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Holiday

RA Sushi Bar & Restaurant 

RA Sushi restaurants in Chicagoland will be open to the public with special holiday hours for Christmas Eve/Day. 

Christmas Eve:

12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Christmas Day:

3 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Guests can enjoy their limited-time only cocktails, available now until January 13:

  • Burning Love - Milagro Blanco Tequila, X-rated Liqueur shaken with passion fruit, lime and bitters with togarashi salt rim
  • “RA”ckin’ POM - Hendrick’s Gin, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur mixed with crushed cucumber, lemon juice and organic agave nectar 
  • Purple Passion Margarita Bowl - Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Combier Liqueur d’Orange, lime juice and organic agave nectar; topped with Butterfly pea Flower Tea (meant for two)
  • Purple Passion Margarita - Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Combier Liqueur d’Orange, lime juice and organic agave nectar; topped with Butterfly pea Flower Tea (meant for one)

Pennyville Station

Pennyville Station is offering two ways to relieve the stress of feeding the whole family this Christmas Eve. To start, they’ve added special holiday brunch hours for the day - On Tuesday, December 24th, Pennyville Station (112 Main Street in downtown Park Ridge) will serve brunch from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Chicagoland Fannie May

Chicagoland Fannie May locations are selling their classic Holiday Mint Meltaways (1lb, $29.99) filled with creamy mint chocolate and coated in sweet white confection. The seasonal treats are festively covered with just the right amount of red and green sugar crystals, making them ideal table item for every holiday hostess.

Headquarters Beercade

Join Headquarters Beercade River North for a "Jazzy Charlie Brown Christmas Brunch" on Saturday December 14th from 1pm-4pm. Guests will be offered live performances by the Tim Stine Quartet playing Vince Guaraldi's timeless Christmas album, a brunch buffet, and holiday-inspired cocktails (such as The Naughty List, Jack'd Skellington, and North Star). 

Molly's Cupcakes

Celebrate the holiday season with Chicago cupcake maker. Molly’s Cupcakes South Loop is offering a 12-pack of limited edition festive cupcakes. These boxes are available to order now - December 23, 2019 for holiday gifting. 

Designs include blue and white swirls, red frosting with crushed candy canes, green holiday wreaths, and red Santa hats. Flavors include 3 Chocolate, 3 Vanilla, 3 Red Velvet. The box also includes 3 of their special December flavor: Chocolate Peppermint with Chocolate cake, stuffed with peppermint mousse, frosted with peppermint buttercream, and topped with crushed candy canes. 

Pick up is available at Molly’s Cupcakes South Loop (1150 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605) during business hours, anytime after Noon. 

Coarse Italian

Santa Claus is coming to town at Coarse Italian on Sunday, December 8 (9am & 11:30am), Saturday, December 14 (9am & 11:30am), or Sunday, December 15 (9am & 11:30am) for a Breakfast with Santa event.. The buffet-style breakfast is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Reservations can be made at 847-657-3200.

Sable Kitchen & Bar

Miracle, the Christmas-themed pop-up bar, will once again take over cocktail den, Sable Kitchen & Bar, this holiday season as the only Miracle bar in Chicago, November 25 – December 24, 2019. Sable’s halls will be completely decked out with boughs of holly and kitschy holiday décor sure to get the grouchiest Grinch in the holiday spirit. In collaboration with Cocktail Kingdom, Miracle’s cocktail menu of 10 Christmas-inspired libations and three shots will be shaken, stirred and served in festively ornate glassware by Beverage Director Jenee Craver. Guests can take home their favorite Santa mug as glassware will be available for purchase. Executive Chef Kevin Atkinson will debut a sweet and savory bar bites menu—think Fried Turkey Sliders and Cinnamon Sugar Churros. 

For the duration of Miracle, Sable will host “Reindeer Games” where teams will have the chance to win gift cards, holiday swag and more prizes with every food & beverage purchase plus participation in festive events throughout Miracle, such as: Holiday Movie Trivia Nights, Name That Carol, and the World’s Largest Ugly Sweater Party. 

Miracle at Sable Kitchen & Bar will be open daily from 4PM to close; reservations are not available. A portion of proceeds from the duration of the pop-up will be donated to the non-profit, Hope For The Day. 

>REINDEER GAMES 

Overview: Teams of one to six people will sign up to play Reindeer Games and earn points for the chance to win gift cards, holiday swag and more prizes! 

Dates: Monday, November 25 – December 24, 2019 

How to Earn Points: 

  • Every dollar spent on food & beverage 
  • Participation in Holiday Movie Trivia Nights every Monday with drink specials hosted by Stewpendous Productions - November 25 & December 2, 19, 16, 23 
  • Participation in the World’s Largest Ugly Sweater Party - Monday, December 2 
  • Special bottles behind the bar earn bonus points 
  • Bring in new, unwrapped toy donations for Toys For Tots or a monetary donation to Hope For The Day

MCA/Marisol 

On Sunday, December 1, Marisol (205 E Pearson St) diners are invited to experience the Drag Queen Story Time and Brunch: Holiday Edition featuring Chicago drag queens Lucy Stoole and Kat Sass. Stoole and Sass will read selections of their favorite books from the MCA Store for a holiday event for kids of all ages. In addition to performances and readings from the drag queens, guests will have the opportunity to order from Marisol’s brunch menu. Though brunch will be served during normal hours from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., two seatings for the storytelling portion of the series will take place at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m..

