When you think of iconic Chicago restaurants, Pump Room is sure to come to mind. Located in The Public Hotel, this restaurant was legendary from the late 1930s to the 1980s. Hundreds of big name celebrities have dined here over the years from Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe to Paul Newman to Elizabeth Taylor. Frank Sinatra even had his own booth! Their pictures cover the walls of the restaurant today.
The decor of the restaurant has been updated but still has a classic feel. You’ve probably seen a picture or two of their famous round light fixtures.
Kevin and I dined here last winter during Chicago’s Restaurant Week. I love going out for Restaurant Week because it give you an opportunity to try several different courses of the menu for a fixed price.
We started our meal with the Pretzel Dusted Calamari which was served with a Spicy Marinara and Mustard Aioli. The calamari was cooked perfectly and I love the mustard dipping sauce!
For the next course, I chose the Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad which was dressed with Sour Cream and a Citrus Vinaigrette. The dish was surprisingly spicy but I loved the smokiness of the carrots.
Kevin chose the Salmon appetizer which was served over Crispy Sushi Rice and Chipotle Aioli. The crispy rice added a nice texture component to what would otherwise be normal nigiri.
For the entree course, I chose the Fresh Tagliatelle with Basil-Pistachio Pesto and Carmelized Cauliflower. This dish was light and full of flavor and is one of my favorite pasta dishes I have eaten!
For his entree, Kevin ordered the Lamb Chops with Mushroom Bolognese, Broccoli Rabe, and Chili Oil. The lamb was prepared perfectly rare and paired nicely with the sides.
For dessert we each had The Pump Room’s famous sundae which consists of Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Candied Peanuts and Popcorn, Whipped Cream, and Chocolate Sauce. All I can say is yes, please!
If you want to dine at a Chicago classic with a fabulous atmosphere and fantastic menu, be sure to head north on State Street and stop in Pump Room. You will not be disappointed!
Pump Room is located at 1301 N. State St. in The Public Hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood
Hi Paige! I recently discovered your blog through WCBC and really love the vast array of food diaries and recipes! I was at the Pump Room for a WCBC event a few weeks ago, were you there too? I didn’t get a chance to try the food but it looks amazing I’m literally drooling at the sight of the Lamb Chops with Mushroom Bolognese! Anyhow, glad to meet another Chicago blogger and hope I get the chance to meet you in person at future events!! xo~ Lena
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Hey Lena! Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed reading your blog this morning through the giveaway posts! I was not at The Pump Room event a few weeks ago – it looked like lots of fun though! Definitely go back and try the food when you get a chance! Hope to meet you in person at a future event!! 🙂
xo Paige