Category Archives: New Years Eve

Happy hour and other news at 10 Chicago eateries

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Raised rooftop bar at the Renaissance Hotel downtown Chicago

We never run out of news on the restaurant front in Chicago. Recently discovered a new and long-awaited improvement at French Market’s Pastoral bar and a bunch of rooftop and regular happy hours to perhaps put in rotation for your early-evening pleasure. Here are a few ideas for getting out there and enjoying.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered why in the world Pastoral at the French Market did not have a place to sit down and sample their wares. You had to choose your bottle and go home. With Pastoral’s nice menu of artisanal cheeses, sandwiches and more, it only makes sense that customers should be able to relax and enjoy right while they’re there. And finally now we can!! It’s a cozy new spot located within the market that offers small production wines by the glass and bottle; cheese, charcuterie boards and gourmet snacks; a new wine club; and a selection of craft beers and cocktails. The Wine Bar will be open Monday to Friday beginning at 11am with last call at 7pm and on Saturday beginning at 10am with last call at 5pm. Click here for full menu.

Bobby’s Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park’s new contemporary American restaurant, is offering a delicious happy hour. Guests may indulge themselves with a list of intricate chef creations with an Italian flare and quench their cocktail thirst with decadent beverages, both classic and new, in Bobby’s beautiful upscale dining space. Patrons may start off with a selection of signature cocktails for $8, a selection of $6 wines by the glass, $3 regular Hop Beers, and an assortment of $4 Crafted Hops. The happy hour menu is available from 4-6:30pm during the week and 2:30-4pm on weekends.

VU Rooftop Bar, South Loop’s first rooftop bar, set 22 stories above the city, has refreshed their happy hours Monday through Thursday from 4pm to 6pm to include $5 Bites, $5 Miller High Life, $8 Red or White Sangria, and an $8 Dealers Choice Specialty Cocktail where the mixologist will ask guests a few questions and create a specialty cocktail based on their likes.

ROOF on theWit, the newly renovated hotspot rooftop bar in the Loop, has added a refreshed happy hour deal to accompany their brand new space. Ultra-chic and sophisticated, the completely rejuvenated ROOF includes a new open-aired space, The Gallery, and their Patio has undergone a fresh, stylish renovation. The new lush lounge seating invites guests to step in and soak up a ROOF like never before, with captivating contemporary art and dynamic video technology amidst a stunning ambiance and Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7:30, guests can receive 20% off the entire menu at ROOF.

ROOH Chicago, one of Chicago’s only fine dining Indian restaurants, located at 736 W. Randolph St., is offering Chicagoans and visitors alike happy hour specials to accommodate all taste buds with its rotating cocktail and wine selections. These deals include $5-6 beers and featured cocktails and glasses of wine for $8. Dishes include an $8 “Chicken 65” crafted with peanut chutney, podi masala and lemon sour cream; and a $7 Cauliflower Koliwada with curd rice mousse and peanut thecha. Happy hour is available from 4:30-6PM on Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday.

Replay Lincoln Park, Chicago’s popular arcade bar known for fun pop-ups located at 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., is hosting a weekly happy hour every Friday from 4 – 8 p.m. The Friday Funky Hour features $3 cocktails, $3 craft cans, $3 craft drafts and free funk!

Kinton Ramen Wicker Park offers 50% off all appetizers like Kimuchi, Takowasabi, Salmon Tataki, Ton Ton Don, Edamame, Ikapiri and the restaurant’s famous original and spicy Karaage every Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm. On top of this, the restaurant’s happy hour includes $2 Sapporo Draft, $3 House Sake, $4 Wines by the glass and $5 cocktails such as Kinton Panache with Sapporo Beer and Kinton Lemonade; Matcha Colada with rum and coconut cream; Saketini made with vodka and sake infused cucumber; and Shochu Hi complete with shochu and green tea. The 2,100-square-foot restaurant features 54 main dining room seats and 11 open-kitchen bar seats.

Raised, perfectly situated on the third floor of the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel at 1 W. Wacker Drive, is inviting ski enthusiasts of all calibers to experience the Alpines without ever leaving the city with the official launch of its Apres This Way indoor winter activation. Guests will also have access to a special Happy Hour and enjoy après ski, a time to warm up and unwind with friends, available Mondays through Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. featuring $6 draft beer selections, $12 rotating old fashioneds, and $9 glass & a half wine pours.

Ocean Prime Chicago, located at 87 E. Wacker, offers a special happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-6p.m. including both drinks and specialty dishes. Patrons may receive half off select wines by the glass, all beers, and signature cocktails featuring the Prime Manhattan, Cucumber Gimlet, Black Orchid and Pineapple Picante. In addition to quenching guests’ thirst, Ocean Prime Chicago’s happy hour includes half off any appetizer, sushi or oysters.

The Albert, located in Hotel EMC2 at 228 E. Ontario, offers a happy hour special Monday through Friday from 3-5p.m. The menu is inclusive of drivers, cocktails, wine and small bites. Featured drinks include the Lavender Lemonade, This & That, C.O.T.D, the Albert Red, and Fireside. Those looking for a light snack may choose from an array of options including the Puffed Anson Mills Hominy, House Made Pretzel, Herb Tossed Fries, Salt Cod Croquettes and House Made Bread.