Gemini

The Lincoln Park bistro will soon be rolling out its annual 2019 ZooLights Menu. The 3-course menu for $38 will be kicking off on Friday, November 29 for the annual ZooLights festival at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Stop by Gemini for a feast before heading over to see the lights. Guests can choose from one starter, a main course and a hot beverage with Santa's cookies to go. Choose from Sparrow Coffee, Rishi Tea, Hot Chocolate or Hot Apple Cider. All of the cookies are made in house and you'll receive a to-go cup and little package of cookies to go. Thanks, Santa! 

The menu will be available throughout the entire holiday season through the whole month of December.

Brunch Shannon Braniff
Courtesy of Shannon Braniff

the Albert

The Albert located at 228 E. Ontario, is hosting diners in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Days. Serving a special menu courtesy of Executive Chef Larry Feldmeier, the first course includes Roasted Beet, Fig and Endive SaladCheese and Charcuterie, and House Rolls. The main entrée features a Roasted Heritage Turkey with Prime Rib Au Jus, Maple Glazed Root Vegetable, Pomme Puree and Au Poivre Sauce. For dessert, patrons may order the Buche de Noel, a sweet and “Instagrammable” treat. This menu is priced at $95 per person with an optional $45 wine pairing. 

Casati's 

Naughty or nice, all are invited to Breakfast with Santa at Casati’s, 444 W. Fullerton Parkway, Sunday, December 1 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. During the family-friendly event, guests may enjoy a specially-curated menu featuring holiday breakfast items at the family-owned, modern Italian restaurant. Santa himself will be there to share laughs and listen to Christmas wishes, and Casati’s will offer complimentary photos with Santa during the event.

Casati’s will offer the following menu during Breakfast with Santa:

  • Hot Cocoa: Nutella, whipped cream, $4.50
  • Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed, $3.50
  • Pancakes: Choice of Nutella, banana, or mixed berries, $11
  • French Toast: Cinnamon, amarena, whipped cream, $12
  • Eggs Benedict: Farm fresh, local eggs, Canadian bacon, homemade hollandaise sauce, English muffin, $14
  • Nutella Pinsa: Caramelized banana, $13

the Wit Hotel 

Unwrap this holiday season with theWit Hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef, Toni Roberts’ as she brings back her exclusive holiday treats available for purchase online at www.abitofthewit.com for the Holiday season. This year’s lobby display features an Edible Gingerbread Holiday Express Train atop a six-foot table inspired by theWit Hotel pastry team’s favorite holiday movies The Polar Express and Elf. The masterpiece is carefully crafted from gingerbread, house made rock candy, chocolate, macarons, pulled sugar, frosting, and includes chocolate polar bears, penguins and meringue snowmen. Additionally, fans of the hit musical Hamilton can purchase Chef Toni’s limited time Hamilton Strawberry Chocolate Bark for $25 that features dark chocolate, crunchy strawberries, rich coca nibs, and a mini hammer for patrons’ own smash hit. Chef Toni’s array of holiday treats can be found at online at www.abitofthewit.com. Guests are able to pick up their orders at theWit Hotel, 201 N. State Street.

This year’s winter holiday treats highlight an assortment of pies, cakes, brittle, holiday bark and brownies to gift or bring to a holiday gathering. Locals and out of towners alike may choose from items such as the Gingerbread Crepe Cake ($10-$70), twenty spiced wheat crepes layered with gingerbread mousse and finished with a caramelized top, available by the slice or a whole cake; Black Tie Cheesecake ($75-140), a rich dark chocolate cheesecake layered over Bailey’s soaked sourdough chocolate cake, a mascarpone chip supreme, and topped with a rich dark chocolate glaze; Peppermint Stick Bark ($18), a classic holiday favorite with dark semi-sweet and milky-white chocolates, topped with a touch of peppermint layered together and sprinkled generously with peppermint stick; Toasted Pecan-Cranberry Pie ($24), freshly picked Michigan cranberries that complement the sweet and gooey pecan filling with a tart, seasonal zing; Chocolate Cream S’more Pie ($24), with a house made graham cracker crust filled with silky smooth milk chocolate pudding and topped off with light and sweet marshmallow fluff, lightly torched to finish off the treat; Deep Dish Raspberry Brownie ($9-$60), a “Chicago Style” deep dish fudge brownie swirled with raspberry cream cheese and topped with a rich raspberry ganache; Toasted S’mores Cake ($30-$60), complete with a honey graham cake filled with milk chocolate ganache and finished in toasted marshmallow fluff; Homemade Whipped Cream ($5), and Pistachio Brittle ($18), a twist on the classic caramelized brittle complete with a chock full of green pistachios for a festive treat.

All online orders must be picked up at State & Lake Chicago Tavern, located on the first floor of theWit Hotel at 201 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601 and need 24 hours to process. Orders will be available for pick-up between 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on the date requested. For additional questions, contact marketing@thewithotel.com

Marchesa

Marchesa is hosting The Biggest Lil' Christmas Party Sunday, December 22nd from 5pm - 10pm.

Enjoy a special $35 prix fixe menu with seatings at 5:30pm and 8pm. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be available in The Cave from 5:30pm - 6:30pm as well as Egg Nog Martini's and Bubbles for purchase. Uptown Elijah Brown will make a special holiday musical performance at 8:30pm and there will be other surprise Christmas guests in the second-floor apartment and lounge.

RSVP's are required and can be made by calling 312.527.9535 or texting 312.403.1998. 

Koval Distillery

Join KOVAL for their annual holiday tour at 2pm on Christmas Eve and Day. The tours are $10 per person and led by KOVAL's co-founder and president, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart. Learn about her journey of starting Chicago's first distillery since the mid-1800s, transforming her family business into one of the largest independent and woman-owned craft distilleries in the US, and creating a full line of organic and kosher whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits right in Ravenswood. For more information and tickets, visit https://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/classes-tours/tours/book-a-tour

Roka Akor Chicago 

On December 24th from 4:30pm - 9:30pm, enjoy Roka's Signature Omakase for $98/person or the Decadent Omakase for $128/person with a complimentary Japanese Wagyu upgrade. An a la carte menu is additionally available. 

Roka Akor Oak Brook 

On December 24th (lunch: 11:30am - 3:30pm; dinner: 3:30pm - 9pm) enjoy a special a la carte menu for a Christmas Eve lunch. For dinner, Roka Akor will be serving a four-course tasting menu ($75/person) that includes Wagyu Beef and Kimchi Dumplings, Grilled Octopus, Yuzu Miso Marinated Black Cod, Prime Ribeye, and more. 

On December 25th (lunch: 11:30am - 3:30pm; dinner: 3:30pm - 8pm) enjoy a special a la carte menu for a Christmas Day lunch. For dinner, Roka Akor will be serving a decadent four-course tasting menu ($70/person) that includes Prime Beef Tataki, Poached Lobster Maki, Robata Grilled Yuzu Miso Marinated Black Cod, Warm Chocolate Cake, and more.

Roka Akor Old Orchard

On December 25th from 3:30pm - 10pm, Roka Akor Old Orchard will be open for their normal hours on Christmas Day offering their a la carte menu. 

Texas de Brazil 

Those who are out shopping and dining this season will enjoy the addition of SPECIAL HOLIDAY LUNCH HOURS at the Chicago Texas de Brazil location. Added hours include:

    • Friday, December 13: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
    • Friday, December 20: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

On CHRISTMAS EVE, the restaurants will be opening early at 11 a.m. serving the full rodizio-style dinner menu all day with the addition of some holiday favorites. Pricing varies per location. All Texas de Brazil restaurants will, however, be closed on Christmas Day.

River Roast

River Roast will be hosting a special Winter Wonderland on the Veranda. Brunch will be offered on Sunday, December 8th from 12:30pm - 2:30 pm and get a picturesque photo with the man in red on the veranda at River Roast. The veranda will be decked out for the holidays and Santa will be set up with the backdrop of views of the city's river, buildings, and bridges. Photos with Santa are FREE and will be posted to Facebook and can be downloaded for printing purposes. 

The Sixth Cocktail Bar 

The Sixth – the Lincoln Square cocktail bar from The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group – will transform into “Yippee Ki-Yay” – a Die Hard movie inspired Christmas pop-up bar – from Tuesday, November 19 until December 31. Yippee Ki-Yay will feature 15 Die Hard-inspired specialty cocktails in the bar that will be decked out in Christmas and Die Hard décor.   

The Yippee Ki-Yay pop-up bar is named after Willis' character John McLane's infamous line “Yippee ki-yay, motherfxxker!” from Die Hard.   

Dylan Seo – bar manager of The Sixth – and his team have come up with 15 specialty craft cocktails (13 are brand new and two are The Sixth classics) that are all named for famous lines from the movie or Die Hard characters like McClane, Hans Gruber, Sgt. Al Powell, Holly Gennaro McClane, Argyle the limo driver, and more. 

Guests at Yippee Ki-Yay will be able to interact with several Die Hard scenes including a step and repeat featuring the two main characters, custom artwork and photos inspired by the movie, and toys/props from the movie as well. The pop-up also features decked out Christmas decorations in the vein of opulence of the 1980s era Nakatomi Plaza including gold touches, garland, Christmas trees, bright holiday lights, and wrapping paper windows.   

Some fun movie nod "Easter eggs" include individual a stuffed dummy of Tony the deceased radical wearing a sweatshirt that reads "Now I Have A Machine Gun. Ho-Ho-Ho", a giant teddy bear wearing a red bow like the one from the movie, and Christmas stockings featuring the names of all 13 radicals– including Hans Gruber and Karl – that took over Nakatomi Plaza.   

The Sixth – located at 2202 West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square – will be Yippee Ki-Yay every day the bar is open to the public. Yippee Ki-Yay will be open from 5pm to midnight Tuesdays thru Thursdays, 5pm to 2am Fridays, 5pm to 3am Saturdays, and 4pm until 10pm Sundays. Yippee Ki-Yay is closed on Mondays. 

Highlights of Seo’s 15-strong Yippee Ki-Yay specialty cocktail menu – some of which include Die Hard artwork-inspired custom ice cubes made from The Sixth’s in-house Clinebell Ice Block Machine – include:   

NAKATOMI PLAZA - Bourbon, Curry-Infused Shochu Green Chartreuse, Pineapple Simple, Lime, House Cinnamon Bitters, Angostura Bitters, Fire   

NO ONE KILLS HIM BUT ME - Absolut Elyx, Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, La Troussepinette White, Citric Acid   

ARGYLE’S LIMO OF LOVE - Gustoso Mexican Rum, Cointreau, BroVo Amaro 14, Mexican Chocolate, Lemon, Marshmallow Foam, Graham Cracker Rim   

FISTS WITH YOUR TOES - Singani 63, Campari, Ramazzotti, Caramel Cranberry Cordial, Lemon   

ALL POWERFUL POWELL - Peacemaker Gin, La Troussepinette Rouge, St. George Spiced Pear, Date Shrub, Lemon, Pineapple Foam, Citrus Ash

The Owl 

For Chicagoans looking for some post-holiday relief, The Owl in Logan Square will open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Christmas Day with some late-night specials like $5 Hopewell First Lager Cans.

Remedy

For those looking for a break from family festivities, Remedy Bar in Bucktown will open late on Christmas Day from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Specials will include a Miller High Life bottle and Evan Williams shot for only $8. 

Morton's The Steakhouse

Morton's in Chicago, Naperville, Northbrook, Rosemont and Schaumburg will be open on Christmas Eve from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Christmas Day from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Holiday diners will enjoy a Steak and Lobster Special for $59, which includes an 8-ounce filet mignon paired with a 1¼ pound lobster topped with lobster butter sauce and finished with grated parmesan cheese and a savory puffed pastry.  

Other seasonal specials will include a 10-ounce Snake River Farms Gold New York Medallion ($79), Truffle and Porcini Crusted Snake River Farms Wagyu Filet ($69), and a Potato Gnocchi (gorgonzola cream, lemon zest; $13).

A festive holiday cocktail will be available for $17 with Ketel One Botanical Cucumber Rose Vodka, Aperol Aperitif, simple syrup, and lemon juice in a champagne flute, topped with hand shaken whipped cream and an edible rose petal garnish.

Mastro's Steakhouse

For Chicagoans staying in town over the holidays, Mastro's will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day. A dessert in a glass, Mastro's will offer a special cocktail, Holiday Cheer, for $22 each through Tuesday, December 31. The festive drink features Tito's Vodka, Kerrigold Irish Cream, Kahlua, and Licor 43 with a cinnamon, sugar and graham cracker rim. Guests can pair their drink with a speciality holiday steak. Mastro's signature Chateaubriand dish, available for $115, features a large center-cut roasted beef tenderloin, sliced and served tableside with béarnaise and peppercorn sauce on the side.

Hubbard Inn 

Hubbard Inn will open at 4 p.m. on Christmas Day for a holiday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. including $1 East and West coast oysters (minimum of 6) with an option to pair oysters with a specially priced wine or sparkling bottle including Sauvion Vouvray Chenin Blanc ($30) and Avissi Prosecco ($25). Additional specials include $6 glasses of select, rotating wine, $6 classic Old Fashioned cocktails, and $10 select menu items including Beef Tartare, Pear and Brie, Chicken Skewer, Napa Ceasar and Octopus Tostada. 

$1 from every order of Octopus Tostada, Chicken Skewer and Napa Caesar will benefit No Kid Hungry. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty.

Easy Bar

Easy Bar invites Chicagoans who stick around for the holidays to enjoy $6 signature cocktails, a $4 select craft can and FREE pool from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Christmas Day. Festive cocktail options include the Suzeanne (Nolet's gin, Suze, Benedictine, lemon, simple, Peychaud's bitters, apple blossom bitters), Zamboni (Banhez mezcal, Amaro Nonino, Campari, chocolate bitters), What About Bill (Captain Morgan white rum, Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva dark rum, Luxardo, peach bitters, Herbsaint) and more.

Caffe Umbria

Chicagoans can warm up on Christmas Eve with Caffè Umbria's new winter drinks, open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Logan Square and the River North. Both locations will be closed on Christmas Day.

Perfect for the holiday, guests can enjoy a seasonal Italian sipping chocolate, Cioccolata Calda ($3.75), an Eggnog Latte with espresso, eggnog and nutmeg ($4.25 to $5.25), and Hot Spiced Apple Cider made with local apple cider and topped with real whipped cream and caramel sauce ($3.50 to $4). 

aliveOne

aliveOne will be closed on Christmas Eve and open at 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. Guests can enjoy a holiday nightcap with half-price aliveOne signature cocktails and $5 Half Acre brews. Seasonal cocktail highlights include the Tones Of Home (Tanqueray, apple cider, lemon juice, honey syrup, Peychuad's bitters, cinnamon), Hot Water Music (Crown Royal, tea, lemon juice, honey syrup), and Copernicus (Crown Royal, Pimms, lemon juice, demerara, ginger beer).

Joy District

Back for a second year, Joy District is hosting guests at its Winter Wonderland rooftop with heated igloos, views of River North, and festive food and drink. 

Starting mid-November, 5 to 6 igloos will be available to book for groups between 8 and 20 people, and are for friendly gatherings, corporate parties, cocktail hours and more. Igloos will come equipped with a heated faux fire pit and are decorated in shades of white, light blue and silver with string lights, ornaments, winter props, blankets and more.

Booking includes a "Winter Rooftop Menu" featuring cocktails served in ornaments, large format snowball fishbowls and mugs as well as festive bites. Joy District will also offer its Milk & Cookies Cart service where guests will be invited to decorate their own sugar cookies with an assortment of frostings, sprinkles and other toppings. Presented table side, the cart will also come with a Rumchata Ferris Wheel holding shots for each person.

Joy District will host Chicago's only Christmas Eve gala, the official Matzo Bash 2019, on Tuesday, December 24 at 9 p.m. Tickets include a private hosted cocktail reception and light appetizers from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Chicago's best DJs spinning top 40, mash-ups and throwback hits, giveaways, and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Young Leadership Division of JUF (YLD), JCC 20's & 30's, Shorashim, BBYO, OY! Chicago, Emanuel Congregation, FIDF, Moishe House, and Reboot. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/matzo-bash-tickets-81394185199?aff=JoyDistrict

Elf'd Up Holiday Pop Up Bar

Back for a second year, Stretch Bar & Grill in Wrigleyville will open as Elf'd Up on Wednesday, November 20. A full-blown tribute to the Christmas movie "Elf", Elf'd Up is a holiday pop-up bar for patrons who share Elf'd Up's affinity for elf culture. Elf'd Up never charges a cover and treats patrons to complimentary fresh, warm elf-shaped cookies nightly at 10 p.m.

Elf'd Up will be decorated from floor to ceiling with over 1,000 elves of all shapes and sizes, a 10-foot Christmas tree, an upside down Christmas tree, wreath chandeliers, strands of colored lights, specific tributes to the movie like figurines, wall quotes, snowflakes, Schylling Jester Jack in the Boxes, cut outs of Buddy the Elf and Miles Finch and more. Each table will come equipped with condiment carriers filled with the "four main food groups"-- candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.

New for 2019, Buddy the Elf will make a guest appearance every Thursday through Saturday sometime between 9 p.m. and midnight. Movie buffs can also participate in "Elf" Movie Trivia the three Wednesdays leading up to Christmas--December 4, 11 and 18 at 7 p.m. Teams of 4 will compete for prizes like a $100 Elf'd Up gift card and swag.

While guests enjoy "Elf" on repeat and DJs playing holiday mashups, a staff decked out in elf attire will serve up $12 themed specialty cocktails like the Yule Mule (Fireball, Dr. McGillicuddy's Apple Pie liqueur, lime juice, ginger beer, splash of cranberry and orange juice) the Ninny Muggins (Chila 'Orchata and Fireball, topped with whipped cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), the Naughty or Spice (Monrosso Tuscan Red Blend, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, apple cider, orange juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves), Son of a Nutcracker (Corazon Tequila, strawberry puree, sage simple syrup, lime juice, Gran Gala and Mionetto Rosé), and more. Ginormous Elf Boots featuring 36-ounces of rotating seasonal drafts will also be available for $10 to $18 each.

A themed food menu from $7 to $15 features items like a Buddy Burger served on a toasted green bun, Papa Elf's Three-Cheese Homemade Mac, The "Francisco" Grilled Cheese & Soup, and the over-the-top Buddy's Breakfast Pasta with spaghetti, maple syrup, chocolate fudge, chocolate syrup, mini marshmallows, and Pop Tarts.

Also new for 2019, Elf"d Up will also host "Buddy's Brunch" every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m starting November 23. Festive dishes ranging from $8 to $12 will include green Papa Elf Pancakes, Buddy Burrito, You Smell Like Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich and more. To complement brunch, guests can sip on the Sleigh All Day (Wheatley Vodka, St. Germain, Mionetto Prosecco, splash of cranberry) or the World's Best Cup of Naughty Coffee (Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, Paddy's Irish Whiskey, maple syrup and caramel coffee).

Graystone Tavern

On Sunday, December 1, Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will open as "8 Crazy Nights", Chicago's first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar that will be open through Tuesday, December 31.

Guests can expect a winter wonderland of decorations created for the Jewish holiday, including over 8,000 blue and white lights and Hanukkah ball lanterns adorning the ceiling, Star of David and dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah decor, Mensch on a Bench, a photo booth with Hanukkah props and more. Additionally, several evenings and events will benefit the Israel Cancer Research Fund and the Jewish Federation.

"We wanted to participate in the Wrigleyville holiday pop up scene but wanted to be different. Many of our Jewish friends were urging us to do a Hanukkah pop up and with many of the Wrigleyville bars focusing on Christmas, we thought there was a void to fill," said owner Kyle Bagley. "We're also excited to add a charity component to do our part this holiday season and look forward to working with the Israel Cancer Research Fund."

In honor of the holiday, a special food menu will feature traditional Jewish favorites from $5 to $12 like Latkes, Matzo Ball Soup, Brisket Platter and Grilled Cheese with a twist served on Challah Bread. For dessert, guests can indulge in a Boozy Jelly Donut made with house made vodka infused jelly. 

To help get customers in the holiday spirit, festive cocktails with traditional Hanukkah flavors will be available for $10 each like a Gelt Martini (Wheatley Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, chocolate syrup, Hanukkah gelt), a Manischewitz Spritzer (Manischewitz, Koval Cranberry, Mionetto Prosecco, club soda and an orange slice), the Sufganiyah (Vanilla Vodka, Citrus Vodka, Manischewitz, lemon wedge, powdered sugar), a Manischewitz Sangria Bowl (48-ounces and serves 3 to 4 guests) and more. A selection of four rotating theme draft beers for $6 to 9 each will include Messiah (Nut Brown Ale), Chanukah (Brown Ale), Circum-session (Sour Ale) and Shebrew (Double IPA). The bar will also feature an 18-foot giant menorah "shotski" starting at $24 so eight guests can take a shot at once.

Board and card games will be available to guests nightly including Connect 4 with Hanukkah gelt, Cards Against Humanity Jew expansion pack, Mitzvah Match, Jewish  Guess Who, Dreidel, Apples to Apples Jewish edition and Schmear Build-A-Bagel card game.

Each night will feature different events like a Hanukkah Happy Hour Charity Benefit, Dreidel spinning tournament, Chinese and A Movie Night and more. 

Cafe Robey

Cafe Robey will be open for brunch and dinner. Complimentary gingerbread cake with white chocolate frosting and holiday sprinkles will be served at all tables (before the meal at brunch and after at dinner).

Special holiday drink menu: Hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and frozen grasshoppers. All drinks will be NA but they can be spiked, per the guests request. 

etta 

etta’s Christmas Eve hours are 4pm - 8pm, and a pre-fixe menu will be offered.

Maple & Ash 

Open for Christmas Eve, dinner starts at 3pm and the menu includes their Black Truffle Lobster Thermidor & Chateaubriand. A half lobster stuffed with king crab meat and topped with béarnaise and bubbling gruyere for $95. 

  • Mavens & Aficionados

Starting November 1st, the public will be able to purchase packages of three bottles each paired for Christmas/Hanukkah/Holiday. These will be available for pick-up at Maple & Ash (8 W Maple St.) as well as for delivery in Illinois.

  • Holiday Whites $95: Not all whites are made for shorts and sunshine. This collection of holiday whites goes best with sweaters and fireplaces. Get into the holiday spirit with this box that includes two fresh, rich and toasty whites. 
  • Holiday Wines $155: This collection of holiday wines were designed to take you all the way through your holiday feast from start to finish. In this box, you’ll find a white that is as complex as your family dynamics, and a big, rich red to reward you on that feast you prepared. 
  • Holiday Reds: $195: This box has the big flavors from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

Aya Pastry

Aya Pasty has teamed up with Mavens & Aficionados to pair Aya Pastry’s holiday items with wine. 

Holiday cookie box ($40) + Mavens & Aficionados’ bottle of Tokaji ($50) are the pair to add to your holiday dessert table. The assorted box includes 18 cookies with flavors such as decorated sugar, chewy ginger, and double chocolate in an Aya Pastry gift box. Other holiday offerings include bûche de noël ($45), peppermint bark (1 lb for $20) and milk bread dinner rolls ($10).

Rhine Hall 

Located just west of Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, Rhine Hall (2010 W. Fulton Street) is a fruit brandy distiller. The family-owned distillery was founded in 2012 by father-daughter duo, Charlie Solberg and Jenny Solberg Katzman. Helmed by Jenny, she has transformed her family’s passion for distilling into a business. Six years later, Rhine Hall makes more than a dozen products and curated experiences to try at their tasting room, including gifts for the holidays. 

This winter, Rhine Hall is offering a myriad of products and experiences to get into the holiday spirit. Launched just this fall, its Coffee Liqueur is a holiday gift for a spirit or coffee connoisseur. The Coffee Liqueur’s sip is composed of sweet vanilla and acidic beans that creates a balanced and warm taste. It is available for purchase at their tasting room and major retailers, including Binny’s Beverage Depot (Chicago), Independent Spirits (Chicago), Eataly, and Astor Wine & Spirits (New York City). Originally only available at Alinea and The Aviary, the Coffee Liqueur is a brand new option that is sure to set itself apart at holiday gatherings.  The winter cocktail menu at Rhine Hall’s tasting room is curated to celebrate the season and launches in November. A few notable cocktails include:

  • Fernet Daiquiri (Fernet Lola, Lime, 100% Maple Syrup)
  • Hindsight (Pear Brandy, Carrot, Orange, Lemon, Honey-Thyme Syrup, Tiki Bitters)
  • Buck Wild (Church St. Saison Bierschnaps, Lemon, Ginger Beer, Peach Bitters)
  • Hot Todd (Oak Aged Plum Brandy, Earl Grey Tea, Lemon, Honey-Thyme Syrup, Served Hot)
  • Jack Rose (Apple Brandy, Housemade Grenadine, Lemon, Orange Bitters)
  • The Dude (Pineapple Brandy, RH Coffee Liqueur, Sweet Cream, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, Nutmeg)

In addition to the products offered, Rhine Hall will be hosting experiences such as cocktail classes and consultations. Rhine Hall’s cocktail classes start at $55/person and provide a guided, hands-on experience in how to build and create a balanced cocktail. Gift certificates are available for purchase online. Rhine Hall’s newly launched cocktail consultations, $125/person for 2-4 total guests, are designed to help customers create customized cocktails based around an event, such as a holiday party, weddings, showers, birthdays and more. In addition to these experiences, Rhine Hall will also be running a gift card deal that includes a tour, a bottle, two cocktails and two flights for $100 - a holiday date night.

Bistronomic 

Bistronoic will be open on Christmas Eve serving brunch, lunch and dinner. For brunch and lunch, a two-course meal with bottomless mimosas for $39 will be offered featuring Housemade Linguine with confit of peppers, capriole farm goat cheese and pistou; Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad with haricots verts, fennel shavings, orange supreme, carmelized sliced almonds and capriole farm goat cheese; and Steak and Frites with flat iron steak and hand cut frites. For dinner, Chef Martial Noguier will offer a $70 three-course menu featuring Roasted Rack of Lamb with eggplant puree, ratatouille, preserved lemon, garlic and thyme sauce; Seared Maine Diver Scallops with saffron carrot puree, buttery savoy cabbage, duck proscuitto lardons and shallot red wine reduction; and Handcut Fettucine with Maine lobster, baby broccoli, chorizo, fine herbes and mussel safron sauce. Diners can add a charcuterie board for an additional $15. A two-course children’s menu will be available for $20. Brunch and lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner will be served 5 to 10 p.m. Vegetarian options will be available for all menus.

Additionally, Bistronomic will be celebrating Hanukkah from Sunday, December 22 through Monday, December 30 with a $39 dinner menu. 

Chiya Chai

The Logan Square cafe, will celebrate the holiday by offering Boxed Chai and Savory Pies To-Go both individually priced and as a combo. The Boxed Chai are available in three sizes including a small ($32/12 8 oz. cups of chai); medium ($50/20 8 oz. cups of chai); and large ($110/48 8 oz. cups of chai). The nine-inch Masala Chicken Pie or Kale and Potato Pie are available for $20 each. Combination prices for choice of nine-inch savory pie with boxed chai include $50 (small); $65 (medium); and $120 (large). Orders should be 48 hours in advance for pick-up. The last day for pick-up at the cafe will be 10 p.m. on Monday, December 23. 

Chiya Chai will also offer a Holiday Gift Box featuring their signature chai concentrate and three bags of packaged tea leaves for $35. 

Chicago French Market

The market will host a free JingleFest on Saturday, December 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with complimentary visits with Santa, holiday gifts and special deals from over 30 vendors and an onsite balloon artists. Families are encouraged to bring their own cameras for photos with Santa. 

Centre Street Kitchen 

Lincoln Park's new restaurant with a goal to raise money for pediatric cancer, will host a ticketed Santa Brunch on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. with four seatings available. Kids (12 and under) are $9.99 which includes one kids meal and a photo with Santa and adults are $14.99 which includes one entree, one non-alcoholic beverage and photo with Santa. Tickets are required and can be purchased here. After purchasing your ticket, please e-mail Sara at sbruhnke@centrestreetchicago.com to reserve your table and if a highchair is needed.   The Santa Brunch adult menu will feature Chicken & Waffles with smoked chicken croquette, waffle batter and maple syrup; Green & Grains Skillet with baby kale, farro, quinoa, mushroom, oven-dried tomato, ravigote, egg and sprouted grain toast; and Chai French Toast with fresh berry, espresso chocolate and whipped cream. 

Avli Taverna and Avli River North

The two restaurants will be open for dinner on Christmas Eve from 5 to 10 p.m. and offer the full Greek-inspired dinner menu including Moussaka Tselementes, a 1910 casserole recipe of roasted lamb shoulder, eggplant, potatoes, bechamel and tomato sauce; Taverna Style Lamb Chops, five thin-cut grass fed New Zealand lamb chops; and Papoutsakia, roasted eggplant stuffed with tomatoes, onions and coriander. 

Harvest 

Celebrate Christmas at Harvest, the farm-to-table restaurant located in the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile (540 N. Michigan Ave.), with a special Christmas feast on Wednesday, December 25 from noon to 8 p.m. Executive Chef Frank Sanchez’s holiday menu will feature seasonal offerings including Herb Roasted Turkey and House-Smoked Ham Carving Stations; Sweet Potatoes; Housemade Sausage; and Sage Cornbread Stuffing. Price is $45 per adult and $20 per child. 

The Old Plank 

Logan Square Tex-Mex restaurant, will be open for brunch and dinner on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. serving their full brunch menu and open for dinner with the full menu 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen

Open for brunch on Christmas Day from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. featuring menu favorites including Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with whipped ricotta cheese and fresh strawberries. They will begin serving dinner at 3 p.m. until 2 a.m and will offer their full menu with Lobster Ravioli with Maine lobster, mascarpone, tarragon, chili flakes and lobster tomato broth. 

Cafe Con Leche 

In Logan Square since 2001, will be open for Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. offering authentic Tinga Enchiladas with shredded chicken breast served over mole poblano; and Asada Fajitas with grilled skirt steak, tri-colored bell peppers, tomatoes and onion. 

The Harding Tavern

Open on Christmas Day with brunch beginning at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Diners can enjoy Steak & Eggs with eggs your way, skirt steak, toast and choice of potatoes or garden salad; or Apricot French Toast with challah, apricot preserve, feta cheese and pecans. Dinner will follow brunch and will be served until 2 a.m.

La Bodega 

What was once a quaint, Mexican-style market serving soft serve ice cream and churros in the heart of River North, La Bodega, located at 355 North Clark Street, is diverging from its previous narrative to assume an entirely new identity. Throughout this transition, DineAmic Hospitality will transform the space into Santa’s Bodega. Beginning Friday, Dec. 6, this festive holiday pop-up bar will open at 5 p.m., every Friday and Saturday in December.

Santa’s Bodega’s small size will cultivate a backdrop that will be adorned with string lights, tinsel, ornaments, ribbons and snowflake decals from top to bottom. Guests will leave behind the frigid Chicago weather to enter the newly converted space to be offered holiday cocktails that are exclusive to the concept. Drinks with names like “Christmas Vacation,” the pop-up bar’s version of a winter-inspired Old Fashioned and festive shots with names like “Bad Santa”, a shot with an Irish Cream base and mixed with other seasonal flavors.

“Santa’s Bodega is the perfect way to tease what DineAmic will bring to the space in 2020,” says Principal and Co-Founder of DineAmic Hospitality, Lucas Stoioff. “Every detail has been carefully executed to give Chicagoans the exaggerated aesthetic that they love most about a holiday pop-up bar.” 

Santa’s Bodega will be open to the public beginning December 6 and will be available for private bookings accommodating groups up to 25 guests.

Siena Tavern 

This year, Siena Tavern, (51 W. Kinzie St.) Chef Fabio Viviani's contemporary Italian spot located in River North will be expanding its offerings for the night of December 24. In addition to offering its full menu, the restaurant will also include off-menu dishes only available on Christmas Eve. For additional libations, Siena Tavern's sommelier will be pouring Champagnes by the glass tableside, like Laherte Freres, starting at $17, offered all through December. 

Reservations on Christmas Eve will begin at 5 p.m. and guests will be able to dine on the limited-time menu which will include several seafood options like a Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass ($38), accompanied by a spiced sweet potato puree, swiss chard, and red pepper relish. For something lighter, the Fregola Seafood Salad ($17) will consist of fresh shrimp as well as bay scallops. Red meat lovers will be able to get their hands on the 6 oz. Filet Minion ($48), made with sunchoke and a cauliflower puree, topped with a porcini demi-glace. To complete the holiday-focused gastronomic experience, Chef Viviani will top off the dinner menu with an off-menu Butterscotch Crème Brulée ($12), consisting of white chocolate, Maldon sea salt, and a rosemary lemon biscotti. 

Nights out to commence special occasions are frequent during the holiday season and the best way to begin these meals is with a glass of Champagne. One of Chicago's upscale Italian restaurants, Siena Tavern (51 West Kinzie Street), elevates the celebrations it hosts with its vast wine selection featuring over 100 different wines and Champagnes. During this holiday season, the restaurant will even further enhance its Champagne offerings with its Champagne Cart; a cart consisting of an assortment of 12 unique and hard to find Champagnes offered either by the glass or by the bottle. Additionally, guests may also request three pours for $35 or four pours for $45.

With the modest upgrade to a curated, tableside offering, a Champagne Cart at Siena Tavern seemed like an appropriate fit for the contemporary Italian restaurant. As there is a growing movement with restaurants and bars embracing tableside cocktail offerings, the innovative Italian restaurant that also brings meal preparation tableside with its 'Amatriciana in a Jar', will be servicing the Champagne cart throughout the holidays. In addition to the rare Champagnes, the restaurant's sommelier will join the cart tableside to pour a glass of the desired bubbly. 

Nico Osteria 

Christmas Eve 

    • Join Nico Osteria in a Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve for a festive celebration! Priced at $100pp, there are eight menu offerings. Those include: 
      • Baked Oysters
      • Marinated Sardines 
      • Bacalao 
      • Charred Shrimp Salad 
      • Pappardelle 
      • Sea Bass Livornese 
      • Salmon 
      • Baba Rhum 

Christmas Day 

    • Enjoy a Christmas Day feast for the whole family! Priced at $80 per adult and $35 per child (ages 6-12) it’s the perfect way to celebrate. Menu details below!
      • Antipasti 
        • Butternut Squash Soup 
      • Insalata 
        • Caesar Salad 
        • Winter Green Salad 
      • Piatti 
        • Honey Glazed Ham 
        • Bone-In Ribeye Roast 
        • Lamb Chops 
        • Grilled Vegetable Torta 
      • Dolci
        • German Chocolate 
        • Apple Tart 

Mercadito 

Chef Marissa Tunon has created a seasonal Guava Punch, a spin on a hot toddy made with Mexican spices and guava tequila. Mercadito has also announce their Christmas Eve hours which will be 1-8 p.m. offering their full lunch and dinner menus.

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