Unique Dishes for Summer Dining in Chicago
Athena
As Chicago restaurants continue to slowly open, and summer comes to our city, restaurants and patios are finding new and creative ways to cater to diners. Just because our dining experience will change, that doesn’t mean it has to stop or that these businesses have to struggle through the post-COVID closure effects longer than necessary. Local restaurants need your support every day now, and they’ve created fun ways to entice you back through their doors. Who’s ready to dig in?
Pizzeria Portofino
Prime & Provisions {222 North LaSalle Street, Chicago; 312.726.7777}: A glamorous steakhouse that also has a bumping patio? Those are few and far between in any city, so Chicagoans should definitely plan on taking advantage of this one. Open daily starting at lunch, the patio is under cover so weather won’t keep you from enjoying an amazing steak al fresco.
Athena {212 South Halsted Street #1, Chicago; 312.655.0000}: While many Chicagoans are likely dreaming of an escape to the Greek islands, cocktail in hand, Athena was busy preparing just that right in our own backyard. This family-run restaurant has long been lauded for its classic Greek cuisine and beautiful patio, which has newly been updated…just in time for you to dig in!
Pizzeria Portofino {317 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.900.9018}: Aside from their usual, much-loved Charred Pepperoni and Pugliese Pizzas, Pizzeria Portofino now also has three different Spritz Kits (Venetian, Amalfi and Portofino) that you can take home with you for a true summertime feast!
Carnivale {702 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.850.5005}: Plenty of restaurants work with local farms, and Carnivale is one of them, but they also have a small farm of their own! On their Fulton Market rooftop is a garden where they grow many of the ingredients used in their South American, Spanish, and Caribbean dishes so you know every bite will be extra fresh.
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods {1415 North Wood Street, Chicago; 773.360.8320}: For those looking to support black chefs and restaurateurs, Ina Mae’s Chef Brian Jupiter is making that easy! “Chef Jup” has long supported other black chefs and businesses in the city, and that now includes the team from Justice of the Pies. Their pies are now served alongside Ina Mae’s beignets and other comfort foods. It’s a delicious way to support multiple local teams who seriously deserve it.
BLVD {817 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.526.3116}: Just because date night is now via a delivery drop-off, that doesn’t mean it can’t still be fantastic! BLVD might be known most for its stunning interiors, but their menu also really shines. You can now get their Steak Frites (complete with bone marrow butter and hand cut fries) delivered right to your door. It’s never been easier to eat out in Chicago!
Vajra {1329 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.929.4990}: If you want to continue dining at home, we can bet you’ve gotten a little tired of the standard pizza order. Vajra has plenty of bold flavors on their menu of Nepalese and Indian cuisine, plus they’re now offering cocktail kits to go!
Cafe Cancale {1576 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.904.1121}: Get the feel of a French market, right in the heart of Bucktown. Though the restaurant itself is still closed, the team there has transitioned into the Café Cancale Marché, complete with fresh seafood, grocery items like freshly baked Publican Quality Bread and curated cheese offerings, along with beer, wine and even Island Creek Oyster Kits so you can shuck at home. It will easily upgrade your grocery cart for the week.
By Kaleigh Glaza