Summer House

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

California Ease on North Halsted

Summer House Santa Monica brings a distinctly West Coast sensibility to Lincoln Park, translating the relaxed, sun-forward spirit of Californian-American cooking into a full-day Chicago destination. Part of the Lettuce Entertain You family, the restaurant earns its place on any serious dining list — including a 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — through a menu that moves confidently from weekend brunch through late-night cocktails without losing focus.

What's on the Plate

The food leans into California's produce-driven instincts while keeping the menu broad enough for a table of mixed appetites. Brunch draws on bright, fresh combinations: Handmade Local Burrata with hazelnut pesto, Avocado Toast with scallion mascarpone and poached eggs on house country bread, and a Wilshire Blvd Cobb stacked with avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and herb vinaigrette. Heartier options include Short Rib Hash with sunny-side eggs and caramelized onions, and Huevos Rancheros built on an oaxaca cheese quesadilla with ranchero sauce and crema.

The pizza counter is a genuine draw — wood-fired rounds like the Shaved Mushroom with gruyère, truffle, and parmesan cream, or the Spicy Salumi & Burrata with whipped burrata and chili, hold their own against any dedicated pizzeria. Salads are generous enough to anchor a meal, with the option to add wood-grilled salmon, oishii prawns, or grilled wagyu sirloin.

Gluten-free and vegan diners are well looked after: nearly every section of the menu carries clearly marked alternatives, and the kitchen will adapt most dishes on request.

The Cookie Bar

One of Summer House's most distinctive touches is The Cookie Bar — a dedicated counter described by the restaurant itself as "a yummy and nostalgic spot that calls on your most memorable childhood cravings." Cookies, bars, and beverages are available to enjoy in-house or taken to go, and seasonal specials rotate throughout the year.

Drinks and the Wine Program

The cocktail list leans playful and seasonal — a Frozé built on Summer House rosé, tequila, and whipped strawberry; a Spiked Picnic with watermelon and ginger beer; a Prickly Pear Party mixing mezcal and grapefruit. Zero-proof options are given equal care, with multiple non-alcoholic spirit-based cocktails on offer. The wine program, recognized with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024, ranges from California Chardonnays and Central Coast Pinot Noirs to selections from Oregon, Washington, and beyond — a list that takes the Californian-American table seriously.

The Full Picture

With weekday Martini Hour, weekend brunch, private event spaces, outdoor seating, and a kids' menu made from scratch with natural ingredients, Summer House covers a lot of ground without feeling scattered. It's a place that works equally well for a relaxed solo lunch and a celebratory Saturday evening — and the wine recognition confirms there's real depth behind the easygoing atmosphere.