With restaurants and bars able to open for indoor dining tomorrow, Friday, June 26, in accordance with the city guidelines, we have rounded up some Chicago favorites that are safely welcoming guests back within their walls. Whether diners are looking to enjoy Latin fusion, authentic Mexican, decadent fondue or delicious chicken, there are several options. Each also have outdoor patios for those most comfortable dining outside.
Carnivale
Chicago’s one-of-a-kind restaurant serving Latin inspired cuisine from South America, Central America and Mexico, Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market St., is opening for indoor dining within its expansive dining room and salons on Friday, June 26. Guests will find sanitation stations throughout the restaurant, single-use menus and condiments, as well as socially-distant tables and signage. Latin inspired favorites including Ropa Vieja, Peruvian Chicken, Pernil, Gaucho Steak, Arrachera, Mexican Street Corn and more are featured on the restaurant’s on-site dining menu, with special curbside meal and cocktail kits available for takeout as well. Carnivale’s hours for patio and indoor dining are as follows. Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 – 11 p.m. and Sundays from 4 – 9 p.m. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.carnivalechicago.com or call 312-850-5005.
Mercadito
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and tequila and mezcal-based specialty cocktails, Mercadito has announced the opening of the restaurant’s indoor dining room with reduced capacity is set for Friday, June 26, in accordance with the city’s official move to Phase 4. In addition to its existing takeout, delivery and outdoor patio offerings,Mercadito will seat guests indoors for walk-in service for lunch and advanced reservations for dinner Monday – Sunday between 12 – 10 p.m. Highlighting the best of south-of-the-border taquerias and cantinas with local and seasonal ingredients, Mercadito will offer a limited menu including tacos, guacamoles, margaritas and more. Guests may make reservations directly at www.mercaditorivernorth.com.
Geja’s Cafe
Geja’s Café, Chicago’s most romantic fondue restaurant located at 340 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park, is prepared to reopen their doors to indoor dining on Monday, June 29 after fifteen weeks of closure amid COVID-19. The team will be reopening in the same way that has guided them since opening their doors 55 years ago this month: with clear attention to detail, warmth and hospitality and with the goal of making cherished memories for every guest. In doing so, they will be abiding by local and federal guidelines including the reconfiguration of available tables to accommodate social distancing. Service will be available 7 nights a week, hours including Monday-Thursday 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. Geja’s Café is now accepting reservations through July so they are able to assess the changes and developments as they move through these unprecedented times. To make reservations, please visit www.gejascafe.com or call 773-281-9101 for more details.
Nando’s PERi-PERi at Roosevelt Collection
Nando’s is an international casual dining restaurant originating from South Africa, with a Mozambican/Portuguese theme. It is the home of the world-famous, all natural flamed grill Peri-Peri chicken, which is marinated for 24 hours before being basted and cooked in Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce. Their South Loop restaurant, located in the Roosevelt Collection Shops features outdoor dining and the 117 E. Lake location is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with takeout and delivery available and indoor dining beginning Friday. For more information, visit www.rooseveltcollection.com.
