Ila's Chicago
Restaurant · Near North Side ·
Global comfort food with global drinks in a warm space
Global comfort food with global drinks in a warm space
"This River North sit-down spot has a menu that takes inspiration from across the globe. There’s appetizers like butter chicken empanadas and lumpia, along with larger dishes like chicken katsu sandwiches and spaghetti alla chitarra." - John Ringor
"Positioned as a neighborhood gathering spot rather than a scene‑y hangout, this restaurant and bar in River North blends global flavors with American comfort and is built on a foundation of warmth and community. The menu, developed with chef John Tarcak, spans about 25 dishes across appetizers, sandwiches, and entrées (plus a few desserts) and reflects the team’s multicultural backgrounds: confit pork cheek lumpia, birria pierogi, and butter chicken empanadas served with chimichurri ranch sit alongside paneer kebabs with a sweet chile glaze and sweet corn agnolotti in a cornbread foam sauce; even the classics get upgrades, like a grilled cheese layering Mahón, romesco, and broccolini, a burger topped with oxtail marmalade, and an Italian beef that swaps in braised short rib. Drinks lean international as well, from the Midnight in Mumbai (garam masala syrup, cardamom bitters) and an ube pisco sour to plenty of tequila, Japanese whisky, Mexican spirits, and a Malört concoction with cinnamon, grapefruit, and egg white; the wine list pulls from around the world, and six taps pour a mix of local beers and easy‑drinking staples. A complete gut renovation of the former El Hefe space yields plush seating, soft lighting, and homey touches like houseplants and vases, inviting guests to linger. Named for owner Kirtan Gandhi’s mother, whose open‑kitchen hospitality inspired the concept, it starts with lunch and dinner before rolling out brunch and is meant to fit a date night, group dinner, or a solo bite at the bar while watching a game; hours run 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday–Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday–Saturday." - Jeffy Mai
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