Eli’s Ark Chicago: Your New Culinary Oasis in the Windy City

Chicago’s vibrant food scene is constantly evolving, a dynamic tapestry woven with innovative flavors, comforting classics, and culinary adventures waiting around every corner. Amidst this bustling gastronomic landscape, a new gem has emerged, promising a truly unique dining experience that caters to every palate and occasion. Welcome to Eli’s Ark Chicago, a place where culinary creativity meets heartfelt hospitality, inviting you on a memorable journey of taste and togetherness right in the heart of the city.

Nestled in the upscale and energetic River North neighborhood, Eli’s Ark Chicago isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. You’ll find us conveniently located at 215 W Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60654, a prime spot that’s easily accessible and perfect for a pre-theater dinner, a lively brunch, or a relaxed evening out. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be enveloped in an inviting atmosphere that strikes a perfect balance between modern chic and rustic charm. The ambience is thoughtfully curated to make you feel both sophisticated and at ease, with warm lighting, natural textures, and a subtle hum of happy diners creating a truly special vibe.

We understand that great food is best enjoyed with flexible timing. Eli’s Ark Chicago is open to welcome you throughout the week, offering delicious meals for various schedules:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Featuring our delightful Brunch & Dinner menus)
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Perfect for a leisurely Brunch & Dinner)

Planning your visit or have a question? Our friendly team is always ready to assist. You can reach Eli’s Ark Chicago by phone at (312) 555-ARK1 (312-555-2751), or explore our full offerings and make reservations online at our official website, www.elisarkchicago.com. For any inquiries, feel free to drop us an email at info@elisarkchicago.com. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your perfect dining experience.

At Eli’s Ark, we believe in providing a comprehensive culinary journey. To help you make informed choices, we encourage you to utilize our handy tool. Whether you’re tracking macros or simply curious, this resource is a fantastic addition to your dining preparation.

Calculate Your Calories & Protein Here!

Menu Highlights at Eli’s Ark Chicago

Prepare to embark on a culinary expedition unlike any other at Eli’s Ark Chicago. Our menu is a thoughtfully crafted collection of dishes, inspired by global flavors and rooted in the philosophy of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chef Elena “Eli” Rodriguez has poured her heart into creating a diverse selection that ensures there’s something delightful for everyone, from classic comfort food enthusiasts to adventurous epicureans. Each dish is a testament to her passion, promising an unforgettable symphony of tastes and textures. We pride ourselves on sourcing locally whenever possible, bringing the bounty of the Midwest directly to your plate with a creative, international twist.

Starters & Small Bites: Begin Your Culinary Voyage

Kick off your dining experience with our exquisite range of starters and small bites, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. These dishes are designed to awaken your palate and set the stage for the culinary wonders to follow, showcasing bold flavors and innovative combinations. From crispy delights to creamy concoctions, each bite promises a memorable introduction to Eli’s Ark Chicago’s distinct style.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Fried to perfection, tossed with balsamic glaze and candied pecans.
Smoked Whitefish Dip: Creamy, rich dip served with toasted baguette and fresh dill.
Spicy Korean BBQ Meatballs: Succulent meatballs glazed in a tangy, spicy gochujang sauce.
Artisan Cheese Board: Selection of local and imported cheeses, fruit, nuts, and crackers.
Truffle Parmesan Fries: Golden crispy fries drizzled with truffle oil and Grana Padano.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction.
Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos: Fresh raw tuna, avocado, sriracha aioli on crispy wontons.
Lamb Kofta Sliders: Spiced lamb patties with tzatziki and pickled onions on mini buns.

Fresh Salads & Bowls: Vibrant & Wholesome Creations

For those seeking lighter yet incredibly flavorful options, our salads and bowls offer a harmonious blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients. These aren’t just your average greens; they are meticulously composed dishes, bursting with color, texture, and nutrition. Each salad is a complete meal in itself, carefully balanced with proteins, crisp vegetables, and homemade dressings that elevate every single forkful. Discover a refreshing and satisfying culinary experience with every order at Eli’s Ark Chicago.

Ark Signature Salad: Mixed greens, goat cheese, berries, walnuts, poppy seed vinaigrette.
Grilled Chicken Caesar: Classic romaine, Parmesan, croutons, creamy Caesar dressing, grilled chicken.
Quinoa Power Bowl: Quinoa, roasted vegetables, avocado, chickpeas, lemon-tahini dressing.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Farro, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, red wine vinaigrette.
Smoked Salmon & Arugula: Flaked salmon, peppery arugula, capers, red onion, dill dressing.
Spicy Shrimp & Mango Salad: Grilled shrimp, fresh mango, mixed greens, chili-lime dressing.
Blackened Cod Salad: Cajun-spiced cod, mixed greens, corn salsa, avocado-ranch dressing.
Harvest Apple Salad: Crisp apples, dried cranberries, pecans, blue cheese, maple vinaigrette.

Ark’s Signature Sandwiches: Handcrafted on Artisan Bread

Our sandwich selection goes beyond the ordinary, featuring gourmet combinations served on freshly baked artisan breads. Each sandwich at Eli’s Ark Chicago is a carefully constructed masterpiece, designed to deliver a fulfilling and unforgettable experience. Whether you crave something classic or an adventurous new flavor profile, these handheld delights are perfect for a satisfying lunch or a casual dinner, packed with premium fillings and thoughtful touches.

Chicago Steak Sandwich: Thinly sliced steak, provolone, caramelized onions, giardiniera on baguette.
Crispy Chicken BLT: Fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo on brioche.
Smoked Turkey & Swiss: House-smoked turkey, Swiss, avocado, dijon aioli on sourdough.
The Ark Burger: Grass-fed beef, cheddar, special sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion.
Veggie Portobello Sandwich: Grilled portobello, roasted red peppers, pesto, fresh mozzarella.
Spicy Pork Belly Bao Buns: Slow-cooked pork belly, pickled daikon, sriracha mayo in soft buns.
Reuben Royale: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing on rye.
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap: Grilled chicken, hummus, feta, cucumber, tomato in a whole wheat wrap.

Main Plates & Hearty Entrees: The Core of Eli’s Ark Experience

These are the stars of our menu, showcasing the culinary artistry of Eli’s Ark Chicago. Our main plates are hearty, soulful, and exquisitely prepared, featuring premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetarian options. Each entree is a carefully composed dish, designed to be a memorable centerpiece of your meal, promising a symphony of flavors and textures that reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation in every dish served.

Pan-Seared Salmon: Flaky salmon, lemon-dill sauce, roasted asparagus, wild rice pilaf.
Braised Short Rib: Slow-braised beef, creamy polenta, roasted root vegetables, rich jus.
Chicken Milanese: Crispy breaded chicken, arugula salad, cherry tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette.
Lamb Shank Tagine: Tender lamb, apricots, almonds, couscous, aromatic Moroccan spices.
Pork Chop with Apple Chutney: Thick-cut chop, spiced apple chutney, sweet potato mash.
Blackened Mahi-Mahi: Cajun-spiced fish, pineapple salsa, coconut rice, green beans.
Vegetable & Chickpea Curry: Hearty, aromatic curry with basmati rice and fresh cilantro.
Duck Confit with Cherry Glaze: Crispy duck leg, cherry gastrique, potato gratin, haricots verts.

Pastas & Grains: Comforting & Creative Culinary Staples

Indulge in our selection of comforting pastas and grains, crafted with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients. These dishes are designed to provide warmth and satisfaction, combining traditional techniques with innovative flavor profiles. From rich, creamy sauces to lighter, herb-infused options, our pastas and grain bowls offer a delightful journey for your taste buds, perfect for a cozy evening or a fulfilling lunch at Eli’s Ark Chicago.

Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice, assorted wild mushrooms, truffle oil, Parmesan.
Shrimp Scampi Linguine: Sautéed shrimp, garlic butter, white wine, cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley.
Pesto Gnocchi: Soft potato gnocchi, vibrant basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts.
Spicy Arrabbiata Penne: Zesty tomato sauce, chili flakes, garlic, fresh basil, grated Pecorino.
Butternut Squash Ravioli: Sage brown butter sauce, toasted walnuts, crispy fried sage leaves.
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo: Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, fettuccine.
Lemon Artichoke Pasta: Light pasta with lemon zest, artichoke hearts, spinach, and garlic.
Vegan Lentil Bolognese: Rich, slow-simmered lentil and vegetable ragu over spaghetti.

Sides for the Table: Perfect Complements to Any Meal

Enhance your main course with our thoughtfully prepared side dishes, designed to perfectly complement any entree. These sides at Eli’s Ark Chicago are more than just accompaniments; they are flavorful additions that can elevate your entire dining experience, offering a range of textures and tastes from crisp vegetables to rich, creamy staples, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal for all.

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, rich, and infused with savory garlic and Parmesan.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh, vibrant assortment of vegetables, lightly seasoned and roasted.
Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: Crisp-tender green beans, toasted almonds, lemon zest.
Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Aioli: Perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries, smoky chipotle dipping sauce.
Macaroni & Cheese (Gourmet): Three-cheese blend, crispy breadcrumb topping, ultimate comfort food.
Creamy Coleslaw: Fresh cabbage and carrot slaw in a tangy, creamy dressing.
Asparagus with Hollandaise: Steamed asparagus spears, rich, velvety hollandaise sauce.
Corn on the Cob with Chili-Lime: Grilled corn, spiced butter, a refreshing hint of lime.

