Brass Tack

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Boisterous American Cuisine in an Environment of Brass and Splendor

Brass Tack sits on the third floor of 11 E. Walton in Chicago's Gold Coast, occupying a space that balances laid-back comfort with upscale surroundings. The setting is warm and brass-accented, suited equally to a weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch with live music, or a private celebration in one of two dedicated event rooms.

The Kitchen and the Chef

At the heart of Brass Tack is Executive Chef Eric Damidot, who brings more than 35 years of culinary experience to the role. Born and raised in the South of France, Chef Damidot draws on deep-rooted classical technique while leaning fully into bold, honest American flavors with a Chicago edge. The result is a menu that feels both polished and genuinely approachable — French-inflected without being precious.

Ingredients are sourced with intention. Beef comes from Creekstone Farms, which raises Black Angus cattle in Kansas under humane practices. Heritage Berkshire supplies Sakura Pork — antibiotic-free, hormone-free, finished on Midwestern family farms. These sourcing decisions show up clearly on the dinner menu: an 8 oz USDA Prime beef tenderloin, a Bourbon Sous Vide Pork Chop with spiced peach compote, and a Rohan Duck Breast finished with port reduction.

What to Eat and Drink

The American cuisine at Brass Tack spans the full day. Breakfast runs from fresh-pressed juices and steel-cut oatmeal to heartier morning plates. Weekend brunch — Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm — features bottomless mimosa, bellini, and rosé options alongside live music. Lunch and dinner menus extend the range further.

Dinner standouts include the Seafood Towers (from a straightforward Walton Tower with oysters and shrimp cocktail to a Deluxe version with Maine lobster and Alaskan red king crab), a Charred Scallop in shellfish bisque with pancetta and citrus pearls, and a Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Cheese Soufflé. The Farm Cheese Board and Charcuterie Board are built for sharing, and the dessert list — including a tableside Saint-Domingue Chocolate Mousse and a Blackberry-Lavender Mille-Feuille — closes things out with the same French-American sensibility that runs through the whole menu.

The bar program earned Brass Tack a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects the depth and curation behind the wine list. Craft cocktails and a considered beer selection round out a beverage program that takes its role seriously without overshadowing the food.

For Every Occasion

Brass Tack accommodates a wide range of needs: gluten-free and vegan options are available, a dedicated children's menu makes families welcome, and outdoor seating adds another dimension to the Gold Coast setting. Private dining — with cocktail lounge and lobby lounge configurations available — makes it a strong choice for events that call for something more than a standard restaurant buyout.