It’s official. Tomorrow is the first day of fall. But don’t despair, Hampton Social {353 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.464.0500} is here to save you! With their new location in Streeterville, this Chicago favorite for Instagrammers and rosé-lovers is bringing a breath of summer air to a new neighborhood in Chicago, and just in time for cooler temps! Parker Restaurant Group’s President of Operations, Steve Fiorentino is telling us about their latest spot, and how Hampton Social can be our all-year-long escape dining destination…
DiningOut: How did you pick this location for the new restaurant?
Fiorentino: We were drawn to Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood because it’s a bustling epicenter for go-getting Chicagoans and a must-visit destination for visitors. We found that Streeterville was lacking in dining options for residents and nearby businesses, and we wanted to provide a space that was multi-purpose—perfect for after-work drinks with co-workers, dinner with friends in town, or settling in for a relaxing brunch on the weekend.
What can we expect from the layout and design?
We made this location a refined and classic take on the Hamptons. The first floor lends itself to a more relaxed atmosphere with large porthole mirrors flanking the bar, a rustic pergola that grounds the space and contrasts wonderfully with our ivy covered ceiling, and fun string lights that evoke a backyard feel. Upstairs we designed the space for those seeking a more intimate experience, where skylights allow sun to pour into our open dining room midday and lanterns along the walls provide a romantic candlelight glow in the evening. But we’re most excited about the first-ever rooftop for The Hampton Social. Located just outside the second-floor dining room, the expansive patio space overlooks the Streeterville neighborhood, decorated with East Coast-inspired potted plants and wicker chairs—it’s an inviting spot for any occasion.
Is there a must-stop photo opp spot in this restaurant too?
We were sure to include our iconic “Rosé All Day” green wall in this location—a perfect backdrop for our guests to capture their experience. Another show-stopping piece is in the stairwell leading up to the second floor where a beautiful antique wooden boat hangs from the ceiling above the stairs with a sleek neon quote beneath it. However, a fan-favorite feature is the rattan hanging chair on the landing at the top of the stairs that provides the perfect Instagram-worthy moment.
How is Hampton Social the perfect fall escape for food lovers?
The Hampton Social evokes Summer vibes year-round. When guests are looking to extend summer into the chilled fall season, The Hampton Social will continue to boast a nautical-inspired atmosphere with playful swings and Adirondack chairs, as well as chef-driven dishes that use fresh, quality ingredients and buzzy cocktails that are reminiscent of warmer weather.
You’re known for your rosé, but you also have other amazing wine options
Our wine list is composed of wines that are approachable, but we also have exclusive offerings for the more sophisticated pallet. We feature traditional varietals guests can enjoy with a meal or as a single glass offering.
via Hampton Social
And we can’t forget cocktails; what are some of your favorite cocktails for the season?
The Fresh Pond Bay and The Bee’s Knees are customer favorites for the fall season. The Fresh Pond Bay offers fresh flavors of lime and basil while the The Bees Knees consists of tea infusions. These delicious concoctions are also a good representation of the direction cocktails are going as a whole. We are in the golden age of cocktails, meaning that the expectation of the hospitality industry is to have a robust cocktail program that follows a great food program—both are equally important to give guests the best experience.
What menu items would you pair those with?
The Fresh Pond Bay pairs nicely with our Pan Seared Sword Fish & Pasta Rossa, while The Bee’s Knees is a fantastic choice with the Tuna & Avocado and Steak Frites.
What are some lesser-known menu items that people should make sure to try?
The marinated Beef Tenderloin Skewers, Scallop Risotto, and Shelter Island Salmon are all delicious new additions to the menu courtesy of our Corporate Executive Chef, Francis Gonzalez.
You’re a Chicago must for brunch, but you also have a great happy hour menu
We offer half-off our Rosé of the Day and delicious pizzas at both our River North and Streeterville locations between 4-6pm Monday through Friday. The Burr Ridge location offers half-off pizzas during that same time. Our happy hours also feature live acoustic performances from local musicians for guests to enjoy.
What is next for the restaurant?
We will be opening our first location of The Hampton Social outside of Chicago later this year. We are excited to bring our concept to new markets for guests to enjoy and experience Hampton-inspired dining.
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Keep Summer Going at Hampton Social appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.