Eater Inside

Tour Lawless Sisters' The Dearborn, Bringing Sophisticated Dining to Loop's Block 37

Opening Thursday, the restaurant wants to remind guests of Chicago's history

by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Jun 14, 2016, 1:30pm CDT

Photography by Marc Much | Via All The Dearborn Coverage [ECHI]

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

The Block 37 Shops will have a new sophisticated dining option on Thursday thanks to Clodagh and Amy Lawless. The Dearborn takes up 8,000 square feet, serving elevated American bar cuisine from former "Top Chef" contestant Aaron Cuschieri (Kinmont, Slurping Turtle). The project is independent from the owners' brother, Billy Lawless, who's known for The Gage and Acanto.

The space, on Block 37's ground floor, features room for 250 and is meant to evoke Chicago history. There's high-beam supports reminiscent of CTA L tracks and murals from the past, when cable cars roamed downtown. There's also a 40-foot bar with the menu hanging behind. Special events can use the 27-seat private room.

For many, including Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin, Block 37 has been a disappointment. Perhaps The Dearborn is exactly the tonic the development needs, which also added the Latinicity food hall last November. Find out starting on Thursday, but first check out the photos below.