Your Ultimate Lettuce Guide to Summer
You'll want to bookmark this one
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!
Skip ahead to:
Summer Lunches • Summer Fridays • New Brunches • Sunday Funday • Summer Fun • Happy Hours • Patios
Summer Entertaining • School’s Out • Cool Treats
Summer Lunches
New Weekday Lunch at Aba – Chicago
Weekday lunch just got an upgrade at Aba this summer. Gather your team for a lunch break done right—enjoying mezze favorites, including Smoky Garlic Hummus, Whipped Feta Spread, Green Falafel, and Greek Village Salad alongside exclusive weekday lunch specials available Monday – Friday, from 11:00 – 4:00 PM, all summer long.
Make a lunch reservation at Aba – Chicago
Weekday Lunch Specials at Ema – Glenview
Ema – Glenview is serving up delicious lunch specials every day of the week like the Lunch Kebab Special, which includes your choice of Classic or Spicy Hummus with house bread or crudité, plus a Chicken Kefta Kebab or Grilled Chicken Kebab served with cucumber-tomato salad and lemon-dill basmati rice, all for $18.95, plus tax (gratuity not included).
Make a lunch reservation at Ema – Glenview
Summer Fridays
$1 Fro-Yo Fridays at Rotisserie Ēma
It’s back! $1 Fro-Yo Fridays return to Rotisserie Ema in River North from Friday, May 22 – Friday, September 4. Stop by Rotisserie Ema for mezze lunch favorites, grab & go hummus, salads and spreads (plus select beer and canned wine!) and to snag a signature Frozen Greek Yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt to-go for $1 each*, plus tax, every Friday between 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Switch up your topping game with Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce or Pistachio Sauce w/ Crumbled Cinnamon Phyllo for $2 each*, plus tax. *To-go only, one per person, while supplies last.
Visit Rotisserie Ema for $1 Fro-Yo Fridays
Find more drool-worthy ice cream this way.
Summer Friday Brunch at Beatrix – River North, Fulton Market & Streeterville
The best place to spend a Friday in the summer is at Beatrix for an added day of brunch at the River North, Fulton Market and Streeterville locations! Enjoy brunch favorites like Light & Fluffy Lemon Pancakes, Migas Egg Scramble, Prime Cheeseburger and more as you toast with a Mimosa, Beatrix Espresso Martini or Spicy Bloody Mary! Don’t forget to stop by the coffee & pastry counter and try new seasonal drinks like the Iced Lemon Burst Matcha and Sugar Cookie Cold Brew.
Make a reservation at Beatrix – River North | Make a reservation at Beatrix – Fulton Market | Make a reservation at Beatrix – Streeterville
Summer Hours at Gus’ Sip & Dip
Gus’ Sip & Dip is now open early every Friday and Saturday at 12:00 PM. Whether you’re craving a Roasted Turkey Dip, a crisp Knife & Fork Avocado Caesar, or the irresistible Wisconsin Cheese Curds, the full menu will be available, including new additions like the Our Burgers. 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!
Start the weekend early with Summer Friday Lunch hours at Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! From 11:00 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!
New Brunches
Weekend Brunch at Aba – Nashville
Make plans to pop by Aba – Nashville‘s sprawling patio for new weekend brunch exclusives such as Kefta & Eggs, Khachapuri, Jerusalem Bagel & Smoked Salmon Spread and more in addition to your mezze favorites starting at 10:00 AM every Saturday and Sunday. Add a seasonal Spritz Tower, including eight spritzes to keep the bubbles flowing all brunch long!Make a reservation for weekend brunch at Aba – Nashville
Weekend Brunch at Ema – Glenview
Enjoy new weekend brunch exclusives at Ema – Glenview, such as Chocolate Babka French Toast, Lamb Shakshuka, Kefta & Eggs and Jerusalem Bagel & Smoked Salmon Spread in addition to your mezze favorites from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM every Saturday – Sunday! Plus, sip new cocktails exclusive to weekend brunch including Chocolate Honey Carajillo, Passionfruit Spritz, Limoncello Spritz, and Harissa Bloody Mary.
Make a brunch reservation at Ema – Glenview
Sunday Funday
Sunday Brunch at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
Enjoy a chic Parisian brunch at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park with new dishes including the French Toast Briand with strawberries, vanilla crème fraîche, and Okinawa brown sugar. More new additions include the Omelette au Crabe and Truffle Scrambled Eggs, all poised to be some of your new favorites.
Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
$3 Taco Sundays at Tallboy Taco
After a morning at Oak Street Beach, take a stroll into Streeterville for $3 Tacos, all day, every Sunday at Tallboy Taco! 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
Summer Fun
Summer Launch Party at Miru
Kick off summer at Miru on Saturday, June 13, with an afternoon terrace party in partnership with Flecha Azul Tequila and Aspen Vodka! Take in sweeping views of Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the river while sipping cocktails from the margarita bar, enjoying vodka and caviar tastings, and indulging in hand rolls made to order, Crispy Chicken and Pork Belly Bao, Edamame Guacamole, roaming Mochi carts, and more Japanese-inspired bites. With terrace games, a live DJ, a photo booth, and flowing cocktails, this open-air celebration is the ultimate start to summer. Tickets are $98 per person, plus tax and service fee.