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Still looking? Consider these Chicago spots for NYE/NYD 2019

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Always fun to consider the possibilities for New Year’s Eve, even if you never actually go anywhere (like some of us). But it’s kind of exciting to read about all the things you could be doing if you actually stayed up that late… And then there’s all the cool places to eat and drink on New Year’s Day. Here are a few for your edification – starting with the most expensive and randomly afterwards in vague alphabetical order, but then there’s the big list of LEYE venues that starts a new alphabet. Best approach: look first for addresses that seem like where you’d like to go.

BTW, we are just publishing this without fine editing because, darn it, it’s already early New Year’s Eve and we wanna give you some time to peruse. If you find an error or something that needs to be fixed, apologies ahead of time.

STK and SNL Experience team up, 9 W. Kinzie (near 360 N. State St.) for a Chicago NYE experience. With the purchase of a general admission ticket ($150), you get access to The Museum of Broadcast on the 4th floor of 9 W. Kinzie Street from 9pm – 1am on Dec. 31. DJ Mach 1 will be spinning from the set of SNL and attendees can enjoy an open bar, STK hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast while watching a live stream of the famed NYC ball drop. Say you want to be a bit extra and cap off 2018 in style, bottle service packages for you and your crew on NYE include:

  • Second City Table package ($1,000, up to 6 guests per table):
    Brooklyn and/or Queens Table package ($4,000, up to 8 guests per table)
  • Live from NY and Chicago Stage package ($5,000, up to 8 guests per table)
  • Turd Ferguson Here Is Jeopardy Stage package ($6,000, exclusive stage party for 12)

Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., is hosting its annual all-inclusive New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st from 9pm – 12:30am. Your ticket includes food from three of Eataly’s restaurants, including the seasonal Alpine restaurant, BAITA. Think: unlimited fresh pasta & risotto, pizza napoletana, arancini, mozzarella, and focaccia alongside bottomless red, white and sparkling Italian wines. There will also be tons of panettone and pandoro, pans of tiramisu and more. A live band and DJ will perform throughout the evening, and at midnight, a toast to ring in 2019!

aliveOne, 2683 N. Halsted. Monday, December 31 – $75 per person before December 15; $80 per person after December 15. FREE Admission to front bar only. Ring in the new year with an all-inclusive package from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The package includes access to aliveOne’s private back room, a drink package with top shelf liquor, beer, wine and Red Bull, and a food buffet. Guests will enjoy a champagne toast at midnight and DJ sets from Boathouse all night. The front room at aliveOne will be open with no cover all night. For NYE tickets, visit http://aliveone.com/event/aliveones-new-years-eve-party/.

Arun’s Thai Restaurant, 4156 N. Kedzie. Monday, December 31; open at 5 p.m. $150 per person for 12-courses (food only). Enjoy a flavorful and visually stunning multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner of 12 artfully crafted Thai delicacies and a pour of champagne preceded by a complimentary amuse-bouche in the kitchen with world-renowned and James Beard award-winning chef Chef Arun Sampanthavivat. Enjoy bubbly cocktails in addition to their Thai-influenced drink program – $15 cocktails like the Black Thai Affair (muddle blackberries and Thai basil, Lillet Blanc, Caorunn Gin, lemonade, topped with prosecco and garnished with blackberry and Thai basil). $10 mocktails like the Seasonal Virgin Sour (cucumber and watermelon puree, house-made sour mix, egg white, lavender and melon kombucha) and more. RSVP by calling (773) 539-1909, on OpenTable or by visiting www.arunsthai.com.

HERE’S THE BEYOND PART…
Carnivale, 701 W. Fulton, located in prime West Loop territory, has a week-after-New Year’s Day brunch idea – come in your PJs!! How fun is that? Skip the craziness for NYD and come out on Sunday January 6, 10:30am – 3pm. Come with your brunch squad dressed in your Sunday Best PJs (you get a complimentary mimosa if you do!) and indulge in comfort food and drink for the annual Pajama Brunch! Enjoy signature brunch items including Pork Belly Benedict – Bay’s English muffin, spinach, poached eggs, red eye hollandaise, papas bravas, smoked pork belly and Skirt ‘n Eggs – Wood grilled skirt steak, two farm fresh fried eggs, chimichurri. A kid-friendly menu is also available. Adults (21+) can warm up at the Hot Chocolate Station featuring Kahlua, Frangelico and Baileys Irish Cream.

Commonwealth Tavern, 2000 W Roscoe St. in Roscoe Village. Monday, December 31 from 8pm to 1am. New Year’s Eve party for $60 per person includes microbrew drafts, domestic bottles, call drinks, wine, an appetizer buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. For tickets, visit here.

The Crystal Gardens, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. Monday, December 31 from 9pm to 1:30am. Admission starts at $99 per person; VIP Tickets start at $149. Reserved Guaranteed VIP Tables start at $199 per person. Enjoy one of the city’s best New Year’s Eve venues with its opulent setting featuring a one-acre botanical garden inside a six-story glass atrium. General Admission tickets include premium top shelf drinks and a Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants food station from 9pm to 1:30am with 20+ premium liquor bars, red carpet with step and repeat, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight. Enjoy music from Chicago’s DJ Dante as well a premier view of the midnight fireworks show from a private terrace for guests of the Crystal Gardens only. Party-goers will also receive an official after-party wristband.

Guests can opt for VIP tickets, starting at $149, to enjoy all the benefits of general admission tickets plus express admission at 8:30 p.m., separate VIP express entry line, first chance to get tables, a special gift and more. Reserved Guaranteed VIP tables start at $199 per person and guests receive a VIP ticket plus a guaranteed table for two to eight people and one to four bottles of champagne based on the table size purchased. To purchase tickets, visit here.

EASY BAR, 1944 W Division St., Monday, December 31 ring in the new year with an all-inclusive package from 8pm to 1am. Includes a midnight toast featuring Taco Bell tacos paired with a glass of champagne. Includes private access to the back room, top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull, food buffet, and a DJ all night. Get tickets here – $75 per person until December 15 ($80 after December 15). The front bar at Easy Bar will be FREE and open to the public from 8pm to 2am with no dress code.

ESTELLE’S, 2013 W North Ave. Come for free on Monday, Dec. 31 (5pm to 4am with no cover or dress code). Optional drink package (7pm to 1am) for $65 per person until Dec. 15 ($70 per person after Dec. 15) includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine and Red Bull. Estelle’s will have DJ Dan Maloney spinning tunes and a champagne toast at midnight. Estelle’s menu will be available a la carte all night. Limited table reservations are available. Get tickets here.

Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard. Monday, Dec. 31 ring in the new year in River North with complimentary champagne from 8 – 9pm, a hosted bar from 9pm to 1am, passed hors d’oeuvres, DJ, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets here (starting at $50 per person)

Joy District, 112 W. Hubbard. Party here for NYE and receive a complimentary brunch next day to celebrate the new year. General admission (starting at $75 and going higher as the date nears) premium bar package (9pm to 1am). Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres from Executive Chef Jason Hedin, access to a hosted champagne bar from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., access to both floors including the nightclub, live music from Chicago’s top DJ’s, a champagne toast at midnight, and more. VIP tables with bottle service are also available. For complete ticket information and pricing, visit https://www.eventstand.com/events/joynye2019. For information on VIP tables or rooftop igloo reservations, email nye@joychicago.com. All guests who purchase tickets will receive complimentary brunch at Parlay on Tuesday, January 1.

Kizuki Ramen and Izakaya, 1482 N Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, offers a $1 sake bomb special up to New Year’s Eve. Pair yours with over 10 bowls of ramen. Highlights include Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen (rich pork broth flavored with Yamaguchi soy sauce, topped with black garlic oil), and Yuzu Shio Ramen (French sea salt, kelp and Japanese citrus based).

Remedy, 1910 N. Milwaukee, right between Bucktown and Logan Square, presents a New Year’s all-inclusive package from 7pm to 1am. The $80 package includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull, a food buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and a DJ Delayney spinning all night. For tickets, visit http://remedybarchicago.com/event/remedys-new-years-eve-party/. Starting at 1 a.m., Remedy will open to the public for the New Year’s after party until 4 a.m.

Roanoke Restaurant, 135 W. Madison St. in the heart of the Loop, invites you to celebrate on Monday, December 31 from 3pm until 11 for only $44 per person. Indulge in a festive three-course menu created by Executive Chef Greg Elliott, including a Supper Club Prime Rib, Herb Crusted Pork Chop, Linguine Puttanesca and more. Featured wines for the evening will include J Vineyard Pinot Noir ($12 glass, $48 bottle), Wente Cabernet ($13 glass, $52 bottle), Martin Codax Albarino ($10 glass, $40 bottle), plus a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

The Owl, 2521 N. Milwaukee, is open to the public on New Year’s Eve from 6pm to 4am with no cover. Optional all-inclusive $75 package from 7pm to 1am includes top shelf liquor, beer, wine, Red Bull and a food buffet, plus a compimentary champagne toast at midnight as well as DJ Adam Luksetich spinning all night. For tickets,
http://owlbarchicago.com/event/owls-new-years-eve-party/.

Tuscany, 1014 W. Taylor, offers New Year’s Eve dinner specials created by Executive Chef Victorio Padilla, plus complimentary party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The regular menu will also be available and reservations are highly recommended.

Victory Tap, 1416 S. Michigan Ave. and Victory Italian, 434 W. Ontario, offer their regular menu and a huge welcome to NYE diners – as perfect for couples as it is for groups of friends/family.

Weber Grill, 539 N. State St., offers $45 to $80 food and drink Chef specials for pre-party dinner on New Year’s Eve. Consider Winter Green Salad (caramelized apples, dried cranberries, blue cheese, candied pecans, white balsamic vinaigrette; $6), Grilled NY Strip with Wild Mushrooms (12-ounce center cut, miso butter, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, broccolini; $34), Lamb Chops Provencal (rib chops, seasoned bread crumbs, red wine demi glaze, asparagus, parmesan truffle mashed potatoes; $36), Grilled Gulf Shrimp (ancho chile butter sauce, fried garlic, crispy marble potatoes, cebollitas, grilled bread; $26). For dessert, indulge in an Eggnog Cheesecake (bourbon caramel sauce, fresh whipped cream; $6).

LEYE is always giving Frequent Diners chances to earn extra points.
NYE or NY celebrations at LEYE spots are another great opportunity!

New Year’s Eve

Aba, 302 N. Green St. 3rd floor. Toast to 2019 from 4pm – 12 am (bar open til 2am) with craft cocktails and wines served alongside festive dinner specials including Lamb Osso Bucco with hand rolled saffron couscous and Greek Orzo with winter black truffles. Keep the celebrations going until midnight with complimentary pours of champagne. Aba menu.

