It's hard to believe that it's been more than five months since Time Out Market Chicago temporarily shuttered when the city went into lockdown in March. Our editorial team has spent the past 150-plus days reporting on local businesses that are adapting to the current situation and fighting to survive. That's why we're beyond excited to announce that Time Out Market Chicago will reopen in the West Loop on Wednesday, August 26.
We're swinging open our doors with new safety measures in place, plenty of room for social distancing and an expanded outdoor footprint for alfresco dining. In addition to the third-floor rooftop terrace with indoor and outdoor seating, the Market will also offer a brand-new sprawling sidewalk patio on Fulton Street. Of course, there's plenty of space inside, too—with spread-out seating across three floors and 53,000 square feet.
"Reopening Time Out Market Chicago took the utmost care and collaboration," says Time Out Market CEO Didier Souillat. "Working with our Market team, our chefs and restaurateurs, and the city, we are reopening with an environment that is extremely spacious—53,000 square feet, including expanded outdoor space—and exceeding safety standards without losing the fun atmosphere that makes the Time Out Market experience so special."
In order to maintain ample social distance, the Market will reopen in phases, with the first set of eight eateries and two full-service bars debuting on August 26. Take a look at the current chefs who will be returning in the first wave:
Arami: One of the city's finest sushi spots is moving to the first floor with a hit list of contemporary Japanese eats from executive chef Joseph Fontelera.
Chef Bill Kim: Caramelized pork dumplings are back, baby! Kim specializes in unique takes on casual Asian cuisine, packing his menu with crave-worthy eats.
Chef Brian Fisher: The chef behind Michelin-starred Entente switches up his menu to showcase golden fried chicken, decadent mac and cheese and cornbread with jalapeño honey butter.
Dos Urban Cantina: Husband-and-wife team Brian and Jennifer Jones Enyart have expanded their offerings to include even more tacos, loaded nachos and ceviche. Don't fret: Jennifer's chocolate cake is still available.
Duck Inn Dogs: Chef Kevin Hickey cranks out a lineup of decadent dogs that are loaded up with ingredients like spicy duck chili, tajin lime crema and apple-caraway kraut.
Lost Larson: Bobby and Bree Schaffer are back to make your mornings a little sweeter, with a pastry case packed with flaky croissants, frosted cinnamon rolls, cardamom-scented buns and a robust coffee and tea program.
Mini Mott: There's no denying that chef Edward Kim makes a damn fine burger. Sink your teeth into layers of American cheese, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapeños, pickles, miso butter, sautéed onions and a cloud of sweet potato frizzles.
Pretty Cool Ice Cream: No matter the season, we've always got room for a popsicle (or two) from Dana Cree's repertoire of nostalgia-filled frozen treats.
When they're not plotting out their next order, diners will notice some new features throughout the space, including sanitizing stations, PPE-equipped staff, additional cleaning crews, contactless ordering technology and plexiglass partitions emblazoned with quotes about Chicago from the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Barack Obama, Jane Byrne and Chance the Rapper.
We've got some exciting new developments when it comes to ordering, too, with a new Time Out Market app that allows guests to order and track their meal’s progress. You can download it for free now through the App Store or Google Play. You’ll also be able to order via mobile web through timeout.com/chimenu, and the Market eateries will soon be available for delivery on DoorDash.
We can't wait to see you again (and feed you!). Follow Time Out Market Chicago on Instagram for additional details leading up to this week's opening; you can also find more information, including updated operation hours, on our FAQ page.
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