Purchase tickets to the Summer Party at Miru
And continue the party all summer long with more things to do at Lettuce near you.
Summer of Rosé at RPM Seafood
From Monday, June 1 – Wednesday, September 30, celebrate the season with RPM Seafood’s Summer of Rosé, a special menu highlighting the best in rosé wines, from crisp pours and sparkling rosé Champagne, to impressive large-format bottles. The menu will include Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne, the most famous Rosé Champagne, alongside a curated, rotating selection of still rosés, all rarely available by the glass.
Make a reservation for Summer of Rosé at RPM Seafood
Set Sail with Boat Catering Menus
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 Order | Order summer merch from Pizzeria Portofino
Shaw’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. Inquir
Live Music at Bub City
At Bub City – Rosemont, enjoy live music Thursday – Saturday nights starting at either 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM! And there’s always something going on at Bub City – River North, from Live Band Karaoke on Wednesdays to new Sing-Along Thursdays, plus live music!
See the Bub City – River North Live Music Lineup | See the Bub City – Rosemont Live Music Lineup
Plus, check out the Road to Smokeout Concert Series exclusively at Bub City – River North! We’re counting down the days until Windy City Smokeout 2026! Every weekend in June, join Bub City, Windy City Smokeout, US99 and Busch Light to welcome country’s rising stars to the Bub City stage for four incredible concerts to get you ready for the fest.
Learn more about Road to Smokeout at Bub City – River North
Celebrate Festival Season with Lettuce
Get ready for summer festivals and main events including our very own Windy City Smokeout (July 8 – 12)! 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.
Get a Front Row Seat to Lakefront Fireworks at Miru
Every 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
Riverfront Workouts + Coffee at Pizzeria Portofino
Start your Summer Fridays by the river at Pizzeria Portofino’s Yoga, Coffee & DJ series! Grab your besties and head to the patio for 45-minute morning workout classes set to a live DJ and skyline views, with sessions at 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM on May 29, June 26, and July 31. Not feeling the workout? No problem, stop by at 8:00 AM to enjoy the coffee, music, and pre-office vibes instead. Pricing is $20 – $55 per person, plus tax (gratuity not included).
Check out the lineup and purchase tickets to Yoga, Coffee & DJ at Pizzeria Portofino
Try Something New
Summer is the perfect time to explore what’s new at Lettuce, from new spots like Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club and Crying Tiger to fresh menu highlights including Ahi Tuna Tostadas at Big Bowl, new Tex-Mex favorites at Bub City or the return of Bone-In Alaskan Halibut at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab.
View the full list of Lettuce restaurants near you.
Cheers to Happy Hours
From Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba!‘s $22 Sangria Pitcher Mondays to a happy hour on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park to the rotating $3 cookie of the day from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at The Cookie Bar by Summer House, check off these happy hours all summer long!
Discover more Lettuce Happy Hours near you.
People Watch on a Patio
RPM 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
Summer Entertaining
Fire Up the Grill with Prime Meats by Lettuce
Grilling 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
Make summer hosting easy and leave the cooking to us! From Antico Posto’s Italian-inspired salads and new sandwiches like Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Meatball, and Caprese to L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge favorites like ribs, mac and cheese, L. Woods Chopped Salad, and Key Lime Pie, there’s something for every kind of backyard hang, picnic, or celebration.
View the catering menu from Antico Posto | View the catering menu from L. Woods
Have a Picnic
Pack the perfect summer picnic with favorites from Lettuce. Grab Sushi-san – Willis Tower rolls or fresh picks from Beatrix Market – DePaul Loop for an easy weekday lunch in Millennium Park, take R.J. Grunts burgers and wraps to Lincoln Park, or bring Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! tapas and sangria to-go for a beach day by the lake—the possibilities are endless.
Explore more delicious picnic options.
School’s Out
The Best Menus for Kiddos
From 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 and Big City Chicken
Tourists 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, or Big City Chicken for Chicken Strips, sandwiches, and fries.
Chill Out With Cool Treats
Weekday Fro-Yo Fun at Ema – Glenview
Who doesn’t love an after-dinner fro-yo run in the summer? Stop by the carryout window at Ema – Glenview every night after 6:00 PM to enjoy Fro-Yo To-Go. Cool down with Ema’s signature Frozen Greek Yogurt topped with olive oil and sea salt, or rotating seasonal toppings including Strawberry, Orange Dreamsicle and Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookie Crumbles & Sprinkles for $5.95 each, plus tax (while supplies last; offer valid at Ema – Glenview location only).
Scream for Ice Cream
From the walk-up soft-serve window at Sushi-san – Nashville, soft serve sundaes at L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge to cookie shakes at The Cookie Bar by Summer House and house-made gelato at Pizzeria Portofino and more, end every meal on a cool note this summer.
Sip Frozen Cocktails
From Frozé at Summer House and the Thirst Trap frozen spritz at Aba – Austin, Nashville, 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!
