Openings and Re-Openings: Fall Restaurant Edition
As the weather cools, Chicago is getting down to business doing what it does best: eating amazing food and drinking creative cocktails. Throw in a new hot spot downtown or an old favorite back in action, and you’ve got the perfect way to spend a chilly evening in the Windy City.
New restaurant and bar openings, as well as the re-openings of some of our long-time favorites, mean plenty of new dining possibilities for fall and the holiday season ahead. Every restaurant and bar opening in the Chicago world food is another chance to support the hospitality community and find spots that just might become your new favorite. Here are some of the latest and greatest in restaurant openings to check out right now…
NEW OPENINGS
Pigtail {500 North Clark Street, Chicago}: From famed and much-loved Chef José Andrés, Pigtail celebrates Spanish jamón and cocktails (hence the fun play on its name) in a sultry basement lounge below Andrés’ other recent opening, Jaleo. It’s a great spicy date night spot for fall!
Pomeroy {844 Spruce Street, Winnetka; 847.999.3090}: If you’ve been planning a Parisian vacation, but haven’t quite gotten to take off yet, head to this North Shore bistro instead. Inspired by the great cafes of France, Chef Jason Paskewitz, a Jean Banchet award-winner and James Beard Foundation Award nominee, will be cooking up classic dishes like Steak à la Bordelaise, Crispy Duck Breast, oysters and more.
Alla Vita
Alla Vita {564 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.667.0104}: Boka Restaurant Group has opened another hot spot in the West Loop, this one focusing on fresh twists on Mediterranean dishes we all know and love. Don’t miss the Wood Fired Table Bread or their fluffy Fennel Sausage Pizza. Bring a group so you can try as much of the amazing menu as possible!
Brown Sugar Bakery {Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.526.321}: Fans of the South Side bakery will rejoice at the news of a second location closer to the city’s center! Great to bring out of town guests, or for when you want to play tourist in your own city, Brown Sugar Bakery at Navy Pier means we all have another spot to pick up Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Cake slices, Rainbow Sherbet Jumbo Cupcakes and more. That’s something for us all to smile about!
Chalet {228 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.929.4152}: Chicago may not have mountains ranges, but this restaurant will give anyone who dines there a winter chalet feel, complete with with a ski lift and LED-backed skis plus a custom ice chandelier. Throw in dishes like Duck Confit Poutine and Honey Braised Short Ribs, and you’ve got a great night out!
Buck Russell's Bakery & Sandwich Shop {1137 Greenleaf, Wilmette}: Opening soon just north of the city, Buck Russell's Bakery & Sandwich Shop will be one-half bakery and one-half sandwich shop, so we’ll all be able to munch on an array of bakery classics and hand-crafted deli sandwiches. Stay tuned for official opening news soon!
RE-OPENINGS
Solazo {5600 South Pulaski Road, Chicago; 773.627.5047}: The spot formerly known as El Solazo is now simply Solazo, re-opening with a new local and feel similar to its sister spot in the West Loop, La Josie. Especially don’t miss their agave program, with more than 100 mezcals and agave spirits, many of which are crafted by independent artisans in Mexico.
Vol. 39 {Kimpton Gray Hotel, 39 South LaSalle Street #200, Chicago; 312.604.9909}: Get ready for a post-work happy hour experience like no other. This swanky Loop bar has a crazy cool cocktail selection including the “Budding Rose” (Suntory Toki, Rhine Hall oaked apple brandy, rose green tea, lemon and Topo Chico) and the Vol. 39 Negroni (Plymouth gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and palo santo smoke).
The Whistler {2421 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.227.3530}: Craft cocktail lounge. Live music venue. Art gallery. Prime date night spot. The Whistler has it all! And it’s back in Logan Square. It’s THE spot to check out up and coming local musicians and the cocktail program will blow your mind. Thank us later ;)
Cherry Circle Room {Chicago Athletic Association, 12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.792.3515}: Peak warmth and coziness for Chicago fall means you have to stop at Cherry Circle Room for another visit. They’ve re-opened and are once again serving steak tartare, shrimp cocktail, and butcher block selections, as well as new dishes that embody the restaurant's commitment to classic Midwest dishes.
Petterino's {150 North Dearborn Street, Chicago; 312.422.0150}: Chicago is known for its steakhouses and Italian cuisine, and Petterino’s offers up both! Whether you want a USDA Prime New York Strip or a heaping bowl of Fettuccine Alfredo, you’ll find both, served by the best staff in the biz.
Dove's Luncheonette {1545 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.645.4060}: Diners looking for a truly unique experience will love this Wicker Park retro-inspired MexTex eatery. It was an almost immediate hit upon its opening in 2014, and now they’re expanding their menu to include even more creative dishes like Burnt Ends Hash, Chicken Fried Chicken and Oxacan Tamales.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor