Openings and Re-Openings: Summer Restaurant Edition
It’s summer in Chicago and the whole state of Illinois is re-opening its doors to the sunshine and safer social outing opportunities. That includes more restaurant doors opening (or re-opening) to diners across the city and suburbs! 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 this season and beyond. Every opening in the world of Chicago food is a new chance for all of us to support this community and find spots that are sure to be our favorites for years to come. Here are some of the latest and greatest in restaurant openings to check out right now…
NEW OPENINGS
Lucca Osteria & Bar {1415 22nd Street, Oak Brook; 630.866.7324}: The suburbs are going to experience an elevated Italian dining experience, this one located right across from Oak Brook Mall from Chef Claudio Ulivieri and industry veteran Steven Hartenstein. The menu of dishes like Spaghetti Neri and Branzino al Forno are all inspired by Chef Claudio’s hometown of Altopascio, a small village in the Italian province of Lucca in Tuscany.
Mansion on Rush {1009 North Rush Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago}: For those looking to upgrade their next night out, this luxury experience will bring you the highest-quality sushi, seafood, and steak that Chicago has to offer. It’s perfect for a celebration or extra special date night when you really want to impress.
Venteux Brasserie {224 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.777.9003}: When Venteux says its bringing a “breath of French air:” to the Chicago dining scene, they’re not kidding! This brasserie and oyster bar is a photographer and design lover’s dream, plus they’re serving up classic French dishes that will make any foodie full of joy as well. It’s a vacation and a culinary experience all in one!
Chikatana {850 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.374.1620}: This upcoming opening in Fulton Market combines Mexico's cuisine and all the goodness of the Midwestern seasonal harvest, served in a sexy and colorful ambiance. Executive Chef Guillermo Reyes, previously of hot spots like Mi Tocaya Antojeria and Mercat a la Planxa will take us all on a journey through Mexico, using local ingredients whenever possible. A delicious combo indeed!
Andros Taverna {2542 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.365.1900}: The Mediteranean diet is one that’s long been heralded as one that’s good for your body and fulfilling for your soul. This warm and casual Logan Square spot brings all of that and more to their menu of wood-fired Greek dishes perfect for a summer evening with friends.
Tree House Chicago {149 West Kinzie Street, Chicago; 773.348.8899}: The city’s nightlife is back and thriving with the warmer weather including this new River North bar and restaurant. They’re serving up light bites and creative cocktails like their House Negroni and the Honey Bear (Effen vodka and Honey Rosemary Lemonade) all under a disco ball of fun!
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Hyde Park {5225 South Harper Court, Chicago}: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee will open their newest and 14th Chicago store in Hyde Park on June 18 and they’re offering a special surprise to celebrate! The first 100 guests will get a free boxed donut and a limited-edition Stan’s t-shirt. Plus, one lucky guest who visits the Hyde Park location on opening day will receive a Golden Donut in their box, giving them FREE donuts and Stan’s coffee for LIFE. Mark your calendar and get excited!
Sunda New Asian
RE-OPENINGS
Sunda New Asian {110 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.644.0500}: The Chicago hot spot is once again open for both indoor and patio dining, this time with an updated seasonal menu. Dig in to Garlic Crab Noodles, Kalbi Short Ribs and sushi rolls like the Gambler Roll (spicy tuna, kani, cucumber, scallion, kampyo, avocado, and a single ghost pepper sambal hidden in one of the sushi pieces) as a part of their interactive and festive dining experience.
Giant {3209 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago; 773.252.0997}: Since re-opening this spring, this neighborhood favorite has been welcoming limited amounts of diners in for dishes like Soft Shell Crab, Grilled Pork with scallion pancakes and Crepe Cake for dessert.
Truluck's {41 East Chestnut Street, Chicago; 312.982.0050}: Diners who love a great surf n’ turf will go wild for this menu of tried and true classics including South African Lobster Tail, Prime Ribeye, Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and more.
Oriole {661 West Walnut Street, Chicago}: The 2-Michelin-starred restaurant will be re-opening on July 3 with extra room for more Chicago diners. During their 2020 closure, they expanded their foort print with a more spacious dining room, a new bar and lounge area, and a kitchen nearly three times its original size. Aside from an updated design, the dining experience will also be more interactive, with the addition of a new experience at the bar and lounge.
Pilsen Yards
Pilsen Yards {1163 West 18th Street, Chicago; 312.243.2410}: Celebrate summer under the stars at this expansive patio in Pilsen. Dig in to Sweet Corn Tamales and tacos of all kinds while you listen to local music or take in an art show. There’s something for everyone here!
nana {752 West 33rd Street, Chicago; 312.929.2486}: Just in time for warmer weather, this bright cafe re-opened in late May with a menu of both American and Mexican fare. Since they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, that means you can get everything from boozy brunch drinks and great coffee to stand out breakfast sandwiches, all in the same place.
Time Out Market Chicago {916 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.637.3888}: More than ten of our favorite Windy City chefs, all under one roof? Count us in! The multi-level food hall will re-open this weekend on June 17 with all your favorites from Mini Mott, Urban Belly, Arami and more. Perfect to bring a group or friends from out-of-town, we recommend ordering lots of dishes to share when you come here to dine.
Chiya Chai on the Riverwalk {Chicago Riverwalk’s Michigan Avenue Marketplace}: The popular Logan Square café know for its extensive menu of chai are bringing that same chai program to the riverwalk for a third year. They also have a menu of Indian street food called “chaat” that are all full of unique colors and flavors.
For more recent restaurant openings, check out our seasonal spring list of favorites as well!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor