If this feels like Déjà vu, you are not alone. New COVID-19 restrictions have hit our restaurants including a citywide ban on indoor dining, that will be implemented on Friday. Now more than ever, they need our help. We have rounded up some of our favorites that have various carry-out offerings, limited outdoor dining options, and gift certificates to help keep them afloat during this time. Please consider supporting in any way you can.
Fulton Market Kitchen
The high-style cultural and culinary hub located in the Fulton Market District at 311 N. Sangamon has adjusted since reopening to include an expansive, heated outdoor dining area open Tuesday through Saturday. For an at-home fix, FMK To Go offers delicious chef-crafted meals and takeout-style cocktails available for both carryout and delivery. The venue is elegantly decorated and dons the work of many talented local artists – including a notably stunning private dining room for intimate groups – available for booking. Gift cards are available here and reservations can be made via their website. For more info, please visit www.fultonmarketkitchen.com.
Kennedy Rooftop
The newest rooftop bar to Chicago’s vibrant outdoor dining scene is prepared for cooler temps with a state of the art retractable awning, private fire pits for guests to enjoy, ample space for social distancing and heaters placed throughout the venue. Enjoy their delicious dishes and craft cocktails while you gaze upon our fabulous city with sweeping city skyline views. Kennedy Rooftop is open seven days a week and is first come, first served. To purchase a gift card or book an event, please visit www.kennedyrooftop.com.
Geja’s Cafe
Geja’s Café, located at 340 W. Armitage, is offering a robust Geja’s To Go Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and Sundays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing guests the opportunity to have Geja’s signature items delivered straight to their doors. Menu items include Swiss Gruyere Cheese Fondue with breads, apples, grapes and vegetables for dipping; Belgian Chocolate Fondue with pound cake, rice krispie treats, and assorted fruits for dipping; as well as their Gourmet Meat and Cheese boards. Geja’s also just launched the Geja’s @ Home Fondue Experience, where patrons have the opportunity to enjoy the romance of the restaurant in the safety of their homes, and bring the magic of their home to yours. Patrons choose which Premier Dinner they would like, and Geja’s supplies the equipment. More details on the menu offerings can be found here. Additionally, Geja’s is offering To-Go Cocktails, made for two servings, as well as a full Fall Feast Package, which includes Geja’s all new Mac and Cheese Fondue. For the full To-Go menus, purchase a gift card, or to make an order, please visit their website or call 773-281-9101.
Carnivale
Carnivale, Chicago’s one-of-a-kind restaurant serving Latin-inspired cuisine from South America, Central America and Mexico, 702 W. Fulton Market St., is offering meal and cocktail kits for curbside pickup. Carnivale’s takeout menu includes several creative Latin inspired meals including Sabor y Carne, which includes guests’ appetizer choice of Guacamole and Chips or Ropa Vieja, entrée choice of Arrachera, Peruvian Chicken or Salmon, with sides of Fried Plantains, Sofrito Rice and Black Beans; Carnivale en Fuego, which features the guests’ choice of Ropa Vieja or Empanada for the appetizer, Prime Ribeye Gaucho or Churrasco Tenderloin with Chimichurri for the entrée and sides of Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus and Elote; and Paella de Carnivale, featuring either House-Made Requeson or Caesar Salad to start and Paella de Mariscos for the entrée. No Carnivale takeout order is complete without a cocktail kit for one of their craft libations, including their signature Margarita, which comes with a shaker; Mojito, which is accompanied by a Carnivale Mojito Candle; and Cotton Candy Martini, which comes with Carnivale Caramel Corn. Cocktail kits are $55 plus tax and come with a recipe card. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase cocktail kits and present valid verification upon pickup. The restaurant also offers outdoor patio dining with heaters and has gift certificates available for purchase online. For more information, visit www.carnivalechicago.com.
Mercadito
Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious tequila and mezcal-based specialty cocktails and voted a top Mexican restaurant in Chicago, Mercadito, 108 W. Kinzie St., is currently offering takeout and delivery (via Grubhub and UberEats) for taco and margarita lovers. Highlighting the best of south-of-the-border taquerias and cantinas with local and seasonal ingredients, Mercadito serves a limited menu of award-winning tacos, signature guacamoles, killer margaritas and more. Guests may also make reservations by calling 312.329.9555 for limited outdoor patio dining options. Mercadito also has electronic gift cards available for purchase online. For more information, visit www.mercaditorivernorth.com.
Pacino’s
The gourmet Italian hotspot located within the Roosevelt Collection Shops in the South Loop offers a wide variety of classic favorites and contemporary takes courtesy of Chef Michael Serratore. To view the full menu, place an order for carryout or delivery or purchase a gift card, please visit www.pacinoschicago.com.
Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken
Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken, located within the Roosevelt Collection Shops in the South Loop offers convenient curbside pickup for customers. Their carryout menu is perfect for the whole family which includes a full platter with a whole chicken and two large sides, a wing platter (24 wings), or their jumbo platter that comes with two whole birds and two extra large sides. Pricing ranges from $27.99- $52.99. For more information or to place an order, please call (312) 204-7151.
