From delicious to-go grilled kebab kits to enjoying cocktails and spectacular views from one of Chicago’s newest rooftop bars and more, we’ve rounded up some of the best happenings and offers for Labor Day weekend this year. Whether Chicagoans are going on a road trip, enjoying a staycation or celebrating with close family and friends, these fun activities and specials are sure to entertain locals and visitors alike on one of the last big weekends of the summer!
Dip & Grill Kebabs During the Last Days of Summer
Geja’s Café, located at 340 W. Armitage Ave. in Lincoln Park, is enjoying a dipping and grilling weekend during the last days of summer with a special Geja’s Labor Day Grill Kit, available between Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6. The Labor Day Grill Kit serves four and includes eight kabobs, with choice of Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Breast, Gulf Shrimp or Veggie; along with a 2 lb. pan of Fingerling Potatoes, Cheese and Chocolate Fondue with dippers, a fruit salad, choice of three Geja’s Dipping Sauces, and Geja’s Grill Seasoning, for $80. If a smaller portion may suffice, Geja’s is also offering a smaller Grill Kit with two servings, which includes four kabobs, a one-pound pan of Fingerling Potatoes, Cheese and Chocolate Fondue with dippers, a half quart of fruit salad, choice of three Geja’s dipping sauces, and Geja’s grill seasoning, for $40. To complete the Labor Day meal, patrons may also add a Quart of Red or White Sangria with fruit, for an additional $25. Patrons are asked to place orders by Friday, September 4 at 4 p.m. by visiting www.gejascafe.com or calling 773-281-9101 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Enjoy Brunch in the Heart of River North
Mercadito, located at 108 W. Kinzie St., is offering Labor Day Brunch with a special menu available for dine-in Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7 between 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. Each of Mercadito’s Labor Day Brunch entrees are $12 including Carnitas Hash, which includes braised pork, crispy potatoes and a sunny side up egg, Torta de Huevo con Chorizo, featuring bolillo, chorizo, scrambled eggs and pickled onions, and Breakfast Tacos with mixed veggies, scrambled eggs and pico de gallo. Brunch lovers are also welcome to enjoy mimosas with $30 bottles of prosecco accompanied by complimentary orange juice. Mercadito is currently open for indoor dining, patio dining, takeout and delivery. Guests may make reservations or find more information by calling 312.329.9555 or visiting www.mercaditorivernorth.com.
Relax with Bottomless Mimosas and Panoramic Views of the Chicago Skyline
Offshore, the largest rooftop deck in the world, is welcoming locals staying in the city this weekend to enjoy a signature bottomless mimosa special and brunch menu beginning at Noon on Monday, September 7. Patrons are invited to sit back, relax, and take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline as the final days of summer approach. Located at the east end of Navy Pier, the rooftop hot spot’s bottomless mimosas deal is $29 per person for two hours. Guests are invited to enjoy their cocktails and pair them with a delicious brunch spread courtesy of Executive Chef Michael Shrader with a selection of items to choose from including avocado toast, a spinach & sweetcorn omelet, a spicy tomato & chickpea jumble, and more. For more information or to book a table, please visit https://www.drinkoffshore.com/.
Enjoy a Weekend Road Trip to a New City
For those looking for a quick weekend getaway, road trippers can head to north to the newly opened Renaissance Milwaukee West, 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa, WI. Just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Renaissance Milwaukee West boasts 196 modern guestrooms and suites, a 12th floor fitness center, lobby bar and beautifully designed event space on the top floor that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. To book a stay, please visit http://www.renmilwaukee.com.
Grab a Kit for 4-8 Curbside from a Fulton Market District Favorite
Carnivale, located at 702 W. Fulton Market St., is offering Labor Day To-Go Kits available for curbside pickup on Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6 between 2 – 8 p.m. For $135 to serve four or $245 to serve six to eight, the Labor Day To-Go Kit includes the guests’ choice of Guacamole and Chips or Ropa Vieja for appetizers, Skirt Steak, Peruvian Chicken or Baby Back Ribs for an entrée, Corn Bread, Potato Salad, Caesar Salad and Dulce de Leche Cookies and Rainbow Cookies for sides, salad and dessert. Guests may call Carnivale directly at 312.850.5005 to place their order for curbside pickup. For more information, visit www.carnivalechicago.com.
Take in the Views of Chicago from one of the City’s Newest Rooftop Bars
Kennedy Rooftop, one of Chicago’s newest venues boasting the most spectacular views in town, will be offering guests a treat with the addition of new menu items and cocktails exclusively for the weekend. Chef Folkers has dreamt up a delicious BBQ Spareribs dish made with housemade BBQ sauce and served alongside Tricolor Coleslaw, and a scrumptious Apple Turnover served sweet with Vanilla ice cream and a berry compote. Mixologist Erika Delgado has created the “First Lady” in celebration of the holiday weekend, complete with Cucumber Mint Ketel One, Peach liqueur, ginger beer, fresh lemon, berries and mint. The rooftop will also be featuring an official derby cocktail featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon, blackberry puree, mint syrup and fresh mint garnish. Those that wish to watch the Kentucky Derby in style can do so with the venue’s large indoor and outdoor flat screen TVs. Kennedy Rooftop will be open all weekend, and tables are first come first served. For more information, please visit www.kennedyrooftop.com.
Decorate Your Outdoor BBQ with Balloon Arrangements from Luft Balloons
For those looking for big, bold and beautiful decorations for Labor Day BBQs and get togethers, Luft Balloons offers a variety of impressive balloon bouquets and installations ready to decorate the backyard for any type of celebration! Balloons are available for pick up from Luft Balloons’ studio, 345 W. Armitage, or for delivery in the Chicago area. For more information or to place an order, visit www.luftballoonstore.com.
Shop until You Drop in the South Loop
For those that are looking to spend the weekend shopping, Sultry Steps Boutique at Roosevelt Collection Shops in the South Loop will be offering 25% off all footwear and 20% off apparel and accessories through the weekend. Shoppers can also enjoy the new Chicago French Press pop up that will be launching Saturday, September 5! For more information on the shops open and their current hours, please visit www.rooseveltcollection.com.
