The last two weekends of summer are always bittersweet in Chicago. The last fling of summer and the first days of school – big changes in many people’s everyday lives. Beach goers, sand volleyballists, Sunday boaters, and parents and kids of all ages are abandoning hot-sunny-weather activities for the more subdued side of life. So, here’s a place to celebrate this Sunday before Labor Day, and then a few places to get it on for Labor Day weekend.
Summer’s end at Logan 11 with El Bandido Yankee tequila
Logan 11 Bar & Kitchen, 2230 N. California, on August 28 hosts its last bottomless brunch for the summer. Special guest Chris Chelios, NHL Hall-of-Famer and founder of El Bandido Yankee! Try the Eggs Benedict, Chilaquiles, or Vegan Potato Chorizo Tacos while dancing on your chair to music from live DJs all day. To make it even more fun, sample the Bottomless Margaritas from Chelios’ El Bandido Yankee the 100% additive free criminally smooth tequila. Chris will be on-site meeting and greeting and signing pucks from 4-6pm, for a memorable end to summer brunch.
Labor Day weekend happenings
aliveOne, 2836 N. Halsted. After you’re done with the barbeques on Monday, September 5, hit up aliveOne at 5pm for free pool all night and Labor Day specials like $8 Copernicus cocktails (regularly $11) with Crown Royal, Pimms, simple syrup, lemon juice and ginger beer. At 8pm enjoy free music trivia from Whaddayaknow.
Labor Day weekend at Rewired Pizza
Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar, 1100 W. Thorndale in Edgewater, open all Labor Day weekend offers a spacious 40 seat dog-friendly patio. Start your party early on Thursday, September 1 with Rewired’s Date Night special ($49 three-course meal for two and a bottle of wine) paired with live music from 6 to 9pm.
Or try some of their happy hour specials on Thursday, September 1; Friday, September 2; and Monday, September 5 from 3 to 5pm: $3 slices, half-off select apps, $4 house wine (Malbec, Chardonnay, rosé), $5 drafts, and a beer-shot-slice combo for $10.
Sweet Mandy B’s, in Lincoln Park and Streeterville will be open until 4 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, September 5. Enjoy sweet treats like their famous Just Dough It for $5.50. Just Dough It features eggless chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies, and it will be available daily at the Streeterville location and at Lincoln Park on Saturdays and Sundays only. The Lincoln Park location will also feature festive back-to-school-themed cut-out cookies priced starting at $3.60 each, available now through the end of September.
Eat, drink and kiss summer goodby at UVAE Kitchen & Wine Bar
UVAE KITCHEN & WINE BAR, 5553 N Clark St., in Andersonville is hosting a send-off-summer Rosé All Day wine tasting on Saturday, September 3 at 3pm on the patio. The $35 per person tasting features four 4-oz pours and will be led by Uvae Sommeliers and guest wine makers. Small bite add-ons include a Cheese Plate ($15), Cheese & Charcuterie Plate ($20) and Duck Pâté ($12). For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdeanfh6.
Pride Month, June, 2022 is about to shine out in Chicago and in a bunch of countries around the world. Lots of local restaurants, coffee shops and bars are offering specials – some teaming up with vendors – to entice you to join them for a few hours, a day, or a whole Pride Parade weekend or month. If you’re feeling safe going out to such places and are in the mood, here are a few to get started with:
Easy Bar teams up for The Trevor Project
EASY BAR
Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Easy Bar in Ukrainian Village will team up with Seattle Cider Company and Bell’s Brewery to support The Trevor Project for Pride Month. Throughout the month of June, a portion of proceeds from any Seattle Cider or Bell’s product purchased will be donated to The Trevor Project.
The Trevor Project is the leading and only accredited national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under the age of 25.
Thursday, June 23 from 4 p.m. to close.Estelle’s in Wicker Park will host a Pride Party & Benefit for the Brave Space Alliance on Thursday, June 23 starting at 4pm. Snag swag like glow stick necklaces and bracelets along with Brooklyn Brewing The Stonewall Inn IPA drafts for $7 each. For every The Stonewall IPA Inn sold, $1 will be donated to the Brave Space Alliance. DJ Kinkshame will also spin jams from 12 a.m. to close.
Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago that is dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city.
2013 W North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 | (773) 782-0450 | www.estelleschicago.com. Hours: Sunday – Friday: 4 p.m – 4 a.m. | Saturday: 4 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Matcha Cita PRIDE month waffles (Photo courtesy of Megan Osterhout)
MATCHA CITA
Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Matcha Cita in the West Loop will donate a portion of proceeds from every Rainbow Waffle sold for the month to the Broadway Youth Center. The Rainbow Waffle is $9.95 and features strawberries, banana, whipped cream and sprinkles.
Broadway Youth Center offers comprehensive services to youth, ages 12-24 including a safe space for young people experiencing homelessness. The mission of BYC is to make life healthier and happier for young people who are transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, and especially young people who do not have stable housing.
