We all love Chicago’s food and drink scene, and these restaurants take it up a notch during the holidays. We hope you try some of our favorite festive food and seasonal drinks this holiday season!
Check out this page for more of our Holiday Guides!
Chicago Classic: Catch 35
Set in one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings with views of the river, this essential Chicago restaurant has some of the best seafood around. Added bonus: live jazz music by the legendary Eric Hochberg Trio every Tuesday through Saturday. And what rhymes better with lobster than some good ol’ jazz?
Catch 35 just announced the last week of 2022’s line-up and it is pretty impressive:
12/29 guitarist Dave Onderdonk, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
12/30 vocalist Rose Collela, 6 pm to 9 pm
12/31 New Year’s Eve with vocalist Dee Alexander, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Check out the festive menu & book your table now, on their website.
Christmas Goes Coastal at Venteux Chicago
Get out of the bustling holiday shopping and into the Parisian lifestyle with Venteux Chicago. While we love Mag Mile’s glitzy glam, we all need a luxurious holiday meal. Centered on a whole salt-baked fish, their Christmas on the Coast holiday dinner features fresh, seafood-forward dishes, complete with optional add-ons from their raw bar. If you still need a hostess gift or a bottle for a bubbly toast, Venteux will be offering 50% off all holiday bottles to take home! Open Saturday, December 24th, 4 PM – 10 PM, Venteux is the perfect place for fine dining on Christmas Eve. Make your reservations here!
Publican Quality Bread
Holiday baking is hard enough, let alone trying to impress your guests while you do it. Luckily, Publican Quality Bread can do all the work for you. Chicago’s James Beard Award-winning Baker Greg Wade is creating three specialty loaves of bread to ring in the holidays. Made with candied fruit, roasted nuts, and warm spices, his German Stollen Bread melts in your mouth. Created with help from Rome’s renowned pizzaiolo, Gabriele Bonci, their panettone recipe, which is an Italian Christmas bread, includes rich dark chocolate chunks and toasty hazelnuts. If these descriptions don’t convince you, the picture will. Order your holiday loaf today!
Maple & Ash Holiday Menus
At Maple & Ash, the most wonderful time of the year includes Christmas presents…and white truffles of course! Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant celebrates the holidays with his White Truffle Dinner! Joined by Giacomo Marinello from Marinello Tartufi, Chef Grant will present four courses of truffle-centric luxury. Featuring dishes such as Ricotta Gnudi and Wagyu Carpaccio, this menu wouldn’t be complete without wine pairing and a signature cocktail. An ice sculpture will tie this extravagant event together, so get your reservations today!
Santa Brunch
Thought it was too cold to enjoy patio dining? Think again! With Maple & Ash’s fully insulated, heated outdoor courtyard, you can enjoy Chicago’s winter while avoiding frostbite. This special holiday brunch is just in time for Christmas! Their patio will be decked out with live jazz music, holiday cheer, and a visit from Macy’s Santa. Plus, one-day-only winter dishes will hit the brunch menu, complete with a dessert table. If you’re sick of dressing up for work, trade in those suits for sweaters in their Ugly Sweater Contest! Santa Brunch will run on Sunday, December 18th, 11 AM – 2 PM.
Christmas Eve Dining
Kick your Christmas dining up a notch with Maple & Ash’s Christmas Day dinner. Transformed just for the holidays, Maple & Ash’s dining room has become a winter wonderland of luxury. Their add-on holiday menu includes a bone-in Chateaubriand Rossini special, black trumpet mushrooms, and truffle jus. Plus, their everyday menu of seafood towers, caviar, and champagne will still be available. You won’t want to miss out on this great offer. Make your reservations today!
Take Rosebud Home for the Holidays!
Since 1976, Chicagoans have loved Rosebud’s classy Italian food. With locations all across the city, Rosebud is woven into Chicago’s well-known food scene. For Christmas and New Years, you get to take this feeling home with you! Rosebud is offering Holiday Take Home Packages, perfect for any celebration. You have the choice between a package for 4-6 people or 8-10 people, and with a standard menu for both, everybody wins. Plus, their a la carte menu features classic Italian dishes, such as Steak Italiano or their holiday wine package. Place your order today!
Old Crow Smokehouse
This Wrigleyville BBQ spot is bringing Santa Claus to Chicago! As guests step into Santa’s Workshop, giant Christmas trees and colorful lights set the scene. Who knew you could visit the North Pole from the Midwest? Their menu features all the comfort food you need this holiday season, including their Christmas Ham Sandwich and Old Crow Pot Pie. Wash down this great food with a seasonal cocktail! Polar Espresso, Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, Icy Jack Frost, and more are waiting for you to enjoy. While you enjoy a good meal, snap Instagram-worthy photos in Santa’s sleigh, next to Buddy the Elf, or with Ralphie from “A Christmas Story.” Entrance to this pop-up is free, but advanced tickets can be purchased here!
