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Your Ultimate Lettuce Guide to Summer

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Summer is here and we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the season at your favorite Lettuce Entertain You restaurants. From things to do and things to eat, here is your one-stop shop for everything summer!

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Summer FridaysSunday FundaySummer Fun • Summer EntertainingSchool’s Out • Cool Treats

Summer Fridays

$1 Fro-Yo Fridays at Rotisserie Ēma

Pistachio frozen yogurt with phyllo, frozen yogurt with olive oil and sea salt and frozen yogurt with strawberry rhubarb topping at Rotisserie EmaThe start of the weekend just got sweeter! Pop by Rotisserie Ema to grab Frozen Greek Yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt to-go for $1 each, plus tax (offer valid while supplies last, limit one per person), available every Friday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM*. New this year, up your topping game with Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce or Pistachio Sauce with Crumbled Cinnamon Phyllo for $2 each, plus tax. Enjoy your fro-yo with lunch, or stop by for an early afternoon treat! *Offer valid at Rotisserie Ema at 74 W Illinois Street in Chicago.

Find more drool-worthy ice cream this way.

Friday Lunch at Aba – Chicago

Aba dinner spreadMark your calendar for Friday, June 6 at 11:00 AM, when you can start kicking off your weekends early with Summer Friday Lunch at Aba in Chicago’s Fulton Market! Enjoy mezze favorites including Charred Eggplant Spread, Green Falafel and Greek Village Salad, alongside other lunch specials.

Make a reservation at Aba – Chicago

Summer Fridays at Beatrix – River North, Fulton Market & Oak Brook

An overhead photo of a table set with various brunch dishes from Beatrix such as coffee, bacon, scrambled eggs, vanilla yogurt, waffles and moreThe best place to spend a Friday in the summer is at Beatrix for an added day of brunch! Every Friday throughout summer at Beatrix’s River North, Fulton Market and Oak Brook locations, enjoy favorites such as Chilaquiles, Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Sandwich, Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, and more, as you toast to the weekend ahead with a Mimosa or Spicy Bloody Mary!

Make a reservation at Beatrix – River North | Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton MarketMake a reservation at Beatrix – Oak Brook

Summer Hours at Gus’ Sip & Dip

burger, side of fries, beef dip sandwich along with 2 beers and a martiniGus’ Sip & Dip is now open early every Friday and Saturday at 12:00 PM. Whether you’re craving a Wagyu Beef Dip, a crisp Avocado Caesar, or the irresistible Proper Burger, the full menu will be available, including new additions like the Wagyu Chili Cheese Dog. And yes, there’s always time for a Martini (or two). Come sip, dip, and stay awhile. (On Fridays, Happy Hour is from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, when the Cocktail of the Day is half-price – only $6 each, plus tax!)
Gus’ Sip & Dip is walk-in only

Friday Lunch Hours at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! lunch itemsStart the weekend early with Summer Friday Lunch hours at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! From 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM every Friday, slip into an afternoon of sangria and your favorite Spanish tapas.

Make a reservation at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!

Sunday Funday

Sunday Brunch + Bellinis at Aba – Chicago

Aba Bellini TowerSummer Sundays are best spent enjoying brunch at Aba! Exclusively during weekend brunch starting June 21, share the Brunch Bellini Tower featuring eight assorted Blueberry, Strawberry and Kiwi Bellinis for $110, plus tax, along with Mediterranean-inspired specials and favorites including Short Rib Shakshuka, Avocado & Spinach Frittata, Whipped Feta Spread and Strawberry Rhubarb Biscuit from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Make a Sunday brunch reservation at Aba – Chicago

$3 Taco Sundays at Tallboy Taco

Tallboy Taco tacos spreadAfter a morning on Oak Street Beach, take a stroll into Streeterville for $3 Tacos, all day, every Sunday! Grab a seat on the patio or cool off inside with Carne Asada, Crispy Shrimp, Chicken Chimichurri and more yummy tacos. (Offer available for dine-in only.)
View the menu at Tallboy Taco 

La Merenda Toscana at Bar Tre Dita

La Merenda Happy Hour at Bar Tre DitaAmericans have happy hour, the Brits have afternoon tea, and the Italians? They have La Merenda — a cherished tradition of leisurely afternoon snacking that embodies the heart of Tuscany. Now available at Bar Tre Dita on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, experience La Merenda in the bar and lounge at Tre Dita. Price is $60 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included).
Make a reservation at Bar Tre Dita 

Summer Fun

Patio Parties & Spritz Socials

Brunch event spread at The Oakville Grill & CellarParty all summer long! Whether it’s a patio party, rosé soiree, spritz social or wine mixer on the terrace, we have you covered. Check out all the things to do at Lettuce near you.

Set Sail with Boat Catering Menus

Four women enjoying Pizzeria Portofino's boat menu on a yacht.One of the best parts of Summertime Chi is getting out on Lake Michigan. Let Pizzeria Portofino cater your boat day with their Boat Catering Menu, a collection of the restaurant’s signature dishes that guests can order for carryout directly to their boats. For those who wish to pull up their boat to Pizzeria Portofino and enjoy, dock space can be reserved in advance through our partners at Downtown Docks. Don’t forget to grab some of their riviera-vibe merch including beach towels and cooler bags to make your ride even better. View the Pizzeria Portofino Boat Catering Menu

Place your Pizzeria Portofino Boat Catering OrderOrder summer merch from Pizzeria Portofino

Shaw's Crab House roaming oyster shuckerShaw’s Crab House has been the Windy City’s seafood expert for 40 years, and this summer, the Shaw’s team is inviting you to take to the water with Shaw’s catering for private yacht charters or with Chicago’s Wendella Boats or First Lady Cruises. Shaw’s can elevate all of your summer parties on land or lake with a raw bar, exclusive Whole Norwegian King Crab broken down tableside for your guests, or with one of Shaw’s roaming oyster shuckers, who can add an interactive, entertaining and educational element to any event. Inquire about Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago or Schaumburg. 

