Cadence Kitchen & Co.

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Good Beats. Great Eats.

At the corner of Burlington Avenue and Mochel Drive in Downers Grove, Cadence Kitchen & Co. sets its own rhythm. The space moves through several rooms anchored by an industrial bar, the whole aesthetic elevated and fresh in a way that reads unmistakably urban without feeling out of place in the suburbs. Guests on the patio get the same attentive service as those inside — a detail regulars notice and mention often.

The Minds Behind the Menu

Owners Tim Canning and Todd Davies go back a long way. They met as students at Kendall College in Chicago, then sharpened their skills together at Chef Steven Chiappett's celebrated restaurants — Mango, Rhapsody, and Mossant Bistro. From there, each took a separate road, traveling and working under acclaimed chefs on both coasts before returning to the Midwest to join forces again.

That shared foundation in classical French and American technique is the backbone of everything at Cadence. Their approach is rooted in respect for local farmers, ranchers, and artisanal producers, and the result is a menu that interprets regional American cuisine through a practiced, precise lens. The wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition that reflects the same care applied to the food side of the menu.

What to Expect at the Table

Guests have singled out dishes like the crabmeat beignet and the poached shrimp Cobb salad — the latter reportedly generous enough to share. A seasoned pork loin has drawn praise for its tenderness and depth of flavor. The cocktail list holds its own too; the Blue Sky has been called dangerously easy to drink. The American cuisine here doesn't chase trends so much as it refines familiar ideas with technique and good sourcing.

Beyond Dinner

Cadence Kitchen & Co. extends well past its dining room. The team handles private parties, corporate functions, and catering for everything from birthdays to wedding festivities, managing the details so hosts can be present guests. A weekly happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday, and a dedicated wine night — Walk the Wine List — offers curated bottles at a discount, making the award-winning cellar genuinely accessible.