NoMI Kitchen
Christmas cooking is always a hassle, so grab your fellow Grinches and head to NoMI for their luxurious Christmas Eve & Day dining experiences! Combining French Techniques with American dining, NoMI is the perfect spot to take anyone on your guest list. From 5 PM to 9 PM on Christmas Eve, NoMI will present a four-course, prix-fixe menu, including Chestnut Soup and Fondant au Caramel. After one taste of those, you’ll be happy you didn’t cook this Christmas. If you brave the cold on Christmas Day, stop into NoMI from 11 AM to 5 PM for some holiday cheer. We’re excited about their Roasted Duck and Mexican Eggnog Macarons on Christmas Day. Plus, they will even have a dessert buffet! Reservations can be made here.
Siena Tavern
After a trip to Siena, Itlay, Fabio Viviani brought Italy’s energetic ambiance to Chicago. You won’t want to miss their from-scratch menu this Christmas Eve. Made with sophistication and three decadent courses, Siena Tavern’s prix fixe menu is sure to be a showstopper this holiday season. Highlights include Wagyu Beef Meatballs, Truffle Cream Gnocchi, Brick Chicken Diavolo, Braised Short Rib, Chocolate Gianduja Bar, and more! For just $95, this menu can be yours, and upgrades are available. Get your reservations here.
Château Carbide
Located on the roof of Pendry Chicago, Château Carbide is an indoor-outdoor dining destination, complete with notes of a French countryside garden overlooking Chicago. Starting on November 18th, Château Carbide transforms into a Winter Garden of luxury and coziness. Private, urban lodges dot the rooftop. Each lodge is complete with a fireplace, cozy blankets, and seating for up to six people. Chef Jeff Vuko’s winter-inspired menu and seasonal cocktails will make you want to hibernate in these igloos all winter long. Reservations are highly recommended, so grab one today.
Moe’s Cantina River North
In the heart of downtown, Moe’s River North transforms into “Here Comes Santa Claus” for the holiday season. Six different holiday cocktails will get you in the spirit, including Santa’s Night Cap, Rudolph’s Night Off, and On Holiday. We love the warm flavors these cocktails are made with, including hot chocolate, vanilla vodka, cranberry, and much more. Unique to the River North location, guests can enjoy a custom Christmas video mapping of the building’s exterior. Plus, the gift of Christmas keeps on giving with discounted parking rates! Head here to learn more about this event.
Three Dots and a Dash
Based on seasonal ingredients and recipes developed over many years, Three Dots and a Dash is committed to treating this holiday season like a tropical getaway. This River North speakeasy just released its Winter Cocktail Menu, and we couldn’t be more excited. From December 1st until January 4th, enjoy a holiday menu for every preference, including the You Don’t Gnome Me and Big Man’s Cookies.
Beatrix’s Holiday Cookie Kit
Available at all locations, Beatrix’s Holiday Cookie Kit is sure to give you that joyful sugar rush. This kit includes six holiday-inspired cookies, some for each iconic aspect of winter. In addition to the cookies, this kit comes with four icing bags, sprinkles, and decorative candies. For just $18, you can make Christmas cookie memories come to life! Place your order by December 21st at 5 PM in order to pick up your order between December 22nd and 24th. This holiday cookie kit is sure to be the perfect addition to gathering with family and unwrapping presents. Order yours today!
Tallboy Taco’s Taco Bar and Margarita Kit
Get out of the kitchen and spend more time with your family with Tallboy Taco! Their traveling Taco Kit includes your choice of proteins, handmade tortillas, all your favorite toppings, salsa, guacamole, cinnamon toast crunch treats, and so much more. Plus, you can add their Casamigos Margarita Kit to quench your thirst. Orders should be placed at least one hour before pick up. If you’re looking for a fun and festive flare this holiday season, get a Taco Kit today!
Moe’s Cantina Wrigleyville
Jump into Whoville with Moe’s Cantina’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in Wrigleyville. Moe’s Cantina won’t have you feeling like a grinch for long. Moe’s Cantina shows everyone the fun of Christmas, and their menu items are perfect for holiday fanfare. Try their Birria Tacos or Buñelos, made with crispy tortillas and cinnamon sugar. Plus, this Christmas pop-up wouldn’t be complete without their Christmas Tree Patron Tower! After you’ve sipped some Christmas cocktails, get some photos with several iconic Grinches, including a live one!
