Lettuce Wrapped: Our Favorite Dishes & Drinks of the Year
The 2024 Dining Hit List
If there was a Spotify Wrapped recapping the number of dishes and drinks served at Lettuce restaurants in 2024, we’re pretty sure it would break the algorithm, as there’s too many to count! While it’s impossible to showcase all of the favorites from this past year at Lettuce, here are a few crave-able standouts, from the deliciously new to nearly iconic, that made 2024 a year to remember.
Pici Cacio e Pepe at Tre Dita
This year, we had the honor or partnering with one of the best pastamakers around, Chef Evan Funke, to open Tre Dita at The St. Regis Chicago. From his immaculate technique and nod to honoring each pasta shape’s history and story, the culinary team at Tre Dita dished out some of the top pasta dishes the Windy City has ever seen, made fresh daily and throughout service each night in Chef Funke’s temperature- and humidity-controlled pasta lab. One of your (and our favorites) was the simple, yet delicious Pici Cacio e Pepe. A close runner up? The Schiacciata Bianca, which was named one of Chicago Magazine’s Best Things to Eat Right Now.
Make a reservation at Tre Dita
Japanese-inspired Brunch at Miru
Miru kicked off 2024 with a brand new brunch menu available every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Japanese-inspired brunch includes Buttermilk Pancakes with whipped yuzu, ricotta and blueberries, plus creative Japanese items like Okonomiyaki with baby shrimp and Tonkatsu and Build-Your-Own Tamaki. The runner up was the Black Sesame Mochi, which was named one of Chicago Magazine’s Best Things to Eat Right Now.
Make a reservation at Miru
Le Cheeseburger & Frites at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park’s Executive Chef David Koehn delivered when he added the Le Cheeseburger to Mon Ami Gabi’s menu. A French twist on an American classic, it’s made with creamy, melty Tomme de Savoie cheese that hails from the French Alps, and a Gribiche sauce that takes the place of a “secret sauce” or aioli. Trust us when we say that the Le Cheeseburger certainly has a “je ne sais quoi” that made this burger a menu highlight this year.
Make a reservation at Mon Ami Gabi – Lincoln Park
Spritz Tower at Aba – Chicago
An utterly Instagrammable drinking experience joined the menu at Aba – Chicago this year: The Spritz Tower. This build-your-own group cocktail experience is something that dreams are made of. It includes eight drinks that guests can mix and match from seasonal spritz options like the classic Aperol Spritz to the Greek G&T. Now – Jan. 1, 2025, Aba – Chicago is also offering up a special Holiday Spritz Tower to enjoy because, ’tis the season.
Make a reservation at Aba – Chicago
Portofino Purse at Pizzeria Portofino
An Aperol Spritz, in a purse? Now you’re speaking our language! Pizzeria Portofino, the riverside restaurant known for its variety of seasonal spritzes, introduced the drink of the summer with the Portofino Purse. The large format drink served up to five and could be made in several signature flavors. Not only was this delicious cocktail perfect for sharing with your crew, it made waves on TikTok as one of the most shared drinks throughout #SummertimeChi. While we hopefully await the return of the Portofino Purse next summer, be sure to pop into Pizzeria Portofino and check out the latest seasonal spritz options and the new Hot Chocolate Service for Two.
Make a reservation at Pizzeria Portofino
Large Format Espresso Martini at Summer House – Lincoln Park
One of the songs of the year was Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” so it’s only fitting that one of our top espresso drinks made this list. 2024 introduced the amazing Large Format Espresso Martini to the menu at Summer House – Lincoln Park. Shareable for 4-6 people, it will have you and crew your singing, “That’s that me espresso.”
Make a reservation at Summer House – Lincoln Park
Ember-Roasted Seafood Tower at RPM Steak
This year, RPM Steak added a second seafood tower to the menu—enter the Ember-Roasted Seafood Tower. Trading crushed ice for hot coals, this seafood tower is stacked with some of the finest seafood and shellfish, including wild blue prawns, Manila clams, Maine lobster, Maryland blue crab, oysters, and so much more, served with curry aioli and drawn butter. Pro tip: The Petit Ember-Roasted Seafood Tower is a fixture on RPM Steak’s Happy Hour menu!
Make a reservation at RPM Steak
Short Rib Potstickers at Big Bowl
The Short Rib Potstickers special from Big Bowl were such a hit that they became a menu mainstay due to popular demand! Available at all Big Bowl locations, these delicious potstickers are filled with melt-in-your mouth short rib and topped with toasted sesame and cilantro.
Make a reservation at the Big Bowl location nearest you.
Happy Hour Nachitos at Tallboy Taco
2024 brought us some pretty great Happy Hours bites, but this dish was a standout. Tallboy Taco’s Nachitos, the personal-sized version of the restaurant’s signature Grilled Chicken Nachos, come piled high with homemade tortilla chips, grilled chicken, queso blanco, pico de gallo, and guacamole, and are available exclusively at Happy Hour daily from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM for just $5, plus tax (gratuity not included). View the Happy Hour menu at Tallboy Taco.
Discover more Happy Hour deals near you—click here.
Tequila Nar-Nar from The Bamboo Room
New to the menu at The Bamboo Room at Three Dots and a Dash, the Tequila Nar-Nar is a show-stopping drink from the minute it hits the bar. Made in an exclusive Tiki Diablo Narwhal mug, the cocktail is made with Tequila Ocho Anejo, Planteray Guatemala Three Dots Single Barrel, aromatized wine, Gentiane Apertif, Champagne, raspberry, pineapple, lemon and absinthe.
