This February, acclaimed French restaurant La Grande Boucherie is bringing its Parisian dining concept to Chicago’s River North neighborhood, placing a high bet on the Chicagoans’ appetite for fine meals.
A 100-year-old glass mural from Paris that survived WWII
The 10,120 square foot restaurant marks the brand’s first location outside of New York City, and offers authentic French cuisine in a remarkable Art Nouveau interior. Boucherie has built a devoted following of locals and visitors since the opening of its first West Village location in 2016, and today La Grande Boucherie alone is hosting over 10,000 guests a week.
The two-story, 381-seat restaurant features 25-foot-tall stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago, curved ceilings, custom mosaic floors, and a 100-year-old glass mural from Paris that survived the German bombardment in WWII. The magnum opus of the design is an 82-foot-long racetrack pewter bar imported from France and constructed with traditional legacy metalworking techniques reminiscent of old-world bars. La Grande Boucherie is a testament to the fusion of art and history, a space where historical legacy is seamlessly integrated into modern dining, making every visit not just a meal, but a journey into the century’s old Paris establishment.
Chicago, a real foodie haven, with over 8,000 restaurants across the city
The Windy City is known to be a foodie haven, and many reputable culinary publications like Bon Appétit, Conde Nast Traveler, and Food & Wine have all acclaimed Chicago’s food scene. And that’s no accident. You can find a variety of heart-warming and sensational dishes in over 8,000 restaurants spread across the city.
Michelin-starred restaurants dot neighborhoods throughout the City, more than you can fit in a day of food tours. And you must make reservations months ahead. If you can’t score a reservation in these world-class establishments, you can always settle for a four-, three-, or two-star restaurant like Smyth, Oriole, Acadia–the list is endless.
It is always difficult to find the best restaurant for your date nights, or to throw the best party, be it corporate or private.
When you live in a large city like Chicago, it can be difficult to throw an elaborate birthday party at home, especially if you live in a space-constrained home. The 50 or so guests you plan to invite to mark your 30th birthday won’t all fit into your small apartment or condo. Thankfully, the Windy City has plenty of affordable world-class restaurants where you can throw an unforgettable soirée, and now La Grande Boucherie can be added to that list. For private events inquiries, you may contact eventschicago@thegroupus.com. The restaurant also has a private dining room which seats 15.
Custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar from France
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage, offering a menu rich in large-format meats, a raw bar, and an array of both classic and modern French dishes. The culinary experience is complemented by a beverage program led by Chicago mixologist Tim Williams, featuring signature cocktails, an absinthe program, and an extensive wine list, with French wines, but not only. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.
“The service, the food, and the atmosphere were all impeccable!” – a customer said
Corporate Executive Chef Maxime Kien, alongside Chef de Cuisine Michael Woodhall, promises to introduce Chicagoans to the depth and wonders of French gastronomy, from Filet Mignon Au Poivre to in-house dry-aged meats and bistro classics like Moules a la Basquaise.
The restaurant already has spectacular reviews on tripadvisor. After dining there this February, Rachel C wrote: “ We dined there tonight and are already planning our next date night! There are usually many hiccups when you dine at a brand-new restaurant. To my surprise, the service, the food, and the atmosphere were all impeccable. So much so, that I can’t believe it’s their first official day open. Our server Samantha was such a delight and I was impressed by her knowledge of their extensive menu. All her cocktail recommendations were delicious. The interior design and lively music transports me to Paris. I would definitely recommend for date night or a nice meal with your family!”
Eva M also said: “From the time I walked in until I left everything was perfect! The ambiance, food, and staff are fantastic! Cheers! I would come back here again!”
La Grande Boucherie is located at 431 N. Dearborn St. in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