1017 W Lake Chicago IL 60607 | (312) 785-9597 http://www.matchacitachi.com. Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
THE GRAYSTONE TAVERN
Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. $35 Rainbow Shot Flight for Center on Halsted. In honor of Pride Month, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will host a month-long fundraiser for the nearby Center on Halsted. For $35, guests can enjoy a Rainbow Shot Flight, solo or with friends, featuring six shots colored red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. A portion of proceeds from all Rainbow Shot Flights lights sold in June will be donated to Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of LGBTQ Chicagoans.
Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30. Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar will offer a Pride Latte created by coffee bar manager Jordan Reinhardt. The colorful and caffeinated drink features a house made fruity pebbles syrup, steamed milk, espresso and “pixie dust” edible glitter. Available Wednesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 30, the price ranges from small ($5) to medium ($5.50) or large ($6). Additional Pride specials for the month will include rainbow colored Truffled Deviled Eggs for $12 and Montucky Cold Snacks Pride Beer for $4.50.
A portion of proceeds from every Pride Latte, Truffled Deviled Eggs and Montucky Cold Snacks Pride Beer sold during June will benefit StandUp for Kids. StandUp for Kids is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in local communities.
Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. Additionally, Stewpendous Productions will host a special trivia night featuring a Celebration of Queer Pop Culture. Topics will include pop divas who provide the soundtrack of our lives, Broadway musicals honoring the drag kings and queens that have conftributed to making the art form, legendary queer trailblazers on televsion and more. Reservations are recommended by visiting https://rewiredcafe.com/monday-trivia-night/.
Navy Pier will kick off summer thisMemorial Day weekend when its widely anticipated free summer fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. But if you’ve got the time, plan to eat and enjoy some of the Pier’s other entertainments beforehand.
Fireworksat Navy Pier return at 9 p.m. every Wednesday and 10 p.m. every Saturday, through Labor Day. Navy Pier’s signature displays are synchronized to dramatic and popular music, and unique soundtracks for special occasions. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a great viewing spot along the Pier.
One of the best vantage points for viewing the fireworks is the Navy Pier Beer Garden, the city’s go-to destination for free, outdoor music all summer long, under the banner Live on the Lake. Opening night performances include John Kimler & Friends, Mike & Joe, and New Orleans funk and jazz artist Shamar Allen. Live on the Lake continues Sunday, May 29, with Fareed Haque, DJ Papa G, and Kofi & the New Roots, and on Monday, May 30, with Libido Funk Circus and Vintage Vinyl.
The Beer Garden is the local home of farm-to-foam beers from Tangled Roots Brewery, which creates a full range of light lagers and ales to dark, experimental brews made with hops grown on their farm right here in Illinois.
Visitors can also enjoy a mouthwatering experience at Ciccio (pronounced Chee-cho) officially opening from 11:00 a.m to.8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. Owner Mario Ferraro is a second-generation Chicagoland restaurateur. His new venture combines traditional Italian cuisine with Chicagoland favorites, like Ciccio’s star menu item, the “Italian Beef” Sandwich. Ciccio’s boasts a 100 percent scratch kitchen giving guests quality in every bite.
New this year, Jake’s on the Lake brings one of Chicago’s favorite restaurants to Navy Pier. Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap (see our previous enthusiastic review) is celebrating its 20th year in business this July, as the city’s hottest destination for hot wings. Jake’s famous wings—once named best in the country by NBC’s Today show—come in heat levels ranging from Spicy Buffalo wings to Firecracker Wings to XXX Wings—packed with habanero, ghost pepper and scorpion pepper. To view the full menu, click here.
Pixar Putt, open May 28 through Aug. 20, lays out a course of 18 fun and interactive holes of mini golf at Polk Bros Park, each based on characters from such beloved Pixar classics as “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters Inc.,” “Finding Nemo,” “Coco,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Wall-E,” and “Inside Out.”
Pixar Putt, co-presented by Rockefeller Productions and TEG Life Like Touring, will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays (with last entry at 8:30 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (last entry 8:30 p.m.). Pixar Putt is also available to Private Groups and Corporate Groups. Get your tickets at www.pixarputt.com/chicago.
See Chicago Dance kicks off the 10th annual Chicago Dance Month with a free two-hour performance that samples styles from ballet to fire acts with six different Chicago companies sharing the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. The schedule features Nawja Dance Corps, 3 p.m.; Chicago Tap Theater, 3:20 p.m.; Raks Inferno, 3:45 p.m.; Movement Revolution Dance Crew, 3:55 p.m.; Visceral Dance Chicago, 4:05 p.m.; and Last Dance, 4:20 p.m. Live dance performances will return to Navy Pier at 3 p.m. every Saturday throughout summer at the Wave Wall.
Wave Wall Wax, a series featuring Chicago’s most recognized DJs spinning house and dance music, also begins May 28, with Steve “Miggedy” Maestro at 5 to 7 p.m. The series continues at 5 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 3 at the Wave Wall Platform.
All events subject to change or cancellation. To view the full Navy Pier events calendar, click here.
