As we enter into the new normal with the coronavirus pandemic reshaping our lives, forcing us to cancel plans and stay at home, A Bite of Chicago, will not be posting our regular Thursday restaurant reviews and specials.

We will be posting restaurant news, information and updates when pertinent. And maybe, depending on how long this goes on, some light-hearted food-related stories.

Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with or any questions you have. 

Today we are giving you a overview of rules, regulations and specials.

Restaurant and Bar Regulations
Through March 30^th

• The consumption of food or beverage is not permitted inside a restaurant or bar
• Congregation of any kind is not permitted inside or outside a restaurant or bar

Customers may enter restaurants to order food and immediately leave upon receiving the food. BACP has put together an FAQ document with answers to the many questions facing business owners and consumers. The following establishments are included in the mandated restaurant and bar closure order:

• Concession stands at movie theaters, bowling alleys and other entertainment venues
• Cafes, coffee bars, ice cream counters and other concession areas within grocery stores
• Coffee shops and cafes
  Drive-thru, delivery and carry out or curbside pick-up may continue, with the restaurant owner responsible to ensure social distancing policies are in place and followed.

All year-round sidewalk cafes, covered or not, should also be closed as part of this order. Food Trucks, bakeries and grocery stores can continue operations, provided that there is no on-site consumption. Concessions at O’Hare and Midway Airports are exempt from the new restrictions in order to ensure food availability for travelers. However, the Chicago Department of Aviation is taking social distancing steps to keep the traveling public and airport employees safe.

Curbside Pick-up

Here is a link to businesses that are offering food delivery and curbside pick-up: https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-food-delivery-curbside-pick-up-coronavirus-20200316-yd47bn4fjrchxfzcs7s4cdxouu-story.html

Ten Restaurant Specials

If you can, support your local restaurants by buying gift cards, getting takeout or delivery and offering a kind word. Many restaurants are going out of the way to serve the public with family dinners, special prices and even grocery delivery. Here’s just a few (check with individual restaurants for more):

Coda Di Volpe

Offering curbside pickup from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM, call (773) 687-8568.

Gemini

Offering curbside pickup from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM daily, call (773) 525-2522.

The Smith

Offering pick up and delivery from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through DoorDash, UberEats and Grubhub. Pick-up orders can also be made by calling the restaurant directly at 312.312.5100. In addition to a-la-carte items, The Smith will offer a Family Meal option that feeds 2-3 people and includes a choice of salad, two sides, a main course and chocolate chip cookies for $35. 

• DoorDash: https://www.doordash.com/business/the-smith-12562/menu/
  Uber Eats:  https://www.ubereats.com/chicago/food-delivery/the-smith-river-north/ciFKkiLrT1CQEDLJkLgoIg
  Grubhub: https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/the-smith-400-n-clark-st-chicago/1983861

Now through the end of the month, The Smith is also offering a discounted “Thank You” gift card promotion. The following gift card amounts are available for a discounted price:

• $100 gift card for $90
  $500 gift card for $400
  $1,000 gift card for $650
  $5,000 gift card for $2,500

Walton Street Kitchen + Bar

Offering curbside pickup or delivery available from 4:30-8:30 PM daily. Call (773) 570-3525.
Delivery on Caviar here