etc.
American restaurant · Loop
404 S Wells St, Chicago, IL 60607
Highlights
Southern-inspired New American with creative cocktails
Southern-inspired New American with creative cocktails
"Etc.’s tasty Southern food, stylish space with fluorescent pillars, and upbeat R&B soundtrack could trick you into thinking The Loop was cool. At this restaurant from a Bronzeville Winery chef, couples split savory rice with smoked turkey and fried okra. Friends pass around juicy lamb chops with whipped potatoes. Some dishes are overly ambitious—we’d prefer the fried green tomatoes without the distracting red tomatoes and balsamic. But you’ll forget about the few misses (and how close you are to the Willis Tower gift shop) once you’re lost in the gravy-covered oxtail and purple grits." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"The stylish space, upbeat soundtrack, and delicious Southern food at Etc. can help loosen up a daunting first date. The gravy-covered grits with buttery oxtail are so rich and comforting that you’ll be unphased by even the most awkward of silences. And if good cocktails can make you feel more at ease, get one of their classic and seasonal ones, like a cozy pine-infused Old Fashioned. After trading bites of savory rice cooked with turkey hocks and taking turns Shazaming some R&B deep cuts, you’ll be ready to plan date number two—assuming you kept your cool." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"At this effortlessly cool Loop restaurant, chef Lamar Moore (Bronzeville Winery) finds inspiration for his Southern-inspired food from that of his Mississippi-born grandmother as well as his varied culinary background. Get a taste at happy hour with pomegranate-peach-glazed brussels sprouts and parmesan fries, both $13. Opt for the $13 cheeseburger and for $4 more add on a shot or beer. Specially priced cocktails as well as $11 glasses of wine available 4-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday." - Lisa Shames
"Lamar Moore left Bronzeville Winery in summer 2024 for an ownership stake at this new downtown restaurant, where the underrated chef continues to serve up the type of quality of food fans expect. Etc. is described as New American, but there’s a heavy Southern influence with starters like Mississippi catfish dip, fried green tomatoes, and salmon with braised fennel. The cocktails are mighty, and it’s an escape from the usual tourist traps that line the area near Willis Tower. Moore was on the longlist for the 2025 James Beard Awards as a semifinalist." - Ashok Selvam
"Lamar Moore is a Chicago native, reality TV champion, and a chef who’s worked a several restaurants, including Bronzeville Winery, before he earned an ownership stake at Etc. in Downtown Chicago. His food touches both Southern and soul food roots, and the space often hosts live music. Chicken and waffles, and cinnamon rolls line the menu at this new Sunday brunch option. Moore is a 2025 James Beard semifinalist." - Sam Nelson
