With the city opening back up and people becoming more positive of our future, Chicago’s dining scene has also been pumping and going! Among all the Happy Hours and reopenings, there are actually a few new restaurants in River North we want to point you toward this time! May it be ethnic cuisine or a pampering date with your girlfriend, or even just a quick work lunch, we hope one of these places will become your new favorite!
Fame
157 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60654
Fame Supper Club will offer modern American fare, classic cocktails, and live music, and will have a soft opening with limited reservations. It is ready to woo you with the dramatic and intimated interior created with dark lacquer floors, textured wallpaper, and plush seating. Meanwhile, a long, contemporary bar featuring gold panels and stone white top occupies the east side of the space, while the remainder of the room is reserved for dining.
Fame’s beverage menu and bottle service program will feature original recipes for classic cocktails, large-format cocktails, and Instagram-worthy presentations. Drinks like Lady In The Ashes and The Real McCoy pay homage to the 1920s and prohibition culture – the era that inspired much of the first-floor restaurant’s decor and design.
Storyville
712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Storyville’s vast, yet intimate dining area is adorned with sinuous ornamental iron rails and abundant green planters synonymous with the French Quarter. Overhead, elegant empire chandeliers truly glisten like stars in a Louisiana night sky.
You came here to dine, and Storyville does not disappoint. With celebrated Chicago chef, Louie Yu—who also leads the kitchen at sister concept, Chalet—directing the kitchen, Andouille sausage sizzles, gumbo bubbles in a pot, and the aroma of bananas caramelizing, waiting to be poured over rich vanilla ice cream is nothing short of tantalizing.
More than a restaurant, Storyville is an authentic New Orleans experience transported from the Mississippi Delta to the banks of the Chicago River.
Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!
441 N Clark St #1, Chicago, IL 60654
Tapas, pintxos, and sangrias! Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba is a cheerful joint that opened this year in April in the popular River North neighborhood. While it opened back in April, there are still many mysteries waiting to be explored considering we’ve only opened back up recently.
The warm, homey interior of Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba brings the appetite out, that’s for sure. The cozy space is filled with Spanish-inspired artwork, bottled vintners, pendant lamps, and hanging charcuterie boards that surround a bustling and glowing open kitchen. They also have great happy hour deals that you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Jaleo
500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654
Jaleo was probably the most anticipated new restaurants in River North. All your favorite tapas from Jaleo are available on their to-go menu, such as
Queso Manchego (traditional raw Manchego cheese paired with Moscatel-compressed apples)
Pimientos del piquillo Rellenos de queso Cabra (seared piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese)
Croquetas de Pollo (traditional chicken fritters).
For those of you who want to stay at home: Jaleo also now offers delivery and pickup via UberEats. This couldn’t have come at a more perfect time with fall right around the corner and more quality time soon to be spent together indoors. Agreed?
Sunny Bowls
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60654
Sunny Bowls opened recently in Merchandise Mart. Responding to the working people’s need for quick, healthy, yet delicious bites, Sunny Bowls have easily become one of the neighborhood’s favorite for a simple lunch.
Choose from soup, spreads, and salads from its nutrition-balanced menu. We love the spicy tuna salad, smoked goat cheese, and spicy carrot hummus.
Underground Cocktail Club
56 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Speaking of the coolest new restaurants in River North, how could we miss the Underground Cocktail Club? Also known as “The Cocktail Club,” this establishment is the definition of high-end sexiness. From the beautifully designed lighting to the comfortable, intimate seats, this is the best spot for taking yourself out on a date.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Old Fashioned or looking for a night filled with wine and romance, the Cocktail Club in River North has exactly what you’re looking for. They also provide a handful of new contemporary bites for you to snack on.
The post 6 New Restaurants in River North to Try appeared first on UrbanMatter.
