New Chicago Restaurant Openings: A Pandemic Won’t Stop Them!
The Diver
Opening a restaurant is always a risky endeavor, but never more so than this past year. The whole hospitality industry was hit hard in 2020, but that hasn’t stopped restaurateurs, chefs and the rest of the community from coming together to welcome new additions to the Chicago food scene. It warms the heart, and fills the stomach, of the city to see new bars and restaurants opening up, especially after months of doors remaining closed. But opening a new restaurant during a pandemic is no mean feat.
Restaurants like The Diver {600 North Wells Street, Chicago}, which opened recently in River North, had to scale back many of their original plans in order to make sure they could open on time, but also open safely. That meant an edited menu, less seats than originally planned, and even a smaller staff, but it was all worth it to see those first diners enter their doors, according to Owner Adolfo Garcia.
“Taking all these steps allowed us to serve our guests in a safe environment, which is the most important thing. And now that we’re open, we're reaching out to our neighbors and the community to let them know that we're here and need their support so we can keep the beach vibes coming through the fall and winter months.”
FireLake
In addition to stand-alone restaurants, new spots are also popping up in Chicago hotels! As hotel doors open again too, spots like the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago are elevating their dining game by opening new restaurants to cater to those who are beginning to travel again. Enter, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar {221 North Columbus Drive, Chicago; 312.477.0234}, which opened this summer after taking extensive precautions to open safely and on time.
Since FireLake is an entirely new concept for the hotel, the staff had to quickly pivot to train themselves on a new menu, training practices, and COVID-19 prevention measures all at once, and in under two weeks. Typically, this process would be stretched out over weeks or months, but because both guest and staff safety are top priorities at the Radisson Blu Aqua, they quickly but expertly ensured all mandated safety regulations were put into place and continually updated.
"We always approach our guests and loyal customers with welcoming arms, so with the current climate and new regulations we’ve had to adapt our thought process and adjust our usual everyday actions to ensure that we can be compliant while still offering the same atmosphere and culture,” Charleston Gray, Hotel Manager, explains. That took extra work on the part of the hotel team, but Gray says that ended up having additional benefits.
“By opening, we not only brought a long-time goal to fruition, but more importantly were able to bring back our loyal staff members and continue to serve our community, our main passion."
New restaurants and bars will continue to not only provide hope and happiness for the city of Chicago at large, but are also creating jobs in an industry that badly needs them. The Diver, FireLake, and other spots like these are at the heart of what makes the hospitality industry great, advocating for teamwork and adaptability while still providing the best in service to discerning diners.
Mundano
And since these aren’t the only spots that opened recently in our great city, you can add a whole list of dining locations to your “must-try” list! These are just a few spots that need your support to kick off their first few months in Chicago with a bang…
Cobblestone Restaurant {4337 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.935.2255}: A community gathering place with classic European dishes from across the continent like Spanish Chorizo, Potato and Cheese Croquettes or Fish & Chips from England.
PB&J: Pizza Beer and Jukebox {205 North Peoria Street, Chicago; 312.498.7080}: The West Loop has gained another fun gathering spot in PB&J! Creative cocktails and craft beers abound, but it’s the state-of-the-art TouchTunes Jukebox that really makes evenings there a blast.
Mundano {1935 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago; 773.312.7040}: The open kitchen layout puts you right at the heart of the action here! Come for the signature cocktails, stay for the flavorful Latin fare.
etta River North {700 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.766.4444}: If you’ve been a fan of this Italian Bucktown hot spot, you now have another location to check out! Just come early to make sure you can get those infamous Ricotta Pillows before they sell out!
The Perch Kitchen & Tap {1932 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.486.2739}: Beer-lovers will flock to this new partnership between the 4 STAR Restaurant Group and Finch Beer Co. Their exclusive on-tap beers pair perfectly with the menu of wood-fired favorites for a great summer meal!
Roots Handmade Pizza - South Loop {744 South Dearborn Street, Chicago; 773.645.4909}: Two-stories of pizza and fun have taken over Printer’s Row! Their open air second-floor patio with a retractable roof means you can enjoy summer vibes all year long.
Pizza Friendly Pizza via Clayton Hauck
Pizza Friendly Pizza {1039 North Western Avenue, Chicago}: Famed Chef Noah Sandoval has changed up his usual Michelin-starred menus for a pizza spot hidden in a back alley behind West Town’s Empty Bottle. Inspired by his love for rock ’n’ roll, this walk-up window and gritty patio serve up delicious slices at an approachable price. Don’t miss it!
Nobu {155 North Peoria Street, Chicago; 312.779.8888}: Part of the Nobu Hotel Chicago, which is also newly opened, this California favorite is bringing high-end nigiri, sashimi, and sushi maki to a stunning rooftop setting in the West Loop.
Lexington Betty Smoke House {6954 West North Avenue, Chicago; 773.309.8240}: Married couple Chef Dominique and Tanisha Leach expanded their unique take on BBQ with a third location in Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall. Applewood smoked pork, brisket and more, all topped with Chef Leach’s signature barbeque sauce, now await new diners!
Edie’s All Day Café & Bar {675 North Wells Street, Chicago}: This new all day café features a “delectably digestible collection” of owner Edie’s “favorite things from around the world” for all-day foodie fun! From coffee to cocktails, they have you covered.
Tamale Guy Chicago {2018 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 773.697.3661}: Everyone’s favorite “Tamale Guy” - Claudio Velez - has finally opened his own restaurant! After traveling to bars and serving hungry drinkers for decades, Velez finally opened a location of his own, and sold out on his first day in only hours this week! Keep an eye on how you can continue to support him on his website :)
Testaccio Chicago {456 North California Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.6028}: This new Logan Square spot showcases the wide range of Mediterranean cuisines, really highlighting the range that the region has to offer. The location will also soon have a corresponding food truck and downstairs wine bar to offer as well!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor