Travel, golf & leisure » Restaurants » ROOM 21, Insert Your Key Here, As Chicago’s Hip Fine Dining Experience Is One that Would Make Versace and Capone Happy
ROOM 21, Insert Your Key Here, As Chicago’s Hip Fine Dining Experience Is One that Would Make Versace and Capone Happy
Story by: Sol tucker
Photos by: Sol tucker
Chicago, IL --
When we recently found about one of the hottest restaurants to hit Chicago in a number of years, we decided to find a room, or table at Room 21, and when you walk into this dining bliss, you will want to grab a camera, because this is one place you are going to want to remember for months to come.
For those who dine out in Chicago regularly or while in town on business, or those who nose for awesome food, then you will know the innovator of the Room 21 that brought other entertaining restaurants in Chicagoland such as Carnivale, Marche, Redlight, Gioco and more, this South Loop location doesn't disappoint.
After taking a quick tour, you will find this one of the most unique restaurants in the city. The building dates back to the early 1920’s back the days of the mafia running parts of the city, when it served as a bootlegger’s warehouse. Next to the bar, you will find a dark and uniquely lit hallway that was told to be an escape passageway for Al Capone. A piece of history right before dinner, not a bad way to have something to talk about over dinner now is it?
The door now leads to one of the most impressive areas we have seen for a chefs table. Overlooking the entire kitchen and giving that secret mafia meeting feeling, it is a great place for what they will soon reserve for private parties.
You can expect to have dinner with a bright color scheme and oversized light fixtures. There is a wall divider sculpture between the bar and the seating area that is made up from the brushes that the street sweepers use. No attention to detail is left undone like the chairs that feature great fabric and even have a Louis Vuitton suitcase handle affixed to the back.
After taking in all of the little intricacies that Room 21 has to offer, if you thought the Kleiner design was cool wait until you try the menu items.
Our first take at the menu came from Room 21’s starters of the menu in the Shrimp and Goat Cheese Quesadilla and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake.
If you like something that has a different seafood taste then the Quesadilla is certainly offers a very unique taste. What we liked best about the Quesadilla was that it was not extremely greasy like some appetizer quesadillas tend to be. Packed with shrimp and lightly grilled, it is well worth the $11 and then some.
We must admit that we have tried crab almost a thousand different ways by now, some great and some not even good enough to write about and we were served the Jumbo Lump Crab cake, you could see the large pieces of crab without even cutting into it. This is one that would make Marylanders envious. It was almost entirely crab with little fillers at all. This is a must have for $16.
Staying with the seafood theme and something that is straight out of New England is the Lobster pot pie. Filling and if you like lobster, then this is packed full of huge chunks of lobster and this one you don’t have to even crack open to experience award winning flavor pop with each bite.
While most of the starters are like the art in the restaurant, the entrees as just as stunning in design and flavor.
The selections for the evening were a Roasted Halibut and a 10 ounce Filet Mignon. The menu offers a wide selection of beef, seafood, pork and chicken.
The Halibut is a very generous portion of fish served with Tomato Gratin, Spinach and Pancetta and topped with Toasted Pinenuts. The fish barely stays on the fork and it screams freshness like no other and for $27, you better get it while you can.
If you love steaks, then wait until you bite into the Filet. Room 21 is not labeled a steakhouse, but the filet and the four steak selections are going to satisfy the best beef lover. Our filet was cooked to order at $36 and adding their Sautéed Spinach and Garlic for $7 is one you can’t think about twice or it will be gone. The twice baked potato is loaded full of flavor, so much you will not want to have just one.
While we loved the appetizers and the entrees, it is the deserts that really are going to have you swooning for more.
How about a Blueberry Crème Brule topped with fresh Blueberries sound? It sent our taste buds through the ceiling, enough for us to have to wait for a contractor give us a bill for the damage. All desserts are made on premise by a pastry chef who cares if you come back for more than just their entrees.
Before you leave, we highly suggest taking a few minutes……. Well maybe an hour or so to sip on one of their signature cocktails. Their bartenders truly care about taste too… We highly recommend the Sex in the South Loop, but please do it inside the restaurant if you must and not in the secret hallway… Okay enough about what we might do; this drink combines Malibu Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur and a Splash of Champagne. Shall we say this drink good enough for say a repeat or four? After a couple of these , you won’t want to take your eyes off your date, we sure didn’t Wait, that’s our co-worker and we are sure that wouldn’t go over to well with the boss.
For those who like a Bloody Mary at a Sunday afternoon brunch, try the Room 21 version, a Bloody Capone, which is a mix of Absolut Peppar, Spicy Tomato Juice and garnished with Cambozola Stuffed Olives. For those who enjoy something with a taste of summer and the delight of the islands, we suggest the Alaia, with its Flower Garnish, it is sure to leave your evening a bit brighter.
If you have come to Room 21 on a date, we definitely recommend the patio seating. The landscaping makes you feel like you are in a private garden. The huge planter boxes made us feel like we were in the movie King Kong, as they are huge and definitely eye catching throughout the courtyard that holds up to 125 patrons. Outside dining is scheduled to be an option at least the middle of October, weather permitting. Great addition to a great restaurant. We think they should serve hot chocolate on the patio in February though with chocolate smores for dessert. I am not sure General Manager Ryan O’Donnell would take us up on the idea.
A Few hints before for entering Room 21. Expect dining bliss, dress chic and you will leave with smile on your face and hers too.
Room 21 is located in the Southside Neighborhood of Chicago on South Wabash Avenue. Valet parking is available in front of the restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended and can be obtained by calling (312) 328-1198
