Gibsons Planning First Downtown Chicago Restaurant Since 2005 In River Point

For the first time since 2005, Gibsons Restaurant Group plans on opening a new downtown Chicago restaurant. The venerable group, which operates one of the world's top steakhouses in addition to Hugo's Frog Bar, Quartino, Luxbar, and a spot in Disney World, hopes to open a multi-level venue in 2017 inside the River Point Building in the western part of the Loop, a spokeswoman confirmed. Gibsons is still formalizing the concept, which will include a terrace and views of the Chicago River.

The under-construction River Point Building will stand at 444 W. Lake St., and its website states the white tablecloth restaurant would occupy about 14,000 square feet over two stories. Crain's first reported the project, which is slated for a mid-2017 opening inside the 52-floor office tower at Lake and Canal. A coffee shop and café are also part of the building's plan. Gibsons brass hasn't confirmed if the restaurant will be another steakhouse, but that's likely under consideration. Stay tuned.