Get ready Chcagoans—a massive new French concept debuts in River North this weekend.
La Grande Boucherie will open on Saturday, February 17, at 431 N. Dearborn St. Channeling the spirit of refined Parisian brasseries, the restaurant will offer French classics in a stunning Art Nouveau-inspired building. The 10,120-square-foot space, which was formerly a Ruth’s Chris Steak House, spans two levels, with seating for up to 381 guests. Features include 25-foot-tall stained-glass windows overlooking the streets, curved ceilings, custom mosaic floors and a 100-year-old glass mural that survived World War II. The pièce de résistance is an 82-foot-long pewter bar imported from France.
On the food side, executive chef Maxime Kien showcases raw bar offerings, modern French dishes and large-format meats like chateaubriand for two and a butcher’s tray of dry-aged steaks. There will also be a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, plus traditional favorites such as French onion soup and escargots. The beverage program will highlight cocktails from mixologist Tim Williams of Pour Souls, an absinthe collection and an extensive list of predominantly French wines.
This is the second Chicago restaurant for The Group, a New York-based hospitality company. The Group opened Italian trattoria Olio e Più, located around the corner from La Grande Boucherie, last December. The original La Grande Boucherie launched in New York’s West Village in 2016.
The restaurant will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 5pm, and dinner Monday through Sunday from 5pm to midnight. Brunch will be served on weekends from 11am to 5pm. Check out below to see what to expect.
