Hampton Social, the mecca for all-things rosé, is one of our favorite places to enjoy rosy-hued wine among an irresistible assortment of favorite seafood options. We love their main staple of lobster rolls and wine, but the restaurant just unveiled a delightful new summer menu, so now we have some new favorites to indulge in.
We ventured to the restaurant group’s Flagship location in Chicago’s River North neighborhood at 353 W. Hubbard Street and were immediately swept into the summer vibes. We were met in the “Rosé All Day lounge” with a springlike communal table dressed up in a beautiful setting with flowers everywhere. The restaurant is known for coastal-inspired food and decor and features live music, which is a nice touch.
We tried an assortment of new family-style menu items along with some old favorites. We recommend starting with the classic Bang Bang Chicken (hand-breaded with seafood salad, slaw, house BBQ, and delicious Bang Bang chili sauce) and the Colossal Crab Cake (with herb salad, grilled lemon, and green goddess dressing). If it’s a special occasion, you must order The Sparkling Seafood Tower. It features a bottle of sparkling rosé, as well as oysters, shrimp cocktail, snow crab claws, tartare, and ceviche.
For your main course, there’s a delicious hand-selected Glazed Skirt Steak that’s new on the menu with grilled asparagus, creamed street corn, and lime. The Summer Pesto Radiatori features roasted tomato, charred corn, pistachios, and pesto, alongside favorites like our go-to—the spectacular Lobster Roll, which can be prepared Manhattan-style warm and buttery or in the Maine-style chilled and creamy. As for the sides, you don’t want to miss the Truffle Fries or the Hampton Mac & Cheese.
Besides the rosé, you could opt for one of their incredible summery cocktails. We especially loved The Getaway with Blanco Tequila, lemongrass, pink peppercorn, and citrus accented with a pretty see-through feather, or the Summer in the East End, a “vibey Aperol spritz” that has lemon, cucumber, and strawberry.
If you have room for dessert, some incredible options include the Doughnut Drops, Banana Cream Pie, Blondie Brownie, and Tres Leches Pound Cake.
But, don’t let your evening end there. Head down to The Bassment directly below Hampton Social. This music lounge has an assortment of delicious cocktails from The Bassment Old Fashion (Bulleit Bourbon, demerara, angostura, bitters, and smoke) or the Bowie (Remy Martin 1738 Cognac, Highland Park 12, Gran Classico, Cigar Reduction, and smoke) while you enjoy live music. Before you head into the dimly-lit British-inspired establishment, stop and pose for Instagrammable photos at the red phone booth, just as you would in England.
If you want to celebrate all things rosé and kick off summer in style this June, then you must attend The Pink Party in Chicago, taking over the Shore Club at North Avenue Beach. This swanky Hampton Social pop-up will immerse guests in rosé delights to celebrate Official Rosé Month with a wine tasting, incorporate unique culinary treats, and impress guests with a garden oasis with a DJ set by Brody Jenner and Devin Lucien.
The Hampton Social has several locations in the Chicago area, including River North, Streeterville, Skokie, Barrington, Burr Ridge, Nashville, Naples, and coming soon in Delray Beach and Miami, Florida. For reservations and to learn more, visit thehamptonsocial.com.