Booth One – Hot Doug’s New Year’s Eve Party in Library Bar, 1301 N. State Parkway. For one night only from 4pm – 9pm, Hot Doug’s is popping up at the Library Bar at the Ambassador Chicago for a “no jackets” party! Ring in 2019 with legendary Chicago sausage connoisseur, Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s and the team at Booth One. Enjoy a night of unlimited gourmet sausages including the signature Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli and Foie Gras Mousse, the legendary duck fat fries from Hot Doug’s, plus creations like the Alligator Sausage with Crayfish Remoulade and Jarlsberg Cheese, a cash bar with all cocktails, wine and beer under $10 and a live DJ set with a playlist curated by Doug. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Intonation Music Workshop, which supports music education for Chicago youth. Price: $100 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included)

Booth One – Dinner & Disco Party (Booth One Dining Room), 1301 N. State Parkway. 5-8pm and 9-11pm, take your pick of two New Year’s Eve dinner parties. Groups will be treated to a prix-fixe menu packed with our top dishes from 2018, plus new menu additions. Start your night with a Seafood Collection Tower, proceed to entrées like the Dover Sole with Sauce Americaine. The early dinner seating at 5pm will also have a live jazz ensemble. The later dinner seating at 9pm includes a disco party with party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Price: Early Dinner Seating at 5:00 PM is $65 per person, Later Dinner Seating at 9:00 PM is $105 per person

Bub City – River North, 435 N. Clark St. Brunch 10am – 3pm; NYE Party 9pm – 2am. BBQ brunch from 10am – 3pm and dinner from 5pm – 9pm. Starting at 9pm, enjoy beer-and-wing specials plus a live performance by Jake Dodds. Celebrating with a group? Nab one of the booth packages (limited availability) that includes premium drinks, a bottle of Prosecco, BBQ favorites and festive party favors. Bub City menu.

Nacional 27, 325 W. Huron. Dine, drink and dance your way to the new year from 5:30pm to 2am. Savor a Brazilian Churrascaria feast featuring dishes like BBQ’d Lamb Tacos, Roasted Corn Fundido and Grilled Steak, Shrimp and Scallop Skewers. Dance and toast to 2019 with a midnight balloon drop – plus the sultry sounds salsa, bachata and meringue by DJ X until 2am. Price: $39.99 plus tax (gratuity not included) for the seating from 6pm – 7:30pm / $99 plus tax (gratuity not included) for a seating from 7:30pm – 10pm which includes a champagne toast. Nacional 27 menu.

Naoki Sushi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Suite N. Celebrate from 5pm – 10:30pm with the full menu of Japanese small plates, nigiri, rolls, plus a selection of Naoki-style sashimi like, Scallop, black truffle, yuzo or Toro Tartare, caviar. Chef Naoki will feature Japanese specialties including Beef Filet with wasabi chimichurri and Roasted Halibut with wasabi miso. Dinner includes a special amuse and Champagne toast. Naoki Sushi menu.

Ramen-san – River North & Fulton Market. New Year’s Eve, 11am – 1am (last seating at 12am),  come for the beef in the form of the ultra-special Wagyu & Black Truffle Ramen. Enjoy bowls of piping hot noodles, perfectly chilled Asahi beer and a complimentary sake bomb waterfall at midnight. Ramen-san menu.

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago, 21 E. Hubbard. Bid 2018 goodbye from 9am – 12am at Shaw’s: brunch from 9am – 2pm enjoy a full seafood spread of oysters, sushi, king crab legs and more. Dinner in the Main Dining Room from 4:30pm – 12am, treat yourself to their Signature Whole Maine Lobster Dinner big enough for two: 5-pound, hard-shelled Maine Lobster served tableside along with au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. The Oyster Bar will be open for dinner from 1pm – 12am. Price: Brunch is $75 for adults, $15 for kids ages 7 – 12 plus tax (gratuity not included) and free for kids under 6; Whole Maine Lobster Dinner is $170 plus tax (gratuity not included)

Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard. NYE party from 9pm – 2am. Dress to the nines and ring in the New Year at Studio Paris Nightclub. Enjoy a DJ set by special guest Jerzy, nosh on a lavish dinner of passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, indulge in a premium bar package and mingle with other black-tie partygoers. Studio Paris’ New Year’s Eve party.

Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N. Clark St. (but enter through the back alley) to get to this tiki hideaway. Ring in 2019 with a tropical luau featuring signature cocktails and music by DJ Lani Love. Opt for a GA ticket, which includes guaranteed entry plus five tiki cocktails, or reserve a table or booth that adds on appetizers for your party. 9pm – 1am. Three Dots New Year’s Eve party

New Year’s Day

Beatrix River North, Streeterville & Fulton Market. Both locations feature the Beatrix brunch from 8am – 3pm. Order up a Spicy Bloody Mary or Boozy Banana Joe and enjoy brunch favorites like Green Chili Enchiladas, House-Made Belgian Style Waffles, the Mushroom & Quinoa Burger and a side of Brown Sugar Bacon. Beatrix menu.

Bub City – River North. Kick off 2019 than with Bub City’s daytime brunch and late-night karaoke! First, enjoy the classic Southern brunch menu, build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar and live music from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, plus wing specials and $15 pitchers of Modelo and Bud Light all day. Keep the New Year party going into the late-night hours with Industry Karaoke starting at 10pm – 2am. Bub City menu.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted. NYD from 9am – 10pm you can start 2019 with their Build-Your-Own-Bloody Mary Bar! From 9am -3pm, dine in your pajamas and receive a Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! gift card equal to the price of your meal plus tax (gratuity not included), to use on a future visit. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! menu.

Hub 51, 51 W. Hubbard. From 10am to 3pm recover from the New Year’s festivities with an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet featuring brunch classics (think Brioche French Toast), more modern takes like chilaquiles and a sushi station, plus a Craft Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar for $8 per trip. Price: $36 per person ($15 for children 12 and under), plus tax (gratuity not included). Hub 51 menu.

Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West. NYD dinner from 4pm – 8:30pm come enjoy your first meal of 2019 from their  tantalizing French dinner with menu items like the Prime Steak Frites and fresh seafood favorites like Mussels Mariniér and Trout Almondine drenched in brown butter. Toast the new year from their signature rolling wine cart that features over 80 boutique French wines served by the glass or bottle. Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago menu.

Ramen-san – River North & Fulton Market. Both locations offer steaming bowls of ramen on NYD from 11am to 12am to nurse yourself back to health after New Year’s Eve . Enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails and a selection of ramen while listening to ‘90s throwback jams. For those not ready to leave your couch, let Ramen-san bring the meal to you! Ramen-san menu.

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago, 21 E. Hubbard St. From 10am – 3pm
nurse your New Year’s Eve hangover with $6 Bloody Mary’s (normally priced at $15). All brunch diners will receive a gift card for $20.19 to be used towards a future visit. Price: $75 for adults, $15 for kids ages 7 – 12 plus tax (gratuity not included) and free for kids under 6.

Stella Barra Pizzeria, 1954 N. Halsted, from 9am – 2pm, dine in your pajamas and receive a gift card equal to the price of your meal (minus tax and gratuity) to use on a future visit. It’s the best way to start 2019: Endless Egg Enchiladas, Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, Smokey Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Short Rib Hash and more along with $5 Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Bellinis. Stella Barra menu.

Tokio Pub, 1900 E. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, is serving New Year’s Day lunch and dinner. Nosh on Pork Belly Steamed Buns with hoisin glaze, Bahn mi slaw, and Fresno pepper or the Steak Tacos made with soy garlic-marinated sirloin, roasted tomato salsa, and pickled ginger. In addition, New Year’s Day is our monthly Check Match Promotion! Receive a gift card in the amount of your food and beverage portion of your meal to be used on a future visit. View Tokio Pub NYE Lobster Bash menu.

New Year’s Eve – Monday, Dec. 31

Ada St., 1664 N. Ada St.–, offers “Guilty Pleasures” from 9pm to 1am. Celebrate 2019 with a night of “luxury, gluttony and guilty pleasures.” $85 each ticket includes general admission with passed hors d’oeuvres and a welcome cocktail. Prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Bair, passed offerings will include crispy potato blinis with creme fraiche and Hackleback caviar; fried pacific oyster banh mi with daikon, carrot and kimchee; North Atlantic salmon gravlax with mustard dill sauce and brioche; foie gras torchon with apricot, fleur de sel and country bread; duck confit macaroni and cheese; and roasted beef tenderloin with horseradish cream and truffle mashed potatoes, among other offerings. Brie, bacon and apricot grilled cheese sandwiches will be served as an after-midnight snack. For tickets, visit the event page here. (773-697-7069)

DMK Burger Bar Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave, rings in the New Year with Navy Pier’s extravagant firework displays for all guests who can celebrate from 7pm to 1am. $45 per adult and $25 per child includes general admission and access to the restaurant’s “Best of Chicago” buffet featuring Chicago-style mini hot dogs; Italian beef sandwiches; Polish sausage and hot link bites; Chicago-style fried shrimp served with horseradish cocktail sauce; DMK cheeseburger sliders; salt & pepper French fries; pretzels with Merkts cheddar and brown mustard; and County BBQ’s smoked chicken wings.  Call for tickets 312-624-8017. The web page link to buy has disappeared.

Fish Bar, 2956 N. Sheffield Ave. in Lakeview will welcome the New Year with a prix-fixe dinner and a champagne toast, priced at $55 per person. Appetizer selections will include five oysters served on half shell or shrimp scampi served with garlic bruschetta. The second course is an option between New England clam chowder or winter salad, served with hearty greens, sundried tomato vinaigrette, goat cheese and almonds. For the entrée, guests may choose between fish & chips, served with Icelandic beer battered cod, French fries, tartar sauce and coleslaw; a lobster roll, served with tater tots and coleslaw, for an additional $10; or the Alaskan King Crab, served with potatoes and Brussels sprouts, for an additional $15. Dessert options include key lime pie or pecan pie. Attendees may choose to dine at 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. and tickets are available by visiting the event page. (773-687-8177)

Henry’s and The Rec Room, located in River North, will host a New Year’s Eve celebration from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Starting at $65, general admission tickets include a “bottomless cup,” as well as dancing, party favors and a midnight buffet. The Bottomless Blue package includes unlimited draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $65 a ticket; the Bottomless Red package includes unlimited draft cocktails, draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $80 a ticket; and the Bottomless Yellow package includes unlimited mixed and house spirits, draft cocktails, draft beer, red wine and white wine, priced at $100. Table reservations, starting at $400, include guaranteed seating and bottle service with Tito’s vodka and prosecco. Table packages sold separately. General admission tickets required for all guests . To reserve a table, email events@dmkrestaurants.com, and to purchase general admission tickets, visit the event page. (312-955-8018)

