Sable Brings “Gastrolounge” to Chicago

With its new Sable Kitchen & Bar, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants hopes to broaden the concept of gastropubs beyond beer. The Chicago “gastrolounge” pairs seasonally inspired local cuisine with a carefully chosen cocktail, cocktails, spirits and wine menu.

Sable, located adjacent to the Hotel Palomar in the city’s River North area, serves daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with Sunday brunch. The New American menu is described as “approachable ingredients thoughtfully constructed.” A bar menu focuses on snacks, medium-sized plates and brick oven flatbreads; dinner choices include small, medium and large plates that encourage sampling and sharing.

Just as executive chef Heather Terhune has committed to working with local farmers and purveyors, mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout incorporates juices, fruit purees and other local ingredients in his cocktail menu. Drink choices range from Prohibition-era classics to original Sable creations, and Sable boasts one of the region’s largest selections of brown spirits.

Sable has seating for up to 158 guests in bar, lounge, dining room and patio areas. A 30-foot-plus bar stands as the focal point of the interior, which is meant to seem soothing and sleek at the same time—old Hollywood mingled with modern industrial touches and classic Chicago warmth.