You may have seen me raving about Chicago Restaurant Week on social media recently, and for good reason. One of my favorite events in the city, Chicago Restaurant Week took over the Windy City late January through February 9, 2020. You may have seen my roundup of recommended spots to make reservations at. Each year I try at least three CRW menus, and luckily was able to try five different menus this year! Read (and view) below for my Chicago Restaurant Week 2020 recap of all the deliciousness, in order of my favorites!
1. Lunch at Fig & Olive
Fig & Olive on Oak Street has been a long time favorite of mine, especially during Chicago Restaurant Week. This year was actually my third time doing their lunch Restaurant Week pre fixe menu – it’s that good and only $24/per person. Below is what we tried:
- Signature Crostinis (added for an extra $9)
- Mushroom Croquettes and Zucchini Carpaccio
- Kabocha Squash Risotto
- Brûléed Cheesecake
My favorites were the Signature Crostinis, Squash Risotto, and Brûléed Cheesecake!
2. Dinner at Hubbard Inn
Hubbard Inn recently went through a makeover, and it did not disappoint. Their dinner menu for Restaurant Week was TO DIE for. The food was delicious with a kick of uniqueness. Better yet, we left full without feeling a heavy food slug. Below is what we tried:
- Pear and Brie, Crab Dip
- Chai Lobster Bisque, Napa Caesar
- Short Rib Ravioli, Duck Breast
- Guinness Ice Cream, Porter Brownie
My favorites were the Pear and Brie, Crab Dip, and Guinness Ice Cream!
*Our meal at Hubbard Inn was part of a partnership, however all opinions are my own!
3. Dinner at Osteria Via Stato
Osteria Via Stato, a favorite in my River North neck of the woods, has hands down the best roasted garlic (pictured above). It consists of delicious bread, even better olive oil, and fresh garlic to put on top of it. BOMB. We liked it so much we asked for seconds. Here’s what we had for $36/per person:
- Roasted Garlic
- Veal Meatballs, Gigante Bean Salad, Caesar Salad
- Braised Short Rib
- Pistachio Gelato
My favorites were the Roasted Garlic, Gigante Bean Salad, and Braised Short Rib!
4. Brunch at The Hampton Social
Let me tell you about BRUNCH. I checked out The Hampton Social in Streeterville for some colorful, brunch goodness! Everything was light and fresh. Below is what we tried off the Restaurant Week menu:
- Parmesan Fries, Brussels Sprouts
- Denver Scramble, Beach Bowl,
- Raspberry Sorbet, Strawberry Ice Cream
My favorites were the Brussels Sprouts, Denver Scramble, and Raspberry Sorbet!
5. Brunch at The Smith
This was my first time dining at The Smith in River North, and it was perfect for brunch! A little different from other brunch/lunch Restaurant Week deals for $24/per person, a cocktail was included as one of your choices instead of a desert. Below is what I tried:
- Bellini, Bloody Mary
- Burrata, Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Salad
- Breakfast Pot Pie (without mushrooms), Benedict Johnny
My favorites were the Burrata, Breakfast Pot Pie, and Benedict Johnny!