Lawless Sisters Reveal Design Details for The Dearborn in Block 37

One of Chicago’s biggest forthcoming restaurants, both in terms of size (8,000-square-feet) and the caliber of talent behind it (hospitality veterans and sisters-turned-restaurant partners Amy and Clodagh Lawless and executive chef Aaron Cuschieri) is just months away from opening. The Dearborn will bring a contemporary American tavern to Block 37 this summer, and here's the first peek in rendering form by architect and designer Mark Knauer (LUXBAR, Shaw’s Crab House, Tavern on Rush, Gibson’s).

The Dearborn's back dining room

Guests will walk right into the action — a 250-seat dining room with storefront-style windows looking out at Dearborn and Randolph Streets. Seating will be divided between tufted leather booths and butcher block-esque tables illuminated by dropped light fixtures in the front dining room, while red leather booths and black wingback chairs fill the back dining room. Subway tiles as well as inset bookshelves give the space a sophisticated and urban feel. A central bar anchors the main dining room with floor-to-ceiling built-ins holding a portion of the restaurant’s wine and spirit selection. A separate private dining room seats up to 27 among brass chandeliers, suspended from the barrel-vaulted ceiling.

Bar at The Dearborn