Make a reservation at The Bamboo Room
Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer at Lil Ba-Ba-Reeba!
This year, Lil Ba-Ba-Reeba!’s house specialty, the Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer, had everyone at the table fighting for the perfect pic and the last bite. Served on a large format skewer, the tenderloin is served between shishito peppers atop a plate of olive oil-whipped potatoes and horseradish mojo. Pair this favorite with a glass of seasonal sangria and you’ve got yourself a perfect Spanish meal.
Make a reservation at Lil Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Maine Lobster Fried Rice at RPM Seafood
RPM Seafood added the Maine Lobster Fried Rice to the menu this year and it instantly became a fan favorite. Topped with fresh Maine Lobster, snap peas and ginger, this dish can be enjoyed as a side or an entrée at your favorite riverside seafood spot.
Make a reservation at RPM Seafood
Pepperoni & Ricotta Pizza from Happy Camper Pizza – Las Vegas
Happy Camper Pizza quickly became the happiest place on the Las Vegas Strip, serving up ultra-satisfying Happy-tizers, pizza and more on its disco ball-bedecked patio. A clear fan favorite? The Pepperoni & Ricotta pizza, served with basil, hot honey and marinara. Try it alongside Chambongs, Trashy Tea, Big A$$ Lemonade and other fun party drinks. (Another must-try: Queso Elotes Dip!)
Make a reservation at Happy Camper Pizza – Las Vegas
Dynamite Scallop D.I.Y. Handroll from Sushi-san – Lincoln Park
In 2024, you helped us welcome Sushi-san to the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago. With this new opening, the chef team introduced a few menu items available exclusively at the Lincoln Park location, one of them being the delicious Dynamite Scallop DIY Handroll. Guests were invited to flex their sushi chef skills and make their own handroll with Chef Kaze Chan’s signature spicy scallop mixture. It’s a fun, interactive option to kick-off the meal.
Make a reservation at Sushi-san – Lincoln Park
Missionary’s Downfall from Three Dots and a Dash
A picture is a worth a thousand words, and we would like to take a moment for the Missionary’s Downfall from cocktail haven Three Dots and a Dash. Made for sharing with your bff, the Missionary’s Downfall is a new addition to the menu this year made in a whole pineapple filled with Aged Antigua Rum, white peach, lime, and mint. The presentation alone has landed it a spot on this Lettuce Wrapped list!
Make a reservation at Three Dots and a Dash
Joe’s Classic 3-Course Lunch at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Chicago & D.C.)
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is nothing short of iconic, and now Joe’s Seafood in both Chicago and Washington, D.C. are giving guests the chance to enjoy their favorite menu items for $39.95, plus tax (gratuity not included) for Joe’s Classic 3-Course lunch. Available daily in Chicago and on weekends in Washington, D.C., the newest menu offering allows you to choose from favorites like Ahi Tuna Tartare, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Colossal Crab Cake, Fried Chicken and more for the entrée, and a signature slice of pie for dessert.
Make a reservation at the Joe’s Seafood location nearest you
Famous Giant Cinnamon Roll at Summer House on the Lake
When Lettuce made its debut at Disney Springs in Orlando, FL, with Summer House on the Lake in late 2023, with it came some delicious new menu creations. We know you were expecting to see Summer House’s signature cookies on this list, but have you tried the Famous Giant Cinnamon Roll? Served with a fresh blueberry swirl, candied lemon zest, and a house-made cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect fuel to start your family’s day at Disney Springs.
Make a reservation at Summer House on the Lake
Ube Basque Cheesecake at Ramen-san Whisky Bar – Fulton Market
This year, Ube was declared the flavor trend of the year and the hype was not only due to its gorgeous purple hue but also its delicious taste. Available exclusively at Ramen-san Whisky Bar in Fulton Market, the Ube Basque Cheesecake combines the subtle sweetness from purple yam with a delicious and creamy cheesecake, making it a must-try dessert.
Make a reservation at Ramen-san Whisky Bar – Fulton Market
Vegan Hummingbird Cake at Beatrix
Beatrix is long known for all the yumminess packed into its pastry counter, as well as its signature Oh My! Caramel Pie. This year brought another instant classic, the Vegan Hummingbird Cake, a pineapple-banana spice cake with salted pecans. Might we suggest you order up a slice with the Beatrix Coffee Roasters Iced Dulce de Leche Latte, for the perfect pairing?
Make a reservation at Beatrix location nearest you
Grilled Chicken Club at Saranello’s
The entire menu got an overhaul at Saranello’s this year, revealing a new favorite on the lunch menu in particular: The Grilled Chicken Club. A mouthwatering twist on the classic club sandwich made with tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy avocado, all the flavors come together with a zesty lemon aioli that adds the perfect finishing touch. View the new lunch menu at Saranello’s.
Make a reservation at Saranello’s
Honey Cake at Ema – Glenview
One of the most anticipated openings in the Chicago suburbs this year was Ema – Glenview! Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson and the team delivered delicious Mediterranean delights with the restaurant’s flavorful debut in the North Shore. Another standout item? From Partner & Executive Pastry Chef Yasmin Gutierrez, the Honey Cake, topped with burnt honey whipped cream and lemon zest, is a multi-layered showstopper every time it hits the table.
Make a reservation at Ema- Glenview