Marshall’s Landing, 18 W. Hubbard St., located inside the MART, will kick off 2019 with a New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 9 p.m. In collaboration with Green Curtain Events, the party will offer premium drink packages, food prepared by Chef Michal Kornick, party favors, a celebratory champagne toast with a midnight countdown to be enjoyed with views of Chicago’s river and skyline, dancing, music by Kysia Live, a DJ and more. General admission tickets start at $80 per person, with table packages starting at $250. Food selections will include an array of passed hors d’oeuvres, in addition to a pasta bar featuring cheese tortellini with alfredo sauce and mint pesto; baked penne arrabbiata with mushrooms, parmesan and basil; and “make your own” bruschetta with tomato and basil, marinated mushrooms and mozzarella with Calabrian chiles and parsley. Guests may also opt for the gourmet taco bar featuring chicken with cilantro and steak with onion, served with poblano chilis, mushrooms, bell peppers, chipotle pepper salsa and tomatillo salsa verde. For dessert, fresh Rice Krispie Treats and blondies will be served. To purchase a general admission ticket, visit MarshallsLanding.com, and for table reservations and packages, call 312.579.3637 or reach out to Matt@greencurtainevents.com. (222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza/312-610-8050)

County BBQ, 1352 W. Taylor St. offers dinner in a more casual setting, serving its popular smoked barbeque selections and cocktails. (312-929-2528)

New Year’s Day – Tuesday, Jan. 1

DMK Burger Bar Lakeview, 2954 N. Sheffield Ave. – New Year’s Day beginning at 10am, kick off 2019 with a pajama brunch. In addition to DMK’s regular menu, a special brunch menu will include the Waffle Burger, made with a sausage patty, fried egg and maple syrup; poutine with fries, cheddar cheese curds and pork carnitas gravy; and a fried egg sandwich with cheese, bacon and sausage, among other offerings. Bottomless mimosas, sparkling wine cocktails, raspberry bellinis and Cape Cod-style Bloody Marys will also be available. (773-360-8686)

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5 cool December-in-Chicago happenings

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We hate to admit it, but for many of us the holidays are an official excuse to overindulge ourselves – in sweets, in over-the-top decor, in food and wine. And why not? That’s why New Year’s comes right after the holidays, right? So we can make resolutions to lose the weight, get back in shape, forego ice cream or booze or whatever our particular downfalls might be.  So here are a few ideas to get you started overindulging – and one for helping save the farmers while you eat healthy.
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  1. Naha quiche

    Cocoa + Co., 1651 N. Wells St., debuts a new savory café menu in partnership with Michelin-starred Naha’s Pastry Chef Craig Harzewski. The Old Town café just started offering a rotating selection of flavors to reflect the season: Empanadas ($5.50) – Duck, squash and cannelloni bean or Ratatouille; Quiche Tart ($5.75) with bacon and chard or without bacon; Gluten Free Baked Oats ($4.50) – apples, raisins and house-made plum preserves. Also, Chef Harzewski will now be crafting Coca + Co.’s signature items like Apricot Oat Cookies, Salted Big Chip Cookies, Inside-Out German Chocolate Cake, Salted Caramel Brownies and more.

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2. Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan, is sporting a giant gingerbread hotel with city skyline, as well as extravagant décor for the holiday. The gingerbread hotel stands over six feet tall and took three pastry chefs more than 270 hours to create using 380 pounds of flour, 280 pounds of powdered sugar. Celebrating the building’s 90th anniversary, Executive Chef Mario Garcia this year added to the Chicago skyline display that includes gingerbread replicas of famous landmarks like the John Hancock, Willis Tower, The Bean and more. Watch a time-lapse video here. And check out the hotel’s iconic decorations – the 24 ft. Christmas tree with thousands of metallic ornaments, 2000 inches of decorated garland, a 30”-diameter Poinsettia kissing ball, and 60-foot wreaths throughout the hotel. 60 FEET!? Wow.

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3. Maggiano’s, 516 N. Clark St., is now offering its Holiday Lunch Family Style. Enjoy the riches of Maggiano’s menu while you celebrate the holidays together. Check out their lunch menu – warm and comforting food without the hassles of cooking and serving yourself. Family style lunch only available November 27th to December 29th, Monday-Friday 11am – 3pm. $19.95 per person, $12.95 for kids ages 5-12.

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4.

Peninsula chocolate bar

The Peninsula Chicago and Executive Pastry Chef Dimitri Fayard present ‘Chocolate at The Pen,’ Chicago’s premier chocolate bar in The Lobby at The Peninsula Chicago, accompanied by live jazz music by Stephanie Browning. Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 10:30pm. Pick from a selection of one- and two-bite elegant chocolate desserts and petite chocolate delicacies or a hot chocolate station. Call for reservations 312.573.6695 or e-mail diningPCH@peninsula.com.

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5, Imperfect. One in five fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. don’t meet the strict cosmetic standards of grocery stores, usually causing them to go to waste on the farm. The curvy carrot, the miniature cherry and the oddly-shaped orange are all delicious and nutritious, but are often left to rot in fields or sent to the local landfill.

