The Lakefront Restaurant – Theater on the Lake

Casual Elegance on Chicago’s Lakefront
Open Year Round

Hours

Menus

Located in the historic Theater on the Lake building at Fullerton, The Lakefront Restaurant is an upscale tavern with seating for 125 at intimate tables, communal seating and a lounge area. The Lakefront’s Skyline Patio, open seasonally, provides stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline with seating for 80.

Join us and enjoy Midwestern fare made with the freshest choice ingredients. Expect an approachable menu alongside breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Our beverage program highlights the craft beer and spirit scene with a diverse wine list.

CALENDAR

Days We Are Open

Friday, June 27

Sunday, June 29

Monday, June 30

Tuesday, July 1

Wednesday, July 2

Thursday, July 3

Friday, July 4

Sunday, July 6

Monday, July 7

Tuesday, July 8

Wednesday, July 9

Thursday, July 10

Friday, July 11

Sunday, July 13

Monday, July 14

Friday, July 18

Monday, July 21

Tuesday, July 22

HOURS

Please see the calendar to confirm hours for specific days

Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Please note, we stop seating one hour prior to the closing time listed above
Dinner Specials available starting at 4 p.m. daily
Weekend Brunch served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (other menu items not available during this time)
Appetizers and drinks available between Brunch & Dinner on the weekends

PARKING

Valet parking available for $15/car (cash only)
2-Hour Parking

*Price valid for restaurant guests only. Self-parking availability may vary due to weather conditions or during major holidays.

Rates vary for special events.

There is street parking on Cannon Dr and Stockton Dr, just to the West of Lake Shore Drive. There is also parking at the Diversey Harbor lot, located on Cannon, north of Fullerton, across from the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

RESERVATION INFORMATION

We strongly encourage reservations to ensure we can accommodate you and your guests. We accept standard reservations for parties of 10 or less. Reservations for parties of 11 or 12 are available on a limited basis, pending availability and our event schedule, and can be made by calling the restaurant. We are not able to take multiple smaller reservations (i.e. 2 tables of 8) for larger groups. Please view the Events & Group Dining section for more information.

We do our best to accommodate all requests, however we are not able to guarantee seating preferences. You can mention your seating preference (indoor or outdoor: Eastlake Terrace or Skyline Patio) when making your reservation.

We ask that you limit your visit to 2-hours to ensure we can accommodate all parties and properly sanitize tables between reservations. Gratuity will be added to parties of 8 or more. We do not allow dogs on the patio or inside the venue. Should you have any questions, please call us at 312-414-1313.

We look forward to seeing you at The Lakefront!

EVENTS & GROUP DINING

With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, The Lakefront Restaurant is an ideal venue for special occasions. The restaurant can accommodate groups up to 40 seated and up to 60 for cocktail receptions with an Event or Group Dining booking. For larger events, visit our Venue Rental page for information on renting our private event space(s).

Our Event & Group Dining brochure outlines our food and beverage options for large groups, including seasonally inspired menus and beverage pairings for lunch, dinner, and cocktail receptions. Food and beverage minimums may be required based on the date, time, availability, and space(s) required. A deposit is required to book an Event or Group Dining reservation.

Complete the form below to inquire about an event or group dining opportunity at The Lakefront Restaurant, or contact [email protected].

Event or Group Dining Inquiry

Section

Name *

(first)

Last *

(last)

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Date of Event *

The restaurant does not take reservations or group dining bookings more than 45-days in advance.

Time of Event *

Event bookings are primarily 3-hour windows

Number of People *

Number must be 13 - 50

Occasion *

Please note, we do not book events in the restaurant more than 45-days in advance. To secure space for a later event you may rent one of the venue's private event spaces. The restaurant is closed most Saturdays for private events. For events for more than 50 people, please visit the Venue Rental page of the website.

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If you are human, leave this field blank.

Please note, submission of this form does not constitute a reservation or booking. To make a standard reservation, click here.

MENUS

We Are Open Year Round!

BEVERAGES

LUNCH & DINNER

WEEKEND BRUNCH

Lunch & Dinner

STARTERS

Bread & Butter
assorted gourmet breads, whipped sea salt butter (V) 6

Cheese Board
three gourmet cheeses, dried apricots, castelevetrano olives, peppadew, grain mustard, olive oil & sel gris flatbread (V) 20

Old Bay Shrimp Ceviche*
citrus-cured Old Bay shrimp, avocado crema, tortilla chips (GF) 16

Crispy Tuna*
sashimi grade yellowfin tuna, avocado, crispy sushi rice, drizzled umami sauce, fresh jalapeño,
crispy tortilla crunch, chili mayo (GF) 18

Oysters*
1/2 dozen, mignonette, & cocktail sauce (GF) 19

Fresno Pepper Deviled Eggs*
chives, picked onions (V/GF) 9

Wings
Daisy Cutter bbq, adobo buffalo, or sweet heat, yogurt ranch or blue cheese dip 12

vegetarian – V gluten free – GF vegan – VG
Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

SOUP & SALADS

Tomato Bisque
toasted garlic harvest sourdough 9 (V)

Cobb Salad*
slow roasted chicken, egg, cucumbers, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, carrots, bourbon blue cheese, red onion, yogurt ranch 16 (GF)

Orchard Salad
slow roasted chicken, butter lettuce, mixed greens, sliced apple,
dried cranberries, blue cheese, candied sunflower seeds,
balsamic vinaigrette 16 (GF)

Guajillo Chicken Salad
guajillo-spiced chicken, queso fresco, black beans, jicama scallions, carrots, roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy tortilla strips, chipotle-cilantro ranch 15 (GF)

