Being a Chicago native, over my youthful years, I spent many a summer day at North Avenue Beach. I still remember, as a boy, marveling at the “boat” on the beach, not realizing that my dad’s tales of the shipwreck that brought the showers and snacks to the beach, was just that, a tale! There has always been some type of food in that location, even an upstairs spot that served more than hot dogs and burgers. For many a year, at Oak Street (which is several blocks south of North Avenue), we had the summer-time Oak Street “Beachstro” which Jane and I loved to walk to when we lived down in the city.
Now, there is a new game in town. The dining spot is called The Shore Club of Chicago. It has an address of 1603 Lake Shore Drive and is in actuality on the beach, just north of the North Street entrance (off the outer drive). Getting there for a meal is not the easiest as parking is not readily available, but the Metra- North Ave #72 is a perfect way to get to the beach. Once you arrive, you walk about 100 yards to the Shore Club, a unique resort-inspired lakefront dining “destination”. There are in reality three dining experiences there.
The Restaurant at the Shore Club is a raised floor, tented dining area with a bar and plenty of table space overlooking the beauty of Lake Michigan. This area will make you feel as if you are on vacation at one of the fine resorts on the water as you get full wait staff catering to your every need and handling each detail to perfection. The Shore Club menu boasts Mediterranean -inspired food that will focus on seafood dishes to add some extra charm to the surroundings.
The Oasis will be a more relaxed dining area with beach views from a sunbed, daybed or signature cabana. The menu is one of shared plates and is perfect for a group looking to get away from the maddening crowd. Here one can get away and yet enjoy the sun and great food with a great selection of specialty beverages.
The third dining area is the Patio serving lunch and dinner on a first-come-first-served basis. Each of the dining areas, despite being connected, is different and I am sure for a special event, will all be available. By the way, you can rent out the space for a wedding that will be something very special in Chicago- on Lake Michigan where your guests will watch the sun rise or set and the beauty of the Sail Boats passing by.
We visited the spot tonight and had an opportunity to view and taste a small sampling of what their menu offers. I am hopeful that we will be asked to come back in order to truly test the menu and be able to get back to you, my readers on just how special the visit to North Avenue Beach can be. Meanwhile, to see more, visit http://www.shoreclubchi.comor call 708-613-7132
A list of events coming up is available at http://www.shoreclubtickets.comand for brunch info check out http://www.beachsidebrunch.com( I would love to sample that one, for sure)
The Shore Club hours are:
Monday-Fridays 11 am- 10 pm
Saturday 9 am- 10 pm
Sunday 9 am- 8 p.m.
FYI-They are on the beach, but shirts and shoes are required in the dining areas.
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