Located near the Merchandise Mart along a quiet strip of River North, Gilt Bar puts a Chicago spin on the classic French bistro or English tavern with a super-styled gastro-pub led by dynamo chef Brendan Sodikoff. A black marquee with Gilt Bar strewn in Dollar bill font leads to a grand interior parlor lined in industrial pendant lighting and fiber-optic chandelier ala Light Bright above cushy tufted couches and long banquette that makes up the main lounge and dining room. A long bar brings the brassy bling of oversize mirror and modern day sex appeal of Chicago’s prettiest bartending staff with so many tattoos you’re not sure if you should talk to them or read them.
The Food
Having trained with Ducasse and Keller, Sodikoff brings a heavy-handed gourmet spin to tenderloin tartare with egg yolk, rabbit buccatini and slow-roasted pork belly with apple cedar sauce. Downstairs, new Curio Bar is the new basement level speakeasy with small lounge and picky hostess that makes sure locals and fashionable hipsters are seated before everyone else.
Last Word
A hybrid eatery and pub, Gilt Bar offers a little something in-between with a small plates menu worthy of sacrificing your dance night to garlic breath and shirt stains.
