(Published April 1, 2019)
By Stephanie Racine, Staff Writer
Spring is jam-packed with sports viewing events. With college basketball, baseball and NBA games, it can be difficult to escape the hum and roar of sports, even at local restaurants. If patrons desire a quiet meal without cheers and jeers, it can be challenging to find restaurants without several televisions broadcasting. For those looking for screenless dining experiences with family and friends, there are several local options, for any kind of patron.
Free Rein
224 N Michigan Ave.
Located in the St. Jane Hotel, Free Rein is a “contemporary American Brasserie” without screens. It’s a quiet escape with a Michigan Ave. hustle and bustle backdrop. Free Rein offers breakfast and all-day dining from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. most nights, 9 p.m. on Sundays. They also offer brunch on weekends until 2 p.m. The menu includes items such as duck breast, striploin and oysters. For a more casual experience, their attached café opens daily at 7 a.m., serving coffee, pastries, and other fare.
Marisol
205 E Pearson St.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is home to screenless Marisol, featuring dishes from Chicago chef Jason Hammel. Marisol serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. They also have a bar, with happy hour options Tuesday-Friday, and counter service. Dinner options include wagyu tartare, linguine with clams and half chicken.
Nando’s
117 E Lake St.
227 E Ontario St.
nandosperiperi.com/eat/restaurants/michigan-avenue
For the more casual diner looking to escape the TV, Nando’s is located at Michigan and Lake Street. with the entrance on Lake. The location in Streeterville is 227 E. Ontario. Family friendly Nando’s serves their specialty chicken and other dishes with a fusion of Portuguese and Southern African flavors. Kid’s menu available. Nando’s is open every day 11 a.m.-11 p.m. They also offer beer and wine.
Other local screenless restaurants:
Brown Bag Seafood
340 E. Randolph
Francesca’s On Chestnut
200 E. Chestnut
miafrancesca.com/?/locations/profile/francescas-on-chestnut-gold-coast
Les Nomades
222 E. Ontatio
(1) comment
Nice to see Nando’s mentioned here — it’s one of the few spots where you can actually enjoy a meal and conversation without all the noise. Their PERi-PERi chicken is always a solid choice 🔥 If you’re into bold, flavorful chicken dishes, you might also like Dave's Hot Chickens UK — another great place for spice lovers! 🍗
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