Around Town: Perfect Chicago Spots to Celebrate the Holidays

As the third largest city in the U.S., it’s safe to say there are a lot of restaurant options in Chicago. However, you don’t want to go to just any restaurant when celebrating the holidays with your friends and family. You want it to be a special place, somewhere that is sure to impress even the harshest of critics - because every family or friend group has one of those. We’ve compiled a list of five Chicago-area restaurants that will make your holidays even merrier.

Photo via Zagat

The Dearborn Tavern – This stylish restaurant recently opened in June and is conveniently located on the ground level of Block 37. It serves American fare with a variety of salads, burgers, entrees and even a raw bar. You’ll definitely want to save room for dessert, too, because table side sundaes mixed on marble slab are The Dearborn’s specialty.

Photo via UrbanDaddy

Joy District – With a fun atmosphere and even more exciting menu items, Joy District is perfect for evening drinks and bites. The menu ranges from sushi rolls and bowls to steaks, seafood towers and everything in-between. It’s known for the signature “Lollipops” with flavors including Fried Triple Cream Brie, Smoked Spare Rib, Crispy Phyllo Wrapped Tiger Shrimp and Robata Grilled Chicken Wings. The drink menu is equally as impressive and has extensive lists of specialty cocktails, wines and beers. Joy District is a great place if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Photo via Hubbard Inn Twitter

Hubbard Inn – Looking for a place to celebrate the holidays over brunch? Hubbard Inn’s brunch menu has a large variety of breakfast and lunch options to satisfy everyone. It has sweeter options like the Blueberry Pancakes, as well as more savory ones like the Brunch Burger and Lobster Omelet.

Photo via Won Fun Chinese

Won Fun Chinese – Many people say that Chinese food brings good luck for the New Year and this newly-opened West Loop restaurant is the perfect place to get your fix. The menu is far from traditional, with small eats like Garlic-Sesame Cucumbers and Mouthwatering Rabbit and larger portions like Sichuan Pork Wontons and Biang Biang Mien. Head up to the second floor bar, 2Fun Chinese, for specialty cocktails, including the Lychee-Rose Martini and the Yuzu Whiskey Sour.

Photo via Sugar Factory Instagram

Sugar Factory – Skip to the important part and head to the newly-opened Sugar Factory River North for its over-the-top dessert creations. Milkshakes are extremely popular on social media right now, so try one of Sugar Factory’s “Insane Milkshakes” with flavors including Dulce De Leche, Nutella Banana, Bacon Cheeseburger, and Chocolate Rocky Road, among others. If you’re feeling something a little more low-key, you can always try one of their sundaes, hot chocolates or chocolate fondues.

Bethany Stokoski, Fall 2016 Intern