Why? To eliminate food waste, help farmers benefit from a full harvest and make healthy fruits and vegetables more accessible and affordable. Each customized box is filled with a variety of organic or conventional ugly fruits and vegetables priced at 30 to 50 percent below grocery rates, grown regionally and shipped from Imperfect’s Northlake, IL distribution center. Choose boxes for singles or families, and customize the mix of fruits and veggies in your box each week. Chicago residents can sign up for the new delivery service, that launches Monday, December 4.
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12 places to tend your New Year’s Day 2014 needs

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Whether you’re going out partying all night on New Year’s Eve or, like me, you’ll be in bed long before the ball drops, you may want to seek out gratifying no-cook food options for the next day. Here are 12 Chicago restaurants that have delicious food and drink specials to help you welcome in the new year. Enjoy!

AMERICAN JUNKIE CHICAGO, opens 11 am January 1
15 Illinois St. | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.239.0995

Wake Up and Rally with Bowl Game Drink Specials
American Junkie invites Chicagoans to continue their New Year’s celebrations with $5 mimosas, $7 Fireball shots, $16 domestic beer buckets and $20 premium beer buckets. Guests can combine cocktails with upscale bar bites including $7 nachos, $1 sliders and .75 cent wings. The River North sports bar is the perfect spot to catch all of the New Year’s Day Bowl Game action including the Outback Bowl where the University of Iowa will take on Louisiana State University (kick off at 12 p.m.).
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BRASSERIE by LM, opens 6 am January 1
800 S. Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60605 | 312.431.1788

New Year’s Day Brunch at Brasserie by LM
Brasserie by LM invites Chicagoans to enjoy their brunch menu. Brasserie’s brunch menu includes traditional favorites as well as new creations with entrées, pastries and classic brunch items like French Toast ($10), LM Benedict ($10), Crepes ($10), Savory Tart ($7) Brasserie Burger ($12) and more. Guests can also enjoy Brasserie’s Croque menu which includes Croque Monsieur ($9), Croque Vegetable ($9) and Croque Salmon ($11). For an additional $2, guests can add an egg on top of any Croque to create a Croque Madame. Brasserie Bloody Marys and Mimosas will be available for $7 each.

In addition, a bottomless Mimosa and Entrée special will be available for $25 per person. The full menu is available upon request. Photos available upon request.
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CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE, 12 pm – 10 pm January 1
300 N. LaSalle St. | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.329.1800

$20 Burger Special
Chicago Cut Steakhouse welcomes guests to indulge in their special New Year’s Day Burger Specials. Guests can select from three specialty burgers including:

  • The Eggsplosion Burger
    Prime ground beef with an egg cooked in the middle, pan-fried on an iron skillet, topped with American cheese, applewood bacon, grilled onions and jalapeno mayo on a toasted potato bun
  • Three Chili Pepper Burger
    Charred red fresno peppers, shipkas peppers & poblano peppers, topped with Chicago Cut’s famous guacamole and served on a Kings Hawaiian Bun smeared with Chipotle Mayo.
  • Tapenade Stuffed Burger
    Black and green olive tapenade stuffed in prime beef, layered with thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced sweet gherkin pickles, baby romaine hearts, coarse grained mustard and mayo on a toasted Kaiser bun

In addition, the Chicago Cut Prime Burger, $14, will also be available. All burgers are served on a buttery brioche bun, unless otherwise noted, with fresh, homemade fries and a side of coleslaw.
A perfect complement to any burger, the restaurant will offer $7 Elliott Ness Christmas Ale.
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CHICAGO q, opens 11 am January 1
1160 N. Dearborn St. | Chicago, IL 60610 | 312.642.1160

Chicago q will be open for brunch on New Year’s Day. Menu items, created by Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippen, will satisfy brunch-goers’ “sweet tooth” and “meat tooth” by featuring house-made confections and house-smoked meats. Brunch dishes three different kinds of benedict: Smoked Chicken on honey butter cornbread, Kobe Brisket on Cheddar-Chive Biscuits with a Whole Grain Mustard Hollandaise, and Southern with Fried Green Tomatoes, Pulled Pork and a Cajun Hollandaise, Sweet Potato Hash and Eggs, Sweet Potato and Signature Carrot Cake Pancakes and more.

As a special, the restaurant will serve Black Eyed Peas. In the Southern United States, these peas are eaten on New Year’s Day as good luck treat thought to bring prosperity for the year.
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CLARK STREET DOG AND BAR, opens 9 am January 1
3040 N. Clark St. | Chicago, IL 60657 | 773.281.6690

Start your new year Chicago style with Clark Street Dog and Bar’s always fresh and never frozen menu including favorites like the Signature Clark Street Dog, Italian Beef and the newly available Vienna Bistro Chili. The Lakeview staple will open at 11 am, just in time for kickoff of the first college football bowl games in 2014. Grab a Goose Island draft beer, available for $3.50, or a signature pickle-back shot, available for $5, while enjoying the games with friends.
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GO ROMA, all locations open 12-8 pm January 1
848 N. State Street | Chicago, IL 60610 | 312. 252. 9946 | www.goroma.net
Other Locations in Bolingbrook, Lincolnshire, Northbrook and Deer Park.
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THE GRID, opens 11:30, Lounge opens at 7 pm on January 1
351 W. Hubbard St | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.321.1351

Start 2014 off on the right foot at The Grid with College Football and some of Chef Eric Romano’s delicious brunch offerings. The Grid will treat recovering party goers to their Build Your Own Mimosa Bar with 8 different mixers as well as their Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. Featured brunch items include: Eggs in Purgatory with poached eggs in diablo tomato, chupacabra sausage and goat cheese;
Eggs Florentine with spinach, hollandaise, stuffed peppers served on an English muffin and the Signature Smoothie with berries, banana, Greek yogurt, kale, B12, protein powder and pedialyte.
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LM BISTRO, opens 6 am January 1
111 W Huron St | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.202.9900