Mardi Gras in Chicago at aliveOne (courtesy of aliveOne)
Oh, if you’re feeling safe to go out there and party, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras are the perfect occasions to get your groove on. Bring your gold and purple and green beads and eat something before you go out to try all the wines and beers and cocktails that will be issuing forth from the hands of the city’s many talented bartenders and mixologists. Tip generously! Those folks are like health care workers – exposed to everyone!!
aliveOne, 2683 N Halsted St.
Tuesday, March 1, $5 to $6 drink specials
Chicagoans are invited to join aliveOne as they host a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, March 1. In addition to half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., specials will include $5 Abita Purple Haze beers and $6 aliveOne Daiquiris.
CENTRAL PARK BAR, 2924 N Central Park Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $6 Hurricane special
Chicagoans are invited to get in the Mardi Gras spirit at Avondale’s newest neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar on Fat Tuesday. Specials will include $6 Hurricane cocktails all night and half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
EASY BAR, 1944 W Division St.
Tuesday, March 1, $4 New Belgium Beers and Complimentary King Cakes
Easy Bar will give away complimentary King Cakes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (while supplies last). Guests who find a baby in their King Cake will win New Belgium swag. New Belgium beers will be available on tap for $4 each. Half-price happy hour will also be available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
ESTELLE’S, 2013 W North Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $5 to $10 drink specials – Daiquiris and Jello Shots
To celebrate Mardi Gras, Estelle’s will get the party started early with a half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fat Tuesday. Guests can get in the spirit with a specialty $10 Plantation Pineapple Daiquiri and $5 Slrrrp Jello Shots. Festive beads and glow stick necklaces will be available while supplies last. Guests can stick around for a dance party with DJ Kinshame from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m.
REMEDY BAR, 1910 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $10 drink specials
Remedy invites guests to get in the Mardi Gras spirit with Fat Tuesday specials on Tuesday, March 1. Themed drinks will include $10 Hurricane and Corpse Reviver cocktails. The bar will have themed decor, and all customers will receive Mardi Gras beads (while supplies last). Remedy will also provide a snack table with an array of junk food for late night munchies.
THE OWL BAR, 2521 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tuesday, March 1, $6 Daiquiri special
Logan Square’s favorite 4 a.m. bar will be pouring $6 Daiquiris all night to celebrate Fat Tuesday on March 1. Guests can kick off the holiday with a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or end the evening with The Owl’s famous late night dance parties.
$8 to $16 food and drink specials
The Rambler will celebrate Fat Tuesday in their spacious, weatherproofed beer garden with specials like a Shrimp Boil Plate with jumbo shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes ($16). The Rambler will also offer a themed Island Oasis cocktail menu from Friday, February 25 through Tuesday, March 1 which will include $8 Hurricanes, Strawberry Daiquiris, Pina Coladas and Bushwackers.
Starting at 7 p.m on Tuesday, March 1, guests can participate in New Orleans-themed music trivia. Trivia will be free to join, and prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. Tables can be reserved by emailing events@theramblerchicago.com.
Well, maybe not EVERY winter day. But it’s fun to know you have options when it comes to dining out even during this still-taking-precautions-for-COVID winter in our beloved city. So take a stroll through this listing – a place or two you may be hearing about for the first time – and see what strikes your fancy.
Year-round dining on Graystone’s patio (photo credit: Sam Stone)
THE GRAYSTONE TAVERN New All-Season Patio. After 5 years in Wrigleyville, The Graystone Tavern, 3441 N Sheffield Ave, has winterized and enclosed their spacious back patio in preparation for the cold months ahead. In accordance with CDC and City of Chicago guidelines, the space can seat 20 to 30 guests. Patrons will continue to enjoy full food and drink menus “al fresco” throughout the winter season on the new weatherproofed patio. The space features string lights overhead, seven TVs, and customers can also enjoy games like bags, giant Jenga and giant Connect 4.
Fans of The Bachelorette can watch the dramatic Season 16 on the patio at Graystone with viewing parties every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Guests will be invited to play themed bingo for prizes. The episodes will be shown with audio, and themed drink specials will be available.
Year-Round Hangs at OGs. Old Grounds Social, Lincoln Park’s barbeque-centric sports bar, 950 W. Wrightwood Ave, invites guests to hang year-round on their convertible patio that is equipped with a four-season retractable roof. Featuring 20+ flat screen TVs, the newly updated patio offers lounge-style seating, a great option for small groups and sports fans. For patio reservations, visit https://www.ogschicago.com/reservations.
The liveliest patio in Chicago, Old Grounds Social keeps guests entertained with weekly events and specials like Drag Bingo every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ($5 entry, cash prize, RSVP: tyler@ogschicago.com), and a $25 Friday Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. which includes a $ burger, fries and bottomless wells and domestics.
THE RAMBLER Enclosed Outdoor Beer Garden. The Rambler in North Center, 4128 N Lincoln Ave, has weatherproofed its spacious outdoor beer garden to give diners an al fresco experience all year round. In accordance with CDC and City of Chicago guidelines, the beer garden will accommodate up to 30 guests withfull bar and food menus available.
