The Dearborn Celebrates 10 Years in the Loop this June

This June, The Dearborn celebrates 10 years. Founded in 2016 by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless, The Dearborn was created with a vision of bringing Irish hospitality, tavern fare, and a sense of community to downtown Chicago.

Since opening its doors in 2016, The Dearborn has become offered chef-driven cuisine from Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri and an atmosphere that blends classic American tavern traditions with contemporary culinary creativity. Located at 145 N. Dearborn Street, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant has become a go-to in the Loop dining scene, serving everyone from theatergoers and business professionals to tourists and longtime regulars.

“For us, The Dearborn has always been about creating a place where people feel genuinely welcomed,” said Co-Proprietor Amy Lawless. “We want guests to walk in and immediately feel the warmth, energy, and hospitality that shaped our upbringing in Ireland, while celebrating the incredible spirit of Chicago.”

“Ten years later, we’re incredibly proud that The Dearborn has become part of people’s daily lives, celebrations, traditions, and memories,” said Co-Proprietor Clodagh Lawless. “That kind of loyalty is something we never take for granted.”

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, The Dearborn will host a monthlong celebration throughout June, featuring a curated lineup of food and beverage favorites from the past decade. Guests can revisit signature dishes including Pork & Lamb Meatballs with tomato bell pepper ragout and baked egg (2016), Octopus & Gnocchi with house-made chorizo and preserved lemon (2017), Hamachi Collar with house steak sauce and pickled Fresno chili (2018), Rabbit Curry Pot Pie with confit rabbit and coconut curry sauce (2019), and the Chocolate Basque Cake introduced in 2024.

The bar team will also revive cocktails from The Dearborn’s archives, including Beware the Jackalope (2016), Hamilton: The Cocktail (2017), Noble Society (2018), Ceiling Breaker (2018), and the fan-favorite Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches (2023).

Throughout the month, The Dearborn will surprise guests with special “Golden Ticket” giveaways hidden within select reservations, rewarding loyal patrons with prizes including future dining discounts, complimentary cocktails, gift certificates, exclusive Dearborn merchandise, desserts, starters, and bottles of the newly released DB Gin #2 “DB Decade,” created in partnership with North Shore Distillery to honor the restaurant’s anniversary year.

The official anniversary celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live music from Brooklyn Britches & The Whispers, balloon artistry, specialty tastings, and interactive experiences throughout the restaurant. Guests can enjoy commemorative Guinness glassware engraving, courtesy of Guinness, along with samples poured through a custom Ketel One ice luge installation featuring The Dearborn’s signature Celtic knot design. Additional anniversary collaborations include a special Four Roses 10-year, 10-month aged Select Barrel bourbon release, as well as Half Acre’s exclusive Galway Girls Lager, brewed specifically for the occasion.

At the heart of The Dearborn is Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri, who has been with the brand since its inception and was named Chef Partner for the restaurant’s newest location inside Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5. Under Cuschieri’s leadership, the culinary program has continued to evolve while remaining rooted in approachable, seasonally driven cuisine inspired by Midwest ingredients and global influences.

“The Dearborn has always encouraged creativity and collaboration,” said Cuschieri. “Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to create dishes and cocktails that guests truly connected with, and it’s exciting to bring some of those favorites back as part of this celebration.”

As The Dearborn looks toward the future, the Lawless sisters remain committed to thoughtful growth, continued innovation, and preserving the hospitality that has been apart of the restaurant since day one. Their focus remains on continuing to evolve The Dearborn hospitality and dining experience with two new projects on the horizon over this next year. “Reaching ten years in this industry is incredibly meaningful,” said Clodagh Lawless. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, excited for all that’s ahead, and honored to continue serving the city we love.”

For more information on The Dearborn’s 10th anniversary, please visit visit thedearborntavern.com or follow @thedearbornchi on Facebook, and Instagram.