Sweet Endings: Indulgent Desserts to Complete Your Journey

No meal is complete without a sweet indulgence, and Eli’s Ark Chicago offers an irresistible selection of desserts to perfectly cap off your dining experience. Our pastry chef creates exquisite treats that are both comforting and elegant, designed to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression of sweetness and satisfaction. Prepare for a grand finale that truly completes your culinary voyage.

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey center, vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry drizzle.
New York Style Cheesecake: Creamy classic cheesecake, fresh berry compote, whipped cream.
Key Lime Pie: Tangy, refreshing lime custard in a graham cracker crust, meringue topping.
Apple Crumble with Oat Topping: Warm baked apples, spiced oat crumble, vanilla gelato.
Tiramisu Martini: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cocoa powder.
Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae: Fudgy brownie, caramel swirl ice cream, whipped cream, nuts.
Churro Bites with Chocolate Sauce: Crispy cinnamon sugar churros, rich dipping chocolate.
Seasonal Fruit Tart: Fresh seasonal fruits, delicate pastry cream, buttery shortbread crust.

Handcrafted Beverages: Refreshing Drinks, Hot and Cold

Quench your thirst and complement your meal with our thoughtfully curated selection of handcrafted beverages. Eli’s Ark Chicago offers everything from artisanal coffees to innovative mocktails and a refined wine list, ensuring there’s a perfect pairing for every dish and every mood. Our skilled baristas and mixologists take pride in crafting drinks that are as delightful and memorable as our food, enhancing your overall dining pleasure.

Eli’s Signature Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemon juice, hint of lavender, sparkling water.
House-Brewed Iced Tea: Selection of black and herbal teas, perfectly steeped and chilled.
Artisanal Cold Brew Coffee: Smooth, rich, low-acidity coffee, steeped for hours.
Sparkling Rosé Sangria: Fruity, refreshing blend of rosé wine, fresh berries, and citrus.
Ginger-Mint Spritzer: Zesty ginger, fresh mint, lime, and sparkling soda.
Classic Old Fashioned: Bourbon, bitters, sugar, orange peel, perfectly balanced.
Spiced Apple Cider (seasonal): Warm, comforting cider, infused with cinnamon and cloves.
Craft Beer Selection: Rotating taps featuring local Chicago breweries and national favorites.

Beyond the Plate: The Eli’s Ark Experience

Stepping into Eli’s Ark Chicago is an experience designed to engage all your senses. The interior boasts an eclectic yet harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, featuring reclaimed wood accents, plush seating, and captivating local artwork. Our service philosophy centers on attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm hospitality, ensuring every guest feels valued and cared for without being intrusive. We aim for a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Pricing at Eli’s Ark Chicago falls into the mid-range to upscale casual category, offering exceptional value for the quality of ingredients and culinary expertise. The overall vibe is lively and welcoming, perfect for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a celebratory meal with friends, making every visit a special occasion.

Why Eli’s Ark Chicago Should Be Your Next Stop

Eli’s Ark Chicago has swiftly established itself as a must-visit destination within Chicago’s competitive dining landscape, and for excellent reasons. It’s a place where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary, where every dish tells a story, and every visit feels like coming home. If you’re looking for famous dishes, the Braised Short Rib stands out as a culinary masterpiece, renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, savory jus. For those who appreciate fresh, vibrant flavors, the Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos offer an exciting textural and taste adventure, while the Ark Signature Salad is a perennial favorite, perfectly balancing sweet and tangy notes with fresh, crisp ingredients.

This culinary haven is ideal for a diverse range of customers. Foodies and adventurous eaters will appreciate the globally inspired menu and the chef’s innovative approach to classic dishes. Families will find plenty of satisfying options that cater to various preferences, thanks to the broad selection from hearty entrees to comforting pastas. It’s also a fantastic spot for a romantic date night, with its inviting ambience and sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere. Business diners will appreciate the polished service and quality fare, making it suitable for both casual meetings and more formal discussions. Anyone seeking a memorable meal crafted with care, passion, and high-quality ingredients will undoubtedly fall in love with Eli’s Ark Chicago.

In a city brimming with exceptional dining choices, Eli’s Ark Chicago truly shines. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to culinary artistry and genuine hospitality. From the carefully curated menu that balances comfort with innovation, to the warm and inviting ambience, every detail is meticulously considered. Our mini-review? Simply put, Eli’s Ark Chicago is a triumph. It’s a place where you’ll discover new favorite dishes, enjoy impeccable service, and create lasting memories. Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience the magic for yourself. Your ark awaits!

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