Memorial Day is approaching, and what better place to seize the holiday than in the Windy City? With a long weekend ahead, Chicago offers a plethora of opportunities for memorable experiences. What’s open for a bite on the 29th, though? There will be no disappointments this year, as we’ve sifted through endless options to bring you the very best holiday-friendly restaurants! Prepare to indulge this Memorial Day with this carefully curated Chi-Town guide!
The Robey
This hotel is decorated with various hidden gems. Aside from having a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline, this Wicker Park establishment also is home to the Cabana Club. In true memorial day style, you can sip summer-inspired cocktails while relaxing by the pool! Their wide selection of frozen margaritas and pina coladas are the perfect recipe to chill out and cool off.
If you’d rather focus on the bites, The Robey’s in-house restaurant, Cafe Robey will also be open! Although they boast seasonal drinks as well, their true highlights are within the brunch and dinner menu. From mouth watering cinnamon french toast to pan seared mahi mahi, this eatery has dishes to impress everyone. The Robey’s secrets do not stop here: Clever Coyote and The Up Room are two more fabulous bars that serve infectious ambiances and tasteful sips. Head to The Robey this Memorial Day and take your pick of establishments!
Bandit
This farm-to-table establishment has proven one of the best that the West Loop has to offer. This is not only due to the restaurant’s low-key, spunky vibe, but primarily the awestriking food. Their soft, crispy chicken-based dishes are definite to impress all patrons, whether it be noon or night! Don’t get us wrong, the cocktails are unbeatable too, but, seriously, try the chicken! It is a privilege that the Bandit is open for this Memorial Day, so seize the opportunity and make your reservations here!
Radio Room
This beautifully lit establishment has some of the best energy in River North. The Radio Room not only provides constant tunes, but also unforgettable dishes. From cheese-dripping burgers to melting cookie skillets, you will certainly be dreading an empty plate. This Memorial Day, the bustling bar is open and excited to provide for patrons on their day off! Reservations can be made here!
Barrio
Sat at the prominent corner of Clark & Kinzie Street, Barrio is unmissable in River North. The bright lights and hanging greenery is just the beginning of the beauty within this establishment. The creative takes on traditional Mexican fare are not only known to wow Mexican cuisine connoisseurs, but also newbies! With American influences seeping its way into various dishes, this eatery has been constantly bustling with visitors for years. Make your Memorial Day reservation here!
Formento’s
This unbeatable Italian eatery has recently launched a new lunch and brunch menu along with patio seating! These additions officially make Formento’s even better than it was- which is saying a lot. This Memorial Day, they will be open and offering bloody mary’s and mimosas to combat the creeping heat of Chicago summer. The new menu features classic dishes with a twist, like the meatball arancini and lemon ricotta pancakes. This is not a drill! Grab family and friends and expose them to the matchless restaurant that is Formento’s.
Nonna’s
Sat directly behind Formento’s, this picnic pickup stop is the perfect option for this Memorial Day. If you’re planning some outdoor ventures and need food to supply, head to Fulton Market. With fresh sandwiches and delectable treats, Nonna’s proves to be a strong contender for the holiday. The convenience of Nonna’s on a regular Monday is undeniable, let alone a Monday where a fraction of the city is closed. Wow friends and family with cheesy pizzas, single slices, pasta, tiramisu, or hot and cold sandwiches!
Bar Siena
This Italiano establishment features an ever-expanding plethora of Italian street foods and pizza bar selections! From brunch steak and eggs to supper pasta dishes, this eatery never fails to impress. The location at Skokie Old Orchard will fortunately be open on Memorial Day for brunch, so make your reservations here!
Siena Tavern
There is simply nothing more fabulous than homemade Italian cuisine. Siena Tavern is widely known for their from-scratch strategies; from noodles to pizza crusts, everything is fresh. Whether it is upscale or classic Italian fares that appeal to you, this establishment will fit your fancy. On Memorial Day, Siena Tavern’s doors will be open at 10am, waiting to welcome you on your day off. Reservations can be made here!
LeTour
This botanical French-Moroccan brasserie offers a calming ambiance in the heart of Evanston. This Memorial Day, LeTour will be serving brunch and dinner within North Shore’s largest patio! Known for their tasty cocktails and delicious brunch, this spot is a perfect way to spend a day off. The brunch menu consists of various unique dishes that all utilize local ingredients. Highlights include their Moroccan semolina griddled breakfast cakes and baked egg souffle sandwich. Make your reservations today!
Violi
This Greek taverna is located in Oak Brook and well known for serving fresh seafood and fabulous local vegetables. Violi prides itself in focusing on whole ingredients and from-scratch fare, so this is guaranteed to wow you this Memorial Day. They are boasting their renowned brunch at 10am, consisting of breakfast pitas, avocado toast, omelets, and more! Make your reservations here and experience the diverse flavors!
LÝRA
As the eldest sister of Violi, LÝRA possesses the same fresh ingredient, from-scratch fare with classic originals. Most of Violi’s magic was borrowed by this initial, city-based establishment so that the ‘burbs could experience it as well. Fully rooted in the Greek ethos of wellness, LÝRA’s holistic dishes work beautifully alongside the earth-toned, indoor-meets-outdoor space. This Memorial Day, Chicagoans will be happy to know that LÝRA will be open at 10:30am on Monday, May 29th. Reservations can be made here!
Old Town Pour House
Spend this Memorial Day sipping on some of the best craft beers the city has to offer. Much like the rest of the city, Old Town Pour House is a CP staple. We are happy to say that all locations of this establishment will be open on the 29th: Chicago, Oak Brook, and Naperville! They will be offering their delicious Rock N Roll brunch menu, with favorites such as Jon Bun Jovi (a warm, jumbo cinnamon roll), Donut Stop Believin’, and Dixie Chicken (chicken & waffles). Old Town Pour House will open at 10am for Memorial Day, so make your reservations here!
Sweetwater Tavern & Grille
This Tavern bustles in the heart of Chicago, right on Michigan Ave. Enjoy your Memorial Day in true Chicago style by spending it on the MagMile with a mimosa in hand! Their brunch menu is sure to please all patrons, with dishes that span from stuffed french toast to steak and eggs. Sweetwater Tavern & Grille has a reputation of impressing, so guarantee yourself a fabulous meal by making a reservation today!
The Hampton Social
If Brunch is what you’re seeking out this Memorial Day, The Hampton Social is your safest bet. This establishment never fails to impress with their consistently mouthwatering plethora of monkey bread, bananas foster french toast, grandma swan’s pancakes, and more! Their classic brunch will be offered on the 29th within the city or out in the suburbs, so make your reservations here!
Truth Be Told
This tavern-style restaurant molds the world of Chicago and Cotswolds in a seamless manner. Their sleek interior and appetizing dishes make Truth Be Told the sought out establishment that it is. This Memorial Day, they will be boasting their brunch menu from 7am to 3pm and supper from 4pm to 10pm. Head to the South Campus of University of Chicago and spend your day off right. Reservations can be made here!
Written by Bridget McGann
