Posh Start at Fremont

Freshest new digs to show up on Illinois St. belong to the Fremont. It is the latest bar/restaurant combo to set up shop in Chicago and is owned by the Four Corners Tavern Group — the folks that brought us Ranalli’s, Kirkwood and the Gaslight. This new mammoth space kicked off it's opening with not one, but two VIP parties taking over it's two-story space. Nestled between Boho on the East and just slightly kitty corner from RPM on the West, Fremont is a sleek new watering hole and entertaining restaurant that sparkles at night with playful cocktails and interesting menu. The food menu falls somewhere between comfort food favorites like Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Shrimp Po‘ Boys with sweet potato tater tots and healthier kind of bar food selections with a variety of flatbreads and salads that include a Smoked Chicken, Grape and Asiago Cheese Flatbread and a Kale & Radicchio Salad or a Lump Crab Salad. Press was invited to see the space and experience a killer Moscow Mule made with Grey Goose. They have a very healthy selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails so there is much to try.

The interior space is dimly lit with recessed lighting, glass surfaces and lit metal tubes that cascade down the walls and across the ceiling. It has a fun rhythm with a two story atrium cutting through to the second floor space and a massive skylight ceiling that lights up the second floor space. The place offers a nice spot to hang out and have the brunch buffet on Saturdays and will be quite fun either on a winter day or in summer sun. The crowd is lively with a DJ playing a nice mix and comfy sofas on the second floor. It's a perfect spot for sipping cocktails after work as it is just a quick jaunt from many of the agencies and very accessible to Michigan Avenue. The place will be fun to catch a game after work too. You can find it at 15 W Illinois Street in Chicago, IL 60654. Currently on the Happy Hour Special, those tasty Moscow Mules are only $5 along with 1/2 price on select bottles of wine.

Hours currently are 4 PM to 2AM on Tuesday through Friday. It is open for brunch on Saturday 10 AM to 3AM and is closed on Sunday and Monday.