The space is outfitted with a full bar, six TVs and a sound system perfect for catching Bears’ games. Fans of The Bachelorette can also watch Season 16 on the patio at The Rambler’s viewing parties every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Guests will be invited to play themed bingo for prizes. The episodes will be shown with audio, and themed drink specials will be available.
Cozy outdoor dining in Uvea’s greenhouses (courtesy of Uvae)
UVAE KITCHEN & WINE BAR BYO blanket, patio heaters and greenhouse dining. In an effort to help extend outdoor dining options this fall and winter season, Uvae in Andersonville has made several updates to their intimate sidewalk patio at 5553 N Clark St. Cold weather plans include new patio heaters and a BYO blanket promo where every guest who brings their own blanket for patio dining will receive a complimentary glass of prosecco.
Uvae offers three new greenhouses available for dining that are equipped with heaters. Two of the greenhouses will be available for parties of two to four guests. The third greenhouse will have space for parties up to six. Space is limited and seatings will be at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with a 1.5 hour limit allowing for sanitizing in between guests.
Superbowl’s a big deal for many Chicago sports fans even if the Bears aren’t in it. So in case you’re feeling safe from Omicron and want to head out in public to watch the champs (whoever they may be) square off on February 13, here are a few spots to consider.
Go with your pod people, stay a safe distance from non-podders, and be sure to wear a mask when you’re not actively eating or drinking. That’ll help keep you and everybody else safer. Have fun, people!
BARTOLI’S PIZZERIA
Bartoli’s Pizzeria Offers Super Bowl Game Day Deal
Sunday, February 13
$44.99 game day package
Perfect for football fans wanting to feast while they tune in from home, Bartoli’s Pizzeria in Roscoe Village and West Town will offer a “Game Day Deal” for the big game on Sunday, February 13. Available for pickup or delivery, the $44.99 package features an 18-inch thin crust pizza with a choice of one topping, 16 piece wings (buffalo or vesuvio) and two one-liter bottles of soda. To order, visit www.bartolis.com.*
*Not valid with any other offer or specials. Must mention offer when ordering. Limit one package per customer.
Roscoe Village: 1955 W. Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 248.0455
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
West Town: 658 N. Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622 | (312) 929.4133
Dog lovers can join Cody’s Public House on Sunday, February 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for their first annual Puppy Bowl Viewing Party. The dog-friendly event will offer a Puptail Cocktail featuring $8 themed cocktails for humans. Ten-percent of proceeds from sales will be donated to PAWS Chicago. Patrons can also participate in a raffle for Cody’s-branded dog bandanas. The program will be broadcast on eight 65-inch TVs around the bar for a total of 10 throughout the space. Weather permitting, guests can cozy up to the year-round fire pit with their furry friends.
1658 West Barry Avenue., Chicago, IL 60618 | (773) 799-8217 | www.codyschicago.com
Super Bowl Sunday Bottomless Mimosa Pre-game at Rewired
Sunday, February 13
$25 bottomless mimosas; $2 to $14 brunch menu items
Chicagoans can get the Super Bowl Sunday Funday started early and fuel up with a Pajama Brunch at Rewired Pizza Cafe & Bar in Edgewater from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch will feature $25 bottomless mimosas, show tunes and new cartoon-themed brunch menu items like a Panchito Pistoles Bowl with al pastor meat, pineapple, pickled onion, potato, salsa verde, cilantro, and an over easy egg, Porky the Pig Benedict with pulled pork, poached egg, and hollandaise, Cowabunga Breakfast Pie personal-sized white sauce pizza with choice of protein and over easy egg, and more.
Many Chicago restaurants are devising creative ways to continue providing great food to us starving patrons who are sick of cooking everything at home. And now two local long-time-friends chefs have joined forces to offer an amazingly complex and exciting dinner – you can pick it up locally whether you live in the heart of the city or in the Northbrook area.
Chefs Sarah Stegner and Carrie Nahabedian join forces for elegant collaboration dinner this Saturday,November 7.
Co-chef co-owner Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe
Chef Co-owner Carrie Nahabedian of Brindille
Prairie Grass Cafe chefs Sarah Stegner and Brindille chef Carrie Nahabedian are decades-long friends who bonded over their love of great food and the Green City Market. This special six-course dinner features a 30-minute live Zoom video call with both chefs. They’ll discuss the menu, talk about their friendship and their commitment to community service, and answer any questions you have. The cost is $135 per person plus tax and gratuity and optional wines. Get out your drool rag while you check out this delectable menu!
In the mood…Amuse Bouche
Beignets of potato and chickpea
Tempura Pine Island prawns
Medjool date, Brillat Savarin cheese and local bacon
First course… A pair of autumn soups to take the chill off…from Sarah and Carrie.
