After a mild December, January’s weather has been no joke. With all this snow, wind, and cold, we need something cozy, STAT. Luckily, January is National Soup Month! These soups will have you warm and happy, whether you pair them with an entree, or make them your meal. Dive in!
River Roast {315 North LaSalle Drive, Chicago; 312.822.0100}
If you’re not partaking in Dry January, this month is the perfect one to throw down some cocktails with friends. Because what else are you going to do in this cold?! For a much-needed cure for your inevitable hangover, try the Hangover Soup complete with scrumptious pork shoulder. Delicious whether you went drinking the night before or not, this soup is the perfect brunch meal.
Italian Village {71 West Monroe Street, Chicago; 312.332.7005}
After 90 years in the business, Italian Village is stilling churning out soup-erb options! Chicago’s original Italian dining destination has a variety of Italian-inspired soups at lunch and dinner at all three of their restaurants. From classics like Minestrone and Cacciucco to the creative seasonal soups of the day, you can have a soup for every course here.
Bites {3313 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.270.5972}
Calling all ramen lovers, Bites is here to help. From Shitake Shoyu to Creamy Tonkotsu, their ramen is authentic and delicious. However, the must-try on the menu is the Five-Spice Duck Ramen, which is only made in limited quantities every day and comes with a perfectly braised duck leg. All the soups are perfect for sharing alongside their wide range of Asian tapas, so bring the whole family!
Arami {1829 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.243.1535}
With plenty of ramen at the ready, Arami will warm up West Town this winter. On the Japanese comfort food-influenced menu, their ramen is filled with flavorful ingredients that step up the soup game. Arami’s Ninniku Ramen has chashu tofu, bok choy, Japanese mushrooms, garlic-miso, and sesame broth. The Osumen Ramen includes pork belly, marinated egg, naruto, bamboo shoots, pickled ginger, chili oil, and tori paitan broth (chicken broth). Arami’s menu also features their take on Miso Soup, for those looking to cozy up with the classics.
Café Robey {1600 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 872.315.3060}
After winning a series of accolades in their first year of business, Café Robey is now serving up the flavors of the season with hearty winter soups. The delightfully creamy Porcini Mushroom soup is prepared by the neighborhood spot’s Executive Chef Kevin McAllister and features truffle cream, aged balsamic, and torn croutons. The soup is perfect as supper all on its own or lends nicely as a starter with the restaurant’s rotating seasonal menu of entrées. They also have a Beer Cheese Rutabaga Soup on their Restaurant Week menu, starting on January 26.
Benny’s Chop House {444 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.626.2444}
Benny’s Chop House is the perfect place to warm up this winter, with savory offerings including the Lobster Bisque. This indulgent soup features the finest lobster meat and a creamy broth, topped with fresh chives. Available for lunch and dinner, the restaurant’s dedication to sourcing the highest quality seafood is obvious in each bite of this delectable bisque. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails for the perfect meal!
West Town Bakery {1916 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 773.904.1414}
Diner food gets creative at West Town Bakery & Diner. And that includes the French Onion Soup Gratin. A rich housemade onion broth is served with a generous topping of gooey, melty cheese that will make you want to order a second bowl. Plus, it’s only $6.50, so you can get a round for the whole family!
Steadfast {120 West Monroe Street, Chicago; 312.801.8899}
The Kimpton Gray Hotel is a perfect food destination for out of towners and locals! Their upscale American eatery, led by The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group in The Loop, is the perfect destination during the work week, ideal for a downtown weekend date, or to bring visitors. Soup reigns supreme on the menu, with lunch and dinner options including Lobster Bisque and Pumpkin Soup with granola, pink peppercorn, and yogurt.
The Fifty/50 {2047 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.489.5050}
The Fifty/50, Wicker Park’s premier sports bar, has a range of warming soups that pair perfectly with the spot’s assortment of stacked sandwiches and huge drink menu. Dig into bowls of Creamy Tomato, French Onion Au Gratin, or Chicken Tortilla Alonzo. Spend the city’s colder months warming up with these classic flavors while catching a game or meeting friends for drinks.
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
The post Stay Warm for National Soup Month appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.