The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, the iconic landmark venue located at 1401 South Michigan Avenue in the South Loop, (formerly Engine Company 104 of the Chicago Fire Department) presents Happy Hour specials between the hours of 4 and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Guests can enjoy an array of delectable appetizers, including Oysters on the Half Shell, Signature Lobster Bisque, Hand-Cut Kennebec fries, Spicy Chicken Tenders, and the Homemade Meatball Slider for only $5 each. Red and White wines are also priced at $5 over this time, and Cocktails are 50% off (excluding those over $25).
Boasting a proud and resilient history, the legendary Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is a treasured 1905 Romanesque Revival structure. The fire station was built for horse-drawn fire equipment in 1905 to serve the fashionable Prairie Avenue neighborhood. Prominent families such as the Marshall Fields and Pullmans built homes in the area after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. With an eye for detail, owners Matt and Laura O’Malley decided to retain its original charm, keeping the historic doors, its fire pole and more. The structure and menu are designed to reflect the space’s uniqueness, thoughtfulness, and relevance.
The past is preserved in the present with a variety of dining room options. In the main dining room, the carefully appointed mural envelops guests in the ambiance of the 20th century. The floor to ceiling windowed solarium, accented by plantation shutters, is energized by radiant, natural light. Adjacent to the solarium is a quaint patio originally housing the horse stables. The patio’s cobblestone pavement and tree-lined border provides a secluded urban escape. In addition to the first-floor dining options, The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant offers three private dining room options accommodating parties of 12 – 150 guests. The Veranda Lounge adjoins one of the private dining rooms and affords a spectacular view of the South Loop skyline.
The timeless house favorites, steaks, chops, and seafood are complemented by distinctive, contemporary seasonal dishes. Its culinary excellence and impeccable service has been recognized with numerous awards. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is no stranger to recognition, and rightly so. Designed by Charles F. Hermann, after becoming the Chicago City Architect, the building is characterized by its elaborate brick and limestone detailing and stunning arched windows, creating an eye-catching structure on Michigan Ave. In 1991 Ron Howard filmed some of his movie “Backdraft” there; a film about firefighter brothers on the trail of an arsonist, featuring William Baldwin, Kurt Russel, Robert DeNiro, and Donald Sutherland. In 2003 it was designated as a Chicago Landmark. The restaurant was a favorite of Mayor Richard Daley, who lived nearby. He hosted former President George W. Bush’s 60th birthday there in 2006. The establishment has been honored to host three living Presidents within its historic walls, and almost every mayor since the restaurant opened.
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant serves over 100,000 people per year in their legendary main dining rooms, their lush backyard patio space, and their elegant private dining rooms. The ambitious duo launched this year the Blue Room, a “drinking den” in the spirit of a speakeasy, in the lower level of the restaurant, featuring live music, bespoke cocktails, and creative and inspired food to much acclaim. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is known for its premiere steak and seafood, its lively mix nightly of political power brokers, neighborhood folks, and guests enjoying celebrations in addition to their regulars.
The restaurant’s mission is to deliver a guest - first, memorable dining experience that infuses thoughtfulness into every detail through the team’s sharp eye and impeccable service. Inspired by both the history and beauty of the restaurant, Chef de Cuisine Oscar Montesinos incorporates a thoughtful approach to The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant’s quintessential steakhouse menu and brings his culinary expertise to The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant kitchen with fares including prime steaks, fresh seafood, and signature dishes.
To view the full menu, please visit their website. Reservations are available on Resy. The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Valet parking is available. For more information, please visit www.chicagofirehouse.com or call (312) 786-1401. Reservations are available on Resy. Valet parking is available, and reservations are encouraged.