At JoJo's Milk Bar in River North, there are almost as many desserts as there are savory menu items, making it a haven for your most unruly sugar cravings. The restaurant opens on Thursday, February 28 at 23 West Hubbard Street, on the same block as Imperial Lamian, Howl at the Moon and Theory. The multi-level brainchild of Castle Hospitality Group (Shore Club) will offer nostalgic diner fare, over-the-top desserts and a curated roster of cocktails.
"We’re introducing JoJo’s as a light-hearted spot meant to spark memories of childhood, while bringing the concept full circle with elevated, but familiar, diner and dessert creations,” says Castle Hospitality Group partner Robbie Schloss in a press release.
The interior features a bar that's lined with milk jugs and a pickup window, where morning commuters can grab coffee and pastries and evening revelers can indulge in late-night cravings, such as JoJo's fries, which are smothered in molten cheese, bacon and sour cream. The second floor is referred to as the Playroom, which doubles as an event space that can be rented for private parties.
Though the savory menu is packed with everything from a Kitchen Sink salad and a corned beef sandwich to lasagna and chicken noodle soup, the dessert menu is where things get really creative. We imagine the shakes, which ring up at $14 a piece, will grace countless Instagram feeds throughout the rest of the year. The Wonder Years, for instance, includes blue moon ice cream, a cloud of cotton candy, sprinkles, marshmallow and a candy ribbon. Guest can even make the shakes boozy by adding a shot of whiskey for $6. The dessert offerings are rounded out with milk bar popsicles, several variations of hot chocolate, cookies and coffee.
JoJo's is open Monday through Wednesday from 11am to midnight, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 2am, Saturday from 10am to 3am and Sunday from 10am to close. Take a look around the shop—and at some of the more extravagant menu items—with photos of JoJo's Milk Bar below.
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer
Photograph: Marcin Cymmer