When we're graced with long, sun-kissed summer nights, we never want to go inside. Thankfully, Chicago has an endless supply of awesome outdoor dining and drinking destinations, and there's always room for more. Debuting tonight at 302 N Green Street in the West Loop (just north of The Publican and Momotaro), Aba will crack open its doors and reveal a 4,000-square-foot rooftop oasis. The dreamy space is decked out in lush greenery, modern firepits, big umbrellas and neutral tones.
Serving as a sister restaurant to Ēma in River North, Aba is a collaboration between chef CJ Jacobson and Lettuce Entertain You. Like Ēma, Aba will offer Mediterranean-inspired bites like red beet tzatziki, yellowtail dolmas and a Jerusalem bagel. But the menu here offers something different, too: Diners will notice a larger focus on steaks and seafood, with dishes like skirt steak shawarma, char-grilled lamb chops and toasted sesame shrimp. On the beverage front, expect summer-ready sippers like the Aloe? It's Me, a tantalizing blend of mescal, aloe, green juice, lime and jalapeño. The booze menu also includes a roster of cocktails made with high-end spirits, several large-format elixirs, a local-heavy beer list and wines by the glass and bottle.
The outdoor space is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to midnight and Sunday from 4 to 10pm. The indoor portion of the restaurant opens at 4pm daily. Check out more photos of Aba below.
Photograph: Jeff Marini
Photograph: Jeff Marini
Photograph: Christina Slaton
Photograph: Jeff Marini