Aba

Lettuce Entertain You's Mediterranean restaurant Aba is a lush oasis in the heart of Fulton Market. From chef CJ Jacobson, the sister restaurant to River North's Ema serves modern takes on classic dishes and drinks that showcase rare wines and spirits from lesser-known regions of the Mediterranean.

The vibe: A sprawling rooftop packed with lush greenery, neutral tones and plenty of lounge-style seats that encourage extended hangs over a few glasses of wine. 

The food: There are four variations of hummus (classic, smoky garlic, wild mushroom and short rib), and we recommend ordering at least one for the table. The menu also features a wide selection of steak and seafood, including popular dishes like skirt steak shawarma, char-grilled lamb chops and green chili shrimp.

The drinks: The drinks menu leans into the Mediterranean theme with cocktails like the Dirty Feta Martini, Aloe? It's Me (an aloe-infused mezcal drink) and Calabrian (Jin Jiji, Liquid Alchemist blood orange, calamansi, Calabrian chili and lime). Groups might opt for the eight-serving spritz tower, featuring Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz and Greek G&T. 

Time Out tip: Aba is an extremely popular summertime destination, so be sure to book a table in advance. You may have luck walking for a seat at the bar, but on a sunny day, there's still bound to be a wait.