Hawksmoor, the British chain known for its ethically sourced steak and sustainably caught seafood, plans to open in Chicago's River North area in the summer of 2024. This decision follows the successful 2021 launch of Hawksmoor's first U.S. location in New York City, as noted by Fox 32 Chicago.
Hawksmoor's choice of setting is the historic LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse, reflecting co-founder Will Beckett's love for Chicago and his respect for the city's deep-seated food culture. The Chicago restaurant's design aims to emulate its London Borough Market location, combining modernity with old-time charm in an atmosphere of industrial aesthetics.
The upcoming Chicago restaurant will feature a 16,500-square-foot space, as reported by Chicago Eater. Hawksmoor co-founder Huw Gott aims to preserve the original architecture dating back to 1887. The main dining room will incorporate "Golden Age of Travel" attributes, all the while sustaining the venue's originality exemplified by exposed brickwork and an arching ceiling.
True to Hawksmoor's renowned ethos, the upcoming branch will serve meat from high-welfare, regenerative farming, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free cattle, that have been pasture-raised for the majority of their lives. The restaurant will maintain its partnerships with small, family-owned farms in the Midwest and East Coast, while continuing to provide full transparency regarding the hospitable origins of its meat, as relayed by Chicago Eater.
Apart from being committed to ethically sourced food, Hawksmoor is set to highlight local collaborations for their beverage program. They anticipate curating a genuinely local feel by immersing themselves in local culinary, cocktail, and spirit heritage.
Offering a distinct experience, Hawksmoor's first-floor bar area will present a unique menu that includes, among other offerings, a burger and oysters. Also providing the flexibility for guests to visit earlier or later in the evening, this diverse space should bring a vibrant energy to the restaurant, as reported in the Chicago Eater.
Hawksmoor, having been previously recognized as the "#1 Best Steak Restaurant in the world in 2022" and "#2 Best Steak Restaurant in the world in 2023" by Fox 32 Chicago, hopes to add the Chicago location to this esteemed list. The co-founders aspire to be part of the city's iconic list of steakhouses.
With the Hawksmoor team being dedicated to establishing a memorable location and serving ethically sourced food within a historic building, it is evident that they are committed to making their mark on the Chicago food scene. The anticipation for this culinary innovation is high, broadening the existing array of world-class dining establishments available in the Windy City.
