High End Chicago Spots That Now Deliver
Boka
Before this year, delivery food got a bad reputation. It made people think of burned pizza crust or semi-warm noodles in plastic containers. And sometimes that’s the case! But, it doesn’t have to be. When restaurants across the city closed this spring, it gave plenty of upscale Chicago destinations the chance to become more available to the general public through delivery and carryout offerings. Maybe you can’t swing the budget for a tasting menu every weekend, but with spots like Alinea and Schwa now offering delivery on select menus, you can taste the best the Chicago food world has to offer right at your own home. Here are some spots to try while you can…
Alinea {1723 North Halsted Street, Chicago}: Just the name “Alinea” evokes a top-in-class feeling for Chicagoans. The long-lauded and lusted-after spot from Grant Achatz has always been a must-try for foodies from all over the city, country and even the world. So try it now while it’s much more accessible! You can order their steak experience, brunch menu and more via Tock, so don’t miss out on this chance!
Oriole
Oriole {661 West Walnut Street, Chicago; 312.877.5339}: Wine to-go, caviar kits, “little luxuries to set the mood” when you’re dining at home. Oriole didn’t just stop at meal kits! They took the entire ambiance of their Michelin-starred restaurant and made it easily available for the whole city. If you’re planning a high end date night at home, they have everything you could ever need!
Omakase Yume {651 West Washington Boulevard #101, Chicago; 312.265.1610}: Seating can be tough to score at a restaurant that, like Omakase Yume, focuses on a truly intimate dining experience. That’s why having their menu available for takeout is such a great thing! In addition to their wholly unique seafood offerings, you can also order Japanese beer and other beverages with your carryout order. Call the restaurant directly at 312-265-1610 to place an order, or text 630-464-4204 to learn more about their daily changing offerings.
Acadia
Acadia {1639 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.360.9500}: Lobster Paella. Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Patatas Bravas. All of this, and more, is waiting for pick-up at Acadia! Their tapas-style Spanish menu allows you and your quarantine buddies to try a lot of different bites, expanding your palate and having an amazing meal in the process.
Smyth {177 North Ada Street #101, Chicago; 773.913.3773}: Eat local, eat fresh, eat at Smyth. Their team tells you to “expect surprises” from their carryout menus - delicious surprises that is! If you want to brand out from carryout, they also have a newly opened patio for you to enjoy!
BOKA {1729 North Halsted Street, Chicago; 312.337.6070}: If you’ve been cooking for a group at home, family meals to go have likely been your savior when you’re tired of toiling away in the kitchen. For your next family meal, try the BOKA menu, complete with Whole Roasted Amish Chicken and Roasted Pork dinners for two.
Sepia
Sepia {123 North Jefferson Street, Chicago; 312.441.1920}: Sepia’s product-driven menu showcases the quality and purity of the ingredients, meaning they especially thrive during summertime when sustainable and organic ingredients are plentiful. Chef Andrew Zimmerman changes their to-go menu weekly so you’ll always be able to dig into the best and freshest ingredients available.
MAKO {731 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.988.0687}: Getting to try omakase to go almost never happens - Usually it’s a dine-in-only experience. But MAKO is changing that up, and making their amazing, Michelin-starred offerings available via carryout. Seafood-lovers absolutely can NOT miss out on this opportunity!
Schwa {1466 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago; 773.252.1466}: Chef-owned and family-operated, Schwa is everything we know and love about the Chicago food world. Their 12 course tasting menu to-go is the perfect sampling of this food love, with dishes that will inspire and delight more daring diners.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor