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Le Colonial
The Top List of Stargazing Restaurants - Chicago, IL
Eat with the Stars
by Diane Bobis
When it comes to dining amongst the stars, you don’t have to hop on a private jet to New York or L.A. These Windy City restaurants are famous (and infamous) for catering to local VIPs as well as some of Hollywood’s best and brightest. So grab your friends and something Gucci, Prada or Fendi. At these culinary hot spots, it’s hip to see and be seen.
LE COLONIAL
937 N. Rush St., 60611, 312-555-0088
Lunch: Daily, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Dinner: Monday – Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Thursday – Saturday, 5:00 pm to Midnight. Sunday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Where do Sandra Bullock, Harrison Ford, Billy Joel and Will Ferrell go for first-class cuisine in Chicago? This charming vintage row house that beautifully recreates the exotic world of 1920s French Indochina. Designed by Greg Jordan, the restaurant’s first floor lulls guests into an entirely cozy dining experience with rattan chairs, delicate ceiling fans and swaying potted palms and banana trees. Upstairs, sexy cocktails are served at a large mahogany bar while guests float amidst the soft music, candlelight, and over-stuffed sofas. The exceptionally authentic Vietnamese menu offers such signature entrees as Suon Nuong (grilled marinated rack of lamb with saffron rice), Cari Tom (sautéed jumbo shrimp with eggplant in curried coconut sauce) and Lau Do Bien (Vietnamese bouillabaisse in lemongrass saffron broth).
The average cost per person for dinner is $35-$50.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Le Colonial is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
ROCKIT BAR & GRILL
22 W. Hubbard St., 60610, 312-645-6000
Monday – Friday, 11:30 am to 1:30 am. Saturday, 11:30 am to 2:30 am. Sunday, 11:30 am to 1:30 am.
This upscale bar and grill in Chicago’s booming River North caters to a young and perfectly primped crowd that includes Ryan Cabrera, Rex Grossman, David Schwimmer, Jeremy Piven and The Bachelorette’s Jen Schefft. To drop another name, the modern bi-level loft space was decked out with handmade leather chairs, tree-stump cocktail tables and chocolaty brown hues chosen by Oprah’s resident cutie, designer Nate Berkus. As for the menu, this is not your ordinary pub grub. Executive Chef James Gottwald’s Garlic Bread is topped with mozzarella garlic butter and Gorgonzola cream sauce and the Rockit Burger is made from Kobe beef and served with warm Brie cheese and truffle fries. The wine and beer choices are all top shelf, and the signature drinks earn their “Rocktail” status – especially the El Pomegranate Mojito.
The average cost per person for dinner is $20-$30.
Reservations are not accepted.
Rockit Bar & Grill is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
JAPONAIS
600 W. Chicago Ave., 60610, 312-822-9600
Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Sunday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Lounge & Bar: Monday – Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am. Thursday – Friday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am. Saturday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am. Sunday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Since opening in 2003, this grand space has been a favorite of celebrities, fashionistas, and foodies alike. That’s high praise for a restaurant that is so visually stunning you might momentarily forget you came for the food. At the entrance, water falls in front of a high, glossy, red brick wall. In the classic Red Room, vibrant vermeils and golds reflect off the sushi bar in a nod to old Japan. And downstairs, the Lounge is a gorgeous retreat where plush sofas are veiled with sheer white fabrics that just might give you a glimpse of Charlize Theron, Jennifer Anniston, Vince Vaughn or LeAnne Rimes. The menu is widely varied and whimsically creative, with traditional sushi offerings as well as contemporary Japanese selections like “Le Quack Japonais,” a whole maple leaf smoked duck with hoisin sauce and mango chutney. Other must-haves include the Lobster Spring Rolls, the Chef’s Special Maki Mono, and the Floating Orchid – a vodka and Cointreau cocktail infused with fresh pear juice and topped with an edible orchid garnish.
The average cost per person for dinner is $40-$60.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Japonais is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
THE ROSEBUD
1500 W. Taylor St., 60607, 312-942-1117
Monday – Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm. Friday, 11:00 am to 11: 30 pm. Saturday, Noon to 11:30 pm. Sunday, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Serving such discriminating diners as Tony Bennet, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro and the late Frank Sinatra, this old-school Italian throwback is formally high-class and casually comfortable all at once. Just ask Jimmy Buffet or any of the Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks who come here for hospitality in generous portions. Signature dishes include the half-roasted Chicken Vesuvio in garlic white wine sauce, homemade square Pappardelle noodles with rich marinara, and Rosebud’s Famous Fish Salad, a made-to-order medley of shrimp, octopus, calamari and scungilli with olive oil, garlic and freshly squeezed lemon. This original Little Italy location opened in 1977 when founder Alex Dana transformed a run-down grocery store into an ornate dining room with mahogany-framed mirrors, leaded glass windows and white linen tablecloths. He now has additional venues on Rush Street and in the Theatre District and suburbs.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30-$50.
Reservations are highly recommended.
The Rosebud is closed most major holidays.
GIBSON’S STEAKHOUSE
1028 N. Rush St., 60611, 312- 266-8999
Lunch: Daily, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 pm to 12:00 am. Friday – Sunday, 3:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Bar: Daily, 11:00 am to 2:00 am.