Butternut squash and parsnip
Root vegetable chips, parsley flan and olive oil crostini
Fougasse (flat bread of Provence) and Pain au Lait breads
Bottle of Goutis Estate Greek EVOO
Next…
Squash and Goat Cheese “Tart” with flavors of Prairie Fruit Farm and Three Sisters Garden, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate. Prairie Grass Cafe
Then…
Chilled Maine Lobster Tian with leeks and roasted tomatoes, Trio of sauces. Prairie Grass Cafe
And then…
Lacquered Aged Moulard Duck Breast and Hudson Valley foie gras with braised red cabbage, Beluga lentils, quince and fennel, port and licorice. Brindille
To finish…
Brown Butter Tarte scented with cinnamon and Calvados, served with poached cranberries, candied hazelnuts and orange confit
A pint of hand packed freshly made caramel apple ice cream
A box of mignardises (tiny pastries) and frivolities
And for extra fun…
Wine selections available separately to enhance your in-home dining experience. (Please order wines from the restaurant you reserve with.)
Chosen by Rohit Nambiar, Prairie Grass Cafe
Bugey Cerdon, Sparkling Wine, Patrick Bottex, France $25
2018 Walter Hansel Chardonnay, Cuvee Alyce, Russian River $45
Here’s how it works. Pre-order the menu by calling either restaurant before Thursday, November 5 at 3 p.m. Orders may be picked up at the restaurant from which you ordered at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 7. Once ordered, the link to the Zoom session will be emailed to guests.
Pre-Order: by 3 pm Thursday, November 5
Prairie Grass Cafe – 847-205-4433
Brindille – 312-595-1616 or email Brindillechicago@gmail.com
Pickup:
by 4 pm Saturday, November 7
Prairie Grass Cafe – 601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook
Brindille, 534 N. Clark St., Chicago
To all the brave folks still out there working to keep us fed and safe at home, thank you. Your courage to continue serving in the face of this challenge is greatly appreciated and even life-saving for many. For those of us who really enjoy cooking, River Roast in River North and Carnivale in West Loop are offering home “grill-at-home” kits so you and your family can have some seriously good meat to crisp up. Spiaggia has put together curated groups of wines you can pick up on their own or get ’em along with some of the restaurant’s high-end Italian food specials.
Thanks, Rachael, for highlighting Italian Wines on National Wine Day 2020
Celebrate National Wine Day on Monday, May 25th with Spiaggia‘s sommelier Rachael Lowe, nominated for the 2020 James Beard Awards for “Outstanding Wine Program.” With summer on the horizon, Rachael can discuss her top wine picks for the season and tips to pairing wines with lighter, seasonal dishes. Spiaggia is also now offering Wine Selections on their pick-up menu on Tock. Rachael has curated a list of wines highlighting various Italian wine regions as well as New World favorites. Each selection comes with three bottles and is delightful paired along with your favorite Spiaggia meal or on their own.
Celebrate National Burger Day on Thursday, May 28th with a burger kit from River Roast. River Roast is offering a virtual “Grill At Home Shop” featuring a variety of meats, including burgers, ribs, steak and chicken and pork chops.Prices vary and all items can be purchased on Tock.
Until we can come in again, think Carnivale for wine and cocktails
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market St., will offer meals, cocktail kits and complimentary Carnivale cotton candy with purchase for curbside pickup beginning Thursday, June 11 (changed from 6/4 due to temporary travel restrictions in downtown Chicago). Featuring several creative Latin inspired meals, Carnivale’s takeout menu includes options like Sabor y Carne, Carnivale en Fuego, which also comes as a DIY grill kit, and Paella de Carnivale. Guests may add a side of Guacamole or Ropa Vieja to any order for $12. Carnivale’s iconic craft libations are available with kits for the restaurant’s signature Margarita, Mojito and Cotton Candy Martini, which each come with an extra treat, for $45 plus tax. Orders must be called in (312) 850-5005, and will be available for pickup outside of Carnivale’s main entrance.
Empty inside – Photo by REY MELVIN CARAAN on Unsplash
Chicago is home to thousands of excellent restaurants, and although they’re all closed for dining in, you can still get some fabulous food from many of them. One hospitality group whose member restaurants consistently feature top-quality food is Lettuce Entertain You® Enterprises. We have had some of our favorite dishes at a number of these establishments. So we’re happy to offer you a listing of some of the delicious goodies you can get for your mom and your family this Mother’s Day 2020, despite the coronavirus lockdown. Delivery and/or pickup as indicated. Enjoy! And have a great Mother’s Day.
Aba WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM WHERE: 302 N Green Street, Chicago IL 60607 WHAT: Aba is offering a Mother’s Day package that includes Classic Hummus with Crudite & Housemade Bread, Village Salad, Beef Tenderloin Kebabs, Grilled Chicken Kebabs, Lemon Dill Basmati Rice and Double Chocolate Tarte. Looking to show Mom some extra love? We’ve teamed up with Kehoe Designs to offer two different flower arrangements for her special day! The Mother’s Day menu is $25.95 per person, plus tax. Flowers range from $45 – $65, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 5:00 PM. Order online for carryout or delivery. CONTACT:Order online from Aba
Antico Posto WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM WHERE: 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 WHAT: Antico Posto is offering a Mother’s Day package that includes Housemade Bread & Giardiniera, House Salad, Shrimp Risotto and Zuppa Inglese for four.The cost is $70, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 4:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT:630-586-9200
Beatrix – Streeterville WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: 671 N. St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611 WHAT: Beatrix has teamed up with Flowers For Dreams to include a flower bouquet for Mom alongside a special brunch for four people. Mother’s Day Brunch & Bouquet Bundle for four includes Baked Apple French Toast, Scrambled Eggs (pro tip: top it with lobster!), Brown Sugar Bacon, Maple Chicken Sausage, Wild-Berry Parfaits, Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice and Intelligentsia Coffee. The cost is $110.95, plus tax. Looking for brunch for two? A Mother’s Day Brunch menu for two is available as well for $23.95 per person, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT:312-642-0001 or order online from Beatrix
Big Bowl – Chicago & Lincolnshire WHEN: Sunday, May 10; Chicago: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Lincolnshire: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM WHERE: Chicago: 60 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 | Lincolnshire: 215 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 WHAT: Big Bowl will be open on Mother’s Day for carryout, curbside pick-up and delivery. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT: Chicago: 312-951-1888 or order online from Big Bowl – Chicago | Lincolnshire: 847-808-8880 or order online from Big Bowl – Lincolnshire
Bub City – River North WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 435 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 WHAT: Add some Southern flare to this Mother’s Day with a Bub City Rib Dinner for four. Enjoy 2 full slabs of Charcoal-Roasted Baby Back Ribs, a side of Mac N’ Cheesy, Grilled Asparagus with a Lemon Aioli, Chopped Salad and Fresh Baked Bub City Cookies for just $59.95, plus tax. Bub City is also offering an 18-Hr. Natural Smoked Brisket Dinner or a Rib-and-Brisket Combo Dinner, plus extra add-ons for purchase like Bloody Mary Kits, Spring Dutch Tulip Bouquets and whole Peanut Butter & Key Lime Pies. Whole pie orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 8:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call or order online for pick-up. CONTACT: 312-610-4200 or order from Bub City
Brasserie Jo WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM WHERE: Pick-up at Osteria Via Stato, 620 N State Street WHAT: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a classic dish from Brasserie Jo, the Shrimp Bag with Lobster Cognac Sauce. The family-style meal for two or four, includes Carrots a la Jo, Green Asparagus with white pearls and chives, the famous Shrimp Bag, Chocolate Mousse and a French baguette. The price is $23.95 per person, plus tax. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 773-433-5330 or order online from Brasserie Jo
WHEN: Sunday, May 10; from 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (closed 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
WHERE: 2024 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614
WHAT: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is offering a brunch package from 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM which includes Citrus French Toast with goat cheese butter and Patatas Bravas with sun-dried tomato aioli. Or, opt for Mother’s Day Dinner from 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM, packed with Brussels Sprouts Salad, Chicken & Vegetable Paella and more. Add on wine, sparkling cava, or Bloody Mary and cocktail kits for additional charges. Both packages are available for $40, plus tax for two or $80, plus tax for four people. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout.
Crab Cellar WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Crab Cellar meal packages will be available for Mother’s Day! Order for two people for $109, plus tax or for four people for $199, plus tax. The meal packages will be available for delivery or carryout and include Alaskan King Crab Legs, Prime Burgers, Hush Puppies, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Broccoli, Boardwalk Fries, Coleslaw and Coconut Cake. You can also add on a bottle of wine or a cocktail kit for additional charges. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-1737 or order online from Crab Cellar for carryout, order online from Crab Cellar for delivery
Di Pescara WHEN: Saturday, May 9 – Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 2124 Northbrook Ct, Northbrook, IL WHAT: Di Pescara’s Mother’s Day special includes Double-Dip Shrimp Cocktail with remoulade and cocktail sauce, Tomato Bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella, Braised Prime Beef Short Rib, Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies, fresh Ciabatta Bread and more. The food is prepared cold and will include heating instructions. The cost is $30, plus tax per person, two person minimum per order. You can add on a bottle of wine or a Make-At-Home Mimosa Kit for $10, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT: 847-498-4321
WHAT: il Porcellino’s Mother’s Day menu serves four and includes Garlic Bread, Italian Salad, Chicken Vesuvio, Rigatoni alla Vodka and Double Chocolate Cake. Round out the special day with an optional flower bouquet and Negroni or Spritz Kits for additional charges. This Mother’s Day package is $79.95, plus tax (gratuity not included). Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for carryout or order online for delivery or carryout.
WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WHERE: 60 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 WHAT: Joe’s Seafood – Chicago will be offering a Classic Shellfish Dinner for four for $199.95, plus tax. The meal package includes all of your Joe’s favorites including Florida Stone Crab Claws, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Joe’s Chopped Salad, Jennie’s Mashed Potatoes, Joe’s Grilled Tomatoes and Key Lime Pie. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM. Order online for carryout only. CONTACT: Order online from Joe’s Seafood – Chicago
L. Woods WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: 7110 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 WHAT: L. Woods is offering brunch for four for Mother’s Day! Enjoy brunch with Strawberry & Banana French Toast for $30, plus tax or Prime Rib Hash with Scrambled Eggs for $50, plus tax. Make it a boozy brunch by adding a Mimosa Kit for $30, plus tax or Bloody Mary Kit for $60, plus tax. BBQ favorites will also be available a la carte for lunch and dinner. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM. Brunch must be picked up by Sunday, May 10 between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, lunch and dinner must be picked up between 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time. CONTACT:847-677-3350
WHERE: 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago IL 60614 WHAT: Mon Ami Gabi – Chicago is offering a three-course prix-fixe meal to-go with Gabi French favorites like Roast Salmon, Petite Filets, Chocolate Mousse and more. For the little frites, à la carte options from the kids’ menu are also offered. Add on wines a la carte or a Bloody Mary or Mimosa Kit that serves 4. The Mother’s Day prix fixe menu is available for just $40 (feeds two) or $80 (feeds four), plus tax and gratuity. CONTACT: 773-348-8886,pre-order online for pickup from Mon Ami Gabi – Chicagoor order online for delivery from Mon Ami Gabi
Naoki Sushi WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM WHERE: 5 W. Ontario, Chicago IL WHAT: Celebrate Mom with a sushi dinner by Chef Naoki. The meal for four people and includes Miso Soup, Shrimp Tempura Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, Salmon Avocado Maki , Salmon Nigiri and Tuna Nigiri. The cost is $89, plus tax. Order online for delivery or carryout.
Osteria Via Stato WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM WHERE: 620 N State Street, Chicago IL 60654 WHAT: Osteria Via Stato is offering brunch and dinner packages for Mother’s Day! Enjoy Smoked Salmon, Bagels & Accompaniments, Vegetable Frittata, Ciabatta French Toast with Macerated Strawberries, Maple Syrup, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Calabrian Potatoes. The brunch cost is $25.95 per person, plus tax. Add a fresh fruit puree Bellini kit in Peach, Blood Orange, Blueberry or Raspberry for $19.95, plus tax. The dinner menu includes Creekstone Farm Beef Tenderloin, Spring Vegetable Panzanella, Ricotta Cavatelli with Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus with Grana and Tiramisu. The dinner cost is $43.95 per person, plus tax. Order by Friday, May 8 at 6:00 PM. The brunch menu is available for pick-up on Saturday, May 9 between 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, the dinner menu is available for pick-up between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call or email to place an order and arrange a time for pick-up or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 773-433-5330 or order online from Osteria Via Stato
Quality Crab & Oyster Bah WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Quality Crab & Oyster Bah is offering a brunch package for $99, plus tax for four. The package includes Bagels & Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad, Bacon & Sausage and more with the option to customize your add-ons with Steamed King Crab, Fried Chicken, Shrimp Cocktail and more for additional charges. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM and picked up by Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Quality Crab & Oyster Bah’s a la carte menu will be available from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. View Quality Crab & Oyster Bah’s a la carte menu. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-3000 or order online from Quality Crab & Oyster Bah
RPM Italian WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 52 W. Illinois, Chicago, IL 60654 WHAT: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a shared RPM Italian meal for four! Enjoy Truffled Garlic Bread, Heirloom Tomato Salad, RPM Lasagna with Bolognese & Herbed Ricotta, Grilled Asparagus and Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies for dessert. Add on an optional Bellini Kit and bouquet of spring Dutch tulips to round out the special day. The price is $80, plus tax. Order by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only. CONTACT: 312-222-1888 or order online from RPM Italian – Chicago
WHAT: Treat Mom to a special RPM Steak Mother’s Day Menu for four. The package includes Parker House Rolls, Kale Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Chateaubriand, Local Spring Asparagus and Housemade Cookies. Add on an optional RPM Peanut Butter Pie, bouquet of spring Dutch tulips or beverage pairing to round out the special day. The Mother’s Day Dinner package is $125, plus tax (gratuity not included). Order by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Available for carryout only, call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for pick-up only.
Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago & Schaumburg WHEN: Sunday May 10; Chicago: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Schaumburg: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: Chicago: 21 E. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60611 | Schaumburg: 1900 East Higgins Road, Schaumburg IL 60173 WHAT: Shaw’s Chicago & Schaumburg are offering Mother’s Day brunch and dinner packages for $99 each, plus tax for four people. The brunch includes Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Bagels & Lox, Fruit Salad and more while the dinner package features favorites like Shaw’s Clam Chowder, Caesar Salad and Mini Raspberry Pie. Both packages allow for add-on proteins such as Alaskan King Crab Legs and Roasted Tenderloin, as well as cocktail kits and bottles of wine for additional charges. Orders must be placed by Friday, May 8 at 12:00 PM. Orders must be picked up by Sunday, May 10 for brunch between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and for dinner between 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Shaw’s Chicago’s a la carte dinner menu will be available in addition to the packages from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. View Shaw’s Chicago’s a la carte menu. Call the restaurant of your choice to place an order and arrange a time for pick-up or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:312-527-2722 or order online from Shaw’s Chicago | jkoval@leye.com or order online from Shaw’s Schaumburg
Saranello’s WHEN: Sunday, May 10; 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM WHERE: 601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL WHAT: Saranello’s is offering family-style Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner packages for four people that are $100, plus tax. The brunch includes citrus-cured Atlantic Salmon, Classic Eggs Benedict, Canadian Bacon, Smoked Vermont turkey with cranberry relish, 1.5 lbs of Roast Sirloin Prime Beef with horseradish cream and more. You can add a Make-At-Home Mimosa Kit for $10, plus tax. The dinner includes Parmesan & Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, Large Gulf Shrimp with cocktail sauce, 1 lbs of pistachio-crusted Lake Superior Whitefish, Baked Mac and Cheese with aged Tillamook cheddar, a whole fresh baked Apple Pie and more. You can add on a bottle of wine for $25, plus tax. Orders must be placed by Saturday, May 9 at 12:00 PM and be picked up on Sunday, May 10 between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for brunch and between 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM for dinner. Order online for carryout only. CONTACT:847-777-6878 or order online from Saranello’s
Seaside’s WHEN: Sunday May 10; 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM WHERE: 1962 N Halsted Street, Chicago IL WHAT: Seaside’s a la carte and meal package for four for $64, plus tax for delivery and $59, plus tax for carryout on Mother’s Day! Seaside’s Meal Package includes 1/2 Fried Chicken, full slab of Baby Back Ribs, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Broccoli, B&B Pickles, Coleslaw, and Peppermint Ice-Cream. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or order online for delivery or carryout. CONTACT:773-248-1749 or order online from Seaside’s
WHAT: Summer House Santa Monica and Stella Barra Pizzeria & Wine Bar – Chicago are offering six Mother’s Day brunch and dinner packages. From the Smoked Salmon Platter for Four to a Roasted Beef Tenderloin Dinner for Four. Add on bottles of rosé, red or white wine for an additional $20 each, plus tax. All carryout and delivery orders will receive a special 50% off gift card to The CryoBar to treat mom on a future visit. Brunch items will be sold on Sunday, May 10 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and dinner items will be sold all day. All orders must be placed by Thursday, May 7 at 4:00 PM. Call to place an order and arrange a pick-up time or pre-order online for pickup.
Chicago – view from closed Cafe Brauer in Lincoln Park
The Coronavirus lockdown continues. Many courageous restaurateurs are continuing to offer service for pickup and/or delivery – and many of their brave employees are continuing to serve. We are grateful for these opportunities to continue partaking of delicious food despite the forced closures for dining out. And happy to report many restaurants and brewing companies and bars are offering alcohol to go in Chicago, per this list from Thrillist.
A new website has sprung up that focuses on aggregating the names of restaurants that are continuing to offer takeout and delivery options. It’s called Dining at a Distance, and here’s the link to Chicago’s collection. Always be sure to call to make sure your chosen restaurant is still offering these services.. Meanwhile, here are a few opportunities to continue partaking of delicious food despite the forced closures for dining out.
Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar is providing a more valuable food delivery and pick-up experience for customers by introducing “Doc B’s Stimulus Package” to help people earn 50% back on what they spend. All delivery or pick up purchases made between March 18-April 14 can be redeemed for a gift card worth 50% of people’s total purchases. All you have to do is save their receipts from a delivery platform or Doc B’s, and bring them to the restaurant (April 15-30) to receive the gift card. Delivery order for Doc B’s (River North ONLY – 55 E Grand Ave) can be made DocBsDelivery.com or on most major food delivery sites.
Roka Akor, steakhouse, sushi and seafood. announced that all locations have adjusted takeout/delivery options. Check out the new Family Packs for $24pp, adding ramen and Bao’s to the menu and adding ways to donate to the Employee Relief Fund. Here’s a link to the full menus for Chicago, Old Orchard and Oakbrook. They also have the Drink and Donate 20/20 Deal (With every bottle of wine or sake purchased you will receive 20% OFF and Roka Akor will DONATE $20 to our Employee Relief Fund).
Umai Aji-Ya is one of those spots still open for business. Umai Aji-Ya is an authentic Japanese restaurant featuring ramen and other Japanese dishes and appetizers. Located in the heart of Naperville, this new restaurant is remaining open during the current COVID-19 pandemic, delivering Japanese straight to your door. As of March 16th, Umai Aji-Ya is no longer offering dine-in options for customers in an effort to ensure safety in the midst of the current pandemic. Umai Aji-Ya is practicing social distancing and reassuring the community that they are making an effort to protect the patrons. Umai has also partnered with local businesses to offer free delivery, free kids meals, and 25% off for first responders and local medical personnel. As a way to limit contact, Umai Aji-Ya is no longer accepting cash and delivery drivers will be taking advanced safety and sanitary measures while making deliveries.