Side Salad
greens, cucumbers, pickled onions, cherry tomatoes 7 (V/GF)

vegetarian – V gluten free – GF vegan – VG
*Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

HANDHELDS

Annatto Cauliflower Tacos
grapefruit yum-yum sauce, red cabbage, cilantro, onion, roasted red salsa & chips 13 (v/gf)

Chicken Tinga Tacos
chipotle spiced chicken, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, roasted red salsa & chips 14 (gf)

Lobster Roll
Maine lobster, butter lettuce, New England bun 28

Pesto Chicken Sandwich
seared chicken breast, sunflower spinach pesto, sun-dried tomato aioli,
stracciatella cheese, ciabatta 15

BLT Sandwich
Nueske’s bacon, butter lettuce, tomato, bacon mayo, Publican sourdough 14

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Bisque
challah bread, cheddar cheese, parmesan crema 14

Brisket Dip
horseradish, gruyere, pepperoncini mayo, arugula, toasted baguette, au jus 17

Cheeseburger*
butter-griddled beef, one-year cheddar, remoulade, lettuce, tomato, brioche 15
add Nueske’s bacon 2 add fried egg 2

vegetarian – V gluten free – GF vegan – VG
Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

MAINS

Halibut *
crisp Mexican cole slaw, asparagus lime beurre blanc, cilantro oil (gf) 28

Fish & Chips *
312 beer battered cod with house cut french fries and tartar sauce 18

Chicken Fried Chicken *
double fried chicken breast, apple sausage gravy, gruyere mashed potatoes,
red pepper and fennel slaw 26

Steak & Frites *
Black garlic cafe de paris, parmesan fries (gf) 33

SIDES

Sautéed Market Vegetables (v/gf) 6

Elote (v/gf) 6

French Fries (vg/gf) 5

Roasted Red Salsa & Chips (gf) 5

vegetarian – V gluten free – GF vegan – VG
Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

DESSERT

Key Lime Pie (v) 10

Sour Cream Chocolate Caramel Cake (v) 10

Amaro Tiramisu (v) 10

Chocolate & Vanilla Bread Pudding (v)
with caramel, creme anglaise 10

Jeni’s Ice Cream (v)
single 4 or double 8

Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

KIDS

Cheddar Grilled Cheese & French Fries 9

Cheesy Cheddar Quesadilla with Salsa 9

Chicken Tenders & French Fries 9

Mac & Cheese 9

Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

Weekend Brunch
Served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Other menu items unavailable during this time.

STARTERS

Fresno Pepper Deviled Eggs*
crispy bacon, chives, pickled onions 10 (GF)

Breakfast Nachos*
two eggs, crispy bacon, cheddar, black beans, charred fresno crema, salsa, cilantro, onions, sliced fresnos 14

Old Fashioned Donut Holes
creme anglaise 6 (V)

Brisket Tostadas
three toasted tortillas, braised brisket, Guinness Mole, cabbage, cilantro crema,
queso fresco, pickled watermelon radishes, micro cilantro 14

Brunch Cheese Board
maple bacon, three gourmet cheeses, strawberry jam, toasted baguettes,
hard boiled egg, sliced apple 24

Wings
Daisy Cutter bbq or adobo buffalo, yogurt ranch or blue cheese dip 12

vegetarian – V gluten free – GF vegan – VG
Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.

SOUPS & SALADS

Tomato Bisque
toasted garlic harvest sourdough 9 (V)

Cobb Salad*
slow roasted chicken, egg, cucumbers, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, carrots, bourbon blue cheese, red onion, yogurt ranch 16 (GF)

Guajillo Chicken Salad
guajillo-spiced chicken, queso fresco, black beans, jicama scallions, carrots, roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy tortilla strips, chipotle-cilantro ranch 15 (GF)
add an egg 2

MAINS

Yogurt Fruit Bowl
Country View Dairy Greek Farms yogurt, granola, seasonal fruit, apricot honey 11 (V/GF)

Churro French Toast
orange zest, maple syrup 12 (V)

Braised Tomato Chipotle Chicken*
two sunny side up egg, queso fresco, avocado & tortillas 13

Beer-Braised Brisket Hash*
poblano peppers, red peppers, red onions, two fried eggs 15

Open-Faced Omelet*
market vegetables, smashed and fried potatoes, toasted ciabatta 14 (V)
add a meat 3

HANDHELDS

Avocado Toast*
sliced avocado, tomatoes on the vine, fried egg, sesame chili oil, Publican sourdough (v) 12

Braised Tomato Chipotle Chicken*
two sunny side up egg, queso fresco, avocado & tortillas 13

Brunch Sandwich*
toasted sunflower spinach pesto, fried egg, Nueske’s bacon, gruyère cheese, brioche bun,
smashed & fried potatoes 16

Brunchburger*
butter-griddled beef, one-year cheddar, fried egg, bloody mary ketchup, brioche bun 16
add Nueske’s bacon 2

SIDES

Bread & Butter
assorted gourmet breads, whipped honey butter 4 (V)

Seasonal Fruit 5 (VG/GF)

Two Eggs A-La Carte* 4 (GF)

Smashed & Fried Potatoes 5 (VG)

Sausage Patties* 5

Veggie Sausage 5 (V)

Thick-Cut Nueske’s Bacon* 5 (GF)

KIDS

Churro French Toast 9

Chicken Tenders & Smashed Potatoes 9

Scrambled Cheddar Eggs & Bacon* 9

Smashed Potatoes 4

Fruit Bowl 4

Please alert our staff on any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food borne illness.