Coming this September from the team behind Le Sud, the French Mediterranean hotspot in Roscoe Village, and Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge in Evanston, is Club 77, a hip downtown destination ideal for power lunches and after-work dinner and drinks. Located at 77 W. Wacker Dr., Club 77 will feature a menu by Executive Chef Patrick Sheerin inspired by the history and global influence found in Chicago’s iconic neighborhoods, a warm welcome by restaurateur Sandy Chen and General Manager Anna Lezza, and a refreshed interior space that mimics the history of the building in which it is located.
A born and raised Chicagoan, Chef Sheerin knew exactly where to begin when creating the menu for his newest venture. “This is my love letter to Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods,” said Sheerin. “Growing up in the city, I was able to experience firsthand all of the incredible international dishes and flavors available here. The menu will be my interpretation of classic Chicago food, with a twist.”
Diners can expect dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Midwest farms, such as the roasted eggplant and cauliflower “risotto” with a blackberry soy glaze; guajillo braised pork shoulder with corn and masa polenta and roasted peach barbecue sauce; and mezze rigatoni with a sungold tomato sauce, pecorino, fried chickpeas and rosemary.
Club 77 will conveniently offer a range of grab-and-go options for breakfast, while lunch service will lend to either a quick break or a leisurely experience with colleagues and friends. Choose from a selection of seasonal sandwiches and salads, including a corned short rib, quick slaw and pastrami’d Thousand Island on marble rye; an open-faced smoked king salmon with tahini, cucumber, dill and new onions; a warm brown rice bowl with cranberry beans and fried eggs; and fresh salad with chopped vegetables, toasted bread crumbs, grana Padano and crispy pepperoni drizzled with a white balsamic vinaigrette. Additionally, Club 77 will also offer a prix-fixe menu for theater-goers, complete with two courses and a cocktail or glass of wine.
“This isn’t your grandparents’ power lunch spot,” says General Manager Anna Lezza. “We’re a neighborhood restaurant, and we want our guests to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying their meal, whether they’re stopping in for a quick bite before a show or a leisurely catch up with friends and family.”
Those in the mood for a libation to pair with their meal can choose from a selection of American focused wines, an expansive whiskey collection, or one of Beverage Director Ryan Bono’s handcrafted cocktails. His menu embodies the “spirit” of Chicago and features refreshing options such as the Lavender Temptress, which combines lavender, CH Distillery vodka, fresh muddled strawberries, hand squeezed lemon juice and topped with Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade; Rusky Paloma, inspired by Albany Park’s influential Mexican heritage, which mixes Amarás Mezcal, Luxardo, hand squeezed grapefruit juice and organic, local sourced honey syrup; and the Spritz 77, a cocktail that continually evolves with effervescent flare fit for each season.
Staying true to the historic building that is home to Club 77, the handsome décor will remain masculine in nature with a mix of rich mahogany and regal stone—set against a color palate of royal blue and gold. Dramatic floor to ceiling windows framed with opulent, custom-made royal blue curtains create a more sophisticated setting, while the bookshelves throughout the restaurant create a cozy atmosphere.
Not only will the menu pay homage to The Windy City, but all of the collectibles that cover the bookcases and shelves throughout the restaurant were sourced from local antique stores throughout the Midwest, each with its own storied past. Photographs, taken by Owner Sandy Chen, line the walls throughout the space and tell their own story as they showcase hidden gems and iconic spots around Chicago.
With a baby grand piano sitting near the bar, this area will set the scene for the evening as guests enjoy live music Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. As with Chef Sheerin’s unexpected menu, guests won’t find traditional speakeasy tunes at Club 77. Instead, they’ll hear modern hits from local musicians while they sip on after-work cocktails.
Grab-and-go breakfast options and lunch are now available, guests can take advantage of happy hour beginning on Thursday, August 29 and dinner service will launch Monday, September 9. Club 77 will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., on Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