Guests are invited to celebrate the New Year at LM Bistro with their delicious brunch. Brunch specials include savory favorites in their two special brunch sections: a cheval, a selection of fork-and-knife, breadless sandwiches, and les tartines, open faced sandwiches.
A Cheval includes:
· Traditional, $13, with caramelized onion, gruyere and a sunny side up egg
· Vegeterien, $10, with portabella mushroom, brie and truffle scrambled eggs
· Poisson, $11, with whitefish, tartar sauce and poached egg.
Les Tartines include:
· Benedict 111, $13, with cured ham, poached eggs and cider béarnaise
· Tomate, $9, with heirloom tomato, olive oil, garlic
Steak and Eggs, $14, with roquette, horseradish and fried eggs

In addition, there are a variety of plates to satisfy sweet tooths like as like Buttermilk Pancakes with blueberry jam, maple syrup and homemade butter ($10), Brioche French Toast with almonds, orange marmalade and fromage blanc ($11), Crepes and more.

A bottomless mimosa and entrée special will be available for $25 per person.
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THE LOCAL CHICAGO, Opens 6:30 am January 1
198 E Delaware Place | Chicago, IL 60611 | 312.280.8887

New Year’s Day Burger Party at The Local Chicago
$20 Burger and Fries Special

The Local Chicago welcomes guests to indulge in their special New Year’s Day Burger Menu on New Year’s Day. Guests can select from five specialty burgers including:

  • The Eggsplosion Burger
    Prime ground beef with an egg cooked in the middle, pan-fried on an iron skillet, topped with American cheese, applewood bacon, grilled onions and jalapeno mayo on a toasted potato bun
  • Three Chili Pepper Burger
    Charred red fresno peppers, shipkas peppers & poblano peppers, topped with Chicago Cut’s famous guacamole and served on a Kings Hawaiian Bun smeared with Chipotle Mayo.
  • Tapenade Stuffed Burger
    Black and green olive tapenade stuffed in prime beef, layered with thinly sliced red onion, thinly sliced sweet gherkin pickles, baby romaine hearts, coarse grained mustard and mayo on a toasted Kaiser bun

In addition, The Local Chicago’s regular burgers, The Ahi Tuna Burger, $20, with Pickled Daikon, Kimchi and Sesame-Wasabi Aioli, the TLC Burger, $14, with a USDA Prime Patty and Aged Cheddar, and The Mushroom and Gruyere Burger, $16, with a Porcini Crusted Steak Burger, Marinated Portobello Cap and Mushroom Mayo, will also be available. All burgers are served on a buttery brioche bun, unless otherwise noted, with fresh, homemade fries and a side of coleslaw.

A perfect complement to any burger, the restaurant will offer The Local Chicago Beer created by Two Brothers Brewery for $7.
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NOUVEAU TAVERN, opens 11 am January 1
358 W Ontario | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.915.4100

Begin the New Year at Nouveau Tavern. On Wednesday, January 1, Nouveau Tavern will open early at 11:00 a.m. for the Nouveau Hangover Brunch. Guests can cheer on their favorite football team while enjoying a free Bloody Mary with the purchase of an entree from the brunch menu.
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PORKCHOP, opens 11:30 January 1
941 W Randolph St. | Chicago, IL 60607 | 312.733.9333

Special New Year’s Day Slider Bloody Mary and Bloody Mary Flights
Porkchop invites Chicagoans to start the New Year out right (and recover from last night’s festivities) by indulging in an epic Pork Slider Bloody Mary (Bloody Mary topped with a pork slider, rib and slice of bacon, drizzled with BBQ sauce). The meal of a cocktail is in honor of National Bloody Mary day. Those looking for a lighter variety can try a Bloody Mary flight featuring sample sizes of the “Bakon” Bloody Mary, Jalapeno Bloody Mary and Pickle Bloody Mary.

Customers looking for recovery can find reprieve in the V8, a Bloody Mary made with Chopin potato vodka garnished with vegetables; $9. Pair that with some good old comfort food including The Fat Elvis (bacon-studded Belgian waffle served with sliced bananas and peanut butter maple syrup; $12), Chicken and Waffles (southern fried chicken served on top of a Belgian waffle with ancho chile infused maple syrup; $12) or their Pulled Pork topped with a Fried Egg served on a Fried Mac & Cheese Bun. The resolutions can wait until Thursday.
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WEATHER MARK TAVERN, opens 11:30 am January 1
1503 South Michigan Avenue | Chicago, IL 60605 | 312.588.0230 |

Weather Mark Tavern invites Chicagoans to recover (or continue the New Year festivities) with a delicious bottomless mimosa brunch (bottomless mimosas and any brunch entree for only $13.95). Guest can top off their champagne cocktail with peach, cranberry or orange juice. Bloody Mary’s and Screwdrivers are also available for $5 each.

Cocktails can be paired with featured brunch dishes including Steak and Eggs; $9.50, Buttermilk Pancakes or French Toast; $7.95, Huevoes Rancheros; $7.95 and made to order skillets; $9.95. More unique options include the Caprese Eggs Benedict; $8.95, Weather MarCristo (sausage patty inside two Belgian waffles, syrup battered and fried; $9.95) and The First Mate’s Burrito (scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, house potatoes and sausage wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and covered with chipotle cheese sauce; $11.95).
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