Explore Streeterville’s New Proper British Pub | Eater Chicago
"I found Monarch & Lion to be a nostalgic, British-inspired gastropub in Streerville that intentionally evokes an early-2000s "gastropub" throwback. The corner space at Illinois and Fairbanks is filled with bookcases, large chandeliers, and an eclectic fireplace that divides the room and supports bars on both floors, while the second floor is covered in derby-green wallpaper. Co-owners Rina and Manish Mallick—who also own Rooh Chicago and River North tavern Bar Goa, where Rina handled the decor—opened their first venue with televisions to attract international and domestic sports fans. They tapped internationally known chef Jitin Joshi (who has worked as a pastry chef with Gordon Ramsay in England and at Dubai’s British pub Eloquent Elephant) to create a British-leaning menu featuring fish and chips with mushy peas, Shepherd’s pie made with lamb from Slagel Family Farm, and chicken tikki masala. Cocktails include a Tomato, To-mahto made with feta cheese–infused Bombay Sapphire juice and clarified tomato combined with lemon, basil, simple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes. Monarch & Lion is now open, will eventually offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, and takes reservations via Resy." - Ashok Selvam