Antico Posto
Through the month of December, you can enjoy Antico Posto’s holiday specials! Available all month long, the Tomato Basil Soup, Eggnog Gelato, and Peppermint Gelato will get you in the holiday spirit. In addition to the month-long specials, Antico Posto is offering two sets of bi-weekly specials. You’ll have to hurry before they’re gone! In early December, enjoy their Porcini Crusted Chicken Risotto or Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Once we get closer to Christmas, order their Truffle-Crusted Beef Medallion Risotto or a Sicilian Crab Cake. View their full menu and make reservations while you’re at it!
Mon Ami Gabi
Enjoy a classic French twist on the holidays with Mon Ami Gabi. Located in Lincoln Park, Mon Ami Gabi is the perfect spot to round out your Christmas dining. Their Buche de Noel is a traditional French Yule Log, and nothing inspires Christmas joy quite like a chocolate cake filled with decadent cream. If you’re a fan of savory food and cooking in your kitchen, Mon Ami Gabi is offering their DIY French Onion Soup Kits until January 31st. Each kit serves four people and comes with cheeses and bread to pair with it. For just $50, you can create this comforting French Soup while wearing your holiday pajamas!
Prime & Provisions
This Christmas Eve, head to Prime & Provisions for their steakhouse dinner! Prime & Provisions will be offering a special prix fixe menu, sure to please everyone on your gift list. The feature menu highlights include Lump Blue Crab Cake, Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek, Farro Island Salmon, and Tres Leches Cake. These menu options pair nicely with their holiday wine offerings to complete your meal. If you’re still wondering how to impress your family on Christmas, this is it. Make your reservations today!
Saranello’s Brunch with Santa
On Sunday, December 11th and 18th, from 10 AM to 2 PM, Saranello’s is offering their Brunch with Santa event! Their Grand Buffet Brunch includes a seafood station, carving station, made-to-order omelet station, and fresh fruit mimosas. Brunch wouldn’t be complete without the classics, like french toast or waffles, but Saranello’s has all that and an endless dessert station of holiday treats. The best addition to all this amazing food is Santa photo-ops for the kids! Let your kids enjoy the magic of Santa while you sip on quality cocktails and dig into fresh fish. Reservations are highly recommended, so grab yours before they sell out.
Holly Jolly Holiday Bar at Electric Garden
Enjoy yet another over-the-top holiday pop-up bar with the Holly Holly Holiday Bar at Electric Garden. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as Elictic Garden decks out in tinsel, ornaments, lights, trimmings and so much more! General admission starts at $15 and includes a 90-minute reservation with a signature mocktail/cocktail. Additional drinks will be available for purchase! Electric Garden is also hosting Saturday and Sunday brunches! Join Santa as he hosts Santa’s Boozy Brunch Brunch. This brunch will include one entre plus bottomless mimosas! Brunches start at $49.50. Grab family and friends to enjoy some holiday cheer with incredible phot-ops! Get your tickets here!
Frosty’s Bar
Join Frosty as he decks out the bar atmosphere in the heart of Chicago! This 21+ bar takes an extreme twist when celebrating the holidays. With seasonal sensational drinks, hundreds of interactive photo-ops, and some of the holiday’s best songs, Frosty’s is sure to bring out the holiday spirit this winter! Frosty’s bar holds four bars, three levels, two dance floors, and endless amounts of fun! Get your tickets here!
The Hampton Social
Get a coastal-inspired holiday celebration without leaving the Midwest. At the Streeterville location, The Hampton Social invites you to take a break from holiday business and enjoy their Holiday Pop-Up. Starting December 1st, The Hampton Social will debut two handcrafted holiday cocktails and a brand-new dinner menu. Alongside this great menu, you can enjoy their seaside spin on holiday decor. This pop-up is open Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays all day. Get your reservations to ring in the holidays!
Seasonal Cocktails
No holiday celebration is complete without a boozy twist on childhood favorites. The Mistletoe Kiss features Spiced Strawberry Avissi Prosecco, strawberry candies, a subtle taste of mint, and whipped cream, perfect for some holiday smooches. Exclusive to the Streeterville location, My Best Elf combines dark rum with rich hot chocolate, rounded out with whipped cream and sprinkles. Finally, their Winter Noggin takes the best holiday beverage up a notch. Enhanced by Bacardi Superior, this eggnog will have you wishing you could enjoy it all year long.
Visit this page for another list of our favorite holiday menus!
Written by: Maddie Belland
