Dishes to Help You Hold Onto Chicago Summer Vibes
Yūgen
Fall has officially arrived on the calendar but we’re hoping for a few more warm weeks of summer weather for Chicago dining. How could we not?! Summer menus are full of color and sweet cocktails and fresh ingredients. And we all know there’s nothing quite like a summer night in our Windy City.
These are the best dishes to help you hold on to the flavors of summer for a little while longer! Some of them are even served at restaurants that are in our 2020/2021 Culinary Guide, so you can enjoy them as a two-for-one meal deal. If you haven’t bought it yet, order now and get ready to dig into these delicious dishes…
Yūgen {652 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.265.1008}: Nothing makes you feel like you’re on a warm weather escape like a tiki cocktail! The flavors, colors and glassware will have you in a sunshiney mood in no time, and Yūgen is helping out with all those vibes. The frozen “Don’t Forget Your Banana Hammock” is a not-to-miss with rum, brandy, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, banana syrup, and homemade falernum.
Cabra {200 North Green Street, Chicago; 312.761.1717}: Much of the Cabra menu is infused with summer-inspired ingredients, so you really can’t go wrong with this hot spot! We recommend starting with their Classic Ceviche, then diggin in to the Chorizo Anticucho and Arroz Con Pollo, before finishing with Passion Fruit & Lucuma Soft Serve Swirl. It’ll feel like July again in no time!
Parlay
Parlay at Joy District {112 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.651.3983}: From bar classics like Margherita Pizza to Fried Chicken Tacos, the bites at Parlay are all meant to enjoyed on a sunshiney patio or under the stars. Gather your pals for an outdoor meal while you still can!
Pub Royale {2049 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.661.6874}: Even as it gets colder outside, there is plenty of heat in the dishes served at Pub Royale. Think Hot Chicken Wings and Spicy Chana Masala, accompanied by their Mango Frozen cocktail. Who could say “no” to that?!
urbanbelly {1542 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.904.8606}: Dumplings! Booze! Bowls! See you there? urbanbelly has a lovely patio, but no matter the weather, it’s always a good time to dig in to summery dishes like Pork Belly & Pineapple.
Koi Evanston {624 Davis Street, Evanston; 847.866.6969}: Seafood is a lovely, fresh part of any summer menu, and Koi makes the most of every bite of seafood available on their menu. Sushi, sashimi, even light rice bowls all make for an amazing meal!
Boleo {122 West Monroe Street, Chicago; 312.750.9007}: Boleo brings a South of the Border flair to Chicago, complete with tapas plates and colorful cocktails. Every single thing on this menu will give you a taste of summer and a feel for warmer weather. You’re going to want to order the whole list of cocktails, but you can not miss the Spanish Style Spirit and Tonic, made with gin with papaya and lime or singani with basil and orange. Either choice is refreshing and tasty!
Barrio {65 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 312.940.9900}: Say “farewell” to summer with a plate full of Grilled Octopus and Market Fish Tacos! Barrio has plenty of heat and flavor-packed menu items that will make any fall day a little sunnier. Let’s make the most of that while we can!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor