The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet (“The Lunatic”), a bar and bistro that celebrates life with wine, spirits and culinary delights, brings a unique blend of whimsy and wisdom to Randolph Street. The three-level, 7,000-square-foot establishment located at 736 W. Randolph Street serves brunch, lunch and dinner, and features a late night happy hour. The concept, inspired by Shakespeare’s iconic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is the brainchild of Managing Partner and Sommelier Tom Powers, who was behind some of the district’s pioneering restaurants (Vivo, Marche, Red Light). The Lunatic is a neighborhood oasis in the trendy area, serving elegantly balanced wines, thoughtful craft cocktails and highly inventive sharable plates at reasonable prices. Their late night happy hour (Monday-Friday from 10 p.m. until Midnight) features a small plates menu and weekly cocktail and wine specials.
Executive Chef Jessica Nowicki(Naha, Brindille) respects the integrity of the fresh ingredients that are the building blocks of her menu. Diners will find unusual takes on bistro classics that let subtle flavor profiles shine through. Some menu favorites include:
Brunch-
o French Toast w Raspberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed Brioche
o La Quercia Prosuitto Sandwich on a Croissant with Cheddar Cheese
o Fried Egg & Arugula Salad
o Roasted Wild Mushroom Quiche
Lunch-
o Grilled Cheese on Brioche with Brie, Prosciutto & a Pear Compote
o Roast Beet & Smoked Trout Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette, Arugula & Toasted Hazelnuts
o The Lunatic Burger with a Double Patty, Hooks Cheddar, Garlic Aioli, House Pickles, Lettuce & Tomato (available all day)
Dinner-
o Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, Marcona Almonds & Mache
o Sea Scallops with La Quercia Prosciutto, Citrus Beurre Blanc, Fava Beans & English Peas
o Lamb Lollipops with Ramp Pesto, Herb Salad & Greek Yogurt
The bar offers a diverse selection of bottled and taps wines. Powers is uniquely focused on wines that are balanced and elegant, with representation from the United States and across Europe. By-the-glass selections include:
· Avinyó, Pet Nat, , Penedes, Spain, NV
· Qupe Chardonnay, Y Block, Bien Nacido, Central Coast, 2014
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse selection of over 200 wines by the bottle, including the American and European classics along with an impressive showing of more adventurous offerings like orange wines and pet-nats. Selections include:
· Au Bon Climat, Hildegard, Santa Maria Valley, 2012
· Guisseppe Quintarellii, Secco Cá del Merlo, 2015
· Jean Foillard, Morgon, Côte du Py, 2015
· Hirsch, Pinot Noir, San Andreas Fault, Sonoma, 2013
· Olga Raffault, Chinon, Les Picasses, 2007
“The Lunatic brings something entirely different to the area,” says Powers. “We offer an array of unique craft cocktails and a beautiful selection of wines in a range of price points, and a menu that has a distinctive rustic elegance. Chef Nowicki’s seasonal dishes include delightful and beautifully prepared options. In her Executive Chef position, Jessica has communicated a sense of balance, integrity and elegance that belies her 28 years. She is one of the emerging talents in the American food scene.”
The Lunatic’s décor spans three levels, and evokes theShakespearian imagination inherent in the three character aspects (Lunatic, Lover, Poet) contemplated Act V, Sene I, of his famous Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed work. Guests are greeted by The Lunatic bar upon entry – a long and lovely expanse where neighbors, friends and strangers gather for wine, cocktails and small bites. The Lunatic bar opens into the first floor dining room, which seats 36 guests. The upper floor Skylight Room houses The Lover’s bar and dining space that are at once airy, elegant and comfortable. Beautifully lit and dotted with a Jackson Pollock inspired art piece, the space seats 20 for dinner, 16 for cocktails and 12 at the bar. The Skylight Room accommodates private events for up to 50 guests. The lower level features the Poet’s Table, a charmingly intimate setting for private parties in the Wine Room and meetings for up to 12 guests.
The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet (“The Lunatic”), a bar and bistro that celebrates life with wine, spirits and culinary delights, brings a unique blend of whimsy and wisdom to Randolph Street. The three-level, 7,000-square-foot establishment located at 736 W. Randolph Street serves brunch, lunch and dinner, and features a late night happy hour. The concept, inspired by Shakespeare’s iconic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is the brainchild of Managing Partner and Sommelier Tom Powers, who was behind some of the district’s pioneering restaurants (Vivo, Marche, Red Light). The Lunatic is a neighborhood oasis in the trendy area, serving elegantly balanced wines, thoughtful craft cocktails and highly inventive sharable plates at reasonable prices. Their late night happy hour (Monday-Friday from 10 p.m. until Midnight) features a small plates menu and weekly cocktail and wine specials.
Executive Chef Jessica Nowicki (Naha, Brindille) respects the integrity of the fresh ingredients that are the building blocks of her menu. Diners will find unusual takes on bistro classics that let subtle flavor profiles shine through. Some menu favorites include:
Brunch-
o French Toast w Raspberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed Brioche
o La Quercia Prosuitto Sandwich on a Croissant with Cheddar Cheese
o Fried Egg & Arugula Salad
o Roasted Wild Mushroom Quiche
Lunch-
o Grilled Cheese on Brioche with Brie, Prosciutto & a Pear Compote
o Roast Beet & Smoked Trout Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette, Arugula & Toasted Hazelnuts
o The Lunatic Burger with a Double Patty, Hooks Cheddar, Garlic Aioli, House Pickles, Lettuce & Tomato (available all day)
Dinner-
o Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms, Marcona Almonds & Mache
o Sea Scallops with La Quercia Prosciutto, Citrus Beurre Blanc, Fava Beans & English Peas
o Lamb Lollipops with Ramp Pesto, Herb Salad & Greek Yogurt
The bar offers a diverse selection of bottled and taps wines. Powers is uniquely focused on wines that are balanced and elegant, with representation from the United States and across Europe. By-the-glass selections include:
· Avinyó, Pet Nat, , Penedes, Spain, NV
· Qupe Chardonnay, Y Block, Bien Nacido, Central Coast, 2014
· Xarmant, Txokolina, Arabako, Basque, Spain, 2016
· Tablas Creek, Patelin de Rose, CA 2016,
· Movia, Ribolla Gialla, Slovenia, 2012
· Au Bon Climat, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, 2015
· Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau, Chinon, 2012
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse selection of over 200 wines by the bottle, including the American and European classics along with an impressive showing of more adventurous offerings like orange wines and pet-nats. Selections include:
· Au Bon Climat, Hildegard, Santa Maria Valley, 2012
· Guisseppe Quintarellii, Secco Cá del Merlo, 2015
· Jean Foillard, Morgon, Côte du Py, 2015
· Hirsch, Pinot Noir, San Andreas Fault, Sonoma, 2013
· Olga Raffault, Chinon, Les Picasses, 2007
“The Lunatic brings something entirely different to the area,” says Powers. “We offer an array of unique craft cocktails and a beautiful selection of wines in a range of price points, and a menu that has a distinctive rustic elegance. Chef Nowicki’s seasonal dishes include delightful and beautifully prepared options. In her Executive Chef position, Jessica has communicated a sense of balance, integrity and elegance that belies her 28 years. She is one of the emerging talents in the American food scene.”
The Lunatic’s décor spans three levels, and evokes the Shakespearian imagination inherent in the three character aspects (Lunatic, Lover, Poet) contemplated Act V, Sene I, of his famous Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed work. Guests are greeted by The Lunatic bar upon entry – a long and lovely expanse where neighbors, friends and strangers gather for wine, cocktails and small bites. The Lunatic bar opens into the first floor dining room, which seats 36 guests. The upper floor Skylight Room houses The Lover’s bar and dining space that are at once airy, elegant and comfortable. Beautifully lit and dotted with a Jackson Pollock inspired art piece, the space seats 20 for dinner, 16 for cocktails and 12 at the bar. The Skylight Room accommodates private events for up to 50 guests. The lower level features the Poet’s Table, a charmingly intimate setting for private parties in the Wine Room and meetings for up to 12 guests.
Hours of Operation:
Fri & Sat 5–12PM
Sun 11:30-2 5–9PM
Mon-Fri 11:30AM–2PM, 5–10PM
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