The Dearborn opened in 2016 in a large corner space on the Loop in downtown Chicago.  Two sisters with lots of experience in the hospitality industry joined together to open the restaurant inspired by Chicago’s past, with scratch made approach to the food. Windows to the streets make up a couple walls of this multi room place. A combination of booths and wood topped tables as well as stools in the bar fill the space that has music in the background. Service is friendly and efficient.  They offered umbrella bags as well as a coat hanger stand before we were seated in the comfy large booth.  We had a wonderful relaxed meal while watching the place fill up at noon. I would go again.

Facility

 

Food

We started with the Everything Parker House Rolls that come with a Boursin-cream cheese spread.  There were 3 large ones in the order and they were topped with a variety of seeds. They were hot and good.  Not the best I’ve ever had but very satisfying.

 

Fish & Chips *as seen on beat Bobby Flay* were tempura-battered cod with rainbow slaw, remoulade, charred lemon and fries. It was one large filet of fish in a wonderful crisp coating that accented the fish rather than overwhelming it.  The slaw was really tasty and nicely dressed and seasoned. It also came with a generous serving of crisp fries. The remoulade sauce was another winner as it wasn’t so strong it smothered the delicate fish but rather really complimented it. The charred lemon held lots of juice if that is your preference but this time I preferred the remoulade or plain. There was also a cup of ketchup for the fries.  It was a well balanced plate and one I would recommend.

 

The Dearborn Burger is made with CDK Farms beef and served with Wisconsin cheddar, special sauce, dill pickle and Bibb lettuce on a brioche bun.  We added caramelized onions for $2.  The nice soft bun was well filled with the juicy, perfectly cooked beef patty. A cone of fries was alongside and they were hot and crisp.  It was a good burger but the fish was the better plate.

 

Chef Juliana’s triple chocolate chip cookies come 2 to an order.  They were huge cookies stuffed with chocolate chunks in a crispy tasty batter.   They were excellent and I believe you can get Chef’s dough to go so you can make them at home.  We also got a scoop of Salted caramel brownie ice cream to go with the cookies.  It was a large serving and filled with fudgy brownie pieces. While they were really good, I think a scoop of plain ice cream would have been a better accompaniment.  Her salted caramel flavor was strong and lovely by itself.