Comments icon Comments
New Menu American West Loop

MAD Social, in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood at 1140 W Madison St, is celebrating its 4th anniversary with a new menu, available starting February 12, 2020. The refresh keeps to its shareable New American roots while introducing more healthy options and allergy & dietary-friendly dishes. 

Opened in February 2015, MAD Social was the first new concept from the Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants group in 14 years. Over its four years, MAD has offered the neighborhood classic fare, select wines, and beers as well as classic cocktails with a MAD twist. 

Gina Stefani, daughter of Phil, lead the endeavor. Gina grew up surrounded by the food & beverage industry and began working at the family establishments at a young age, starting at Castaways on North Avenue Beach when she was 15 years old. Since opening MAD Social, the group has opened five new concepts including Broken English (Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park), River North's Bar Cargo and Lincolnwood's Stefani Prime. Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2020 as well. 

"My dad was at Stefani's every night and knew almost everyone," said Gina Stefani, Managing Partner. "I wanted MAD to be that way - I wanted my whole team to be able to greet everyone who came in and really get to know the neighborhood. I'm so proud that we've successfully become a neighborhood destination with regulars who have become friends. This menu refresh is to give our loyal guests new options and to draw in new customers who haven't visited yet. The West Loop continues to evolve and expand, and we want to continue to be a draw for those who live here and beyond." 

The Menu 

MAD Social's Executive Chef Josh Salmeron and Inspired Catering and Events Chef Elizabeth Tokarczyk have come together to create a menu that continues MAD's tradition of offering shareable New American fare. Guests will continue to see a mix of small to large plates for sharing, with most dishes costing just under $20. 

Menu highlights include 

  • Lentil Cashew Hummus with green olive tapenade, served with vegetables and MAD Hot Sauce Lavash (V | GF)

  • MAD Garbage Salad with romaine, wild arugula, jicama, celery, kohlrabi, kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds, fried avocado, lemon yogurt dressing 

  • Shrimp And Grits with white corn grits, shallot and cherry tomato fondue, parmesan basket, kale chips 

  • Grilled Calamari with onion naan and harissa sauce 

  • Vegan Polenta Fries with roasted red pepper couli 

  • Buffalo Chicken Drumettes with stuffed jalapeno poppers, bacon, pickled celery, blue cheese & ranch dressings 

  • Cauliflower Salad with crispy capers, elephant garlic chips, torn herbs, mixed greens agave syrup white balsamic vinegar

  • Short Rib & Polenta with braised, cheesy herb soft polenta, kale chips 

The Space 

MAD Social has 100 seats between the bar and dining room. The interior mixes its original warehouse roots with a French industrial feel. Design highlights include natural elements in the space, like the original timber ceilings and hardwood flooring. Leftover wood from the buildout was reclaimed and reused. It's been incorporated throughout the dining room from the tabletops to focal point art pieces, including a jigsaw-esque design on the front of the bar and an oversized wooden mosaic piece on the east wall. During the warmer months, the dog-friendly patio features 32 seats overlooking Madison St, with wood tables, four-top tables, and large rope stanchions. 

Comments

View Comments (0)