuisine. This spot features a dinner menu that includes small plates such as Malfatti in ’nduja butter sauce, as well as larger, sharable portions with luxurious ingredients, like a 60-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye and Dover Sole with corn and citrus beurre blanc.
Fresh Stack Co. {1550 North Kingsbury Street, Chicago; 312.202.6228}: This elevated burger spot is bringing classics to the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park! Fresh Stack will serve America’s classics including burgers, chicken sandwiches, vegan options, shoestring fries and more. You’re going to want to take bite after big ole bite!
Cafe Robey
NOTABLE RE-OPENINGS
Cafe Robey {1600 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 872.315.3084}: Previously only open for brunch, Cafe Robey located in the Robey Hotel, is now open for dinner as well. Trust us and try the Rye Crusted Salmon with horseradish yogurt! When you finish your main, bite into the Roasted Banana Custard made with bourbon caramel, vanilla cream and cinnamon molasses crumble.
NoMI Kitchen {800 Michigan Avenue, Seventh Floor, Chicago; 312.239.4030}: After Park Hyatt Chicago’s $60 million transformation project that spanned across the whole hotel caused NoMI Kitchen to close for five months, the eatery is back and better than ever! Check out the updates to the well-known Mag Mile spot and enjoy the food - and floor to ceiling views - we have always known and loved.
George Trois {64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847.562.6105}: The intimate 16-seat dining room in Winnetka that functions as Chef Michael Lachowicz's creative culinary workshop, and the stage for his meticulously curated 10-course tasting menu, has officially re-opened. The re-opening is providing a new selection of offerings and a new interior that blends minimalism and French opulence.
Aboyer {64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847.441.3100}: Aboyer, which was formerly quite modern, has been transformed and re-opened to mirror a classic French brasserie. With retro French dining at the forefront and an all-new menu of classic preparations, including some nostalgic throwbacks, this spot is a nod to the early days of Chef Lachowicz's tenure in Winnetka.
Hoyt's {71 East Wacker Drive #3755, Chicago; 312.346.9870}: Following a brief hiatus, Hoyt’s has returned to the Chicago Loop! Overlooking the Chicago River, this American tavern located within the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown will be your new favorite summer spot. Stop in and enjoy one of their cocktails or a summer beer flight including “Around the Loop,” which allows guests to taste all 10 of the bar’s tap handles and “The Chicago Flight,” featuring three local breweries of the bartender’s choice.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent