For those who generally associate Chicago with delicious deep-dish pizza served in rowdy, IPA-slinging pubs, or thick slabs of beef that are slowly carted out in old-school steakhouses (full of equally old gentlemen), you should consider updating your perspective (ahem, I was totally guilty of being that person, oops).
After a recent refresh of the hospitality scene in Chicago, a new outlook was brought about – the second city is way cool. With tons of restaurants offering menus that cater to the finest of foodies and mixologists that go the extra mile to excite, not being impressed by the city’s engaging epicurean scene would now seem incomprehensible.
So, if you’re looking to get in-the-know on where to go for serious eats and/or drinks in Chi-town, just check out the below discoveries from my latest exploration.
Nico Osteria at The Thompson Hotel (Gold Coast)
Photo credit: @nicoosteria
On the ground level of the alluring Thompson Hotel, located within the glitzy Goad Coast neighborhood, sits Nico Osteria restaurant, an Italian-inspired seafood concept from Paul Kahan’s One Off Hospitality. There, the kitchen cranks out outstanding house-made pastas, by chef Wu-Bower, to eagerly awaiting crowds nightly (which means you should definitely make a reservation in advance).
Try getting to the hotel early for a drink at the hotel’s downstairs bar because the space is stylish and the drinks are stiff. It’s located past the lobby lined with provocative art, and is called, Salone Nico. There, within the walls layered with living greens, you can sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne or one of thier libations from the specially-curated cocktail menu.
Once you’re seated in the dining room, I recommend ordering the Hamachi, Bigeye Tuna, Grilled Octopus Panzanella, Duck Heart, Stuffed Pappardelle, and Salt Crusted Branzino. Note: the restroom is downstairs and is a mission to get to, so Louboutins are not the best footwear option. 1015 N. Rush St.; 312.994.7100; www.nicoosteria.com
Pump Room at PUBLIC CHICAGO (Gold Coast)
Photo Credit: @pump_room
Another restaurant totally worthy of experiencing in the Gold Coast area can also be found in a new buzz-worthy hotel. The PUBLIC CHICAGO hotel has a sophisticated and minimalistic design by Ian Schrager (a favorite hotelier of mine), which is mimicked in the culinary style of The Pump Room, a Jean-George restaurant featuring new-age American cuisine (a favorite Chef of mine, double score!).
Once you have entered the modern, super-club like dining area of the hotel, I suggest stopping at the bar to strike up a conversation with the friendly staff about the history of the venue, and to order one of the Pump Room classic cocktails, such as “Hell Hath No Fury.”
After being seated at your table in one of the plush dining chairs, you’ll notice there are three menu options: a la carte, tasting menu, and Jean-George icon menu. You really cannot go wrong with the majority of the menu items, so choose based on hunger or ability to share plates. A few dishes I suggest tasting are the oven-roasted asparagus, beets with yogurt, crab crostini, tuna tartare, salmon and crispy rice sushi, tangy glazed short ribs, and fried organic chicken. Note: my experience with the homemade tagliatelle pasta wasn’t the best during my last visit, but try it for yourself. 301 N. State St,; 312.299.6740; www.pumproom.com
IO At The Godfrey Hotel (River North)
Photo credit: @iogodfrey
I found the chicly outfitted IO to be a great find for late-evening cocktails and/or a boozy weekend brunch. Out on the rooftop terrace, they channel Miami vibes by playing house music, and serving pitchers of mojitos and sangria in their cabana areas. With a retractable roof, this restaurant and lounge can keep the party going year-round. Still, even with the killer party scene, it was really the southern Chicago skyline view that gained it a spot on this list. 127 W. Huron and LaSalle; 312.374.1830; www.iogodfrey.com
Sunda (River North)
Photo credit: @sundachicago
As a neighborhood mainstay for contemporary Asian fare, Sunda does not disappoint. Their creative sushi and traditional Asian dishes, along with their specialty cocktails, are delicious. The modern space is chic, yet approachable, and seats 200, so it’s great for group dinners.
When there try sharing a variety of dishes like the Wok Fired Shishito Peppers, Crispy Brussels Sprout Salad, Stuffed Avocado, Spicy Tuna, Jalapeño Crispy Rice, The Number Ten Roll, Firecracker Roll, Lobster and Wagyu Roll, Pho, and Honey-Ginger Braised Beef Long Rib. 110 W. Illinois St.; 312.644.0500; www.sundachicago.com
The Hampton Social Club (River North)
Photo credit: @hamptonsocialch
During warm weather months, The Hampton Social Club opens its sliding glass doors to create an easy, breezy ambiance ideal for serving its beach-themed cocktails, magnums of rose’ wine, and delicacies from its fresh coastal menu. The large, central bar with its friendly staff creates a welcoming social environment. The restaurant also offers nightly live acoustic music, a weekday happy hour menu, and a weekend brunch. 353 W. Hubbard St.; 312.464.0500; www.thehamptonsocial.com
RM Champagne Lounge (West Loop)
Photo credit: @rmchicago
Champagne bar? Yes, please! The tucked-away RM Champagne Lounge is brought to life with glowing chandeliers and marble fireplace indoors, as well as with its lively scene at the outdoor bar on the light-strewn back alley patio. The romantic setting is a perfect spot for popping bubbles and sharing a cheese plate during date night or a GNO. If sparkling is not your thing, they also offer an excellently curated portfolio of wines. 116 N. Green St.; 312.243.1199; www.rmchampagnesalon.com
Miss Ricky’s Virgin Hotel (Chicago Loop)
Photo credit: @virginhotels
Because a roundup of eats and drinks would not be complete without a late night option included, meet Miss Ricky’s at the new Virgin Hotel. This modern American diner offers some of the best tasting late night munchies and is open until 2 a.m. on weekends. Seriously, who doesn’t enjoy a serving of chicken and waffles, grilled cheese or tres leches french toast during the late evening (or early morning) hours of the weekend? Note: The Virgin Hotel also offers beautiful views and crafty cocktails on its indoor/outdoor rooftop, dubbed Cerise, until 2 a.m. nightly. 203 N. Wabash; 312.940.4774; www.virginhotels.com
Stay tuned to see which city is explored next…
Cover photo: wall art inside The Thompson Hotel lobby, taken by me.