The epitome of the Chicago steakhouse, Gibson’s is so adored that Jack Nicholson once phoned in an order for a steak sandwich, onion rings, sautéed spinach and carrot cake while aboard a trans-Atlantic flight from Paris. And though it’s a favorite of Mayor Richard Daley, Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields and David Letterman, everyone feels like a megastar when treated to Gibson’s mega portions and five-star service. Now preparing Chicago’s finest (and biggest) martinis, steaks and desserts, the Gold Coast location once housed the famous Mr. Kelley’s, a club that showcased such greats as Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra back in the 60s. The walls of the restaurant are themselves a historical tour, with autographed photos from athletes, politicians, and entertainment’s most-loved legends. When you cut into your 24-ounce porterhouse, the power of this place is palpable.
The average cost per person for dinner is $40-$60.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Gibson’s is closed most major holidays.
SUSHI SAMBA RIO
504 N. Wells, 60610, 312-595-2300
Monday – Wednesday, 11:45 am to Midnight. Thursday – Friday, 11:45 am to 1 am. Saturday, 11: 45 am to 2:00 am. Sunday, 11:30 am to Midnight. (Sunday Brunch, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.)
There’s plenty to see at this energetic club-like restaurant designed by acclaimed architect David Rockwell (W Hotels). His flashy, funky, elegant décor sets the scene for some of Chicago’s prettiest people, as well as celebrity visitors like Busta Ryhmes, Ryan Phillippe and Jesse Bradford. A truly unique fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine and culture, Latin rhythms play while servers deliver signature dishes of Pastel (crispy empanada), Lobster Sashimi Seviche and Pacific samba rolls filled with King crab and Asian pear. At the bar, you’ll find sake and wine of vast varieties, but sexy cocktails like Pisco Sours and Caipirinhas are the drinks of choice here. Every Wednesday night is Favela Night, and from 10:00 pm onward, the restaurant bustles with featured artists, musicians, dancers and DJs. For the best view of the crowd, sit at a perimeter table or head up to the mezzanine lounge.
The average cost per person for dinner is $50-$60.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Sushi Samba Rio is closed most major holidays.
TUFANO’S VERNON PARK TAP
1073 W. Vernon Park Pl., 60607, 312-733-3393
Tuesday – Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Friday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Saturday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
If low-key is more your level, head over to this “neighborhood institution” at the edge of Little Italy. There’s nothing fancy, frilly or pretentious here, just a chalkboard menu full of classic Italian favorites like Fried Calamari, Pork Chops Vesuvio and Lemon Chicken with Potatoes (the house specialty). Casual, fun, and family-run, the restaurant has been in business for over 60 years, serving everyone from local regulars and politicians to famous names like Dolly Parton, Tommy Lasorda and Dick Butkus along the way. If you don’t have a star sighting during your visit, you needn’t do more than check out the celebrity photo-lined walls to know you’re in good company. Just be sure to bring your cash – Tufano’s doesn’t take plastic.
The average cost per person for dinner is $15-$25.
Reservations are not accepted.
Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap is closed most major holidays.
PANE CALDO
72 E. Walton, 60611, 312-649-0055
Lunch: Daily, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11 pm.
This intimate, 65-seat Gold Coast trattoria recently hosted Mariah Carey and friends to a $2,500 dinner featuring Lamb Carpaccio, Lobster Risotto and plenty of white wine. And despite its appeal to the “old money” crowd (Queen Rania and Fergie have also been guests), the fresh flowers and fine china ultimately give way to a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s casually très chic. The cuisine at Pane Caldo can be described as contemporary Northern Italian with a bit of French influence. The culinary staff, led by executive chef Maurice Bonhomme, insists on using only the freshest available ingredients, and thus, the menu changes daily. Expect no less than the finest organic meats and seafood, rare, exotic seasonings and an extensive international wine list.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30-$60.
Reservations are highly recommended and required for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Pane Caldo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
HARRY CARAY’S RESTAURANT
33 W. Kinzie St., 60610, 312-828-0966
Lunch: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Sunday Sandwich Cart (Bar Only), 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Bar: Daily, 11:30 am to Close.
A distinctly Chicago destination, this historic River North landmark was once home to Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, one of Al Capone’s “lieutenants” in the 1930s. Back then, the building was connected to a network of underground tunnels that allowed the gang to leave sight unseen. Today, it’s a place to view one of the world’s most extensive baseball memorabilia collections alongside real-life sports heroes like Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, Marv Levy and Joe Montana. The warm and friendly Italian Steakhouse certainly lives up to its namesake’s beloved personality, serving up plentiful classic Italian favorites (Chicken Involtini, Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce) and some of the finest prime aged steaks and chops in the city. They also offer selections of Tallgrass Beef, a line of heart-healthy steaks owned by Chicago TV news legend Bill Kurtis.
The average cost per person for dinner is $25-$45.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Harry Caray’s is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
ARTIST’S CAFÉ
412 S. Michigan Ave., 60605, 312-939-7855
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm. Friday – Saturday, 7 am to 12:30 am. Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm.
Located in The Fine Arts Building since 1961, this eclectic dining spot offers a full menu of traditional American fare and Mediterranean specialties like the fancied-up Continental Grilled Cheese and YaYa’s Spanakopita. While well known for its “what-a-bargain” breakfasts, the real star here is the outdoor café. One of the largest in the city, it’s the perfect spot to watch a “Who’s Who” of the arts go by. So sit back and enjoy the show with one of the café’s incredible coffee drinks. After a few sips of your Russian Espresso or Godiva Chocolate Latte, you might just get a peak at Baryshnikov, Blythe Danner, Billy Zane, or the cast of Phantom of the Opera.
The average cost per person for dinner is $10-$20.
Reservations are recommended for dinner.
The Artist’s Café is closed most major holidays.
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