Celebrate Festival Season with Lettuce

Windy City Smokeout stageGet ready for summer festivals and main events including our very own Windy City Smokeout (July 10 – 13)! Enjoy great food, music, and fun in the sun. Heading to other festivals? Fuel up or continue the party with us, explore Lettuce Restaurants near you.

People Watch on a Patio

RPM Seafood's PatioRPM Seafood is riverside dining at its best! This prime spot is perfect for a relaxing summer evening and some of the best people-watching in the city. Stop by for dinner any evening or during the weekend for lunch, and check out our many other gorgeous patios perfect for soaking up the sun this summer.

Make a reservation at RPM Seafood

Get a Front Row Seat to Lakefront Fireworks at Miru

The Terrace at MiruEvery Wednesday and Saturday night throughout the summer, diners on the 11th floor terrace at Miru at The St. Regis Chicago can enjoy front row, unobstructed views of the Chicago fireworks at Navy Pier, which begin at 9:00 PM on Wednesday and 10:00 PM on Saturday. Make a reservation at Miru

Dine al Fresco at Mon Ami Gabi – Bethesda

Mon Ami Gabi on Bethesda RowSoak up the sun with a laid-back summer lunch or breezy brunch with friends on the patio at the newly renovated and reopened Mon Ami Gabi – Bethesda.

Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi – Bethesda

Try Something New

Bub City Golden Fluffy PancakeSummer is the perfect time to explore what’s new at Lettuce, from the all-new brunch menu at Bub City (home of a Golden Fluffy Pancake as big as your head!) and the menu of 30 classic cocktails available for just $12 each, plus tax, at Gus’ Sip & Dip in Chicago’s River North (just named one of the Best New Bars in America by Bon Appetit Magazine!), to mezze from Chef CJ Jacobson at Ema – Glenview and the must-try Vesper Crudite Martini at the newly renovated and reopened Mon Ami Gabi on Bethesda Row in metro D.C.

View the full list of Lettuce restaurants near you.

Summer Entertaining

Fire Up the Grill with Prime Meats by Lettuce

Prime Meats by Lettuce Westholme 12 ounce strip with RPM steak salt, truffles, tallow and rosemary butterGrilling season is made easy with Prime Meats by Lettuce, our new delivery-only butcher shop, bringing restaurant-quality steaks and chops right to your door. Order steaks and chops from Prime Meats by Lettuce (for delivery within Chicago city limits only).

Grill like a chef with these tips and check out these burger recipes.

Host a Backyard BBQ with L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge

L Woods picnic menu for cateringFrom ribs and mac and cheese, to L. Woods Chopped Salad and Key Lime Pie, L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge’s catering menu is perfect for your next summer BBQ. Available for carryout or delivery, your L. Woods favorites are available for 8-10 of your nearest and dearest at the click of a button.

View the catering menu from L. WoodsOrder catering from L. Woods

Have a Picnic

Beatrix Market offeringsGet your weekday summer picnic sorted with Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop. Stop by before heading to Millennium Park or the Lakefront and choose from sandwiches, wraps, build-your-own salad bar and hot bar, hummus bar, deep dish pizza, Beatrix Coffee Roasters coffee drinks, house-made pastries and grab & go items—the possibilities are endless.

Saranello's Boxed Lunch with sandwich, side and lemon cookiesSaranello’s is now offering three-course boxed lunches available from Monday – Friday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for carryout and delivery. Perfect for an mid-week picnic with friends or colleagues, choose from five chef-picked sandwiches, four filling sides, and two lemon cookies for dessert $17.95 each, plus tax (minimum order of 6).

School’s Out

The Best Menus for Kiddos

Kids enjoying mac n' cheese at Summer HouseFrom pizza making at Summer House to delicious kids menus at other family-favorite Lettuce restaurants like Big Bowl, Joe’s Seafood, Beatrix, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! and more, here’s a list of the best kid-friendly dining spots to check out this summer.

Head to Navy Pier for Frankie’s by the Slice

Frankies by the sliceTourists and locals alike flock to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago in the summer time. If you’re taking the kiddos, be sure to stop by Frankie’s by the Slice for a slice of Neapolitan-style pizza and Chicago Italian beef sandwiches.

Chill Out With Cool Treats

Weekday Fro-Yo Fun at Ema – Glenview

Ema frozen greek yogurtWho doesn’t love an after-dinner fro-yo run in the summer? Starting Sunday, June 8, stop by the carryout window at Ema – Glenview every Sunday – Thursday from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM to enjoy Fro-Yo To-Go. Cool down with Ema’s signature Frozen Greek Yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt, sumac strawberry and sprinkles, or gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbles and sprinkles, for $5.95 each, plus tax (while supplies last; offer valid at Ema – Glenview location only).

Scream for Ice Cream

Sundaes at L. WoodsFrom sundaes at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge to house-made gelato at Pizzeria Portofino and more, end every meal on a cool note this summer. View the Lettuce Ice Cream Checklist for some of our favorite frozen treats to savor this summer.

Sip Frozen Cocktails

Rising Tides spirit-free cocktail at The Bamboo RoomFrom Frozé at Summer House and the Thirst Trap frozen spritz at Aba, to the Amalfi Lemon Ice at Pizzeria Portofino and the spirit-free Rising Tides at The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash, there are plenty of frozen cocktails to enjoy this summer across Lettuce!

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